Texas Christian Writers’ Conference
2026 Faculty
The TCWC teaching faculty brings exceptional talent, skill, and a wealth of experience to the conference. We’ve selected authors, editors, agents, and other publishing industry experts who have a heart for encouraging you in your writing journey.
Jason Fikes
Publisher, Editor
Jason Fikes directs ACU Press and Leafwood Publishers, helping authors bring ideas to life. He holds a PhD in Theology from Fuller Seminary and spent nearly twenty years serving churches in Texas and California. Jason and his wife, Susan, have two adult children and a cat who’s clearly in charge. Outside of work, he enjoys cheering for Houston sports teams, watching movies, and playing board games—especially chess, his favorite.
Ginger Harrington
Author / Podcaster
Ginger Harrington is an author, speaker, podcaster, and founder of The Deeper Life Co. Through her work, she encourages women with biblical truth and practical faith for everyday life. Her book, Holy in the Moment (Abingdon Press), was a Selah Award Finalist. She also co-hosts the Habits of Hope Podcast and is a co-founder and former director of publishing of Planting Roots: Strength to Thrive in Military Life. Connect with Ginger at gingerharrington.com.
Annette Marie Griffin
Author, Acquisitions Editor
Annette Marie Griffin is an award-winning author who writes timeless pieces to help readers find home. She’s a columnist and acquisitions editor for StarLight Magazine and has written hundreds of articles for kids and adults throughout her writing career. She’s the grateful recipient of 70 writing awards, including the Children’s Book International Award for her debut book What is a Family? Her newest book Fearfully and Wonderfully Made releases next year through Christian Art Gifts. Connect with Annette at annettemariegriffin.com.
Joy K. Massenburge
Author, Speaker, Coach
Joy K. Massenburge embodies her name when she enters a room. She serves on the ACFW executive board. As the CEO of Joy K. Massenburge & Associates, she leads a team of coaches who help focused-driven women declutter their daily calendars by co-authoring a schedule that generates clarity, not guilt, so they can be productive and a joy to someone else. Connect with Joy at joykmassenburge.com.
Karen Witemeyer
Bestselling Author
With over 20 novels and more than 1 million books sold, Karen Witemeyer has received numerous accolades for her writing.
Voted #1 Readers' Favorite Christian Historical Author of 2023 by Family Fiction Magazine, Karen offers warmhearted historical romance with a flair for humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. Karen’s bestselling books have received the prestigious Christy Award, Carol Award, and National Reader's Choice Award, among others.
Karen is an avid cross-stitcher and makes her home in Abilene, Texas, with her husband. Learn more about Karen and her books at karenwitemeyer.com.
TCWC Team
Erin K. Casey
TCWC Director, Author, Speaker, Publishing Consultant
With 20+ years of experience in the publishing industry, Erin K. Casey is passionate about helping people discover and share their stories. Leading a talented team of professionals at My Writers’ Connection, she has helped bring hundreds of books to market, some of those hitting the New York Times and other bestseller lists, and many others helping her clients expand their businesses and increase their impact.
Additionally, she is an acquisitions editor for Morgan James Publishing.
Rebecca J. Morgan Smith
TCWC Co-Director, Writer, Historian
Co-director of TCWC, Rebecca J. Morgan Smith has a passion for putting words together to pull readers’ heartstrings—to inform, motivate, and entertain. She knows writing is almost as essential as breathing for her and for other writers like her. Her work covers a wide range of topics, but her heart for history leads the way. She holds a Master of Philosophy in Medieval Studies from Trinity College Dublin and loves helping others explore and learn from the past.
