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.
Hallee Bridgeman
USA Today Bestselling Author
Hallee Bridgeman is the USA TODAY bestselling and Carol award-winning author of several action-packed romantic suspense books and series. An Army brat turned Floridian, Hallee settled with her husband in central Kentucky, where they have raised their three children. When she’s not writing, Hallee pursues her passion for cooking, coffee, campy action movies, and regular date nights with her husband. An accomplished speaker and active member of several writing organizations, Hallee can be found online at HalleeBridgeman.com.
Kristin R. Bryant
Worship Leader & Event Photographer
Kristin Bryant loves Jesus. She is a wife and mother of two. She is a musician, writer, worship leader, and photographer. She has a bachelor’s degree in English and minored in vocal performance. She earned a Master’s in Public Administration and has worked in local government and nonprofit administration. Currently, she serves on the worship team at her church and runs Kristin Bryant Photography, where she specializes in photo shoots for branding, families, and special events.
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.
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.
Brenda A. Haire
Author, Publisher, Coach, Speaker
Brenda A. Haire is an author, speaker, and ministry leader dedicated to helping women embrace their God-given gifts and boldly share their stories. As the founder of Publish & Tell, she equips Christian women to step into their calling with confidence, using their voices to impact the world for Christ. An Air Force veteran and multi-published author, Brenda weaves faith, personal testimony, and practical guidance into every message. Her passion is to remind women of their immeasurable worth in Christ, inspire them to walk in victory, and believe God for the impossible—living fully in the purpose He designed for them. When Brenda speaks, women leave encouraged, equipped, and ready to shine for God’s glory. Connect with Brenda at PublishandTell.com.
Ginger Harrington
Author, Speaker, 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.
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.
Larissa Traquair
Speaker, Broadcaster / Podcaster, Women’s Ministry Leader
Larissa Traquair is a ministry leader, speaker, live broadcaster, and podcast host known as the Gr8tful Chick. She is the founder of the Cultivate Community and serves as CIO of the Gr8tful Tribe, where she equips creators and ministry leaders to steward their voices with gratitude, resilience, and faith.
Broadcasting since 2015, Larissa brings practical experience in live streaming, podcasting, and online ministry. Her work is shaped by seasons of deep personal loss and unwavering faith, encouraging others to remain faithful, purpose-driven, and grounded in their calling—online and beyond. Learn more about Larissa and connect with her at Gr8tfulChick.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.
