American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) is partnering with Family Christian Stores to host an on-site bookstore during the group’s 2014 national conference Sept. 25-27 in St. Louis. Recent titles by ACFW authors will be offered in the store as well as books on writing Christian fiction by conference faculty members.

Hundreds of veteran Christian-fiction authors, aspiring novelists, agents, editors and industry representatives plan to gather at the Hyatt Regency Downtown at the Arch in St. Louis for the conference, the largest such event exclusively devoted to Christian fiction. Best-selling author Lauraine Snelling will be the keynote speaker. Other highlights will include an optional Early Bird session with story consultant Christopher Vogler and an optional Post-Conference session with “The Snowflake Guy,” Randy Ingermanson, on “How to be an Insanely Great Indie Author.”

Capping the conference will be the awards gala where Carol Awards winners for the best Christian fiction published in the previous calendar year will be presented along with individual awards, including Editor of the Year, Agent of the Year, and Mentor of the Year. Genesis Contest winners for unpublished manuscripts also will be named.

Best-selling author Robin Lee Hatcher will be on hand to receive the 2014 ACFW Lifetime Achievement Award for her diligence and impact on the world of Christian fiction as well as her faithfulness in encouraging other writers.

Wendy Lawton, literary agent at Books & Such Literary Management, believes ACFW is having a significant impact on Christian fiction.

“ACFW’s impact on Christian fiction has agents and editors talking,” Lawton said. “The proposals we're seeing from ACFW members who apply themselves to learn the craft and the industry are exceptional.”

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