2026 Festival of Faith and Writing: Full Schedule

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9:00am EDT

Saturday April 18, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am EDT

We become what we behold. The imagination shapes how we see the world and our place within it. So how might we intentionally form the imagination to become the type of people we want to become? Lanta Davis introduces “the art of fashioning the soul,” a historic Christian practice that trains the imagination as part of spiritual formation. 

Book signing follows in the Prince Conference Center, Fireside Room

Speakers

Lanta Davis

Lanta Davis writes and teaches about the sacramental imagination, beauty, and character formation. Her book, Becoming by Beholding: The Power of the Imagination in Spiritual Formation, was named one of Christianity Today's best books of the year, and her writing has also appeared... Read More →

Saturday April 18, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am EDT
Prince Conference Center, Willow Room

Concurrent Session, Solo Session

10:30am EDT

Rituals, Mentors, Priorities and Joy: the Ingredients of My Comics Career

Saturday April 18, 2026 10:30am - 11:15am EDT

Prince Conference Center, Willow Room

The 2024 publication of Timid, Todd's semi-autobiographical, middle-grade graphic novel, fulfilled a dream he had since he was 8. He will share his 40-year journey to book-length publication, which included development of daily rituals, timely encouragement from people who believed in his work, making writing a priority in his everyday life, and approaching the craft of writing with joy.

Book signing follows in the Prince Conference Center, Fireside Room

Speakers

Jonathan Todd

Jonathan Todd is the author and illustrator of the semi-autobiographical graphic novel Timid (Scholastic/Graphix), which was inspired by his struggle to overcome shyness as a tween following his family's move from Miami to a Boston suburb in the 1980s. He is a recipient of a 2024 New England Book Award. For more information about Jonathan, including his author visits, visit... Read More →

Saturday April 18, 2026 10:30am - 11:15am EDT
Prince Conference Center, Willow Room

Concurrent Session, Solo Session

11:45am EDT

Faith, Family, Football: Eli Cranor on the Dark Side of the American Dream

Saturday April 18, 2026 11:45am - 12:30pm EDT

Prince Conference Center, Willow Room

In small-town America, football is more than just a game—it's a religion, a family legacy, and a path to salvation. But beneath the bright lights of "Friday Night Lights" lies a world of desperation, corruption, and violence. Award-winning author and former professional quarterback Eli Cranor dissects the powerful themes that fuel his acclaimed Southern noir novels.

Book signing follows in the Prince Conference Center, Fireside Room

Speakers

Eli Cranor

Nationally-bestselling, Edgar Award-winning author, Eli Cranor played quarterback at every level: peewee to professional. These days, he serves as the Writer in Residence at Arkansas Tech, where he also lends his expertise to the university's football team. His previous works include... Read More →

Saturday April 18, 2026 11:45am - 12:30pm EDT
Prince Conference Center, Willow Room

Concurrent Session, Solo Session

2:30pm EDT

A Conversation with Terumi Echols

Saturday April 18, 2026 2:30pm - 3:15pm EDT

Prince Conference Center, Willow Room

A Conversation with Terumi Echols, Interviewed by Scott Hoezee, Center for Excellence in Preaching.

Speakers

Terumi Echols

Terumi Echols is the President and Publisher of InterVarsity Press (IVP), where she leads a mission-driven publishing ministry committed to deepening lives in Christ and equipping the church for faithful witness and renewal. Under her leadership, IVP has strengthened its financial health, expanded its global reach, and launched significant initiatives... Read More →

Saturday April 18, 2026 2:30pm - 3:15pm EDT
Prince Conference Center, Willow Room

Concurrent Session, Interview

4:00pm EDT

Audiobooks for Authors

Saturday April 18, 2026 4:00pm - 4:45pm EDT

Prince Conference Center, Willow Room

Why should authors push for their work in audio? How does the selling of audio rights work with established publishers? How can an indie-published author hire a narrator and create their own audiobook? Join Adam Verner, a veteran narrator, for a deep dive into the world of audio and the importance of the spoken word.

Speakers

Adam Verner

Adam is a full time narrator and has recorded over 700 titles for publishers and authors large and small. Winner of a 2017 VoiceArts award and multiple Earphones Awards, he holds his MFA in Acting from Roosevelt University. He lives with his wife and family in beautiful Colorado... Read More →

Saturday April 18, 2026 4:00pm - 4:45pm EDT
Prince Conference Center, Willow Room

Concurrent Session, Solo Session

2026 Festival of Faith and Writing

9:00am EDT

Lanta Davis

10:30am EDT

Jonathan Todd

11:45am EDT

Eli Cranor

2:30pm EDT

Terumi Echols

4:00pm EDT

Adam Verner

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