

SPEAKERS
Lisa Wingate
Lisa Wingate is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Before We Were Yours, which remained on the NYT list for more than two years and has sold over three million copies. She has written more than 30 novels and co-authored the nonfiction Before and After with journalist Judy Christie. Her books have been translated into over forty languages and have appeared on bestseller lists worldwide. Shelterwood (2024) marks her thirty-third release. Lisa is a Goodreads Choice Award winner, an Oklahoma Book Award finalist, and a Southern Book Prize winner. Americans for More Civility, a kindness watchdog organization, selected Lisa as a recipient of the National Civics Award, which celebrates public figures who work to promote greater kindness and civility in American life. Booklist summed up her work by saying, “Lisa Wingate is, quite simply, a master storyteller.” Lisa was inspired to become a writer by a first-grade teacher, who said she expected to see Lisa’s name in a magazine one day. She also entertained childhood dreams of being an Olympic gymnast and winning the National Finals Rodeo but was stalled by a mental block against backflips on the balance beam and by parents who stubbornly refused to finance a rodeo career. She was lucky enough to marry into a big family of tall-tale enthusiasts who never let the truth get in the way of a good story. Lisa lives in Texas and Colorado with her family and her cuddly teddy bear of a dog, Huckleberry. One of her favorite things about being a writer is connecting with people, both real and imaginary. Find out more at www.lisawingate.com. Or follow her on Facebook at LisaWingateAuthorPage, or on Instagram @author_lisa_wingate. More information about her novels can be found at www.lisawingate.com.
2026 KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Lisa Wingate
2026 KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Krista Rolfzen Soukup
Krista Rolfzen Soukup
Krista Rolfzen Soukup is a literary publicist, marketing consultant and owner of Blue Cottage Agency, founded in 2009. She has a passion for helping writers and authors successfully promote their work and establish their platform. Through her expert guidance, knowledge of the publishing industry and vast experience, she has successfully supported writers and authors across the country and Europe. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Marketing and has over 35 years of experience in sales, promotions, and marketing. Visit her website at BlueCottageAgency.com.


