The Hope Inner Circle
You wrote the book. Now lead with the message.
Personalized coaching to help you take your message past the book and reach the people you were called to reach.
Join the Inner CircleYour book is done. Now what?
That was the hard part. Or so you thought.
Now you're staring at a bigger question. What do I do with this message?
You know it's meant for more than one book. There's a workshop in you. Maybe an online course. Maybe a night at a church where people leave changed. But every time you sit down to build it, you're Googling and guessing.
That's not a talent problem. That's a direction problem.
The Hope Inner Circle is our highest level coaching program for authors who are ready to lead. We call it Multiply and Lead.
It's one thing to write a book. It's another to take that message and lead with it in your community. This is where you stop being just an author and become a leader.
Coaching, accountability, and strategy.
Coaching
Direct access to Brian as your coach. You bring the question, the idea, the draft, the stuck place. He helps you find the next right move. He'll even help you write the email or build the sales page.
Accountability
Every month you set one goal. The next month you report back. You share what's working with a small group of leaders walking the same road. No more starting over.
Strategy
You don't need another course. You need a plan for your message. How to run the workshop. How to fill the room. How to build the course. Real strategy for your real mission.
What's inside the Inner Circle.
A monthly coaching call
Set your goal, get unstuck, and get clear.
Direct access to Brian
Between calls, when you need a real answer.
A private group channel
Encouragement and accountability with the other members.
Three in-person gatherings
Each year at Hope Books HQ in Matthews, NC.
We meet every month.
The Inner Circle meets the first Tuesday of every month at 1:00 PM Eastern.
Three times a year, we gather in person.
We share the wins and the losses, we do deep work on your message, and we build the relationships that make the coaching real.
And to help you go further.
When you join, you also get access to our full leadership library. These are not why you join. You join for the coaching. But they're yours the moment you're in.
Multiple Income Streams
Fifteen income streams you can build from the one message you've already written.
Promotional Paths
Eight proven paths to get your message in front of more people.
Business Health Principles
The six areas of business health that keep what you build strong.
Who the Inner Circle is for.
- You've written your book.
- You know your message is bigger than one book.
- You want strategy, accountability, and a coach, not another course.
- You're ready to lead.
Join the Inner Circle.
A small group coaching experience. Choose the plan that fits you best.
A coach in your corner all year, a small group of leaders beside you, and the direction to finally move.
You have a story you've always wanted to share.
With the right strategy, accountability, and coaching, you can reach the people it was meant for. That's what the Inner Circle is for.
Join the Inner Circle
Meet the Voices Who Will Inspire You
Our conference is about connection, learning, and shared stories. Each of these guests brings wisdom, energy, and heart to the stage. We can’t wait for you to meet them.
Keynote Speakers
Ann Voskamp
Author, Blogger, Speaker
Ruth Chou Simons
Author, Speaker, Entrepreneur, Artist
Workshop Speakers
Dr. Brian Dixon
CEO Hope*Media Network
Dr. Zoe Shaw
Author, Psychotherapist, Speaker, Creative Director of Hope*Writers
Liz Caffman
Director of Partnerships & Community -hope*books
Tina Akridge
Author, Speaker
Angela Coffin
Author, Instructor and Editor
Allyson Golden
Author and Founder of Words are Golden
Jess Henning
Author, Speaker, Book Launch Coach
Adam Loomis
Entrepreneur, Speaker, founder of Adam Loomis Marketing
Abby McDonald
Writing Coach, Editor and Speaker
Heather Moore
Author, Coach, Brand Specialist
You belong in the room!
This is a call to the brave. The hopeful. The heart-beating storytellers who know there’s a book inside but haven’t made it real yet.
The Hope*Story Conference is not just an event—it’s a declaration.
A declaration that your story matters.
A declaration that you’re done sitting on the sidelines
A declaration that 2026 is your year.
Moments from Past Conferences
Enjoy a glimpse into the past seven years of inspiring moments, deep connections, and powerful stories that have encouraged writers in every season.
A Weekend to Move Your Writing Forward
In three intentional days, you’ll gain practical teaching and gentle, thoughtful guidance to help you take your next step as a writer. You’ll leave with clarity about your unique voice and audience, tools to quiet writer’s block and silence the fear of hitting “publish,” and a clear, doable plan for navigating what comes next in your writing journey.
Conference Schedule
The full list of presenters will be shared with attendees as the event approaches. In the meantime, here’s a general overview of the conference schedule:
THURSDAY, JANUARY 29
6:30 PM – Doors open early for VIP
7:00 PM – Red Carpet Arrival
7:15 PM – Celebrate the Story
8:45 PM – After Party
FRIDAY, JANUARY 30
8:00 AM – Doors Open (coffee provided)
9:00 AM – Welcome Session
10:15 AM – Break
10:30 AM – Morning Workshops
11:15 AM – Break
11:30 AM – Mid-Morning Workshops
12:15 PM – Lunch "On The Lawn" (food trucks will be available)
2:00 PM – Keynote: Ruth Chou Simons
3:00 PM – Break
3:15 PM – Afternoon Workshops
4:00 PM – Break
4:15 PM – Final Session
SATURDAY, JANUARY 31
8:00 AM – Doors Open (coffee provided)
9:00 AM – Welcome Session
9:45 AM – Break
10:30 AM – Morning Workshops
11:15 AM – Break
11:30 AM – Mid-Morning Workshops
12:15 PM – Lunch on Your Own
2:00 PM – Keynote: Ann Voskamp
Please note: Tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable.
Workshops
Below, you’ll find the lineup of workshops that will be offered at this year’s conference. Each session has been thoughtfully crafted to support, strengthen, and equip you in every stage of your writing journey. Additional details and sign-up instructions will be shared as they become available, so you can make your selections with confidence.
● Armor Up: Fighting Spiritual Warfare during Publication
● Before You Promote, Connect: Conversational Marketing for Authors
● Branded on Purpose – Learn the necessary framework to build your brand on a foundation of purpose
● Connect to Your People
● Email Made Easy
● Find Your People
● Finding Your Unique Writing Voice in a Noisy World
● Framing Your Story – Creating a Story That Hits All the Beats
● Getting Back to the Basics – How to Write Fiction Well and How to Avoid the Pitfalls of Writer's Block
● Grace on the Page: Writing in Vulnerability about Loss, Hope, and Redemption
● How to Stay Inspired When Writing Devotionals
● Ink of Obedience: When Our Words Wear His Worth
● Know Your Audience
● Launch with Impact
● Led by the Spirit: Learning to Write from a Place of Surrender
● Make People Fall in Love With You (Then They’ll Buy Your Book)
● Practical Writing Environments – Create an adaptable writing rhythm that works for you
● Self-Editing 101: Polishing Your Work with Clarity and Kindness
● Showing vs. Telling – How to Bring Your Story to Life
● Strategic Brand Activation – Simplified Branding and action-based tools to boost your message
● The 90/10 Rule for Authors
A Weekend That Changes Everything
Step into a weekend designed to awaken the writer in you. From keynote moments that stir your soul to practical workshops that equip your pen, every session is crafted to move you closer to the story you were born to tell. This isn’t just a schedule—it’s a sacred turning point.
The Revelry at Camp North End – Where Innovation Meets Elegance
The Revelry at Camp North End offers a dynamic setting in one of Charlotte’s most creative districts. With its modern design and artistic vibe, this spacious venue provides the perfect atmosphere for connection, inspiration, and big ideas to come to life.
Location
We're meeting at the Elevation Lake Norman Campus, just 35 minutes from the Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
Elevation Lake Norman
8325 Copley Dr
Cornelius, NC 28031
Conference Prices
General
Admission
Writer's
Table
Writer's
Suite
$397
$497
Features
General Admission
Writer's Table
Writer's Suite
(SOLD OUT)
Reserved Seating
N/A
☑
☑
Thursday NIGHT AWARDS
Preferred Seating
N/A
☑
☑
Q&A with Ann Voskamp
N/A
☑
☑
Photo with Ann Voskamp
N/A
N/A
☑
Lounge Access
N/A
N/A
☑
Swag Items
N/A
ONE ITEM
FULL BAG
About The Area
Get the scoop on our conference location—explore the venue, nearby attractions, and cozy hotels to make your stay unforgettable!
Food, shopping and more
The Revelry at Camp North End – Where Innovation Meets Elegance
The Revelry at Camp North End offers a dynamic setting in one of Charlotte’s most creative districts. With its modern design and artistic vibe, this spacious venue provides the perfect atmosphere for connection, inspiration, and big ideas to come to life.
Birkdale Village
(1 mile from event location)
Located in the heart of Huntersville, NC, Birkdale Village is a lively destination where shopping, dining, and entertainment come together in a walkable, open-air setting. With charming streetscapes, inviting green spaces, and year-round events, it’s more than a place to shop — it’s a place to gather, relax, and enjoy the community.
Birkdale Village is home to over 60 retail shops, 10 restaurants, and a 16-screen theater.
Learn more at: birkdalevillage.com | @birkdalevillagenc
Accommodations
Courtyard by Marriott Charlotte Lake Norman
Four Points by Sheraton Charlotte - Lake Norman
Things to Know
You've got questions and we've got answers.
Ask us questions
Do I have to be a member of hope*writers to attend the conference?
The hope*story conference is open to anyone! Of course we’d love to have you join our community at hopewriters.com, but it isn’t a prerequisite for attending.
Are my meals included?
Meals are on your own at local restaurants, except for Friday, when we’ve brought in some of our favorite food trucks to serve lunch. You’ll have plenty of delicious options to choose from! Food truck meals aren’t included, but most vendors accept both cash and cards.
Tell me more about the location.
The hope*story conference is graciously hosted at Elevation Lake Norman in North Carolina, located at 8325 Copley Dr, Cornelius, NC 28031. There will be theater seating, quiet introvert spaces, workshop rooms, restroom facilities, spacious parking, green space, and upscale shopping close by at Birkdale Village. We will have light refreshments, water, and coffee, but if you have any dietary restrictions, we recommend that you bring your own refreshments.
What about cancellations and refunds?
Once you purchase your ticket, we won’t be able to offer a refund. Purchases and registrations are final so make sure you check your calendar and your budget before purchasing. As attendees are traveling from all over the country, we will not be able to offer an refunds due to weather. Again, there are no refunds and no transfers.
Vendors and sponsor opportunities
Please contact [email protected] with the subject line (conference sponsor) for a list of remaining opportunities.
Lodging and travel
The hope*story conference will be located at the Elevation Lake Norman campus. This is about a 35 minute drive from the Charlotte Douglas International Airport. We are not responsible for your transportation to and from the hope*story conference. You might consider flying to Charlotte, booking a hotel in the area, and renting a car. Others might choose to find a local friend and carpool. Any way you get here is fine. We can’t wait to see you! The conference will not take place at a hotel, so there is no discounted room rate available.
Are there scholarships available?
Unfortunately, scholarships are not available for this conference.
Are you accepting speaker applications?
Thank you so much for your interest. We will not be accepting any speaker applications for this conference.
Will there be breakout sessions?
Yes!
What about childcare and guests?
This conference is designed to give you uninterrupted focus on your writing journey. For that reason, childcare is not provided and sessions are limited to registered attendees. If your spouse would like to participate, they can purchase a ticket and join you in the sessions.
I’m just getting started. Is this for me?
We’re so glad you’re here! The hope*story conference is for you if you a) want to come and b) are ready to invest both time and money for three days to focus on planning and growing your writing career. We believe that you have a message to share and an audience to serve. The hope*story conference is our best effort to offer to you what we wish we had when we first got started.
