About AWSA
A Professional and Spiritual Sisterhood for Christian Women Who Write and Speak
AWSA—the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association—is a professional organization and Christ-centered community for Christian women who write, speak, teach, and communicate.
Founded in 2000, AWSA has grown into a community of more than 1,300 members, connected by a shared commitment to faith, professional excellence, encouragement, and service.
Our Story
It Started With a Need for Sisterhood
Writing in the Christian market wasn’t always easy for a woman called to write. I knew many Christian women authors who were doing their best to follow God’s call, but too often, they were doing it alone.
One day, I felt the Lord calling me to do something simple: invite every Christian woman author I knew to join an online group where we could connect and encourage one another.
The date was September 11, 2000.
I invited 50 women.
By early that evening, all 50 had said yes—and more women were already asking to join.
That was the beginning of AWSA.
What started with 50 women has grown into a sisterhood of more than 1,300 members, connected through friendship, prayer, conferences, courses, classes, professional opportunities, and a shared desire to follow God’s call.
Twenty-six years later, we’re still growing.
If you’re a Christian woman called to write or speak, perhaps there’s a place for you in our sisterhood, too.
Blessings,
Linda Evans Shepherd
AWSA at a Glance
AWSA Today
1,300+
Members
Christian women authors, speakers, communicators and industry professionals.
26
Years
Founded in 2000.
501(c)(3)
A program of Right to the Heart Ministries.
Today, AWSA encourages and equips Christian women through conferences, professional education and training, award-winning publications, industry awards, prayer, mentoring, and opportunities for professional growth. Whether a woman is just beginning her journey or is a seasoned author or speaker, AWSA offers ways to grow in her calling, strengthen her skills, build meaningful relationships, and move forward in the work God has given her to do.
Our Mission / What We Believe
Faith at the Center
Our faith isn't simply part of our name or history. It shapes how we serve one another, conduct our work, pursue professional excellence, and use the messages God has entrusted to us.
AWSA members affirm our Statement of Faith and Code of Ethics.
Right to the Heart Ministries
Part of Right to the Heart Ministries
AWSA is a ministry of Right to the Heart Ministries, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit Christian organization founded by Linda Evans Shepherd in 1999.
With the mission of “Connecting Hearts to a Loving God,” Right to the Heart shares the love and hope of Jesus Christ through publishing, media, online outreach, devotionals, prayer, and ministry to women.
AWSA grew from that same heart. Founded in 2000, it equips and encourages Christian women who communicate God's truth through writing, speaking, publishing, media, and ministry.
Our Leadership
Serving AWSA
AWSA is led and supported by Christian women with experience in writing, speaking, publishing, coaching, ministry, and professional development.
Meet the AWSA Steering Committee & Board →
Our Legacy
More Than a Quarter Century of Women Helping Women
For 26 years, AWSA has brought Christian women together to encourage one another, sharpen their gifts, and help one another answer God’s call.
But our greatest legacy isn’t found in programs or awards. It’s found in the relationships.
AWSA women pray for one another, mentor one another, open doors, share opportunities, celebrate victories, and walk together through difficult seasons.
Books have been written. Ministries have grown. Careers have blossomed. Lifelong friendships have formed.
For more than a quarter century, AWSA women have been helping one another become all God called them to be.
Our Story Is Still Being Written
We look forward to welcoming the women God brings into the next chapter.
