Who We Are

We're American Christian Fiction Writers, a professional organization devoted to the craft of Christian Fiction.

Whether you're a multi-published author or just taking the first steps in your writing career, ACFW is the place for you to learn more about the craft and expand your knowledge of the publishing industry.

And when you attend our Chicago chapter meetings, you'll get up-to-date info on the publishing industry and current writing standards.

You'll also meet an encouraging group of authors who are in the same boat as you - writing, marketing, publishing, and trying to figure out this complex industry.

Our Mission

ACFW's mission is to empower Christian novelists by inspiring them to join with God in the creative process, training them in the craft, and educating them in the publishing industry.

Our Board

PRESIDENT: Lori Mulligan Davis

Words, words, words. That pretty much sums up Lori Mulligan Davis. Lori has been a book coach; freelance editor; article and fiction writer; writing workshop leader for professional authors, teachers, and teens; magazine managing editor; curriculum writer; academic-press editor; online theater reviewer; dramaturg, ad hoc teacher at a gifted school; and a museum educator/living history interpreter at the Naper Settlement in Naperville, Illinois. She considers her 46 years leading a Pioneer Girls club her life ministry, helping girls understand Christ’s practical love and offering life skills as varied as finding empathy through acting and learning how to start a campfire with dryer lint. When not collecting dryer lint, Lori is probably at, or on her way to, a play in Chicago or a Jane Austen lecture near or expensively far from her supportive husband, Scott, and their book-filled home in Wheaton, Illinois.

VICE PRESIDENT and TREASURER: Julia Fenstermacher

Julia Fenstermacher holds a Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Delaware. She writes songs, devotionals, poetry, short stories, and children’s literature. Her stories are about finding faith, identity, meaning and adventure on this wild ride of life. Julia serves as a Youth Minister in the Chicago Church of Christ where she mentors teen girls—all of whom inspire her to keep writing, laughing, and to see the world each day with fresh eyes. In addition to ACFW, Julia is a member of Realmmakers, Havok Publishing, and the American Writers Museum of Chicago. Julia resides in the Chicago suburbs with her husband, three lap kitties, and a Friesian horse named Diesel. You can find her online, join her newsletter for teen girls, and learn about her horse ministry, Love&Horses, at www.juliafenstermacher.com

SECRETARY: Cathryn Elizabeth Pratt

Information to come

HOW to Join

• First join our national ACFW organization. Click here to sign up.

Join ACFW

• Come to an ACFW-Chicago chapter meeting or contact our president to let us know you'd like to join. Easy peasy. Feel free to visit twice before making the decision.



REASONS to Join

All the tools and connections for attaining your writing goals are right here in our local ACFW chapter. Monthly meetings include:

  • Christian speakers who are agents, editors, and award-winning authors
  • Critique nights
  • Opportunities to find a critique partner or join a critique group
  • Connections with fellow Christian authors

As an ACFW national member, you'll receive:

  • Discounts to ACFW conferences and contests
  • Marketing tools for your books
  • Opportunities to pitch your manuscript to agents and editors
  • Access to great online classes designed to hone your skills

WHO joins?

From newbies to seasoned, award-winning authors and editors, and every level in between, we've got people who will get you. Check us out and see for yourself!

Contact Us