Pikes Peak Writers Conference 2026: Full Schedule

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The 2026 Pikes Peak Writers Conference is in the books!
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8:30am MDT

Decision Making for Authors

Saturday April 18, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am MDT

Palmer

Writers who treat their work as a business must make clear-eyed, professional decisions. This class helps you use data instead of emotions to guide your next steps in all aspects of writing life.

Faculty

Kevin Ikenberry

Author

Kevin Ikenberry is a life-long space geek and retired Army officer. As an adult, he managed the U.S. Space Camp program, two Challenger Learning Centers, and served on active duty in space operations before Space Force was a thing. He’s an international bestselling science fiction... Read More →

Saturday April 18, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am MDT
Palmer

Business of Writing

Moderator Catherine Dilts

2:00pm MDT

Rock Your Reader Magnet

Saturday April 18, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT

Palmer

Build your fan base the easy way.

Most authors know that growing your fan base with a free giveaway makes great sense. But what do you offer? This workshop offers a slew of enticing options (for both fiction and nonfiction authors) for items that will have readers jumping on to your newsletter list.

We’ll cover:
>What to offer, including five different kinds of reader magnets
>Easy ways to format your giveaway
>How to easily deliver your freebie

Your list will grow in no time, and that means a built-in audience to buy your books.

Faculty

Debbie Maxwell Allen

Editor, Author, Scrivener Coach

Debbie Maxwell Allen writes historical fiction–with a touch of the unexplainable–set in quirky Mediterranean locations in the 18th century. She has placed in the Zebulon Contest three times and contributed to the Fresh Starts anthology. Her debut series launches in 2024. Debbie teaches workshops on the craft of writing, productivity, and how to use Scrivener and Vellum software at local writing groups and writing conferences... Read More →

Saturday April 18, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
Palmer

Business of Writing

Moderator Catherine Dilts

4:45pm MDT

Deeper Reading for Deeper Writing

Saturday April 18, 2026 4:45pm - 5:45pm MDT

Douglas

Consciously or unconsciously meaning is hidden beneath signs and facades in literature, layered in word choice and focus. Through shared reading, discussion and meaning and themes, we will learn to consciously see what our subconscious feels within a text, those elements that unite and undercut, but always elevate craft into art. Once you understand deconstruction, your reading and your writing will never be the same.

Faculty

Johnny Worthen

Award-Winning Author

Johnny Worthen grew up in the high desert snows and warm summer winds of the Wasatch Mountains. He graduated with a B.A. in English, minor in Classics and a Master's in American Studies from the University of Utah. After a series of businesses and adventures, including years abroad... Read More →

Saturday April 18, 2026 4:45pm - 5:45pm MDT
Douglas

Reality Track/How-to

Moderator Catherine Dilts
Audience Advanced

Pikes Peak Writers Conference 2026

8:30am MDT

Kevin Ikenberry

2:00pm MDT

Debbie Maxwell Allen

4:45pm MDT

Johnny Worthen

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