Pikes Peak Writers Conference 2026: Full Schedule

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7:30am MDT

Morning Meditation and Writer Wellbeing

Saturday April 18, 2026 7:30am - 8:30am MDT

Pikes Peak/Royal Gorge

Join author Johnny Worthen for discoveries in eastern philosophy with their application to the life of an author with its many disappointments. Sessions include directed mindfulness meditation and lecture on concepts that directly speak to the writer’s journey. Classes build upon previous one, but all are welcome to each and all. There’s much to gain. Day one: Basics – the Four Noble Truths and the Eight Fold Noble path Day two: Block – The Five Hindrances and the power of RAIN Day three: Third Person Limited – Non-Identity and the muse Each class meets in the morning before regular programming Though classes are meant as a three day seminar, attendees can come to any of them without prior or later attendance and still get useful information.

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 7:30am - 8:30am MDT
Pikes Peak/Royal Gorge

Writing Life

Audience Advanced

2:00pm MDT

Things No One Told Me

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

Pikes Peak/Royal Gorge

It’s an informal discussion about what I learned after my first novel was accepted for publication. Writing is the easy part, but there’s a whole world of work and experiences that follow. This one is like those old-fashioned magazine articles called, “This Happened to Me.”

Faculty

Reavis Z. Wortham

Keynote

NYT Bestselling author, Reavis Z. Wortham, is the recipient of many awards, including two Spur Awards from the Western Writers Association, and six Will Rogers Medallions. Kirkus Reviews listed his first novel in the historical Red River series, The Rock Hole, as one of their Top... Read More →

Saturday April 18, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
Pikes Peak/Royal Gorge

Writing Life

Moderator Bailey Finn

Pikes Peak Writers Conference 2026

7:30am MDT

Johnny Worthen

2:00pm MDT

Reavis Z. Wortham

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