Pikes Peak Writers Conference 2026: Full Schedule

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7:30am MDT

Breakfast

Sunday April 19, 2026 7:30am - 9:00am MDT

Ballroom

Sunday April 19, 2026 7:30am - 9:00am MDT
Ballroom

Meal

8:00am MDT

Morning Meditation and Writer Wellbeing

Sunday April 19, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am 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 →

Sunday April 19, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am MDT
Pikes Peak/Royal Gorge

Writing Life

Audience Advanced

9:00am MDT

Self-Publishing: Is It Your Friend or Foe?

Sunday April 19, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am MDT

Palmer

This course is designed as an introduction to the ever-evolving indie market. It focuses on defining and clarifying terms of the indie/self-publishing world and on answering questions of those who have one toe in the water but are reluctant to dive into the ocean. Ample time is given for questions and the sharing of experiences between participants.

Faculty

Laurie Marr Wasmund

Author, lost ranch books

Laurie Marr Wasmund holds an M.A. in literature from the University of Denver. She has been an editor, community college instructor, and national writing workshop presenter. Her short stories have appeared in literary magazines such as Cimarron Review and Weber Studies. She is... Read More →

Sunday April 19, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am MDT
Palmer

Business of Writing

Moderator Mike Torreanno

9:00am MDT

A Feast for the Senses: Writing to Immerse Your Readers

Sunday April 19, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am MDT

Pikes Peak/Royal Gorge

Adding more sensory detail to your writing can take it from ordinary to exceptional. In this workshop you’ll learn to use mindfulness and amplified awareness techniques to experience your surroundings through each of the five senses. Then, using examples from contemporary writers in a variety of genres, we’ll explore ways to translate that sensory awareness onto the page to create vivid scenes, memorable characters, or a particular atmosphere. Novelists and short-form writers alike will gain tools for creating a richer experience for readers.

Faculty

Anita Mumm

Anita Mumm is a writer and developmental editor based in Salida, Colorado. At her editorial firm, Mumm’s the Word, she supports first-time novelists and bestsellers alike. Her clients have earned top spots on The New York Times bestseller list and received acclaim from Publi... Read More →

Sunday April 19, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am MDT
Pikes Peak/Royal Gorge

Craft of Writing

Moderator Bill Bush

9:00am MDT

Baby Got Back(story)

Sunday April 19, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am MDT

Douglas

Learn how to create complex, multi-dimensional characters by developing their backstories. This class introduces tools and techniques for building backstory and includes interactive group exercises so attendees can “try on” the methods presented.

Faculty

Chris Mandeville

Author

Chris Mandeville is an unrepentant coffee drinker, night owl, and binge writer. She can write anywhere, but her usual spot is a comfy chair at home in the Rocky Mountains with her service dog, Oski, snoozing by her feet. When she isn't writing, she loves to cook, travel, and teach... Read More →

Sunday April 19, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am MDT
Douglas

Craft of Writing

Moderator John Neal
Audience Beginner

9:00am MDT

The Ins and Outs of Writing Series

Sunday April 19, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am MDT

El Paso

Whether mysteries, romance, fantasy, science fiction, or historicals, readers love a great series. What does a writer need to keep in mind when deciding whether a WIP is a standalone, or a classic trilogy, or one episode of a never-ending adventure? We’ll look at what distinguishes each type of series, and how we can make sure our readers will have a satisfying experience with each book, while eagerly anticipating the next installment. We will look at the importance of endings and beginnings, points of view, and character issues, information tracking, and how to keep plots going from book to book without frustrating readers. With plentiful examples and some interactive exercises and brainstorming, we will explore the ins and outs of developing a vibrant series.

Faculty

Carol Berg

Carol Berg, former software engineer, never expected to write epic fantasy novels. Nor did she expect to win the Colorado Book Award four times or hear that her books had been read on the slopes of Denali, in the war zone of Iraq, or underneath the Mediterranean. She certainly never... Read More →

Sunday April 19, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am MDT
El Paso

Craft of Writing

Moderator Jeff Schmoyer

9:00am MDT

Story Structure: A Master-Level Class in One of Writing’s Most Daunting Subjects (2 hours)

Sunday April 19, 2026 9:00am - 11:15am MDT

Academy

Whether a writer is a plotter or a "pantser", the task becomes easier with a clear grasp of story structure. This course compares ancient and modern structural techniques, showing their similarities and differences in order to simplify the writing process and find the necessary beats all powerful and resonant stories contain. The course breaks down the most common frameworks and provides insight to story flow, character growth, and the emotional connection to readers.

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 →

Sunday April 19, 2026 9:00am - 11:15am MDT
Academy

Craft of Writing

Moderator DJ Cochran

10:15am MDT

Tell Me a Secret: How to Interview Anyone About Anything to Strengthen Your Fiction

Sunday April 19, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am MDT

El Paso

Google’s fine for the basic facts, but you’re not writing a basic story. First-person interviews help you uncover the realistic details, unexpected twists, unique perspectives, and heart that can elevate your story. Learn how to painlessly interview anyone about anything, from private investigators, to scientists, to rock stars.

Faculty

Kelley J. P. Lindberg

President, Blue Raven Services Inc.

Kelley J. P. Lindberg writes adult and YA fiction, but her writing history is littered with dozens of how-to books (including several bestsellers) and hundreds of articles. Her fiction and essays have appeared in literary magazines, in anthologies including PPW’s Journeys into... Read More →

Sunday April 19, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am MDT
El Paso

Craft of Writing

Moderator Bailey Finn

10:15am MDT

Be the Author YOU Want to Be

Sunday April 19, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am MDT

Pikes Peak/Royal Gorge

What does it mean to be an author? Learn to navigate the pressures of peers, marketplace, and the publishing industry to become not just the author you dream about, but more importantly, the author you can live with. We examine author lifestyle/work-life balance and explore expectations versus personal goals. Most workshops and writing books tell authors how to reach an industry defined version of success. This workshop guides writers to wrestle with their writing process, and to identify who they are as a writer without judgement. We look at publishing’s expectations of writers. The intent here is for writers to understand that success is a target THEY create.

Agents & Editors

Bowen Gillings

Associate Agent, Savvy Literary

Bowen Gillings joined Savvy Literary in 2025 and has nearly a decade of experience as an author and champion of authors. Currently building his list, Bowen seeks to partner with writers who possess a sense of professionalism and a sense of humor. He loves books with a strong narrative... Read More →

Sunday April 19, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am MDT
Pikes Peak/Royal Gorge

Writing Life

Moderator Bill Bush

10:15am MDT

Marketing 101 for Writers (2 hours)

Sunday April 19, 2026 10:15am - 12:30pm MDT

Palmer

Whether you're launching your debut or leveling up your growing platform, this two-hour workshop gives you the roadmap to market your books with confidence and clarity. We’ll dig into the essentials authors must know: identifying your ideal reader, crafting a compelling brand, building an email list that converts, and choosing the right mix of social media, events, and partnerships. You'll learn practical, repeatable strategies to boost visibility, grow engagement, and sustain momentum long after launch day. Walk away with a personalized action plan, fresh ideas, and the tools to take your author career to the next level.

Faculty

Jenny Kate

Director, Pike Peak Writers Conference

Jenny Kate is a professional communicator. She has been quoted by the New York Times, CNN, FoxNews, and Time Magazine, and wrote her first novel in the second grade. She is a member of Washington Romance Writers, Sisters in Crime, and freelanced for New York literary agent Ethan Ellenberg... Read More →

Sunday April 19, 2026 10:15am - 12:30pm MDT
Palmer

Business of Writing

Moderator Mike Torreanno

10:15am MDT

Write Lore Your Readers Won’t Forget (2 hours)

Sunday April 19, 2026 10:15am - 12:30pm MDT

Douglas

Our mythologies shape and define us. Explore techniques for designing the stories behind the story you’re telling – the stories that your characters either carry in their hearts or resist with all their capacity. Lore is the engine that your characters (and readers) use to interpret the story they're in and the life they're living. Come join Stant Litore in exploring how to share the lore of your fictional world with the reader in entertaining and surprising ways.

Faculty

Stant Litore

Stant Litore is the author of Ansible, The Screaming of the Tyrannosaur (recently adapted into an Emmy-nominated episode of Love, Death, and Robots), The Zombie Bible, and Dante’s Heart. Besides science fiction and fantasy, he has written the writers’ toolkits Write Wo... Read More →

Sunday April 19, 2026 10:15am - 12:30pm MDT
Douglas

Craft of Writing

Moderator Pam McCutcheon

11:30am MDT

SEND IT!?! What to Do—and What Not to Do—When an Editor or Agents Wants Your Manuscript

Sunday April 19, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm MDT

Pikes Peak/Royal Gorge

You’ve pitched your project to an editor or agent, and you’ve received the magic words: send me your manuscript! After you’ve done your happy dance, you might be inclined to panic: wait a minute, what exactly am I supposed to send? What if I need more time? What if it’s no good? What if I make a bunch of rookie mistakes and I BLOW THIS CHANCE??? Fear not, intrepid writer. This workshop provides a comprehensive guide to getting your workshop from “send it” to pro-level submission. With advice from industry experts, real-world examples, and a detailed checklist, you’ll have everything you need to whip your manuscript into shape, craft a compelling synopsis, write a stellar cover letter, and submit your requested materials like a pro.

Faculty

Chris Mandeville

Author

Sunday April 19, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm MDT
Pikes Peak/Royal Gorge

Business of Writing

Moderator DJ Cochran
Audience Intermediate

11:30am MDT

The Six Foundational Elements of Romance Fiction

Sunday April 19, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm MDT

El Paso

This course teaches romance fiction from a structural standpoint. You’ll learn about goal, motivation, and conflict, which are the cornerstones of fiction writing. But then we dive deeper to cover character arcs, flaws and stakes, which are vital in character-driven stories like romance. You’ll understand how each element hinges on the others to build the infrastructure of your story, and you’ll gain the confidence to utilize these elements to improve your own books. Recommended prework is to watch the 2010 film The Proposal, starring Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds. It's not required, but that's the film we'll use for a deep analysis at the end of the presentation.

Faculty

Jessica Snyder

Jessica Snyder is a romance editor, author coach, and digital nomad traveling the US with her giant dog, Arrow. She's a Gallup Strengths enthusiast who loves kickass heroines, tropes flipped on their heads, rotisserie chicken, and getting stamps in her passport.

Sunday April 19, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm MDT
El Paso

Craft of Writing

Moderator Jodi Anderson

11:30am MDT

Tough Talk: Writing Effective Dialogue

Sunday April 19, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm MDT

Academy

Dialogue is a powerful writing tool; however, literary dialogue isn't the same as day-to-day speech. Learn techniques used by dramaturges to develop effective dialogue, ratchet up tension through dynamic speech, and make dialogue sound realistic to your readers' ears. Find out how to manage dialogue "tags" for effect and "invisibility." Participants are encouraged to bring works in progress that they can edit during the session.

Faculty

Laurie Marr Wasmund

Author, lost ranch books

Sunday April 19, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm MDT
Academy

Craft of Writing

Moderator Joe Lenhoff

12:30pm MDT

Lunch

Sunday April 19, 2026 12:30pm - 2:00pm MDT

Ballroom

Faculty

Mary Robinette Kowal

Keynote

Mary Robinette Kowal is the author of the Hugo, Nebula, and Locus award winning alternate history novel The Calculating Stars, the first book in the Lady Astronaut series which continues in 2025 with The Martian Contingency. She is also the author of The Glamourist Histories series, Ghost... Read More →

Sunday April 19, 2026 12:30pm - 2:00pm MDT
Ballroom

Meal

7:30am MDT

8:00am MDT

9:00am MDT

9:00am MDT

9:00am MDT

9:00am MDT

9:00am MDT

10:15am MDT

10:15am MDT

10:15am MDT

10:15am MDT

11:30am MDT

11:30am MDT

11:30am MDT

12:30pm MDT

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