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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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

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

Pikes Peak Writers Conference 2026

9:00am MDT

Anita Mumm

10:15am MDT

Bowen Gillings

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