Pikes Peak Writers Conference 2026: Full Schedule

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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

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

8:00am MDT

Johnny Worthen

10:15am MDT

Bowen Gillings

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