Pikes Peak Writers Conference 2026: Full Schedule

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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

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

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

Pikes Peak Writers Conference 2026

9:00am MDT

Carol Berg

10:15am MDT

Kelley J. P. Lindberg

11:30am MDT

Jessica Snyder

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