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

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

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

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 11:30am - 12:30pm MDT
Pikes Peak/Royal Gorge

Business of Writing

Moderator DJ Cochran
Audience Intermediate

Pikes Peak Writers Conference 2026

8:00am MDT

Johnny Worthen

9:00am MDT

Anita Mumm

10:15am MDT

Bowen Gillings

11:30am MDT

Chris Mandeville

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