Pikes Peak Writers Conference 2026

Writing an entire novel can be intimidating. But if you remember that a book is a series of connected scenes, writing one scene at a time is much less daunting. Once you master scene structure, you have mastered one of the basics of storytelling. To help with this, Pam McCutcheon explains what scene and sequel are and how to structure them with maximum effect, then uses movie examples and interactive story development to drive the point home.

Conflict ignites every scene in your novel. But how do you stoke those fires to keep your readers engaged and your plot moving? In this workshop, you'll learn that conflict isn't about confrontation; it's about character choices. This 7-step method will guide you in turning up the heat on your characters with intense stakes and escalating tension. Get ready to light up your manuscript with the tools to craft a story so powerful, it will burn in the minds of your readers long after they turn the final page.

During the class, attendees will be reading and analyzing first pages as actors. Samples will be available, but attendees are encouraged to bring your own first pages to work on.

Humans hear emotions first, then pitch and rhythm, and only then words. I want to give writers the most fundamental and powerful performance tools their creative cousins, actors, use to bring words to life. This will cover performance and speech skills that will render their text clear and easily understood. Emotional, expressive and analytical tools that bring their characters to life, vocal tools that will render their characters distinct from each other and grounded in the character's truth, and recording and editing technical how-to that will make the final product polished and professional quality on any budget. If you only had a few hours to take someone from 0 to a world class actor, how would you do it? That's what we're going to find out. Realistically, acting is like playing the violin, with a very high skill-cap, but progress can be fast with the right tools, the most precious thing that will come from this is the continuing education tools, resources, drills, and understandings that will have would-be author/narrators growing for years to come.

Crafting the perfect live pitch to make the most of your one-on-one time with an agent/editor.

All storytelling requires a "suspension of disbelief," but within the first paragraphs of your novel, the words, character, and promises there will flag to your reader if that suspension can continue and if they trust you to pay off what has been set up. Learn to think like your reader in order to identify small breaks in trust that will keep them from DNF-ing your book.

• The impact of homicide cases on survivors and the concept of “no closure”.
• Using emotional intelligence to write believable investigators, villains, and survivors.
• Q&A: How do you create characters who feel real while drawing from real human suffering?

The first session, Write Drunk, has you writing to various prompts while drinking. The follow-up Edit Sober session takes you through examining what you wrote and how to edit it into shape.

This workshop has an extra charge.  Add via registration form.

• The dangers of misinformation, leaked evidence, and irresponsible speculation.
• How to portray suspects, victims, and survivors with respect while still telling a gripping story.
• Q&A: Where’s the line between dramatization and exploitation?

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.