Pikes Peak Writers Conference 2026

A class about the most visceral genre–HORROR. We'll discuss its evolutionary origins, compare it to its sister genre, then explore it, categorize it and wrestle with it to explore techniques to effectively use horror in our own writing.

Short stories are an oft overlooked gateway to many advantageous things in a writer's career. I will offer up some really good reasons to consider publishing a few: making new connections, learning new genres, experimenting with (and improving) writing styles, and more.

Your author bio can be a valuable tool for connecting with readers. Or it can bore them to death. Too much info, or the wrong info, and you may lose a potential reader of your work. But a good bio can spark the beginning of a great author-reader bond. This workshop provides an easy-to-use M-PACT system of “best practices” for creating an author bio. M-PACT prompts us to consider the desired Message of a bio, be Professional, be Appropriate for the audience/venue, practice Consistency, and edit until your bio is To the point for achieving your goals. In addition, this class covers how to curate a great author photo, using the M-PACT system as a guide. In conjunction with the guidelines and system, this presentation employs examples and advice from current bestselling authors. Attendees leave with proven “best practices” for crafting professional bios and winning headshots.