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Venue: Pikes Peak/Royal Gorge clear filter
Friday, April 17
 

7:30am MDT

Morning Meditation and Writer Wellbeing
Friday April 17, 2026 7:30am - 8:30am 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
avatar for Johnny Worthen

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 →
Friday April 17, 2026 7:30am - 8:30am MDT
Pikes Peak/Royal Gorge
  Writing Life

8:30am MDT

Emotional Resonance: Or How I Made My Dad Not Talk to Me for a Week
Friday April 17, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am MDT
Pikes Peak/Royal Gorge
Readers connect through emotion. This class explores how to use tropes, the mirror effect, self-realization, and comparison to foster emotional depth and connection. Examples will focus on popular literary and cinematic characters and why these "tricks of the trade" work so well, and how writers can use them to great effect.
Faculty
avatar for Kevin Ikenberry

Kevin Ikenberry

Author
Kevin Ikenberry is a life-long space geek and retired Army officer. As an adult, he managed the U.S. Space Camp program, two Challenger Learning Centers, and served on active duty in space operations before Space Force was a thing. He’s an international bestselling science fiction... Read More →
Friday April 17, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am MDT
Pikes Peak/Royal Gorge
  Craft of Writing

9:45am MDT

They Want to Hear From You!
Friday April 17, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Pikes Peak/Royal Gorge
Pippa Grant launched her pen name with a newsletter plan, and that plan was crucial to the rise of her brand from complete unknown to Amazon Top 10 bestselling author within 16 months. This workshop is a guide on to how to attract readers to your newsletter, why you should send newsletters regularly, and how to identify newsletter content that you’ll want to write.
Faculty
avatar for Pippa Grant

Pippa Grant

Keynote
Pippa Grant wanted to write books, so she did.Before she became a USA Today and #1 Amazon bestselling romantic comedy author, she was a young military spouse who got into writing as self-therapy. That happened around the time she discovered reading romance novels, and the two eventually... Read More →
Friday April 17, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Pikes Peak/Royal Gorge
  Business of Writing

11:00am MDT

Agent Panel
Friday April 17, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Pikes Peak/Royal Gorge
Share an hour with our attending agents and learn about them and their agencies.
Agents & Editors
avatar for Bowen Gillings

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 →
avatar for Cathie Hedrick-Armstrong

Cathie Hedrick-Armstrong

Literary Agent, Marsal Lyon Literary Agency
Cathie Hedrick-Armstrong is a literary agent at Marsal Lyon Literary Agency with
nearly a decade of industry experience. A life-long lover of books, Cathie enjoys
vivid memories of the exact moment she unlocked the secret code behind the
letters that, when combined, form words. Sinc... Read More →
avatar for Elisa Saphier

Elisa Saphier

Agent, MacGregor & Luedeke
Elisa Saphier is an agent with MacGregor & Luedeke where she is the exception, looking for nonreligious nonfiction and upmarket genre fiction (especially mystery/thriller and romance) to balance out her mostly literary list. She represents upper middle grade through adult (fiction... Read More →
avatar for Jessica Berg

Jessica Berg

Literary Agent, Rosecliff Literary
Jessica Berg is the founder and agency director of Rosecliff Literary, a boutique agency built on the belief that ambitious writers deserve transparency, strategy, and a seat at the table. She earned her MFA from Spalding University and brings more than a decade of experience to her... Read More →
avatar for T.S. Ferguson

T.S. Ferguson

Azantian Literary Agency
Before joining Azantian Literary Agency, T.S. Ferguson worked for 16 years as an editor for some of the top children's and teen book publishers in the business, including Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, Harlequin Teen/Inkyard Press, and JIMMY Patterson Books. He has worked... Read More →
Friday April 17, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Pikes Peak/Royal Gorge
  Business of Writing

2:00pm MDT

Editor Panel
Friday April 17, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
Pikes Peak/Royal Gorge
Share an hour with our attending editors and learn about them and their publishing companies.
Agents & Editors
avatar for Anna Michels

Anna Michels

Senior Editorial Director, Sourcebooks
Anna Michels has been at Sourcebooks for more than thirteen years and is Senior Editorial Director of Sourcebooks nonfiction and Poisoned Pen Press. Anna is looking for a wide variety of books under the nonfiction umbrella, including history, narrative and prescriptive nonfiction... Read More →
avatar for Drue VanDuker

Drue VanDuker

Assistant Editor, St. Martin's Press
Drue VanDuker is an assistant editor at St. Martin's Press, where she has worked since 2022 after graduating from The University of Texas at Austin with a degree in English and a minor in Rhetoric and Writing. At SMP, she has worked across a wide range of genres, including book club... Read More →
avatar for Kelly Stone

Kelly Stone

Associate Editor, St. Martin’s Publishing Group
Kelly Stone is an associate editor at St. Martin’s Publishing Group. She joined St. Martin’s in 2021 after graduating from Cornell University with a degree in Communication. Her list consists of action-packed thrillers, rom-com/mystery mash-ups, elevated cozy mysteries, and humor-filled... Read More →
avatar for Nicole Luongo

Nicole Luongo

Associate Editor, Hachette Book Group
If you asked six-year-old me and present-day-me what a “perfect day” looked like, our answers would be identical: hot cocoa, a loaded bookstore gift card—with unlimited browsing time—mint chocolate chip ice cream, and an evening of uninterrupted reading. (I’m nothing if... Read More →
Friday April 17, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
Pikes Peak/Royal Gorge
  Business of Writing

3:15pm MDT

Editor-Agent Sweet Spot
Friday April 17, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm MDT
Pikes Peak/Royal Gorge
My Sourcebooks editor, Anna Michels and I will talk about that sweet spot between the editor and author when working on a novel, from ideas, to writing and acceptance, and finally, to covers and audio book talent.
Faculty
avatar for Reavis Z. Wortham

Reavis Z. Wortham

Keynote
NYT Bestselling author, Reavis Z. Wortham, is the recipient of many awards, including two Spur Awards from the Western Writers Association, and six Will Rogers Medallions. Kirkus Reviews listed his first novel in the historical Red River series, The Rock Hole, as one of their Top... Read More →
Agents & Editors
avatar for Anna Michels

Anna Michels

Senior Editorial Director, Sourcebooks
Anna Michels has been at Sourcebooks for more than thirteen years and is Senior Editorial Director of Sourcebooks nonfiction and Poisoned Pen Press. Anna is looking for a wide variety of books under the nonfiction umbrella, including history, narrative and prescriptive nonfiction... Read More →
Friday April 17, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm MDT
Pikes Peak/Royal Gorge
  Business of Writing

4:45pm MDT

Pitch Perfect
Friday April 17, 2026 4:45pm - 5:45pm MDT
Pikes Peak/Royal Gorge
Crafting the perfect live pitch to make the most of your one-on-one time with an agent/editor.
Agents & Editors
avatar for Cathie Hedrick-Armstrong

Cathie Hedrick-Armstrong

Literary Agent, Marsal Lyon Literary Agency
Cathie Hedrick-Armstrong is a literary agent at Marsal Lyon Literary Agency with
nearly a decade of industry experience. A life-long lover of books, Cathie enjoys
vivid memories of the exact moment she unlocked the secret code behind the
letters that, when combined, form words. Sinc... Read More →
Friday April 17, 2026 4:45pm - 5:45pm MDT
Pikes Peak/Royal Gorge
  Business of Writing

9:00pm MDT

Marketing
Friday April 17, 2026 9:00pm - 10:00pm MDT
Pikes Peak/Royal Gorge
Unwind after a full conference day and join an open, energizing discussion all about marketing your books. This relaxed after-hours session invites authors to ask candid questions, share real experiences, and explore smart, sustainable strategies with Jenny Kate, a seasoned book-marketing expert. From building an author platform to promoting backlist titles, launching new releases, optimizing newsletters, and reaching the right readers—nothing is off-limits. Bring your challenges, your wins, and your curiosity. You’ll leave with practical insights, fresh ideas, and renewed confidence to market your books effectively in today’s competitive publishing landscape.
Faculty
avatar for Jenny Kate

Jenny Kate

Director, Pike Peak Writers Conference
Jenny Kate is a professional communicator. She has been quoted by the New York Times, CNN, FoxNews, and Time Magazine, and wrote her first novel in the second grade. She is a member of Washington Romance Writers, Sisters in Crime, and freelanced for New York literary agent Ethan Ellenberg... Read More →
avatar for Susan Mitchell

Susan Mitchell

Susan Mitchell embraces folklore, ghosts and monsters. She tunes into that wavelength to write dark fiction, horror and thrillers. Her work has appeared in literary magazines and can be found in the upcoming anthology Open-Hearted Horizon from University of New Mexico Press. Originally from the East Coast, Susan calls the Southwest home and has degree in English from Northern Arizona University. She works at New Mexico PBS and served on the PBS Marketing Advisory Council. As a Multi Media Producer she has written, pr... Read More →
Friday April 17, 2026 9:00pm - 10:00pm MDT
Pikes Peak/Royal Gorge
  Business of Writing
 
Saturday, April 18
 

7:30am MDT

Morning Meditation and Writer Wellbeing
Saturday April 18, 2026 7:30am - 8:30am 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
avatar for Johnny Worthen

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 →
Saturday April 18, 2026 7:30am - 8:30am MDT
Pikes Peak/Royal Gorge
  Writing Life

8:30am MDT

Critique Like a Boss: Get the Most from Your Critique Group
Saturday April 18, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am MDT
Pikes Peak/Royal Gorge
A constructive, positive critique group may be the most overlooked (and free!) way to make your manuscript stand out in this ultra-competitive market. Learn the types of critique groups, guidelines for review sessions, tips for being an effective reviewer, and why critiquing others’ writing is one of the best ways to improve your own skills.
Faculty
avatar for Kelley J. P. Lindberg

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 →
Saturday April 18, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am MDT
Pikes Peak/Royal Gorge
  Craft of Writing

9:45am MDT

MICE Quotient
Saturday April 18, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Pikes Peak/Royal Gorge
In this workshop, we learn about the simple organizational structure of the MICE Quotient. Pretty much every story, fictional or nonfictional, can be explained through this fairly simple organizational structure. Together we learn how to make this structure work for you when writing.
Faculty
avatar for Mary Robinette Kowal

Mary Robinette Kowal

Keynote
Mary Robinette Kowal is the author of the Hugo, Nebula, and Locus award winning alternate history novel The Calculating Stars, the first book in the Lady Astronaut series which continues in 2025 with The Martian Contingency. She is also the author of The Glamourist Histories series, Ghost... Read More →
Saturday April 18, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Pikes Peak/Royal Gorge
  Craft of Writing

11:00am MDT

Book Clubs for Writers: Why and How
Saturday April 18, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Pikes Peak/Royal Gorge
Not every reader is a writer, but every writer benefits from reading. Book clubs are a fabulous way to reap the benefits of reading, studying and discussing books with readers. We'll talk about how this will improve your writing, even if you never discuss your own book or genre. We will dive into lessons taken from a few successful book clubs lasting over a decade: the mechanics of a successful group, different styles and formats for book clubs, what keeps them thriving, and what they have in common. You'll leave with a good idea of what kind of book club might work best for you, how you can expect it to improve your writing, how to set one up, and how to keep it alive after the novelty wears off.
Faculty
avatar for Taryn Skipper

Taryn Skipper

Author/artist Taryn Skipper’s publications include her science fiction novel for young adults, Between Tungsten and Gold (Sept. 2025, Splinter Press), picture and activity books for children, short stories and poetry in anthologies, cover art, and a decade of commissioned portraits and paintings. She enjoys presenting and volunteering at writing events and conferences and sits on the Storymakers G... Read More →
Saturday April 18, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Pikes Peak/Royal Gorge
  Writing Tools

2:00pm MDT

Things No One Told Me
Saturday April 18, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
Pikes Peak/Royal Gorge
It’s an informal discussion about what I learned after my first novel was accepted for publication. Writing is the easy part, but there’s a whole world of work and experiences that follow. This one is like those old-fashioned magazine articles called, “This Happened to Me.”
Faculty
avatar for Reavis Z. Wortham

Reavis Z. Wortham

Keynote
NYT Bestselling author, Reavis Z. Wortham, is the recipient of many awards, including two Spur Awards from the Western Writers Association, and six Will Rogers Medallions. Kirkus Reviews listed his first novel in the historical Red River series, The Rock Hole, as one of their Top... Read More →
Saturday April 18, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
Pikes Peak/Royal Gorge
  Writing Life

3:15pm MDT

Book Fair Business
Saturday April 18, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm MDT
Pikes Peak/Royal Gorge
Congratulations! You book has been published, and you’re ready to sell at your first book fair. Whether it’s local with only a few authors or one of the major “cons” or regional events, you’ll want your work to stand out from the crowd. How do you draw attention to yourself and your book(s)? What kind of sales pitch will bring and keep customers at your table? How do you speak about your book to the general public? In this workshop, we’ll discuss the secrets of successful sales at book fairs.
Faculty
avatar for Laurie Marr Wasmund

Laurie Marr Wasmund

Author, lost ranch books
Laurie Marr Wasmund holds an M.A. in literature from the University of Denver. She has been an editor, community college instructor, and national writing workshop presenter. Her short stories have appeared in literary magazines such as Cimarron Review and Weber Studies. She is... Read More →
Saturday April 18, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm MDT
Pikes Peak/Royal Gorge
  Business of Writing

4:45pm MDT

Inventing a New Author You
Saturday April 18, 2026 4:45pm - 5:45pm MDT
Pikes Peak/Royal Gorge
Things aren’t rolling along quite the way you’d like in your career? In this workshop, I’ll offer practical tips on identifying your goals, evaluating how your current brand meets those goals, and steps to take for launching a new brand. We’ll discuss everything from re-branding within the same pen name to modernizing your catalog’s packaging to launching an entirely separate pen name.
Faculty
avatar for Pippa Grant

Pippa Grant

Keynote
Pippa Grant wanted to write books, so she did.Before she became a USA Today and #1 Amazon bestselling romantic comedy author, she was a young military spouse who got into writing as self-therapy. That happened around the time she discovered reading romance novels, and the two eventually... Read More →
Saturday April 18, 2026 4:45pm - 5:45pm MDT
Pikes Peak/Royal Gorge
  Business of Writing
 
Sunday, April 19
 

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
avatar for Johnny Worthen

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

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
avatar for Anita Mumm

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

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
avatar for Bowen Gillings

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

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
avatar for Chris Mandeville

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
 
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Friday, April 17
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