Pikes Peak Writers Conference 2025

If every action has an equal reaction, so should our scenes. That reaction is found in the sequel of our stories. We will cover the three steps of sequel, where is shows up in our scenes, and how it is the key to binding together the deeper aspects of storytelling like character growth, subtext, and theme.

One of the most challenging goals in commercial fiction is knowing what to include and what to exclude in a first chapter. In this craft-oriented workshop we'll focus on examples that strike the right balance between exposition and action (in medias res).

What is voice? It is often talked about but rarely clearly described. This presentation will break down what voice is and how it functions in prose. The tools taught will help you shift generic exposition and prose into character-driven voice with the use of language, metaphor, simile, and character point-of-view. It will cover how voice functions in first person vs. third person, and include exercises to help you discover your own unique voice for your writing.

Neurodivergent brains are wired differently, so tips for writing don't always work the same for NDs. Often, the standard tips just need to be tweaked to find productive approaches. Learning how to adapt NT methods to your needs can go a long way in helping you find the best way forward so you can stop worrying about how to get things done and start writing.