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Registration for the 2025 Pikes Peak Writers Conference is now open!
The current schedule, like much of our writing, is a work-in-progress and is subject to change.
Sched is sponsored by Reedsy.
Type: Writing Life clear filter
Friday, May 2
 

7:30am MDT

Morning Meditation
Friday May 2, 2025 7:30am - 8:30am MDT
Pikes Peak/Royal Gorge
The Dalai Lama said, "Don't learn Buddhism to be a better better Buddhist; learn Buddhism to be a better whatever you are." I am a writer.

Join author Johnny 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.
  • Day one: Basics - the Four Noble Truths and the Eight Fold Noble path
  • Day two: Blocks - 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 is an award-winning, multiple-genre author of novels and short stories. His best-selling science fiction series Coronam beginning with Of Kings, Queens & Colonies, then Of Civilized, Saved & Savages and now complete with Of Heroes, Homes & Honey, is an award-winning... Read More →
Friday May 2, 2025 7:30am - 8:30am MDT
Pikes Peak/Royal Gorge
  Writing Life

9:45am MDT

Group Storytelling
Friday May 2, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Seven Falls
Join us in an informal group storytelling session in Zeb's Lounge. This session allows attendees the opportunity to practice the oral tradition of telling stories. Come prepared to share a story (ghost stories, adventures, or whatever else you can think of).
Agents & Editors
avatar for Steve Saffel

Steve Saffel

Editor
STEVE SAFFEL has been an editor at Marvel Comics, Del Rey Books, Perseus Books, and Titan Entertainment, working on science fiction, fantasy, horror, and licensed fiction, with a focus on the author’s voice, pacing, clarity, career path, concept development, and creating fiction... Read More →
Friday May 2, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Seven Falls
  Writing Life

11:00am MDT

Unleash Your Inner Author Confidence: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
Friday May 2, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Palmer
Do you ever find yourself doubting your abilities as a writer—even in the midst of your accomplishments? Whether you’re an aspiring author or a seasoned pro, many of us struggle with imposter syndrome, a common but often hidden challenge in the writing world. Join award-winning and USA TODAY Bestselling author, Jennie Marts, in this workshop designed to help you recognize, confront, and triumph over imposter syndrome. She'll teach you how to recognize the signs of imposter syndrome and offer strategies to silence your inner critic and boost your confidence to overcome self-doubt and unleash your full creative potential.
Faculty
avatar for Jennie Marts

Jennie Marts

Jennie Marts is the USA Today Best-selling author of award-winning books filled with love, laughter, and always a happily ever after. Readers call her books “laugh out loud” funny and the “perfect mix of romance, humor, and steam.” Fic Central claimed one of her books was... Read More →
Friday May 2, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Palmer
  Writing Life

2:00pm MDT

Neurodivergence & Writing
Friday May 2, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
Pikes Peak/Royal Gorge
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.
Faculty
avatar for Shannon Lawrence

Shannon Lawrence

A fan of all things fantastical and frightening, Shannon Lawrence writes primarily horror and fantasy. Her short stories can be found in over sixty anthologies and magazines in addition to her collections. Her nonfiction title, The Business of Short Stories, and debut urban fantasy... Read More →
Friday May 2, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
Pikes Peak/Royal Gorge
  Writing Life

3:15pm MDT

Refilling Your Creative Well
Friday May 2, 2025 3:15pm - 4:15pm MDT
Douglas
Productivity gurus talk about time management, but we don’t often talk about ENERGY management, especially when it comes to the chaotic and unpredictable energy of creativity. Even if you’re a master of scheduling your life and have set aside plenty of time for writing, what happens when you find your creative well has run dry? How often do we hear writing advice about putting your butt in the chair, your hands on the keyboard, and making sure inspiration strikes from 9 to 5 every day? While that advice is well-intentioned, it treats writers like machines and can easily lead to burnout. Learning to manage your energy and refill your creative well is an essential skill for any writer who wants to make it in this New-York-hustle industry—without running themselves into the ground.
Faculty
avatar for James Persichetti

James Persichetti

Editor, Author, Lost Hat Editorial Services
James Persichetti is a writer, freelance editor, and rock climber who enjoys writing about queer characters going on adventures. He earned an English degree at Regis University and studied Arthurian legends, where he drew inspiration for his debut graphic novel, A Tale of Two Knights... Read More →
Friday May 2, 2025 3:15pm - 4:15pm MDT
Douglas
  Writing Life

4:45pm MDT

A Crash Course on Critique
Friday May 2, 2025 4:45pm - 5:45pm MDT
El Paso
Every writer needs a good editing team. Learn how to get the advice that gets results, and how to help other writers make their work shine.
Faculty
avatar for Christina Allen

Christina Allen

President-Elect, League of Utah Writers
Christina Allen (publishing as C.W. Allen) is a Midwestern transplant to rural Utah where she serves as the President-Elect of the League of Utah Writers. She writes long stories for children and short stories for former children. She is also a frequent guest presenter at writing... Read More →
Friday May 2, 2025 4:45pm - 5:45pm MDT
El Paso
  Writing Life

9:00pm MDT

Mysteries, Monsters & Mayhem
Friday May 2, 2025 9:00pm - 10:00pm MDT
El Paso
Ever wanted to see a podcast recorded in real time? Join Shannon & MB as we record an episode of our true crime podcast with an author guest from PPWC 2025.
Faculty
avatar for MB Partlow

MB Partlow

MB Partlow is a Colorado transplant who has written for the CS Indy, the Gazette, and Pikes Peak Parent, most prolifically in the area of food reviews, and also writes for Rocky Mountain Reader. She is co-host of the Mysteries, Monsters, & Mayhem podcast with Shannon Lawrence, which... Read More →
avatar for Shannon Lawrence

Shannon Lawrence

A fan of all things fantastical and frightening, Shannon Lawrence writes primarily horror and fantasy. Her short stories can be found in over sixty anthologies and magazines in addition to her collections. Her nonfiction title, The Business of Short Stories, and debut urban fantasy... Read More →
Friday May 2, 2025 9:00pm - 10:00pm MDT
El Paso
  Writing Life
 
Saturday, May 3
 

7:30am MDT

Morning Meditation
Saturday May 3, 2025 7:30am - 8:30am MDT
Pikes Peak/Royal Gorge
The Dalai Lama said, "Don't learn Buddhism to be a better better Buddhist; learn Buddhism to be a better whatever you are." I am a writer.

Join author Johnny 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.
  • Day one: Basics - the Four Noble Truths and the Eight Fold Noble path
  • Day two: Blocks - 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 is an award-winning, multiple-genre author of novels and short stories. His best-selling science fiction series Coronam beginning with Of Kings, Queens & Colonies, then Of Civilized, Saved & Savages and now complete with Of Heroes, Homes & Honey, is an award-winning... Read More →
Saturday May 3, 2025 7:30am - 8:30am MDT
Pikes Peak/Royal Gorge
  Writing Life

3:15pm MDT

What are Mentors Meant For?
Saturday May 3, 2025 3:15pm - 4:15pm MDT
Academy/Palmer
What does it mean to "stand on the shoulders of giants?" Mentors in writing, as much as in our daily lives, are tremendously important. How do you find a mentor? What does a mentor/mentee relationship look like? This presentation walks participants through defining mentors, their relationships, and how to find them.
Faculty
avatar for Kevin Ikenberry

Kevin Ikenberry

Author, Speaker
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 →
Saturday May 3, 2025 3:15pm - 4:15pm MDT
Academy/Palmer
  Writing Life
 
Sunday, May 4
 

8:00am MDT

Morning Meditation
Sunday May 4, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am MDT
Pikes Peak/Royal Gorge
The Dalai Lama said, "Don't learn Buddhism to be a better better Buddhist; learn Buddhism to be a better whatever you are." I am a writer.

Join author Johnny 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.
  • Day one: Basics - the Four Noble Truths and the Eight Fold Noble path
  • Day two: Blocks - 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 is an award-winning, multiple-genre author of novels and short stories. His best-selling science fiction series Coronam beginning with Of Kings, Queens & Colonies, then Of Civilized, Saved & Savages and now complete with Of Heroes, Homes & Honey, is an award-winning... Read More →
Sunday May 4, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am MDT
Pikes Peak/Royal Gorge
  Writing Life

10:15am MDT

Excavating Inspiration in Unlikely Places
Sunday May 4, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am MDT
Academy/Palmer
Writers need inspiration. Where do we find it? This workshop puts a new spin on research encouraging writers to look in unlikely places from the weird corners of the internet to thrift stores, music and the open road. We'll talk about mining the gold in everyday experiences, and how the seeds of inspiration just need a little light to grow. Then we'll do an exercise and share our results.
Faculty
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... Read More →
Sunday May 4, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am MDT
Academy/Palmer
  Writing Life

11:30am MDT

So You Went to a Writers Conference, Now What?
Sunday May 4, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm MDT
Douglas
Learn how to use post-conference energy to propel your writing forward. So, you’re home from the writers conference and it feels a little like you’ve left Hogwarts. You’ve met so many people. You’ve taken in all the workshops you could. You’ve taken copious notes. You’ve made new friends, maybe even had a pitch appointment, and were asked for pages (OMG!). Kim will show you how to take advantage of the heady after-conference atmosphere and use it to create momentum toward making your writing dreams happen.
Faculty
avatar for Kim Olgren

Kim Olgren

Kim Olgren is a Book Fest award-winning, internationally-selling author and author of the cozy mystery, Flipped – A Jillian McElroy Flipping Mystery (written as Kimberly Olgren). Flipping houses can be murder. As Jillian soon finds out when she buys her first house for renovation... Read More →
Sunday May 4, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm MDT
Douglas
  Writing Life
 
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