There is nothing more incredible to me than watching children at play. The way they shed their inhibitions, dream fearlessly. We’ve all been there, wide-eyed with wonder as we Page 2: Page 11: imagine a world full of potential. That’s the very essence of Volunteer Acknowledgements Stretch, Breathe, Move Sessions dreamers. We see past the barriers of impossibility, look General Schedule Colorado Springs Marriott beyond what is, and see what could be. Page 3: The artists, dancers, musicians and, of course, the writers, Page 12: Query 1-on-1 Friday Sessions 1 & 2 all keep that sense of wonder throughout their lives. We don’t Read & Critique Recording Advisement allow the power of imagination to slip away with our youth. Author Headshots We don’t just dream when we sleep, we do so when we are Audio Recordings Page 13: wide awake. We see the world through open eyes, and, more Flash Fiction Contest Friday Session 3 & 4 importantly, through open minds. Use Your Breaks We also understand that a dream is nothing unless we Page 4: summon the courage to chase it. After all, it is a very brave 2016 Keynote Speakers Page 14: Book signing Friday Session 5 thing to forego what most perceive as normal and dare to be Non-Conference Events something more. We also realize one very important aspect of Page 5: Scholarships life…the world needs dreamers. 2016 Acquiring Editors I am truly honored to be director of this year’s conference. Page 15: You will often hear me use the word ‘family’, because that’s Page 6: Saturday Sessions 6 & 7 what this organization has come to be for me. Never have I 2016 Acquiring Agents been surrounded by so many people who share my passion, Page 16: Page 7 Saturday Session 8 share my dreams. The people I’ve met have become more than 2016 Conference Faculty Code of Conduct a network. They are my friends, my support group, and inspire Library (Quiet Room) every word I write. I hope you leave this conference feeling Page 17: like part of a community that understands who you are and Page 8: Saturday Sessions 9 & 10 what you are doing. 2016 Conference Faculty My advice to you… take one or two workshops that are a Page 18: Page 9: little out of your wheelhouse. Say hello to as many new faces Saturday Session 11 2016 Conference Faculty The Zebulon Fiction Contest as you can. Make the most of the weekend by filling every Water Stations moment possible with a memory. Spend the weekend around Page 19: other writers, and even better, allow yourself to live as a writer. Page 10: Sunday Sessions 12 & 13 It is truly a courageous thing you are doing, but I promise we 2016 Conference Faculty Reminders & To-Do’s are all right there with you. We can share this amazing journey Seating Info as family and friends, and together, we’ll all… About Pikes Peak Writers Page 20: Dare to Dream. Sunday Session 14 Sponsors “Welcome to the 2016 Pikes Peak Writers Conference, and thank you for spending the Connect with Pikes Peak Writers weekend with us.” www.PikesPeakWriters.com www.facebook.com/PikesPeakWriters Jason P. Henry Conference Director @PikesPeakWrite 2016 Pikes Peak Writers Conference Tweet live from conference with #PPWC2016
2016 PPW CONFERENCE STAFF 2016 PPW BOARD OF DIRECTORS Pikes Peak Writers is an Conference Director: Jason Henry organization with many President: J.T. Evans Programming Director: Susan Mitchell activities throughout the Vice President: M.B. Partlow Admin Director: Shannon Lawrence year. There are Write Secretary: Stacy Jensen Ballroom Coordinator: Rebecca Davis Brians, Open Critiques, Treasurer: Shannon Lawrence Ballroom Assistant: Jade Goodnough Writer’s Nights, and of Member at Large: Karen Fox Book Signing Coordinator: Laura Hayden course, the Pikes Peak Member at Large: Patrick Hester Fundraising Coordinator: Stacy Jensen Writers Conference. Member at Large: Donnell Bell Proofreader: Bonnie Hagan Member at Large: Joel Quevillon Green Room Coordinator: Torie Fox-Phillips None of these events Member at Large: Charise Simpson Signs Coordinator: Pam Goodhue would take place without Immediate Past President: Laura Hayden Emcee: Becky Clark the passion and dedication On-site Contest Coordinator: Deb Courtney of our many volunteers. Security Coordinator: Jason Henry These incredible people Allergy Coordinator: Charise Simpson donate their time and, 2016 NON-CONFERENCE VOLUNTEERS Awards Coordinator: Jennifer Webster-Vallant collectively, give hundreds Handouts Coordinator: Charise Simpson of hours every year to NCE Director: Jennifer LaPointe Registrar: Karen Fox make our organization PR Director: Susan Mitchell Reg Desk Coordinator: Karen Fox great. Blog Managing Editor: Donnell Bell Scholarships Coordinator: Bonnie Hagan Community Calendar: Jade Goodnough Survey Coordinator: Jennifer Rose From the veterans who Photographer: Jared Hagan Volunteer Task Coordinator: Debbie Allen have been around awhile to PPLD Liaison: Michelle Baker Bookstore Coordinator: Michelle Baker the newcomers who are Traditional Media Coordinator: Susan Mitchell Consignment Volunteer: Kristi Lloyd just joining our team, Webmaster: J.T. Evans Bookstore Supervisor: Laura Reeve THANK YOU for the energy Assistant Webmaster: Jennifer LaPointe Moderator Coordinator: Deb Courtney and commitment you give Zebulon Contest Director: Dawn Smit-Miller Query 1-on-1 Coordinator: Ashley Bazer to help make Pikes Peak Writers Night Host: Deb Courtney R&C Coordinator: Kameron Claire Writers thrive. Open Critique Host: Donnell Bell Transportation Coordinator: M.B. Partlow A/V Coordinator: Sergey Barbotko Your hard work and your Podcast Producer: Patrick Hester love of writing mean everything to us. FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2016 SATURDAY, APRIL 16, 2016 SUNDAY, APRIL 17, 2016 Registration opens 7:30am. Breakfast from 7:00am – 8:00am Breakfast from 8:00am – 9:00am in the ballroom Newcomer’s Orientation Session 12: 9:00am – 10:00am 8:00am – 8:30am in Aspen Leaf Session 6: 8:00am – 9:00am Session 13: 10:10am – 11:10am Session 1: 8:45am – 9:45am Session 7: 9:10am – 10:10am Session 14: 11:20am – 12:20pm Session 2: 10:00am – 11:00am Session 8: 10:20am – 11:20am Farewell lunch with Kevin J. Anderson Welcome Lunch with Joe R. Lansdale Lunch with Rachel Caine 12:35pm in the ballroom 11:35am-1:15pm in the ballroom 11:50am – 1:30pm in the ballroom
Session 3: 1:45pm – 2:45pm Session 9: 1:50pm – 2:50pm SPECIAL NOTE: Session 4: 2:55pm – 3:55pm Session 10: 3:00pm – 4:00pm If you purchased an AUDIO Afternoon Break: 3:55pm – 4:25pm Afternoon Break: 4:00pm – 4:30pm RECORDING flash drive, they will be available for pickup in the Session 5: 4:25pm – 5:25pm Special Session 11: 4:50pm – 5:30pm bookstore immediately following
lunch on Sunday. If you do not Dinner with Wendy Corsi Staub Book Signing in Aspen Leaf 6:45pm in the ballroom 4:30pm – 6:00pm pick your recording up on Sunday, it will be mailed to you. Awards Banquet with Jeff Lindsay 7:00pm in the ballroom
2016 Pikes Peak Writers Conference: Dare to Dream All Query 1-on-1 appointments will be held on READ & CRITIQUE appointments will take place on Saturday. Take the elevator to the second floor where Friday. Check your badge holder for your appointment you will be greeted by our terrific Query staff. Check card, where you will find your R&C type, appointment your badge holder for your appointment card. This card time, and meeting location. Turn this card and your is very important, as it contains all the necessary details. pages in to the session moderator when you arrive. Also, You will need to hand this card and two copies of your be sure to arrive on time so you are not disturbing an properly formatted, one-page query letter to the Query active session. If you no longer want your appointment, desk when you check in. Be sure to arrive early. If you or if you have questions, visit the front desk before no longer want your appointment, or if you have lunch on Friday. questions, please visit the front desk before end of sessions on Friday. And remember… R&C 123 Take a deep breath and relax! Appointment only. Your first page will be read aloud by a designated reader. An agent, an editor, and a published author will offer their thoughts and suggestions. These sessions are open to attendees who wish to observe. For this type of R&C, you should bring FOUR copies of If you’ve ever considered professional photos for your your properly formatted first page. author press package or platform, you know that they are not always affordable. We decided to help you with that. R&C X For the incredible price of $50 you can have a 25 minute Appointment only. For this type of appointment, you photo shoot with our very own photographer, Jared will get valuable feedback from an agent or editor that is Hagan. You will walk away with a terrific portfolio of assigned to you based on genre. This type of session is author photos that you keep rights to. If you are open to attendees who wish to observe. For R&C X, you interested in signing up, visit the bookstore as soon as will need to bring THREE copies of your properly possible. This is a fabulous deal with a limited number formatted first page. of appointments that fill up quickly. And remember, half the proceeds go to the PPWC Scholarship fund! R&C AUTHOR Appointment only. This is a private session for a small group of attendees who requested an appointment and were assigned to a published author for critique. The attendee will read aloud the first two pages of their On-Site Fiction Contest manuscript to get feedback from an author who has knowledge in that group’s genre(s). Bring TWO copies DARE TO DREAM! of your properly formatted, first two pages. Before banquet on Saturday, submit your original story (of up to 200 words) that best captures the theme of this year’s conference: Dare to Dream. Please note: Stories in which the entire plot IS a dream will be disqualified. We want you to be Did you forget to order an audio recording when you creative and dream big! registered for conference? No worries. You can still Turn your entries in at the registration desk. visit the bookstore to purchase a flash drive that will Judging is blind, so please attach a second piece of contain audio recordings of most of our conference paper to your entry in such a way that your name is sessions. Our recordings are a great way to attend obscured. workshops stress free, without feeling like you’re Entries with names visible will be disqualified as missing something in another session. Attend what excites the most, then listen to the others after well. Visit the registration desk to see the list of conference. Flash drives will be available onsite for the prizes. All winners will be announced during the price of $80 and will be distributed after lunch on farewell lunch on Sunday. Sunday. Check your conference schedule to see exactly Good luck! which sessions will be recorded.
2016 Pikes Peak Writers Conference: Dare to Dream KEVIN J. ANDERSON
Kevin has published over 125 books, more than fifty of which have been national or international best sellers. He has written numerous novels in the Star Wars, X-Files, and Dune universes, as well as a unique steampunk fantasy novel, Clockwork Angels. His original works include the Saga of the Seven Guns series, the Terra Incognita fantasy trilogy, the Saga of Shadows trilogy, and his humorous horror series featuring Dan Shamble, Zombie P.I. Kevin has edited numerous anthologies including the Five by Five and Blood Life Series.
RACHEL CAINE
Rachel is the New York Times best-selling author of more than 40 novels and many short stories including fantasy, urban fantasy, science fiction, young adult fiction, mystery, thriller, and horror. Her notable series include The Morganville Vampires, Weather Warden, Revivalist, Red Letter Days, and the Outcast Season novels. She graduated from Socorro High School in El Paso, Texas, and earned a Bachelor in Business Administration degree from Texas Tech University. She published her first short story in 1990, and her first novel in 1991.
JOE R. LANSDALE
A Champion Mojo Storyteller, Joe is the author of over 40 novels and numerous short stories. His work has appeared in national anthologies, magazines, collections, and numerous foreign publications. He has written for comics, television, film, newspapers, and internet sites. Joe has received the Edgar Award, eight Bram Stoker awards, the Horror Writers Association Lifetime Achievement Award, the British Fantasy award and many more. He is also a member of both the United States and International Martial Arts Halls of Fame.
JEFF LINDSAY
Jeff is the award-winning author of the New York Times best-selling ‘Dexter’ novels upon which the international hit TV show ‘Dexter’ is based. His books appear in forty-two languages around the world. Although a full-time writer now, he has worked as an actor, comic, director, MC, bouncer, teacher, DJ, singer, songwriter, composer, musician, sportscaster, dishwasher, teacher, and many, many more. He has also taught writing and screenwriting at the University level and has written twenty-two plays – several of them musicals.
WENDY CORSI STAUB
Wendy is the award-winning author of more than 80 novels, best known for her single title psychological suspense novels. Those, and the women’s fiction she writes under the pseudonym Wendy Markham, frequently appear on the New York Times, USA Today, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Bookscan best-seller lists. A two-time finalist for the prestigious Simon and Schuster Mary Higgins Clark Award, Wendy has won the 2008 RT Award for Career Achievement in Suspense and many other awards since selling her first novel in 1992.
We hope you will join us in Aspen Leaf on Saturday for the conference book signing. Our fantastic keynote speakers,
as well as the rest of our published faculty, will be present to sign copies of their books. You are welcome to bring editions from home, but are also encouraged to visit the conference bookstore where many titles will be available. Please limit titles to TWO per author for the signing so that everyone has a chance to meet our wonderful faculty. Also note that this year’s signing is NOT open to the public.
2016 Pikes Peak Writers Conference: Dare to Dream
ANNIE BERGER CAITLIN DAREFF (Sourcebooks) (St. Martin’s Press)
Annie started out as an In New York by way of North editorial assistant at Simon & Carolina, Caitlin Dareff Schuster’s Aladdin imprint. attended UNC-Chapel Hill There she worked with authors where she majored in Spanish Brandon Mull, Rachel Renee and Anthropology and Russell,and Lauren Bernholdt. minored in Creative Writing. She was the editor for both the middle grade and Most at home surrounded by books and people who chapter book Nancy Drew series and the middle grade love them, she worked at an independent bookstore Hardy Boy series. Annie also signed debut authors Jen before entering the wonderful world of publishing as Malone’s At Your Service and Gail Nall’s Breaking the an intern at Algonquin Books in Chapel Hill. Now an Ice. Now an associate editor at HarperCollins, Annie Assistant Editor at St. Martin’s Press, Caitlin is on the is delighted to be editing both middle grade and teen, lookout for both fiction and nonfiction. She’s and works with authors such as Jen Malone (YA debut especially interested in literary/book club fiction, Wanderlost), Kristen Kittscher (The Tiara on the fiction with an edge of suspense, upmarket women’s Terrace), Gail Nall (Exit Stage Left), Jo Whittmore fiction, and offbeat contemporary young adult. In (the Confidentially Yours series), and Diane Zahler. terms of nonfiction, she has her eye out for quirky Annie also assists with best-selling authors Gail memoir with humor and heart as well as pop culture Carson Levine, Lauren Oliver, and Rita Williams nonfiction about music and art. When it comes down Garcia. You can follow Annie Berger on Twitter to it, she loves writing that makes you believe that @EditorALB. every story is worth telling—it’s just in how you tell it.
JENNIFER LETWACK STEVE SAFFEL (Thomas Dunne Books) (Titan Books)
Jennifer Letwack is an Steve is Senior Acquisitions assistant editor at Thomas Editor at Titan Books, the Dunne/St. Martin’s press. She world’s premiere popular is interested in creative and culture publisher. Some of his detailed world building, recent and upcoming projects complex, diverse characters, and strong heroines. On include the military science fiction series Virtues of War by Bennett Coles, the dark urban fantasy the non-fiction side, she is interested in histories Conspiracy of Angels by Michelle Belanger, the heroic focused on dynamic personalities in American history, fantasy Robin Hood: Mark of the Black Arrow by as well as her two non-literary loves, feminism and Debbie Vigue and James Tuck, a Cthulhu vs. Sherlock video games. Holmes trilogy by Lois Gresh, the Alien: Rage War SF epic that crosses between Predator, Alien, and Alien Jennifer is looking to acquire: Fantasy (dark, vs. Predator, the mystery novel Mycroft Holmes by high/epic, historical fantasy); Historical; Science Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Anna Waterhouse, new Fiction (all types); YA and New Adult (fantasy, fiction for Dishonored by Adam Christopher and science fiction); Adult Nonfiction (biography–focus Batman: Arkham Knight by Alex Irvine and Marv on women, cooking–baking specifically, historical Wolfman, and The Art of Robert E. McGinnis by narrative). Robert E. McGinnis and Art Scott. 2016 Pikes Peak Writers Conference: Dare to Dream Melissa is a graduate of Washington University in St. Louis and Vanderbilt Law School. While Melissa began her career as a litigation attorney, she always maintained aspirations to work in publishing. Melissa’s tastes range from classic Victorian literature to hard-boiled crime dramas. She is interested in reading international thrillers with likeable and arresting protagonists, light-hearted women’s fiction and YA, female driven suspense, and completely immersive fantasy. Ultimately, Melissa is looking for a book that will keep her glued to the couch all day and night.
Linda was an associate agent at Jennifer De Chiara agency since 2011, until recently moving to Emerald City. Prior to that she interned at Folio Literary, The McVeigh Agency, Jean V. Naggar Literary Agency, and Meryl Zegarek Public Relations. Linda represents picture books, middle grade, young adult, and children’s non-fiction. Linda is looking for literary and commercial fiction, mysteries, speculative fiction, and projects that use magical realism. She is actively seeking to represent projects that give voice to work by and about all kinds of marginalized people.
Angie is a talent scout, accepting on behalf of Kristin Nelson. She graduated from the University of Denver Publishing Institute in 2002 and earned an M.A. in English from Colorado State University in 2010. She’s worked as an editorial assistant at Colorado Review, as a project manager for a publisher of resources for educators, and as an editor in the magazine industry. She loves teaching classes of interest to writers—everything from writing craft and information design to query-letter boot camps and royalties-auditing workshops.
Several years in the editorial department at Random House’s Colorado division provided Renee with the opportunity to work with bestselling and debut authors alike. She moved to KT Literary in 2013 to cultivate her passion for YA literature. Drawing on her editorial experience, she loves digging into client manuscripts and helping authors shape the best story possible. Renee makes her home in Phoenix, AZ with her husband and two small children. You can follow her on Twitter @Renee_Nyen.
Alec majored in English at Brown University, and he put his degree to use immediately by moving to Los Angeles after graduation to become a professional stunt man. Realizing he prefers books to breakaway glass, he moved to New York City in 2008 to pursue a career in publishing. Alec quickly found a home at Writers House where he worked under Jodi Reamer and Amy Berkower on a large number of YA and adult titles. Alec is looking for a broad range of genres to expand his client list. You can follow him on Twitter via the handle @alecdshane.
Elaine entered the publishing industry after realizing she didn’t want to spend the rest of her life as an Economist. Elaine keeps a focused client list as it is most important to her to be able to work closely with her clients through each step of the publishing process, from a manuscript’s inception, all the way through publication, promotion, and beyond. She enjoys seeing her clients grow as authors, and one of her favorite parts of the job is working side-by-side with her clients to educate them not only about the process but also about the business at large.
Suzie represents all brands of children’s and adult fiction. She is actively looking to build her list. In adult, she is specifically looking for new adult, romance (all subgenres), fantasy (urban, science fiction, steampunk, and epic), and crime fiction (mysteries and thrillers). In children’s she loves YA (all subgenres) and is dying to find great Middle Grade projects. Suzie loves strong characters and voice driven stories that break out of the typical tropes of their genres.
2016 Pikes Peak Writers Conference: Dare to Dream Jerry Ackerman is a Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Denver, Colorado where he supervises a National Security squad and Evidence Response Team (FBI's crime scene investigators). As Alistair Kimble, he co-wrote Iron Angels, a police procedural with science fiction underpinnings with Eric Flint, which will be published by Baen Books. His short fiction can be found in the Fantastic Detectives anthology edited by Kristine Kathryn Rusch, and the Grantville Gazette.
Jodi Anderson Jodi Anderson is a published author with Harlequin and Bell Bridge Books. With a background that includes magazing/newspaper writing, novels, and novellas, Jodi is currently a teacher, writes fiction, presents workshops for writers and uses any opportunity to gain control of a microphone in front of a captive audience.
Carol Berg Former software engineer Carol Berg’s fourteen epic fantasy novels have won multiple Colorado Book Awards, the Prism Award, the Geffen Award, and the Mythopoeic Fantasy Award for Adult Literature. Starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Kirkus Reviews call her work things like captvating, intelligent, and superbly realized. Her newest fantasy/mystery duology began with Dust and Light in August 2014 and concludes with Ash and Silver in 2015. Carol writes, camps, hikes, and bikes in Colorado.
Becky Clark is the seventh of eight kids, which explains both her insatiable need for attention and her atrocious table manners. She likes to read funny books, so it felt natural to write them, too. Her newest titles are Banana Bamboozle and Marshmallow Mayhem. She surrounds herself with quirky people and pets who end up as characters in her books. Her stout-hearted dog keeps her safe from menacing squirrels and autumn leaves, but not plastic bags. Those things are terrifying.
Evangeline Denmark writes stories with hints of whimsy, glimmers of fantasy, and strokes of the supernatural. Her young adult steampunk fantasy, CURIO (Blink, 2016), sets coming of age and first love against the backdrop of steam-propelled greed and societal repression. She lives in Colorado in a house stuffed full of animals and creative people that would surely go to ruin were it not for the watchful eye of a cattle dog named Willie.
Jason Dias is a doctor of clinical psychology with fifteen years experience working with adults who experience developmental disabilities, four years with adults experiencing severe states in psychiatric settings, and three years of psychotherapy and clinical counseling. These days he teaches for Pikes Peak Community College and Saybrook University, supervises Chinese counseling students via the Zhi Mian Institute for International Existential Psychology (which he co-founded), and writes a column for aNewDomain.com alongside his novels.
J.T. Evans writes fantasy novels. He also dabbles with science fiction and horror short stories. He is the president of Pikes Peak Writers. When not writing, he keeps computers secure at the Day Job, homebrews great beers, spends time with his family, and plays way too many card/board/role-playing games. He originally spawned in the desert-ridden lands of West Texas, but got out of there as soon as he could at the “tender” age of 23. After a year in San Antonio and a year in the northern tundra of Montana, he landed in the Colorado Springs area.
Warren Hammond grew up in the Hudson River Valley of New York State. Upon obtaining his teaching degree from the University at Albany, he moved to Colorado, and settled in Denver where he can often be found typing away at one of the local coffee shops. Warren Hammond is the author of the gritty, futuristic KOP trilogy and TIDES OF MARITINIA. A 2013 Colorado Book Award winner, he is hard at work on a new series. Always eager to see new places, Warren has traveled extensively and he's always up for a new adventure.
NEED AN ESCAPE FROM THE HUSTLE AND BUSTLE? Whether this is your first conference, or your twentieth, things can sometimes be a little overwhelming. With everything going on, you may find that you need a little downtime to reenergize. We would like to suggest the library. Follow the map in your pocket schedule to this walled off room near the Zebulon Grill. It is the perfect place to wind down, talk with a friend, or maybe jot down that new idea inspired by a special moment at conference. Don’t feel like you have to stay in the fray. We all need to escape once in awhile.
2016 Pikes Peak Writers Conference: Dare to Dream Lisa Hawker authored the thriller THE DROWNING GAME and WITNESS IMPULSE. She’s won first place in the inaugural Zebulon awards, and in the Paul Gillette Memorial Contest. She finaled in the Colorado Gold contest, Write Stuff Contest, the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award, and the Delacorte First Young Adult Novel contest. Visit LSHawker.com to view THE DROWNING GAME trailer and read about her adventures as a cocktail waitress, traveling Kmart portrait photographer, and witness to basement exorcisms.
Laura Hayden As an attendee and bookstore volunteer at the very first PPWC, Laura won the writing contest (a forerunner to the Paul Gillette/ Zebulon) and sold that winning manuscript to an attending editor. She's published thirteen novels since and several short stories. She served as the first Pikes Peak Writers president and eight-time PPWC Director. After years of military moves, Laura now lives in her hometown in Alabama where, besides writing, she owns Author, Author! and co-owns Parker Hayden Media. (http://ParkerHaydenMedia.com)
Jason P. Henry may be exploring his dark side as he writes Romance but, most likely, he’s lost in a world of serial killers, psychopaths, and other unsavory folks. After all, his happy place is plotting a murder, considering the next victim, or twisting seemingly innocent things into dark and demented ideas. Primarily a Suspense, Thriller and Horror writer with a dark, twisted sense of humor, Jason strives to make people squirm, cringe, and laugh. He loves to offer a smile, but is quick to leave you wondering what lies behind it.
Kevin Ikenberry has had his head in the clouds since he was old enough to read. Ask him and he'll tell you that he still wants to be an astronaut. Kevin has a diverse background in space and space science education. Kevin’s science fiction and horror short fiction has appeared internationally through Andromeda Spaceways Inflight Magazine, Mindflights, Twisted Dreams Magazine and several anthologies. His debut novel, Sleeper Protocol, is slated for a January 2016 release from Red Adept Publishing.
Julie Kazimer (J.A. Kazimer) is a writer living in Denver, CO. Novels include CURSES! A F***ed-Up Fairy Tale, Holy Socks & Dirtier Demons, Dope Sick: A Love Story, Froggy Style, The Assassin's Heart, and The Fairyland Murders. Kazimer spent a few years spilling drinks on people as a bartender and then wasted another few years stalking people while working as a private investigator in the Denver area. You can find her, much too often, online at jakazimer.com.
DeAnna Knippling types at over 10,000 words per minute and has been officially constrained from drinking Ovaltine since a tragic incident involving a monopoly game, blender, cemetery, and a school play. DeAnna is a general nerd and freelance writer, editor, and designer living in Colorado, with her husband, daughter, cat, more than one cupboard full of various condiments, and many shelves full of the very best books. She has her own indie small press, WonderlandPress.com.
Shannon Lawrence A fan of all things fantastical and frightening, Shannon Lawrence writes primarily horror and fantasy. Her stories can be found in anthologies and magazines, including Under the Bed, Devolution Z, and The Deep Dark Woods. When she's not writing, she's hiking through the wilds of Colorado and photographing her magnificent surroundings, where, coincidentally, there's always a place to hide a body or birth a monster.
Michelle Major is published by Harlequin and grateful to have found her passion writing stories with happy endings. She writes contemporary romances that are both sweet and a little sexy. She lives in Colorado with one great husband, two beautiful kids, a few furry pets and several well-behaved reptiles
Pam McCutcheon is the author of romance novels and how-to books for writers under her own name, and the Demon Underground YA urban fantasy series under the name Parker Blue. Pam’s latest releases are an updated e- book version of her popular Writing the Fiction Synopsis, as well as e-book versions of her romance backlist. Parker’s sixth Demon Underground book, Catch Me, is coming out in early 2015 from Bell Bridge Books.
2016 Pikes Peak Writers Conference: Dare to Dream Susan Mitchell has a degree in English from Northern Arizona University. Her work has appeared in literary magazines including George and Mertie’s Place, Poetry Motel, The Gathering Storm, and Wordwrights. She writes, produces and directs local television. She has written and produced projects for TLC, regional ABC, NBC and CBS affiliates. She enjoys helping writers grow their marketing arsenal. Susan is also completing work on a darkly humorous horror series and a bone chilling screenplay.
Anita Mumm is a freelance novel editor based in Denver. Before starting Mumm’s the Word Editing & Critique Services, she worked in submissions and foreign rights at Nelson Literary Agency. Her editing clients include traditionally published and indie authors at all levels of experience, from international best-sellers to first time novelists. In addition to her editing projects, Anita frequently teaches classes and workshops about writing and publishing, both online and in person. Visit www.anitamumm.com for more information.
M.B. Partlow tries to inject her off-center sense of humor into everything. She writes mostly speculative fiction with forays into mystery and women’s fiction. Her first paid gig was for the A&E department of The Independent. She’s written a parenting column for Pikes Peak Parent and restaurant reviews for the Indpendent and The Gazette. She’s a longtime volunteer for PPW, having done everything from stacking chairs to Conference Director to serving on the board. She reads voraciously and thinks making up stories is the greatest job in the world.
Magdalena Anya Rakoczy has a background in high ceremonial magic and Hoodoo (conjure work.) She is a Magus Mortem in the Ordo Tenebrae Astrum and has a practice incorporating all types of spellwork. Magdalena is the author of two published horror stories, and has written a series of paranormal romantic suspense books which incorporate elements of occult arcana.
Aaron Michael Ritchey is the author of The Never Prayer, Long Live the Suicide King, and Elizabeth’s Midnight. His G.I. Joe inspired novella was an Amazon bestseller in Kindle Worlds and “The Dirges of Percival Lewand” was part of The Best of Penny Dread Tales anthology published through WordFire Press. His upcoming young adult sci-fi/western epic series will also be published through WordFire Press. In 2015, his second novel won the Building the Dream award for best YA novel.
Judith Robbins Rose is an Award-winning playwright/ novelist/journalist. Her debut novel LOOK BOTH WAYS IN THE BARRIO BLANCO was released in2015 and selected by the American Booksellers Association for its NEW VOICES program. It received the 2015 INK Award for best YA/Children's novel. Judy was the 2015 INK Writer of the Year. Her experiences include writing for TV, radio and print, acting, directing and standup comedy. She received the Governor's STAR AWARD for diversity programming.
M.L. Rowland spent twelve years on a busy mountain Search and Rescue team in Southern California. She participated in over 500 search and rescue missions and trainings. Many of the location descriptions and incidents and the technical SAR information contained in her Gracie Kinkaid Search and Rescue Adventure Mystery novels are drawn from her own experiences and training. The first three books in her Search and Rescue Mystery Series are ZERO-DEGREE MURDER, MURDER OFF THE BEATEN PATH, and MURDER ON THE HORIZON.
Aimie K. Runyan is an author of Historical fiction whose purpose is to celebrate history's unsung heroines. Her debut novel, PROMISED TO THE CROWN, the story of three women sent by Louis XIV to help colonize his Quebec colony, releases in April, 2016 from Kensington Books. She has also published a short work of science fiction in the BRAVE NEW GIRLS anthology (all proceeds go to the Women in Engineering Scholarship Fund). She lives outside Denver with her loving husband, adorable children, and cowardly sheepdog.
Headaches, nausea, or dizziness? ARE YOU DRINKING ENOUGH WATER? You may get tired of hearing us use the word HYDRATE, but we can’t emphasize enough how important hydration is here at 6,000ft above sea- level. There are water stations throughout the venue, so please stop by them frequently. We even supplied a souvenir bottle for you to use. Fill it as often as you need and do yourself a favor, try the delicious infused waters the Marriott provides!
2016 Pikes Peak Writers Conference: Dare to Dream Angel Smits is the author of seven romance novels, the most recent five for Harlequin Super Romance. Her stories of Heart and Home have won such awards as the Romance Writers of America's Golden Heart and PPWC's Paul Gillette. Her non-fiction work has appeared in numerous publications such as WILD WEST and FRAGMENTS. Angel lives in Colorado with her husband and daughter in a big yellow house with a wrap around porch complete with its own lovely swing.
Andra Watkins is author of three books. Not Without My Father: One Woman’s 444-Mile Walk of the Natchez Trace, chronicling her walk and dysfunctional family adventure, was nominated for the 2015 National Book Award for Nonfiction. She’s one of the only living persons to walk the 10,000-year-old road. Her debut To Live Forever: An Afterlife Journey of Meriwether Lewis was published in 2014. Natchez Trace: Tracks in Time is a book of photography, shot during her 15-mile daily hikes on the Natchez Trace.
Johnny Worthen is an author, voyager, and damn fine human being! He’s writer of #1 Kindle best-selling ELEANOR, THE UNSEEN, the adult occult thriller BEATRYSEL, the award-winning mystery THE BRAND DEMAND, the genre bending comedy-noire THE FINGER TRAP, the continuation of THE UNSEEN Trilogy, with CELESTE and DAVID. Trained in stand-up comedy, modern literary criticism and cultural studies, he’s a frequent speaker, teacher and blogger. “I write what I like to read,” he says. “That guarantees me at least one fan.”
We offer many opportunities for you to meet with your favorite faculty members. Many of these opportunities occur during the various meals at conference. At lunches and dinners, reserved seats will be marked with a sign, but all other seating is open. Get in line early for your best chance at sitting with your faculty member of choice. This is a chance for you to speak with others who share interest and knowledge in the same genres as you. You may even get a chance to pitch your work to an agent or editor. But, Pikes Peak Writers, a 501(c)(3) organization, is remember, this is mealtime. Whatever happens, be polite committed to helping writers grow and thrive through and courteous and remember there are many others at the education, outreach, and community. Pikes Peak table who wish to speak as well. Writers Conference was founded in 1993 by author Jimmie Butler under the auspices and sponsorship of So how do you decide who to sit with? Who are all these faculty members? the Friends of Pikes Peak Library. After many years of successful conferences, the core group of We’ve taken some of the guess work out of it for you. All volunteers formed Pikes Peak Writers in 2001 as a faculty seats will be reserved and marked with a sign nonprofit organization dedicated to providing quality bearing identifying information. education for writers year-round. Non-conference
First and foremost will be their name. events have blossomed to more than thirty-five free and low-cost events per year. Those events include Next will be their job info: AU=Author, AG=Agent, programming, such as our free Write Brain sessions, ED=Editor, PUB=Publisher and SPEC=Specialist. periodic writing workshops, and a host of other fun and educational meetings and events. Membership in We have also included their genres: Ro=Romance, Wo=Women’s, Mys=Mystery, Thr=Thriller, PPW is growing, and it’s now free to join! Sus=Suspense, SF=SciFi, Hor=Horror, UF=Urban Fantasy, YA=Young Adult, MG=Middle Grade, His=Historical, Visit the Official blog of Pikes Peak Writers: Wes=Western. Lit=Literary, Mem=Memoir, Fan=Fantasy, Insp=Inspirational, NA=New Adult, NF=Non-fiction, WRITING FROM THE PEAK Poet=Poetry PikesPeakWriters.blogspot.com
2016 Pikes Peak Writers Conference: Dare to Dream WHERE: Marriott Lobby (By wall with windows)
Friday: 5:40pm to 6:00pm (Session A)
Saturday 7:30am to 7:50am (Session A) 4:30pm to 5:00pm (Session B) 5:00pm to 5:30pm (Session C)
Sunday 8:15am to 8:45am (Session A)
Dare to Dream of good health and writing success!
SESSION A: Simple techniques to help writers care for their body through gentle movement, focused breathing and stretches. To combat the sedentary positions of writing, rest and reset the mind to reach even higher levels of creativity, and increase energy. Beneficial for everyone regardless of fitness level.
SESSION B: This 30 minute session features simple, strength-building movements that create focus. Suitable for any fitness level. Bring a yoga mat or large towel and wear comfortable clothing you can move in. This session can be combined with the restorative session immediately following.
SESSION C: This 30 minute session features deep stretching and techniques that help your mind relax as well as your body. Suitable for any fitness level. Bring a yoga mat or large towel and wear comfortable clothing you can move in. This session can be combined with the one preceding it. THE COLORADO SPRINGS MARRIOTT Our Home Away From Home…
Pikes Peak Writers Conference is thrilled to return to the Colorado Springs Marriott for the twenty-third consecutive year. The Marriott has been like a home away from home, and its staff are as much a part of our family as our attendees. With the beautiful Pikes Peak to the west, it is indeed a picturesque and inspiring venue. This year, the Marriott has undergone a major renovation. The inside is nearly as beautiful and serene as its 14,000ft back drop. We hope you enjoy your stay and explore the many facilities offered by the Marriott. And please remember to thank the Marriott staff for all they do.
2016 Pikes Peak Writers Conference: Dare to Dream SESSION 1: FRIDAY 8:45am to 9:45am
READ & CRITIQUE 123 (Aspen Leaf) ALL THE WORLD’S A STAGE: Creating Vivid Settings (Salon GH) Rachel Caine, Annie Berger & Renee Nyen Presented by Carol Berg
READ & CRITIQUE X (Salon A) To bring a story to life, every scene must communicate a vivid sense of time and Suzie Townsend place. But the days of long pages of description are past. Explore the techniques of scene-setting through details of description, character, and action that will WHERE DOES MY BOOK FIT IN? A Study in Genre (Salon BC) keep your story real and immediate. Presented by Johnny Worthen THE HERO’S INNER JOURNEY (Eagle’s Nest) We’ll discuss the history of genre, its theoretical use and uselessness Presented by Michelle Major before focusing on the practical aim of genre today as a tool for marketing that uses the power of limited vocabulary to categorize art Most writers are familiar with The Hero's Journey, but what's happening on the through imitation. inside of the hero matters more than you might think. Michelle will explain how the two arcs are different and why writers need both. Attendees will walk away THIS JUST IN: Authenticity in Your Novel’s News Reports (Salon F) with a handout to help them create a complex character that readers will care Presented by Judith Robbins Rose about and keep them turning pages.
News articles or reports in your novel can be useful tools for creating a READ & CRITIQUE AUTHOR (2nd Floor Boardroom) sense of reality, urgency, and providing expository information. However, Kevin Ikenberry an inauthentic news voice can destroy the world you’re attempting to create. Learn to generate news reports that have that ring of truth, both for broadcast and print. Judith Robbins Rose is an award-winning journalist, who has experience producing, writing and editing across all media.
SESSION 2: FRIDAY 10:00am to 11:00am
READ & CRITIQUE 123 (Aspen Leaf) READER RESEARCH: Getting to know Your Reader (Salon GH) Alec Shane, Jeff Lindsay & Caitlin Dareff Presented by Julie Kazimer
READ & CIRTIQUE X (Salon A) Write for your reader. Sounds like great advice, but just how do you find out Melissa Edwards who your readers are and what they like? In this workshop, we will explore how to research each genre of readers as well as how to find out about your own DECODING BLOCKBUSTER PLOTS AND SYNOPSIS (in Salon BC) fans. First we will look at the standard 'known' about genre readers including Presented by Susan Mitchell gender and age. Then we will break those down in terms of statistic and where those readers tend to buy books and learn about books. When the workshop is Use step-outlining to get to the core of your plot in 12 essential steps and craft finished, every attendee should have an understanding of their readers and how your synopsis just like set pieces for a movie. Try the method many producers to research to find out even more use to effectively sell their movie ideas to studios. You'll learn how to use the structure of Hollywood Blockbusters to your advantage as you craft the SPECULATIVE FICTION: Subgenres and Tropes (Eagle’s Nest) structural map of your story with a step-outline and synopsis at the same time. Presented by Warren Hammond This is a great way to write with direction in mind or to examine the structure of an existing manuscript. Loaded with examples from real movies, attendees will From space opera, sword-and-sorcery, and urban fantasy to steampunk, Sci-fi, learn about story beats and how to break their project down to the most pivotal and gothic horror, the subgenres of what we call "speculative fiction" are scenes that direct the flow of their story and decode the essential elements that numerous and varied. Come learn what distinguishes one spec-fic subgenre make a super sell-able synopsis simultaneously. from another and which tropes and reader/fan expectations are unique to each. We'll also discuss how to use tropes to your advantage without lapsing into WRITING FUN! (Salon F) cliché or derivative fiction, and how to avoid overused tropes that have run their Presented by Rachel Caine course.
Writing can and should be fun! Learn tips and tricks from a bestseller in this READ & CRITIQUE AUTHOR (2nd Floor Boardroom) casual workshop. Aaron Michael Ritchey
Please note: There will be no audio and/or video recording in any workshop or other area designated for conference use without the expressed consent of the participants being recorded and the Conference Director. PPW and its staff reserve the right to request any audio/visual recording (permissive or otherwise) be ceased, and potentially deleted or erased, should they find it disruptive to conference events and/or participants, and/or should they find it to be in violation of any copyright or privacy laws.
2016 Pikes Peak Writers Conference: Dare to Dream SESSION 3: FRIDAY 1:45pm to 2:45pm
READ & CRITIQUE 123 (Aspen Leaf) GOODBYE, SLUSH PILE! The Elements of a Breakout Query Letter Suzie Townsend, Jennifer Letwack & Joe R. Lansdale (Salon GH) Presented by Anita Mumm READ & CRITIQUE X (Salon A) Linda Epstein What makes some query letters sail through the slush pile, garnering requests from agents left and right, while the majority receive a polite “no thanks”? This WHO ARE YOU? How to Write a Better Bio (Salon BC) workshop examines the key elements that set exceptional queries apart from the Presented by DeAnna Knippling pack: voice, professionalism, and the all-important hook. The presenter will draw on her experience with thousands of query letters during her work in Learn how to write effective author bios, either geared to proving your submissions at a literary agency to show what works—and what REALLY credentials during manuscript submission or to introducing readers to more of doesn’t—in the quest to impress an agent. Have you received a rejection letter your work. Applies to indie and traditionally published writers. in the past? Find out some possible reasons why. Participants are invited to bring their query letter if they have one (not required) for discussion and MEMOIR: How to Write True Stories That Make You (or Your trouble-shooting during the workshop. Characters) Squirm (Salon F) Presented by Andra Watkins BAD MOON RISING: Set the Tone Through Mood and Atmosphere (Eagle’s Nest) How much truth goes into crafting a memoir? Should the author combine Presented by Warren Hammond events, gloss over facts, portray characters in a more (or less) flattering light or make things up in an effort to move the story forward? Using her memoir Not Your character needs a voice, and so does your setting. Whether it's dark-and- Without My Father: One Woman's 444-Mile Walk of the Natchez Trace, Andra stormy or bright-and-sunny, it's time to bring your setting to life just like your will help aspiring memoir writers decide how to approach complex questions, characters. Learn to take your writing to a new level by infusing your story with difficult relationships and sticky story points. Every participant will gain mood, tone and atmosphere. concrete tools to finish a memoir that reads like a novel, something readers today prefer. Participants should come prepared with one (1) 100-word section READ & CRITIQUE AUTHOR (2nd Floor Boardroom) to be critiqued. Carol Berg
who has power and who doesn't. Finally, we'll take a close look at our READ & CRITIQUE 123 (Aspen Leaf) characters' journeys as reflected by their appearance from beginning to end of Kevin J. Anderson, Steve Saffel & Melissa Edwards the novel.
READ & CRITIQUE X (Salon A) LET’S COMMIT MURDER: Answers to Your Most Deadly Plot Points Elaine Spencer (Salon GH)
Presented by Julie Kazimer THE KID EFFECT: Strategic Use of Secondary Characters (Salon BC)
Presented by Angel Smits In this workshop, attendees will bring their murderous musings and together we
will craft a murder scenario based on the criminal mindset and rules of Kids say the darndest things, and the smart author realizes this is a useful tool evidence. for developing a story. Angel Smits, a multi-published author who specializes in heartfelt family stories, walks you through how to create and use secondary PITCH WARS 1 (Eagle’s Nest) characters that deepen the story without slowing it down, or letting them take Presented by Aaron Michael Ritchey over. This will be an interactive workshop, bring your best secondary characters and get ready to put them through the wringer. Are you passionate about your favorite book? Will you go head to head with
someone as passionate as you? Do you have the story skills to craft the plot of CREATING CONFLICT AND DEEPENING CHARACTER WITH the next mega-hit? In this battle of the minds, we’ll first start by discussing CLOTHING AND ADORNMENT (Salon F) which books are the best! The Hunger Games versus Divergent. Twilight versus Presented by Evangeline Denmark Harry Potter. The Cat in the Hat versus Winter Girls. Okay, maybe not that last
one. Then we’ll divide up in groups and each will come up with an original Issues of clothing and a character's appearance can add layers of tension to a pitch, fighting for the top spot as the world’s future bestselling phenomena! story. We'll discuss basics like building story world through clothing to more complex issues such as societal influence on appearance. Using examples from READ & CRITIQUE AUTHOR (2nd Floor Boardroom) Hunger Games and Curio, we'll talk about what clothing requirements say about Michelle Major
USE BREAK TIMES TO YOUR ADVANTAGE! One of the greatest benefits of any conference is the networking. The Pikes Peak Writers Conference is no exception. There are hundreds of other dreamers around, all sharing your passion for writing. Hang out with agents, editors, and other faculty members. Build a circle of friends that will be your professional network, your support group, your critique partners, and familiar faces at other events. Make use of any downtime by joining the crowd and meeting new people. Whether it is during breaks, or in the bar after conference hours, this is your chance to grow as a writer and become part of a fabulous community.
2016 Pikes Peak Writers Conference: Dare to Dream
HOW TO SPEAK YOUR STORY (Salon GH) READ & CRITIQUE 123 (Aspen Leaf) Presented by Andra Watkins Anita Mumm, Wendy Corsi Staub & Elaine Spencer
Andra will work with participants to help them dissect their stories and find a READ & CRITIQUE X (Salon A) universal theme that will appeal to groups. Whether for online videos, reading Alec Shane group interaction, podcasts, library programs or bookstore events, authors need
to be able to go beyond traditional readings to connect with new fans. Andra A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE PIKES PEAK will show attendees how to structure a presentation that can be offered again WRITERS CONFERENCE (Salon BC) and again. And Andra's presentations sell books. Andra will provide tips and Presented by Becky Clark & Julie Kazimer tricks to attendees for selling more books at every appearance or event.
The difference between comedy and tragedy is point of view. So how do we as PITCH WARS 2 (Eagle’s Nest) writers keep readers laughing? These top comic experts share how to make your Presented by Aaron Michael Ritchey readers laugh.
Are you passionate about your favorite book? Will you go head to head with BUILDING BLOCKS OF HORROR (Salon F) someone as passionate as you? Do you have the story skills to craft the plot of Presented by DeAnna Knippling, Shannon Lawrence, Susan Mitchell & the next mega-hit? In this battle of the minds, we’ll first start by discussing MB Partlow which books are the best! The Hunger Games versus Divergent. Twilight versus
Harry Potter. The Cat in the Hat versus Winter Girls. Okay, maybe not that last What is horror, why does it appeal to writers and readers, and where do the one. Then we’ll divide up in groups and each will come up with an original boundaries lie? How much is too much? Attend a panel discussion to get pitch, fighting for the top spot as the world’s future bestselling phenomena! multiple perspectives on horror writing techniques. Learn from four darkly creative souls how atmosphere, gore, suspense, fear and humor work in the nd horror and related genres, plus how they handle them all. READ & CRITIQUE AUTHOR (2 Floor Boardroom) Jerry Ackerman
We love to talk about the Pikes Peak Writers Conference, but did you know Pikes Peak Writers wants to extend the opportunity that Pikes Peak Writers hosts other events every month, all year long? We are happy to remind local writers (as well as those who may be in town for a to attend conference for as many passionate writers visit) of PPW Non-Conference Events. as possible. Every year, we proudly offer a limited Still hungry to learn? number of scholarships that can be applied for Write Brains are free workshops on the craft of writing, business of writing, and the writer’s life. Watch for them in Colorado Springs on the third during the open application period. There are Tuesday of (almost) every month. The next one is April 19th – yep, just two General Scholarships as well as Tech Team days after conference. Scholarships available. All options are fantastic FUN AND RELAXATION WITH IMPROV WRITING Presented by J.T. Evans opportunities to attend conference for those who
Then on, May 24th, join us for: may not have the ability to otherwise. MYSTERY STORYTELLING: Tips and Techniques Presented by Mark Stevens These scholarships are paid for by fundraising Want to hang out with other writers? efforts, and more importantly, by generous folks On the fourth Monday of every month, our free Writers Nights are two full hours discussing all things writing, laughter, and fun. While subjects are who contribute to the Pikes Peak Writers determined by the participants, the next one on April 25th is unofficially Scholarship fund. All donations are welcomed and nicknamed “Conference Decompression Session.” very much appreciated. What greater gift than Need new eyes on your work? On the first Wednesday of every month, Open Critique provides free helping someone pursue their dream? feedback on eight manuscript pages for eight writers. This is a good example of how to have a positive critique group experience. To RSVP, contact [email protected] . For more information on scholarship opportunities,
For more information on all Non-Conference events, and to submit to learn how to apply, or to find out how you can workshops for Write Brains, please visit the PPW website: make a donation, please visit the PPW website:
http://www.pikespeakwriters.com/events/ http://www.pikespeakwriters.com/scholarships/
2016 Pikes Peak Writers Conference: Dare to Dream
and marketing. This workshop will give tips and techniques for successfully MYTHBUSTING AUTHORS (Aspen Leaf) engaging with readers using many popular platforms, such as Presented by the 2016 Keynote Speakers Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+, Goodreads and blogs. Use your
introversion to your advantage to create lasting connections and make the most CRAFTY BUSINESS FOR THE WORKING WRITER (Salon A) of your time online. Presented by Carol Berg
FORESHADOWING: Give Us a Hint (Salon GH) Whether writing fiction, non-fiction, long or short, a professional writer has Presented by Johnny Worthen responsibilities to publisher, agent, reader, and self. Many are related to communication, design, and scheduling. But professional responsibility must A discussion on the importance and use of foreshadowing as a literary device. also include the craft of writing itself. This workshop will explore those Breadcrumbs and clues as a way to involve the reader in the discovery of our sometimes uncomfortable lanes where the business of writing and the craft of stories. From the “A-ha” of a mystery, to the disappointment of the deus ex writing intersect. machina, the hints lie in foreshadowing.
WRITING ON THE EDGE: The Promise and Challenge of Diversity in YA AGENT PET PEEVES (Eagle’s Nest) Literature (Salon BC) Presented by Alec Shane Presented by Judith Robbins Rose
Learn the biggest mistakes authors make when searching for an agent; an insider Discover techniques for creating edgy books for adolescents, including an shares “An Agent’s Biggest Pet Peeves” that spans not just query, but overall extended look at the need for diversity in children’s and YA literature. Explore publishing etiquette, red flags, ways to score points, how to behave at the potential pitfalls of writing outside of your own experience, and learn why conferences, in the industry and more. you should do it anyway.
QUERY 1-On-1 (2nd Floor Boardroom) INTROVERTS CAN NETWORK, TOO! How to Succeed at Social Media, By Appointment Only Even When You’re Shy (Salon F) Presented by Michelle Major
While many authors are introverts, none of us can afford to ignore social media
parchment, if you prefer. This session will go over important aspects of how and MYTHBUSTING AGENTS (Aspen Leaf) what to research, solid tools to use to find the details you need, and handy tips Presented by the 2016 Agents for keeping all your information organized. Most importantly, we will discuss
the best ways to implement your research in your work that draws the reader in HEARTS AND DAGGERS: Where’s the Love? (Salon A) to your world, but that does not bog them down with minutiae that slows the Presented by Angel Smits & Jason P. Henry pace of your book. As a bonus, we will even discuss what to do with all those
fun tidbits you learn about, but that you can’t incorporate in your novel. Having come a long way since the bodice rippers of the past, modern romance novels have great depth and solid story telling. This workshop will explore the PRINCIPLES OF INFORMATION DESIGN: Your Guide To Better various aspects of romance and how the crucial elements apply to ALL genres Marketing Materials (Salon GH) and ALL writers. Angel Smits and Jason P. Henry approach the discussion from Presented by Angie Hodapp two perspectives. Male and female. Successful author and emerging. Devoted romance writer, and a thriller writer slowly making his way to the dark side. Maximize the visual appeal of your author newsletter, website, business card, They will use examples from published works as they dare to blur genre lines. and other marketing materials. From centering body text and using fancy, After all, everyone needs love. unreadable fonts to including too many colors and neglecting white space,
you’ll learn to identify and avoid ten poor design choices nearly all non-pro
designers make. Plenty of writers design their own marketing materials, but in DEALING WITH MULTIPLE PUBLISHERS (Salon BC) just one hour, I can help you make yours looks like you spent a fortune on Presented by Kevin Ikenberry graphic-design services!
Publishers are unique animals. What happens when you have two publishers MYSTERY, SERIES AND SUSPENSE FROM A WORKING WRITER working on two different books at the same time? How can you manage their (Eagle’s Nest) expectations, get the work done, and not lose your mind? We'll discuss ways to Presented by Joe R. Lansdale handle this situation so you don't lose your creative edge while immersed in multiple edits. Come as you are and spend an hour with champion Mojo storyteller Joe
R.Lansdale! Ask Joe about how to succeed at writing, he’ll tell you one thing is A DASH OF THE PAST: How to incorporate Research Artfully in for sure, writing regularly is the key. You show up and do it regularly it will Historical Research (Salon F) always be easier than if you don't. If you say you want to write, prove it. Presented by Aimie K. Runyan
QUERY 1-On-1 (2nd Floor Boardroom) Historical books, be they literary fiction, romance, mystery, or any other genre, By Appointment Only require a good amount of research before you put pen to paper, or quill to
2016 Pikes Peak Writers Conference: Dare to Dream
factor, this is the workshop for you. Jerry Ackerman, a Special Agent with the MYTHBUSTING EDITORS (Aspen Leaf) F.B.I. in Denver, CO will use his experience to provide tips on how to imbue Presented by the 2016 Editors your work with just enough law enforcement terms and procedure to lend
authenticity. THERE’S NO CRYING IN CRITIQUE GROUPS! (Salon A)
Presented by Lisa Hawker THE DANCE OF THE DIVINE: Where Story Arc and Character Arc
Meet (Salon GH) Learning to take constructive criticism can mean the difference between a book Presented by Aaron Michael Ritchey contract and spending the rest of your days alone muttering to yourself that the publishing world is just too obtuse to recognize your brilliance. This workshop In the very best stories, characters who grow and change move us even as the will give you the tools—and the rhino hide—to use criticism to improve your plot catapults us into overwhelming drama. We turn the page to see what writing and your chances of getting published. happens, and after the dragon is slain, the characters continue to haunt us. In this Points covered include how to: workshop, you will learn how to use plot to build characters, and how to use
characters to build plot. For truly, when authors do this well, it is the dance of BUILDING FICTIONAL CHARACTERS FROM THE INSIDE OUT the divine. After going over examples of various story structure models, we’ll (Salon BC) delve into how story structure can also support character arcs. At the same time, Presented by M.L. Rowland the events of the story should stem from the characters: what they most need to
learn, what they most fear, what they most desire. In this way, we craft the story In order to create memorable, well-rounded fictional characters that come alive to bring out the best (or worst) in our characters which will also move the story on the page, writers need to know their characters inside and out--not only their along. physical characteristics, but their histories and backgrounds regardless of whether those details ever show up on the page. They need to know their STORY (Eagle’s Nest) characters’ likes and dislikes, their personalities, how they talk, their inflections, Presented by Jeff Lindsay their affectations, how they react in certain situations. This is a fun, interactive,
“hands-on" work session designed to help writers “think outside the box” when Story: It starts with sort of a magic trick; one story from the morning creating and developing characters. This presentation is appropriate for newspaper. then we go thru step by step showing how you would develop it for beginners and for more experienced writers who are looking for new tools for different media: fireside story, stand-up, song, theatrical play, novel, film script, their writing toolboxes. and so on. I have done all these things, and I would like to share my perspective
on how the approach is different with each. LAW ENFORCEMENT FOR WRITERS (Salon F)
Presented by Jerry Ackerman QUERY 1-On-1 (2nd Floor Boardroom)
By Appointment Only Television is great, but does not often show real world techniques and concepts. If you are a writer who wants to get past the T.V. entertainment and 'wow'
At Pikes Peak Writers Conference, we strive to provide the best experience possible. We pride ourselves on an event that is enjoyable, educational, friendly, and safe for our Faculty, Staff, Volunteers, and Attendees. By attending or becoming involved with Pikes Peak Writers Conference in any capacity, you agree that you have read this policy and will adhere to it. We thank you for helping to ensure Pikes Peak Writers Conference will be a success for all. PPWC has many facets. It is about networking, learning, discussions, interactions, and so much more. We at Pikes Peak Writers are strong advocates for the continued growth and success of both aspiring and accomplished writers of all genres. We encourage our attendees, staff, and faculty to meet new people, build friendships, and develop professional relationships within an exceptional writing community. However, all social interactions come with certain responsibilities. Whether you are engaging with other attendees, staff, or guest faculty (authors, agents, editors, publishers, presenters, etc.) we ask that you do so with the utmost courtesy and professionalism. HARASSMENT of any type will not be tolerated. Harassment will be defined as any action, behavior, or language causing any person or persons to feel threatened, uncomfortable, unsafe, or offended. This includes, but will not be limited to, unwanted physical contact, threats of physical violence, sexual advances, any form of verbal insult, or demeaning of character. There will be zero tolerance for compromising any person’s enjoyment of PPWC. Should anyone suggest or demonstrate a desire to be left alone, or they are uncomfortable with your interactions, it is simple: apologize, cease the offensive verbiage or action, and/or walk away. Sometimes, even the best of intentions can be misinterpreted, so always err on the side of courtesy, and respect personal boundaries (boundaries include physical being and personal belongings.) DISCRIMINATION in any form will not be tolerated. Discrimination includes, but is not limited to, the following: sexual orientation, gender, race, ethnicity, age, religion, mental/physical impairment, identity, and appearance. We are a conference open to all walks of life; as such, we expect those involved with PPWC to be respectful to all. There will be zero tolerance for any action or language that targets, excludes, or demeans any person due to their differences. RESPECT is the basic rule: Treat others with kindness, empathy, courtesy, politeness, and professionalism at all times. Always remember there are many in attendance at PPWC. When speaking with our Faculty or participating in discussions, remember others are hoping for an opportunity to do the same. Be mindful and know when to step aside, affording others an equal opportunity to be involved.
2016 Pikes Peak Writers Conference: Dare to Dream PAGE TO SCREEN: Fiction Produced for TV and Film (Aspen Leaf) SHOULD I SELF-PUBLISH (Salon F) Presented by Joe R. Lansdale & Jeff Lindsay Presented by Laura Hayden & Pam McCutcheon Podcast by Patrick Hester There’s far less stigma attached to becoming an indie author these days, but the We've all dreamed about having our work appear on the big screen or TV. Hear process of learning how to do it- or knowing even if you should do it- can two authors discuss their experience having their work adapted for television overwhelming. Laura Hayden and Pam McCutcheon of Parker Hayden Media and movies. Jeff Lindsay's a screenwriting veteran well known for the Dexter have learned the process from the ground up and will help you determine if self- series that made history on Showtime with 8 seasons and drew the largest publishing is right for you, and give you some tips and options to help with this overall audience in Showtime's history. Joe Lansdale's work has been adapted to daunting process. film for Bubba Ho Tep, Christmas with the Dead, and Cold in July and his Hap and Leonard series debuted on Sundance channel this year. EXPAND AND CONTRACT: The Dance of the Well-Paced Story (Salon GH) SYMBOLISM THEORY: Connection and Reference (Salon A) Presented by Angie Hodapp & Warren Hammond Presented by Johnny Worthen A well-paced story takes the reader on a journey over peaks and valleys of A wide reaching discussion about the foundations of language itself and the use tension and emotional complexity. Learn strategies for maximizing dramatic of symbolism to achieve deeper meaning through shared reference in writing. effect through narrative expansion (which heightens tension and creates Guaranteed to confuse and enlighten students of all levels with deconstructionist powerful emotional moments) and contraction (which allows the writer to skip emphasis on subconscious symbolic relationships and associative writing. We’ll low-tension moments, set hooks, or deliver quick dramatic punches). Expansion study how symbols are used and suggest ways to identify and harness both and contraction are complementary tools that can help the writer draft the best acquired and created symbology to strengthen our own work. possible version of his or her story.
THE HEART OF YOUR SPECULATIVE NOVEL (Salon BC) YA PANEL (Eagle’s Nest) Presented by Evangeline Denmark Presented by Rachel Caine & Elaine Spencer
This workshop looks specifically at the genres of urban fantasy, dystopian, Young Adult literature is regularly burning up the bestseller lists. Young Adult paranormal/paranormal romance and steampunk. We'll discuss keys for world- has managed to capture the passions of the teen audience and beyond over a building in each category and get down to the heart of the story. What drives the spectrum of subgenres. Ask questions and learn from a best-selling Young plot? What makes the reader hungry for more? We'll look at core elements of Adult Author and Agent that works in the genre. each category and how to keep them in focus as we write. QUERY 1-On-1 (2nd Floor Boardroom) By Appointment Only
TABOO: Everything You Were Afraid to Ask (Salon A) footage, music, and graphics to make an arresting video piece that will drive Presented by Elaine Spencer traffic to your website and, more importantly, your order page. You'll learn how to get low-cost help from college and art school film programs. We'll discuss Experience an intimate “no holds” Q&A where we’ll pass out cards for people the dos and don'ts, view effective trailers and tacky trailers, and brainstorm to write more “taboo” topics on that often times people are uncomfortable ideas for your very own video baby. asking. It’s the ultimate “things you’ve always wanted to talk about but have been too afraid to ask” scenario with a publishing professional. HOOK (Salon GH) THIS AIN’T YOUR MAMA’S ROMANCE (Salon BC) Presented by Wendy Corsi Staub Presented by Jodi Anderson Reel your readers in with a great hook! It’s important to catch your reader from Purple prose and fainting damsels waiting to be rescued? This ain't your mama's the very start but just how do you bait them? Learn tips to reveal the right romance. In today's evolving romance market, readers are looking for an edge in details in order to interest a reader and get them asking questions about the their stories. Let's give it to them. We're going to not only explore the edge, we characters involved, their motivations and the reason behind all the action to are going to jump right off of it. From paranormal to sweet to zombie love, this come. is the place to blend it and push the envelope. Not sure how to pitch that 'out of the box' book, we'll work together to help you have a response when that TIE-INS: Letting Fan Love Shine (Eagle’s Nest) editor/agent asks you where your novel belongs. Presented by Kevin J. Anderson, Kevin Ikenberry Steve Saffel Podcast by Patrick Hester
HOW TO PRODUCE A NON-CHEESY BOOK TRAILER ON THE A few years ago, writing fan fiction was just playing in someone else's world, CHEAP (Salon F) with someone else's characters. With more than twenty worlds ranging from the Presented by Lisa Hwaker fiction of Kurt Vonnegut to Hugh Howey's bestselling Silo Saga, fan fiction has a new home where writers can write, and earn royalties, for playing in someone Video gets the most clicks online, and if you're promoting a book, you want to else's backyard. Come learn how to get involved! get as many clicks as possible. Book trailers can be an attention-getting promotional tool if you do them right. My book trailer got almost 30,000 views QUERY 1-On-1 (2nd Floor Boardroom) in a month. This workshop will give you resources for royalty-free stock By Appointment Only
2016 Pikes Peak Writers Conference: Dare to Dream BOOK SIGNING from 4:30pm to 6:00pm IMPROV WRITING (Salon GH) In Aspen Leaf Presented by J.T. Evans
Please remember: bring only TWO titles per author. You are welcome to bring Improv Writing is a great way to get inspired, fuel your imagination and make books from home, and are encouraged to visit the conference bookstore. Many your writing fresh. Learn some improvisational tips and exercises to add to your faculty members will also have copies available for purchase at their respective writing arsenal with this fun and interactive workshop. signing tables. This book signing is NOT open to the public. MEET THE DIRECTOR (Eagle’s Nest) Presented by Jason P. Henry ASK A PSYCHOLOGIST (Salon F) Presented by Jason Dias There are many things that go on at writer’s conferences and the Pikes Peak Writers Conference is no exception. Behind the scenes, or in plain sight, these Ask-and-answer session. You want your characters to be believable and events are a frenzy of activity. Often, attendees have questions about why realistic. Sometimes you need professional help to deal with them. Or certain things happen, or how things are coordinated. Some attendees want to sometimes you need to know what really goes on in the therapy room, in the know how to get involved. No matter what questions you may have, this is your group, or in the psychiatric assessment. chance to ask. Join Jason Henry, the 2016 Pikes Peak Writers Conference Director, for a special Q&A. He will help unravel the mysteries of conference It's all right. I can help. Take a seat, get comfortable, and I promise not to ask and get you more informed. Don’t have a question? You are welcome to just about your mother. stop in to say ‘hello’ and hang out!
The Zebulon is the Pikes Peak A very special THANK YOU Writers fiction contest, to the 2016 VIP Judges: simulating the methods used Mainstream/Literary/Historical for submitting your manuscript st 1 Place: Santa Pimp by Maura Weiler Mainstream/Literary/Historical to agents and focusing on what nd 2 Place: Flünde by Susan Knudten MARTIN BIRO it takes to get your work 3rd Place: The Wooden Indian Resurrection by Trish Hermanson published. Kensington Books
The categories are created Middle Grade/YA Middle Grade/YA based on genre, and there are 1st Place: The Trinket Garden by Hilary Harwell LINDA EPSTEIN three winners in each. The 2nd Place: Dragon Child by Sarah Palma The Jennifer DeChiarra participants are judged based 3rd Place: Cherry Bomb by Angela Sylvaine Agency on their query letter, synopsis, and the first 2500 words of Mystery/Suspense/Thriller Mystery/Suspense/Thriller their manuscripts. 1st Place: Instrument of the Devil by Debbie Burke MELISSA EDWARDS First place winners received a 2nd Place: The Gashouse Rules by Jessica McDonald The Aaron Priest Agency free 2016 Conference (or $100 3rd Place: In Debt in Denver by Tom Farrell if not attending). Second place Romance/Women’s Fiction was awarded $40, Third Romance/Women’s Fiction CAITLIN DAREFF received $20. 1st Place: The Anachronists by Joy Meredith Macmillan/St. Martin’s Press All winners attending PPWC 2nd Place: Santa Pimp by Maura Weiler 2016 will be given priority for 3rd Place: Wait For Me by Ann Sharon Hill Science Fiction/Fantasy their Query 1-on-1 choice of STEVE SAFFEL agent or editor, and will be Science Fiction/Fantasy Titan Books
recognized at the Zebulon 1st Place: Ache by Levi Jacobs Urban Awards Banquet on Saturday 2nd Place: Carapace by Davyne DeSye Fantasy/Horror/Paranormal night of conference. 3rd Place: Words That Burn by Anthony Weineck ALEC SHANE
Keep an eye on the website for Writers House Urban Fantasy/ Horror/Paranormal your chance to enter the 2017 st contest. 1 Place: Silver Secrets by Sarah Stewart Thank you to all the contestants 2nd Place: Moonshine Tides by Nathan Ameye and judges who participated in the www.pikespeakwriters.com 3rd Place: The Bedlam Garden Society by Kiara N. Gubler 2016 Zebulon Fiction Contest!
2016 Pikes Peak Writers Conference: Dare to Dream
THE HEART OF THE MATTER: What Makes the Romance Genre to explore opportunities available in today's ever evolving writing market. Also, Succeed? (Salon A) come to find new tools to raise your productivity and focus. Presented by Angel Smits STRONG FEMALE CHARACTERS: How to Know if You’re Really How is it that the much maligned romance genre is produces $1.08 billion in Writing One (Salon GH) sales annually? How is it that over 240 authors have been listed on the major Presented by MB Partlow bestseller lists (NYT, USA Today and Publisher’s Weekly) with romance novels? What is the appeal of romance and why should you consider it as an A lot of readers enjoy a strong female character, one that can kick butt and take option? Angel Smits, author of eight romance novels, discusses what makes the names. This holds true in every genre, whether the damsel is getting herself out genre not only viable, but an enjoyable world to work in. of distress, solving her husband's murder or piloting an interstellar vessel. But there are pitfalls to writing a strong female protagonist. She can't be simply A MATTER OF PERSPECTIVE: Writing From Multiple Points of View patterned after alpha male heroes, nor can she just be loud or physically strong (Salon BC) or sexually promiscuous. Yet, she could be all of those things. Or none. Come Presented by Aimie K. Runyan prepared to examine literary heroines (with perhaps a few examples from film), and bring your own characters to learn a few tricks about how to write a strong This workshop will explore the numerous reasons for writing from multiple female who doesn't conform to someone else's stereotypes! points of view as well, as the dangers and pitfalls of this complicated structure. We will look at various techniques that have been used successfully (and not) in WORLD BUILDING: From Small Towns to Entire Universes (Eagle’s published work and will go over tips for using multiple POVs in your own Nest) work. Samples will be taken from local authors as well as international Presented by Kevin J. Anderson bestsellers. Come prepared to practice a short writing prompt! Learn about Worldbuilding from a science fiction author with over 50 KEEPING ALL THE BALLS IN THE AIR: Multiple Streams of bestsellers. From spin-off novels for Star Wars, StarCraft, Titan A.E., The X- Productivity and Revenue (Salon F) Files and more, Kevin J Anderson is a master at creating unique and believable Presented by Jodi Anderson worlds for fantastic fiction set in his own backyard, and way beyond.
With a balance of lecture, interactive exercises and feedback, join this workshop
HELP! I’M ADDICTED TO YA (Salon A) THE DATING GAME: Negotiating, Accepting and Understanding Presented by Evangeline Denmark Contracts (Salon GH) Presented by Angie Hodapp & Kevin Ikenberry In this workshop we’ll indulge our YA book habit . . . ahem, we’ll learn tricks from some of the most popular Young Adult novels and authors. The Young Love is in the air! The receipt of a contract on your work is pretty much love at Adult fiction category has exploded in recent years, with almost equal first sight. First comes courtship, then marriage, parenthood, and potentially popularity amongst teen and adult readers. Is there a formula? Common themes? divorce. The bottom line is that literary contracts are very much like a A man behind a curtain who accepts bribes? Let’s take a look at what really relationship and understanding that while there are literally countless other fish works in those addictive YA novels and discover how we can apply the same in the sea (publishers, agents, editors), wanting a fulfilling relationship can be tools to our own manuscripts. an emotional decision rather than one that makes sense. This presentation will show you how to read, understand, and accept or reject contracts and leave PASSIVE AND WEAK VOICE (Salon BC) emotion at the door. Presented by J.T. Evans THE THRIVING WRITER’S TOOLKIT: Insights and Inspiration to Keep This workshop will discuss what passive voice and “weak writing” really are. You Productive and Creative (Eagle’s Nest) The two are not synonymous. Learn how to spot both in your writing and learn Presented by Michelle Major to rephrase sentences and correct the problems. J.T. will also discuss the very rare moments when a passive sentence is acceptable. There are many aspects to thriving as a writer, from productivity to creativity to dealing with rejections and life's little (and big) distractions. Michelle will TO MAKE A LONG STORY SHORT (Salon F) provide craft-related tips and tricks, as well as proven methods for creating Presented by Shannon Lawrence energy and clearing your internal blocks. You'll come away with tools to keep you moving forward in your best life and help you become and stay a thriving Writing short stories is a fantastic (and fun) way to hone your craft. In this writer. workshop, we'll explore short stories from conception to publication. What qualifies as a short story? How do you submit? And where? We'll discuss all this and more. A Few Reminders & To-Dos - Bid on your favorite Silent Auction item. - You must present your meal ticket to attend meals. - Wear layers to ensure you’re not too hot or too cold. - Visit the Library for a quiet place to relax. - Wear your badge everywhere at conference. - Do not record workshops. - Drink plenty of water. STAY HYDRATED! - One alcoholic beverage at sea-level = TWO here! - 2016 Pikes Peak Writers Conference: Dare to Dream MYSTERY AND ITS SUB-GENRES (Salon A) 30 DAYS TO DONE (Salon GH) Presented by Jerry Ackerman Presented by Michelle Major
A look at the differences between the sub-genres of mystery and what that In this workshop, Michelle Major and Lana Williams will show you how to means for the writer and how they approach the work. Cozies, Private break through excuses and get a solid first draft of your novel done in a short Investigator, Police Procedural, Hardboiled, Noir, and Thriller will be discussed. time. We'll offer techniques for how to prepare for writing a fast first draft, setting and meeting goals while still managing your life, tips for more HERMIONE TOOK THE TIME TURNER: Real Tips for Maximizing productive writing and how to handle revisions after the draft is done. This class Writing Time (Salon BC) is for any writer who wants to increase their productivity with confidence. Presented by Aimie K. Runyan BARGAIN BOOK SITES: Make FREE Work for You (Eagle’s Nest) We don't live at Hogwarts and, sadly, we don't have access to unlimited time to Presented by Julie Kazimer pursue our craft. Nearly all of us have day jobs, families, social commitments, and myriad other obligations that keep us from the laptop. When we have an Giving away your work might make you queasy, but it can also make you rich hour, we must make the most of it, especially when deadlines loom. This and famous. In this workshop, we will discuss bargain book sites like Pixel of session will go over some practical tips for making sure the writer maximizes Ink, BookBub, and many others, and how they have skyrocketed some author's precious writing time with concrete tips involving Microsoft Office tools and careers. We will also explore book giveaways and how FREE can affect sales. other inexpensive or free software as well as some tricks to making your writing We will look at cost and best practices that support your use of these sites. space and habits as efficient as they can be. Having a laptop, tablet, or even a mobile phone with Microsoft OneNote installed will be very useful, but not THE THREE R’S: ReGroup, ReAssure & ReEnergize (Rockrimmon 3) mandatory for this session. Presented by Becky Clark
BELL, BOOK & CANDLE: Athame, Grimoire & Talisman (Salon F) Whether your first conference or your twentieth, it can be an overwhelming Presented by Magdalena Anya Rakoczy experience. Sometimes conference can be frustrating, tiring, even frightening. Didn’t get the response you wanted from that agent or editor? Not sure what to In this class, you will learn to write about the supernatural and occult in fiction do with feedback you’ve received? Questioning whether you should continue with an authentic feel. Arcane lore from Sumerian and Babylonian texts dating writing? Maybe you have been so inspired that you don’t know what to do with back to 3,000 BC all the way to the modern authors will be covered. The mantic all these new ideas? Relax. This is all part of a writer’s life. Ups and downs are arts: ritual magic, sorcery, thaumaturgy, arcanum and the science of pacts will normal. Just ask Becky Clark, a seasoned conference attendee, presenter, and be discussed. Magical objects from talismans to grimoires will be displayed author. Sit down for a quiet chat session with Becky to vent and perhaps faith in with show-and-tell. yourself and leave conference with a fresh perspective.