2024 Colorado Gold Writers Conference: Full Schedule

Welcome, writers! If you have any questions about the schedule or the conference at large, please refer to the conference website at rmfw.org/conference or email conference@rmfw.org.

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8:00am MDT

Critique Round Table

Friday September 27, 2024 8:00am - 11:30am MDT

Boardroom A

Speakers

Angie Hodapp

Director of Literary Development, Nelson Literary Agency

As an active member of the Denver literary community, Angie Hodapp has served as a board member for Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers, and she regularly teaches highly regarded writing and publishing workshops, including at Denver’s prestigious Lighthouse Writers Workshop. She is the... Read More →

Friday September 27, 2024 8:00am - 11:30am MDT
Boardroom A

Boardroom A, Pre-pay Only

Topic Restricted Event

8:00am MDT

Critique Round Table

Friday September 27, 2024 8:00am - 11:30am MDT

Boardroom B

Speakers

Nicole Luongo

Editor, Park Row Books

Nicole Luongo is an editor at Park Row Books. She joined the Park Row team in 2021, after working as an Editorial Assistant at Mango Publishing, an independent publisher based in Miami, Florida. Prior to this, she interned at Foundry Literary & Media and Pegasus Books, and she has... Read More →

Friday September 27, 2024 8:00am - 11:30am MDT
Boardroom B

Boardroom B, Pre-pay Only

Topic Restricted Event

8:00am MDT

Critique Round Table

Friday September 27, 2024 8:00am - 11:30am MDT

Boardroom C

Speakers

Mira Landry

Associate Literary Agent, Corvisiero Literary Agency

Mira Landry is an associate literary agent with Corvisiero literary agency, currently acquiring upmarket and literary YA and Adult fiction. After a decade building her own business as a photographer, she’s eager to help authors turn their art into a career. As a chair on the Rocky... Read More →

Friday September 27, 2024 8:00am - 11:30am MDT
Boardroom C

Boardroom C, Pre-pay Only

Topic Restricted Event

8:00am MDT

Critique Round Table

Friday September 27, 2024 8:00am - 11:30am MDT

Cafe Lounge

Speakers

Rachel Letofsky

Agent, Cooke McDermid Literary Management

Rachel is an agent at CookeMcDermid. She specializes in children’s literature (middle-grade and YA with some picture books), literary fiction, upmarket fiction, historical fiction, narrative-driven memoir and quirky non-fiction for adults. Her clients include National and International... Read More →

Friday September 27, 2024 8:00am - 11:30am MDT
Cafe Lounge

Café Lounge, Pre-pay Only

Topic Restricted Event

8:00am MDT

Novels 101 - Master Class

Friday September 27, 2024 8:00am - 12:00pm MDT

Conference Room III

Inspired by Discovering Story Magic, developed by Robin Perini and Laura Baker. Great stories have 12 elements this workshop identifies and draws together to create compelling fiction. Participants are encouraged to bring their own work-in-progress to use as a basis for applying the material.

Speakers

Sharon Mignerey

Author

Sharon Mignerey is one of the founding members of RMFW, which has been her writing home since the beginning. She is the author of thirteen novels in romance and women's fiction, and one non-fiction title. She holds an MFA in Writing Popular Fiction. A frequent presenter at local and... Read More →

novel writing 101 worksheet mignerey pdf

Novel Writing 101 Mignerey pdf

Friday September 27, 2024 8:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Conference Room III

Conference Room III, Pre-pay Only

Topic Restricted Event
Subject Craft

8:00am MDT

How to Self Publish Your Novel on a Budget - Master Class

Friday September 27, 2024 8:00am - 12:00pm MDT

Conference Room IV

Independently published Novels are now the norm. But how does a writer navigate the ins and outs of putting a professional-looking product on the market? More importantly, how does a writer complete this project in a timely manner without being taken advantage of, going crazy, or breaking the bank?

Speakers

Jason Evans

Author

Jason Henry Evans has been an active member in the Colorado Writing community for over ten years. He has published four novels, including his debut, the Gallowglass, which was released in July of 2019 to much acclaim. He has had a dozen short stories published and has taught writing... Read More →

Melissa Koons

Award-Winning Author

Melissa Koons has a passion for books and creative writing. She has won the Editor’s Choice Award for both her novel, Orion’s Honor, and her poetry. Melissa writes in various genres but primarily publishes historical fiction, short story horror, and poetry. Melissa works as a... Read More →

Friday September 27, 2024 8:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Conference Room IV

Conference Room IV, Pre-pay Only

Topic Restricted Event
Subject Publishing

8:00am MDT

Adrenaline Rush: How to Write Suspense Fiction - Master Class

Friday September 27, 2024 8:00am - 12:00pm MDT

Conference Room VI

John Gilstrap presents a four-hour-long seminar on the construction of intelligent suspense fiction. Through lively lectures and writing exercises, students get a peek at the skeleton that gives structure to the stories that keep us reading long into the night.

Speakers

John Gilstrap

NYT Bestselling Author

When John Gilstrap's first novel, Nathan's Run, hit the market in 1996, it set the literary world on fire. Publication rights sold in 23 countries, the movie rights were scooped up at auction by Warner Brothers, and John changed professions. A safety engineer by training and education... Read More →

Friday September 27, 2024 8:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Conference Room VI

Conference Room VI, Pre-pay Only

Topic Restricted Event
Subject Genre, Craft

8:00am MDT

Audiobooks: What The Author Needs to Know - Master Class

Friday September 27, 2024 8:00am - 12:00pm MDT

Conference Room VII

With eleven consecutive years of double-digit growth and revenues of 1.79 billion in 2022 (APA Survey, 2023), can you ignore audiobooks any longer? The workshop focuses upon audiobook production. Co-presenter and narrator, Josh Innerst, will give you insight into compelling audiobook narration.

Speakers

Tom Farrell

Author

Tom Farrell Tom Farrell has worked as a golf course starter, a chemist and clerked at City Hall in Chicago while attending law school. He is the author of The Wager Series, including Wager Tough (Book One), WagerEasy (Book Two) and Wager Smart (Book Three). Each book has received... Read More →

Susan Brooks

Editor in Chief, Literary Wanderlust

Susan Brooks is Editor-in-Chief at Literary Wanderlust. She has many years of editoral experience and a master's degree in publishing from George Washington University. SHe was on the board of directors for Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers and played many roles from 2009 through 20... Read More →

Friday September 27, 2024 8:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Conference Room VII

Conference Room VII, Pre-pay Only

Topic Restricted Event
Subject Publishing

8:00am MDT

The Middle Edit: What Happens Between the First Draft and Line Edits - Master Class

Friday September 27, 2024 8:00am - 12:00pm MDT

Conference Room VIII

This intensive workshop addresses middle stage edits when you tighten characterization, layer in themes and symbols, mirror chapters, perfect plot threads, scenes, dialogue, narration, style, action, and more. Learn to test your chapters without combing out your voice. Exercises and interaction.

Speakers

Karen A. Lin

Award Winning Author, Coach, Writer's Launchpad

Karen is a pitch and writing coach for award-winning and bestselling authors. She teaches for cruise lines and writers conferences. Many of her stories are inspired by her experience marrying into a Taiwanese family. Food is often a subplot. Mu Shu Mac & Cheese and American Moon... Read More →

Middle Edits Handout KAL docx

Friday September 27, 2024 8:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Conference Room VIII

Conference Room VIII, Pre-pay Only

Topic Restricted Event
Subject Publishing

8:00am MDT

Open Writing Space

Friday September 27, 2024 8:00am - Saturday September 28, 2024 10:30pm MDT

Foyer

Friday September 27, 2024 8:00am - Saturday September 28, 2024 10:30pm MDT
Foyer

Café Lounge

Audience Everyone
Subject Other

9:00am MDT

Pitch Desk

Friday September 27, 2024 9:00am - 12:00pm MDT

Conference Room V

If you want to change your pitch, add your name to the waitlist, or potentially seek an extra pitch, Jon Rutigliano will be at the pitch desk on from 9 a.m. to noon in Conference Room V to field such requests.

Conference (Volunteer) Staff

Jon Rutigliano

Pitch Master, VIP Liaison

Jon Christian Rutigliano's credo is that individuals naturally gravitate toward the positive energy in life, and are at their best when left to their own devices. For good or bad, his work will always explore this proposition. When not writing, you can find Jon and his wife Krissy... Read More →

Friday September 27, 2024 9:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Conference Room V

Conference Room V

9:00am MDT

Projector & Microphone Testing Room

Friday September 27, 2024 9:00am - 12:00pm MDT

Conference Room V

Friday September 27, 2024 9:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Conference Room V

Conference Room V

Topic Restricted Event
Audience Presenters

12:00pm MDT

Exhibitors

Friday September 27, 2024 12:00pm - Sunday September 29, 2024 11:00am MDT

Aurora Foyer

Sponsors

Andrews Artistry

Blue Ink Review

Crave Books

Femscribe Creative LLC

We are the communications team that gives your vision a voice. We’ll give you the whole gypsy caravan AND the kitchen sink! We collaborate, ideate, plan, brand, write, market, track, revise, record, produce, perform, network, build and party, party, party (event style to further... Read More →

League of Utah Writers

Mile-High MFA at Regis University

SunFox Financial

Our mission is to get to know and understand your needs, wants, and long-term goals. We want to help you develop, implement, and monitor a strategy that’s designed to address your individual situation.We understand the challenges families face today.From managing debt to saving... Read More →

Vellum

Writer's Block Box

Feeling like your creativity has packed up and taken a vacation? Is your desk overflowing with crumpled pages of "almost there" ideas? Sounds like you've hit the notorious wall - Writer's Block. Well, dear author, it's time to smash that wall and unleash the wordsmith within!Introducing... Read More →

Your Book is Your Hook

Friday September 27, 2024 12:00pm - Sunday September 29, 2024 11:00am MDT
Aurora Foyer

Aurora Foyer

Topic General Event
Audience Everyone

12:00pm MDT

Bookies Pop-Up Bookstore

Friday September 27, 2024 12:00pm - Sunday September 29, 2024 11:00am MDT

Aurora III

Friday September 27, 2024 12:00pm - Sunday September 29, 2024 11:00am MDT
Aurora III

Aurora III

Topic General Event
Audience Everyone

12:15pm MDT

New Attendees Welcome & Orientation

Friday September 27, 2024 12:15pm - 12:50pm MDT

Conference Room VI

Speakers

Kevin Wolf

Vice President, RMFW

Kevin Wolf needed to write a novel, but he didn’t know how. He attended his first Gold Conference in 2002, became a regular at Saturday workshops, entered contests, and critiqued with the Southwest Plaza Group. Wanting to give back, Kevin judged for the Gold, guided Conference newbies... Read More →

Friday September 27, 2024 12:15pm - 12:50pm MDT
Conference Room VI

Conference Room VI

Topic Restricted Event
Audience New Attendee
Subject Networking

1:00pm MDT

Welcome Ceremony

Friday September 27, 2024 1:00pm - 1:20pm MDT

Aurora Ballroom

Join us in the Aurora ballroom as we kick off the conference with an uplifting welcome from our president, Bernadette Soehner, and a welcome speech from our 2023 Writer of the Year, Mark Stevens, before conference programming begins at 1:30 p.m.

Expect door prizes!

Speakers

Bernadette Soehner

President, RMFW

Bestselling Author Bernadette Marie writes contemporary romances and believes in Happily Ever After. The married mother of five believes in love at first sight, quick love, and second chances. An avid martial artist, Bernadette Marie is a certified instructor and holds a second degree... Read More →

Mark Stevens

2023 Writer of The Year

Author of The Fireballer and five books in The Allison Coil Mystery Series. Short stories in Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine, Mystery Tribune, two RMFW anthologies, and others. Host of the Rocky Mountain Writer podcast. RMFW Writer of the Year (2016 and 2023). Previous RMFW President... Read More →

Friday September 27, 2024 1:00pm - 1:20pm MDT
Aurora Ballroom

Ballroom

Topic General Event
Audience Everyone
Subject Networking

1:30pm MDT

Horror Comedy: Make Your Readers Laugh & Scream

Friday September 27, 2024 1:30pm - 2:20pm MDT

Conference Room VII

Horror and comedy are both about tension, the build up and the payoff. When we meld the two together, we get the fear of the scare and the release of the laugh. Using recent TV and movies as examples, we’ll walk through how to write horror comedy. Learn to leave your readers terrified and giggling.

Speakers

Angela Sylvaine

Author

Angela Sylvaine is a self-proclaimed cheerful goth who writes speculative fiction and poetry. Her debut novel, Frost Bite, a ‘90s sci-fi horror comedy, and her debut short story collection, The Dead Spot: Stories of Lost Girls are out now. Her short fiction and poetry have appeared... Read More →

Horror Comedy Make Your Readers Laugh and Scream Handout pdf

Friday September 27, 2024 1:30pm - 2:20pm MDT
Conference Room VII

Conference Rom VII

Topic Workshop
Audience Beginner
Subject Genre, Craft

1:30pm MDT

How to Write a Synopsis Without Crying First

Friday September 27, 2024 1:30pm - 2:20pm MDT

Conference Room I

It doesn’t have to be the “Dreaded Synopsis”. It can be the efficient, well-written synopsis that highlights your premise and stand-out voice, all without making you want to give up writing. We’ll cover a Synopses Writing Recipe using Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption by Stephen King as examples.

Speakers

Mira Landry

Associate Literary Agent, Corvisiero Literary Agency

Friday September 27, 2024 1:30pm - 2:20pm MDT
Conference Room I

Conference Room I

Topic Workshop
Audience Beginner
Subject Publishing
Area Hybrid

1:30pm MDT

Unsilent Screams: Maintaining Voice and POV in Action Scenes

Friday September 27, 2024 1:30pm - 2:20pm MDT

Conference Room II

Don’t let your character lose their voice while running from monsters! We’ll go beyond the basics of good action scenes and delve into how we balance action, narration, and perspective as well as use transitions to keep the momentum up.

Speakers

Kendra Griffin

Author

Kendra Griffin is a professor, developmental editor, and author who has never met a good dog or a good underdog she didn’t love. Kendra has an MA in literature, teaches creative writing for Aims Community College, is a member of RMFW and Borderlands Writers, and edits for Status... Read More →

Unsilent ScreamsRMFW24handout pdf

Friday September 27, 2024 1:30pm - 2:20pm MDT
Conference Room II

Conference Room II

Topic Workshop
Audience Intermediate
Subject Craft
Area Hybrid

1:30pm MDT

Worldbuilding Through Combat

Friday September 27, 2024 1:30pm - 2:20pm MDT

Conference Room III

Conflict is the backbone of storytelling, and that building tension often erupts into fights. Learn how to utilize combat to reveal more of your world, its characters, and their values.

Speakers

J.E. Zarnofsky

Author

J.E. Zarnofsky is a writer, costumer, larper, and devotee of dark and heartfelt fantasy. Her debut novel, Tides of Blood, will be published in 2024 by Raven Canticle Press. Apart from her day job in software, she can be observed in her natural habitats of coffee shops, ice rinks... Read More →

Worldbuilding Through Combat pdf

Friday September 27, 2024 1:30pm - 2:20pm MDT
Conference Room III

Conference Room III

Topic Workshop
Audience Advanced
Subject Craft

1:30pm MDT

Written in The Blood

Friday September 27, 2024 1:30pm - 2:20pm MDT

Conference Room IV

Blood spatter analysis reveals information. An investigator may detect participants’ locations, weapons, direction of travel of actors, suspect’s handedness, and the ‘excitement’ of victim. This workshop will primarily focus on the basics revealed to investigators via observation.

Speakers

Laura Manuel

Retired Law Enforcement Officer

Laura Manuel was a law enforcement officer (LEO) for 21 years in Virginia & Colorado. She was a patrol officer and later an investigator in Person's crimes. Her B.A. was from the University of Michigan, M.A. and Ph.D. from UNC in Psychology. She taught Psychology and Criminal Justice... Read More →

Friday September 27, 2024 1:30pm - 2:20pm MDT
Conference Room IV

Conference Room IV

Topic Workshop
Audience Advanced
Subject Genre, Craft

1:30pm MDT

Stories in a Flash

Friday September 27, 2024 1:30pm - 3:20pm MDT

Conference Room V

Flash Fiction challenges writers to include all elements of a satisfying story but at a greatly reduced word count, leaving consumers with a whirlwind read and a memorable ending. By the end of this workshop, participants will create a work of fiction worthy of editing for possible publication.

Speakers

Laurel McHargue

Author

Laurel McHargue—a West Point grad raised near Boston—lives and laughs and publishes and podcasts in the breathtaking beauty of Colorado's Rocky Mountains. After years as an Army Officer, a mother of two sons, and an English teacher, Laurel abandoned paid employment to concentrate... Read More →

McHargue Flash Fiction Citation List RMFW 2024 Gold Conference docx

McHargue Flash Fiction Decisions to Make RMFW 2024 Gold Conference docx

McHargue Flash Fiction Genre Definitions RMFW 2024 Gold Conference docx

McHargue Flash Fiction Sentence Rewrites RMFW 2024 Gold Conference docx

McHargue Flash Fiction NYCMidnight Prompts RMFW 2024 Gold Conference docx

McHargue Flash Fiction Words to Avoid RMFW 2024 Gold Conference docx

Friday September 27, 2024 1:30pm - 3:20pm MDT
Conference Room V

Conference Room V

Topic Workshop
Audience Advanced
Subject Genre, Craft
Area Hybrid

1:30pm MDT

What Makes a Story a Romance? A Beginner's Guide to the Most Popular Fiction Genre

Friday September 27, 2024 1:30pm - 3:20pm MDT

Conference Room VI

What makes Romance a Romance, and why are stories like Gone With The Wind, Anna Karenina, and books by Nicolas Sparks not considered Romance? Join Beverly for an introductory deep dive into the genre, to include subjects like popular tropes, sub genres, characters, themes, readers, writers, the changes the genre has gone through since the early ‘90s, whether the genre is feminist or not, and why it’s the best selling genre in publishing.

Speakers

Beverly Jenkins

USA Today Bestselling Author

Although she was the editor of her elementary school’s newspaper in the 4th grade – The Myra Jones Elementary School COMET – Bev had no dreams of being a writer. Her dream job was to work in a library.She was living that dream when Avon Books called on June 3, 1993 – her husband’s... Read More →

Friday September 27, 2024 1:30pm - 3:20pm MDT
Conference Room VI

Conference Room VI

Topic Workshop
Audience Beginner
Subject Genre

1:30pm MDT

Blue Pencil Appointments

Friday September 27, 2024 1:30pm - Sunday September 29, 2024 11:00am MDT

Cafe Lounge

Friday September 27, 2024 1:30pm - Sunday September 29, 2024 11:00am MDT
Cafe Lounge

1:30pm MDT

Mentor Appointments

Friday September 27, 2024 1:30pm - Sunday September 29, 2024 11:00am MDT

Cafe Lounge

Friday September 27, 2024 1:30pm - Sunday September 29, 2024 11:00am MDT
Cafe Lounge

1:30pm MDT

Social Media Check-Up Appointments

Friday September 27, 2024 1:30pm - Sunday September 29, 2024 11:00am MDT

Cafe Lounge

Speakers

Mariah Ankenman

Bestselling Author

Bestselling author Mariah Ankenman lives in the beautiful Rocky Mountains with her two rambunctious children and loving spouse who is her own personal spell checker when her dyslexia gets the best of her. She loves sharing the skills she's learned over the years to help her fellow... Read More →

Z.S. Diamanti

Award-Winning Author

Z.S. Diamanti is the award-winning author of the Stone & Sky series, an epic fantasy adventure and the result of his love for fun and fantastical stories. His short works have been published in magazines, literary journals, newspapers, and books. He went to college for a very long... Read More →

Friday September 27, 2024 1:30pm - Sunday September 29, 2024 11:00am MDT
Cafe Lounge

2:30pm MDT

A Survivor’s Guide to Pitching: Before, During, and After the Pitch

Friday September 27, 2024 2:30pm - 3:20pm MDT

Conference Room I

Pitching your novel to an agent or editor? Great! But how should you prepare for this nerve-wracking meeting? And what happens afterwards? In this presentation, a pitch survivor reveals secrets of what to do before, during, and after your pitch to take your pitch session from awkward to awesome.

Speakers

Kelley Lindberg

Award-Winning Author

Kelley J. P. Lindberg writes award-winning fiction for adults and young adults, with stories appearing in literary magazines such as The Baltimore Review and The Citron Review, anthologies such as RMFW’s Bizarre Bazaar and Pikes Peak Writers’ Journey into Possibility, and in the... Read More →

Lindberg Survivor Guide to Pitching Handout pdf

Friday September 27, 2024 2:30pm - 3:20pm MDT
Conference Room I

Conference Room I

Topic Workshop
Audience Beginner
Subject Publishing
Area Hybrid

2:30pm MDT

Kickstarter 101: What is it? And How Can I Use It?

Friday September 27, 2024 2:30pm - 3:20pm MDT

Conference Room III

If you’re a budding (or experienced) author, you may have heard that Kickstarter is one of the best ways to launch a book. And you’ve heard correctly! In this workshop, we’ll explore what Kickstarter is, how it can fit into your author business, and resources for planning a campaign.

Speakers

Caitee Cooper

Author

Caitee Cooper is an author, mom, and chocolate enthusiast who loves all things artsy and outdoorsy. She studied psychology, music, and business management at the University of Wyoming and, together with her husband, has helped start and manage several small businesses, including her... Read More →

Luna Blooms Kickstarter Checklist Luna Blooms Kickstarter Checklist pdf

Friday September 27, 2024 2:30pm - 3:20pm MDT
Conference Room III

Conference Room III

Topic Workshop
Audience Intermediate
Subject Other

2:30pm MDT

The Truth About Swords & Armory

Friday September 27, 2024 2:30pm - 3:20pm MDT

Conference Room VII

Swords too heavy to swing? Studded leather armor? Pop culture is filled with misconceptions about armored combat throughout the ages. Learn how to defeat these fallacies and create consistency in your worldbuilding when it comes to combat, weapons, and armor.

Speakers

J.E. Zarnofsky

Author

Swords and Armor pdf

Friday September 27, 2024 2:30pm - 3:20pm MDT
Conference Room VII

Conference Room VII

Topic Workshop
Audience Beginner
Subject Genre

2:30pm MDT

Commercial, Upmarket, or Literary: Analysis of the Differences From Line Level to Marketing

Friday September 27, 2024 2:30pm - 4:20pm MDT

Conference Room IV

It’s often said “you know it when you read it”, but what really is the divide between calling something literary or commercial fiction? And how can you determine if your fiction manuscript hits one or the other, or falls in that coveted space of “Upmarket”?

Speakers

Mira Landry

Associate Literary Agent, Corvisiero Literary Agency

Friday September 27, 2024 2:30pm - 4:20pm MDT
Conference Room IV

Conference Room IV

Topic Workshop
Audience Intermediate

2:30pm MDT

Unleash Your Inner Young Muse: Crafting Middle Grade Magic – A Novel Approach to Writing for Tweens!

Friday September 27, 2024 2:30pm - 4:20pm MDT

Conference Room VIII

Bestselling authors like James Patterson, Rick Riordan, and John Grisham are flocking to write MG Books. Learn how it differs from adult books, get past gatekeepers, the essential rules for 8-12 years-olds, the art of choosing the right subject, characters, themes, AND MUCH MORE.

Speakers

Mariko Tatsumoto

Author

Mariko Tatsumoto emigrated from Japan at the age of eight and was detoured from her love of books by becoming the first Asian woman attorney in Colorado. But she found her way back to writing historical novels. AYUMI'S VIOLIN, her Middle Grade novel, and her YA novel, SWEPT AWAY... Read More →

RMFW HANDOUT how to write Middle Grade Book pdf

Friday September 27, 2024 2:30pm - 4:20pm MDT
Conference Room VIII

Conference Room VIII

Topic Workshop
Audience Intermediate
Subject Genre, Marketing

3:30pm MDT

Writing about Trauma Without Triggering the Victim

Friday September 27, 2024 3:30pm - 4:20pm MDT

Conference Room I

Reading about violence and sexual assault is difficult for readers. As authors, we hope to draw readers closer to our characters and their pain. But how can we create empathy with our readers without distressing them?In this workshop, we will discuss non-graphic approaches to triggering content.

Speakers

Nanette Gamily

Author

Nanette Gamily’s debut Native American crime fiction novel, CRY FOR THE CHILD, is represented by Josh Getlzer at HG Literary. She’s an enrolled citizen of the Cherokee Nation, a Tin House Finalist, a Regis University MFA graduate, and a guest blogger for Rocky Mountain Fiction... Read More →

Friday September 27, 2024 3:30pm - 4:20pm MDT
Conference Room I

Conference Room I

Topic Workshop
Audience Intermediate
Subject Craft, Genre

3:30pm MDT

Audiobooks in an AI World

Friday September 27, 2024 3:30pm - 4:20pm MDT

Conference Room II

Audiobooks are a great way to tap into readers who might not otherwise discover you. But this comes at a price which to offset, some authors are utilizing the cost and time savings offered by artificial intelligence. What is the impact of using AI narration on your copyright, brand, and bottom line?

Speakers

Sandra Murphy

Award-Winning Actress

Sandra Murphy is an award-winning actress who has narrated over 100 audiobooks across a wide range of genres, authors, and accents. She is sought-after for embodying uncomfortable topics, such as human trafficking, mental health issues and domestic violence. On the lighter side, Sandra... Read More →

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE RIDER V3.5 4.17.24 docx

Friday September 27, 2024 3:30pm - 4:20pm MDT
Conference Room II

Conference Room II

Topic Workshop
Audience Advanced
Subject Publishing
Area Hybrid

3:30pm MDT

Ask A Pro: PAA Panel

Friday September 27, 2024 3:30pm - 4:20pm MDT

Conference Room VI

Have you ever wanted to ask a group of professional authors anything about writing/publishing? Join the Professional Authors’ Alliance for a casual conversation with four industry pros ready to answer any and all of your questions!

Speakers

Andre Gonzalez

International Bestselling Author

Andre Gonzalez is the author of all things thriller and horror. He has penned the Wealth of Time series and the Insanity trilogy. You’ll likely find him buried under a long to-do list or his three young (and energetic) children.

Z.S. Diamanti

Award-Winning Author

Mark Stevens

2023 Writer of The Year

Stephanie Reisner

Award-Winning Author

Stephanie Reisner makes her living as a full-time writer/publisher and is published both traditionally and independently, but with focus on her successful indie career. With four pen names, she has over 40 published novels in various genres to her credit and even more novellas and... Read More →

Friday September 27, 2024 3:30pm - 4:20pm MDT
Conference Room VI

Conference Room VI

Topic Workshop
Audience Everyone
Subject Other

3:30pm MDT

The Quintessential Query

Friday September 27, 2024 3:30pm - 4:20pm MDT

Conference Room VII

This workshop outlines the dos and don’ts of the query process. It includes (1) an overview of the querying process and how it works, (2) how to find an agent, (3) how to format a query letter, (4) what information should and should not be included in a query letter, (5) and a step-by-step walk-through a sample query letter.

Speakers

Cathie Hedrick-Armstrong

Literary Agent, Marsal Lyon Literary Agency

Cathie Hedrick-Armstrong is a Literary Agent at Marsal Lyon Literary Agency, and is a member of the Association of American Literary Agents (AALA). With eight years of industry experience and a published author herself, Cathie has been on both sides of the querying process and takes... Read More →

Friday September 27, 2024 3:30pm - 4:20pm MDT
Conference Room VII

Conference Room VII

Topic Workshop
Audience Beginner
Subject Publishing

3:30pm MDT

Order in The Court

Friday September 27, 2024 3:30pm - 5:20pm MDT

Conference Room III

Court proceedings are presented: Arrest, bail, preliminary hearings, voir dire, the actual trial. Also covered expert witnesses, cross-examination, when hearsay is allowable. One should avoid counterfactual situations, although there can be excitement and plot twists in the proceedings above.

Speakers

Laura Manuel

Retired Law Enforcement Officer

Friday September 27, 2024 3:30pm - 5:20pm MDT
Conference Room III

Conference Room III

Topic Workshop
Audience Beginner
Subject Genre

3:30pm MDT

The 5 Sentence Method

Friday September 27, 2024 3:30pm - 5:20pm MDT

Conference Room V

Curious about the 5 Sentence plotting method sweeping TikTok? This plotting approach is perfect for pantsers who want to plot, or plotters who want to cut back on extensive outlines. Learn how to choose your book’s 5 sentences, then tie them to word count goals for flawless pacing. Simple and easy!

Speakers

Rebecca Thorne

Author

Rebecca Thorne has published both traditionally and independently, and uses her social media platform to educate about publishing and writing. She is best known for her sapphic cozy fantasy novel "Can't Spell Treason Without Tea." https://www.tiktok.com/@rebecca.thorne

The 5 Sentence Method Write Up docx

Friday September 27, 2024 3:30pm - 5:20pm MDT
Conference Room V

Conference Room V

Topic Workshop
Audience Advanced
Subject Craft
Area Hybrid

4:30pm MDT

Using Project Management to Write Your Novel

Friday September 27, 2024 4:30pm - 5:20pm MDT

Conference Room I

Learn how to organize your writing life using skills and techniques corporations spend millions on to complete their projects If you can’t finish your novel, don’t know where to start, or you just want to organize your life like a pro, this class was made for you.

Speakers

A. Z. Sultana

Author

A.Z. Sultana has been writing for ten years. She has a bachelor's in marketing and a master's in library science. She has had over 80 paying jobs (not gigs, actual w2 jobs or under the table) which lends her a wealth of experience in many fields as well as a misspent youth. She is... Read More →

PM for Writers docx

Friday September 27, 2024 4:30pm - 5:20pm MDT
Conference Room I

Conference Room I

Topic Workshop
Audience Beginner
Subject Productivity
Area Hybrid

4:30pm MDT

Intimacy, Consent & Sex in Fiction

Friday September 27, 2024 4:30pm - 5:20pm MDT

Conference Room II

Are you interested in writing better romantic relationships? In this session, you will learn why love, intimacy, and consent go hand in hand to build healthier, happier characters your readers will care about.

Speakers

Rachael Bush

Author

Rachael Bush published her fourth book, Love on Location, with The Wild Rose Press in 2018 under her pen name, September Roberts. As September, she writes romance that's smoking hot and always happy ever after. As Rachael, she writes the Botany for Everyone series, because everyone... Read More →

Intimacy consent and sex in fiction handout pdf

Friday September 27, 2024 4:30pm - 5:20pm MDT
Conference Room II

Conference Room II

Topic Workshop
Audience Intermediate
Subject Genre, Craft
Area Hybrid

4:30pm MDT

Keeping It Real: How Much Fiction Belongs in Historical Fiction?

Friday September 27, 2024 4:30pm - 5:20pm MDT

Conference Room IV

If your details are inaccurate, it will affect the reading experience for certain readers. But can’t some details be invented? How do you determine whether to fictionalize or be factual? Writers of historical fiction, mystery/thriller/suspense, or romance set in earlier times, let’s talk about it!

Speakers

Cynthia Swanson

NYT Bestselling Author

Cynthia Swanson is the Denver-based author of the psychological suspense novels The Bookseller (an Indie Next selection, New York Times bestseller, and winner of the WILLA Literary Award) and The Glass Forest (USA Today bestseller and noted in Forbes as being one of “Five Novels... Read More →

Handout RMFW 2024 How Much Fiction in Historical Fiction Cynthia Swanson pdf

Friday September 27, 2024 4:30pm - 5:20pm MDT
Conference Room IV

Conference Room IV

Topic Workshop
Audience Intermediate
Subject Genre

4:30pm MDT

MFA Talk

Friday September 27, 2024 4:30pm - 5:20pm MDT

Conference Room VI

Have you always wondered whether an MFA program is right for you? Not sure about residential versus low-residency options, your writing sample, cover letter, or letters of recommendation? Come to this info. session on all things MFA. We will discuss program models, benefits of an MFA, and more. Participants will have the opportunity to ask as many questions as they’d like.

Speakers

Dr. Andrea Rexilius

Program Director, Regis University

Andrea Rexilius is the author of Sister Urn (Sidebrow, 2019), New Organism: Essais (Letter Machine, 2014), Half of What They Carried Flew Away (Letter Machine, 2012), and To Be Human Is To Be A Conversation (Rescue Press, 2011), as well as the chapbooks, Séance (Coconut Books... Read More →

Friday September 27, 2024 4:30pm - 5:20pm MDT
Conference Room VI

Conference Room VI

Topic Workshop
Audience Everyone
Subject Other

4:30pm MDT

Level Up Your Writing Craft

Friday September 27, 2024 4:30pm - 5:20pm MDT

Conference Room VII

The first step toward writing success is not brand or publishing choice, but producing a story that engages, satisfies, and delights readers. Let’s look at five solid techniques to take our writing to the next level, avoiding common pitfalls and separating our fiction from the common run.

Speakers

Carol Berg

Award-Winning Author

Carol Berg writes epic, mythic, and adventure fantasy novels and short fiction under her own name and her pseudonym, Cate Glass. Her eighteen novels have won national and international awards, including four Colorado Book Awards and the Mythopoeic Fantasy Award for Adult Literature... Read More →

Friday September 27, 2024 4:30pm - 5:20pm MDT
Conference Room VII

Conference Room VII

Topic Workshop
Audience Beginner
Subject Craft

4:30pm MDT

Punched Up Pitches: Better Blurbs and Queries

Friday September 27, 2024 4:30pm - 5:20pm MDT

Conference Room VIII

Whether you are writing a query letter or back cover copy, it’s important to know how to sell your book through a concise, exciting blurb. We’ll look at winning examples and techniques to help you write a blurb that sells.

Speakers

David R. Slayton

Author

David R. Slayton (He/Him) grew up in Guthrie, Oklahoma, where finding fantasy novels was pretty challenging and finding fantasy novels with diverse characters was downright impossible. Now he lives in Denver and writes the books he always wanted to read. His debut, White Trash Warlock... Read More →

Friday September 27, 2024 4:30pm - 5:20pm MDT
Conference Room VIII

Conference Room VIII

Topic Workshop
Audience Beginner
Subject Publishing

6:30pm MDT

Writer of the Year Banquet and Keynote Address

Friday September 27, 2024 6:30pm - 8:30pm MDT

Aurora Ballroom

Friday night's banquet, hosted by Bernadette Soehner, will include a presentation of PEN Awards by our PAA Liaison, Andre Gonzalez; a speech by the 2024 RMFW Writer of the Year, Tom Farrell; and a keynote address by Bestselling Author Beverly Jenkins. Find a seat at a hosted table with one of our visiting VIP guests.

Speakers

Bernadette Soehner

President, RMFW

Andre Gonzalez

International Bestselling Author

Tom Farrell

Author

Beverly Jenkins

USA Today Bestselling Author

Friday September 27, 2024 6:30pm - 8:30pm MDT
Aurora Ballroom

Ballroom

Audience Everyone
Subject Networking

8:30pm MDT

Author Signing Event

Friday September 27, 2024 8:30pm - 10:30pm MDT

Aurora IV

After Friday's banquet, the conference bookstore expands into a book fair featuring dozens of RMFW authors and Gold presenters. Buy books and get them signed, meet writers you admire, and chat while you partake from the cash bar. NOTE: The Author Mic event will take place simultaneously in the Foyer and will offer a chance to hear first pages from works-in-progress and published novels or read from your own books or WIP. You'll never find a friendlier audience for a reading than at Colorado Gold.

Friday September 27, 2024 8:30pm - 10:30pm MDT
Aurora IV

Aurora IV

Audience Everyone
Subject Networking

8:30pm MDT

Open Mic Readings

Friday September 27, 2024 8:30pm - 10:30pm MDT

Foyer

Hosted by beloved RMFW Author, Peggy Waide, this open mic night offers a chance to hear first pages from works-in-progress and published novels, or read from your own book or WIP. You'll never find a friendlier audience for a reading than at Colorado Gold. NOTE: At the same time, the conference bookstore is hosting a book fair featuring dozens of RMFW authors and Colorado Gold presenters. Buy books and get them signed, meet writers you admire, and chat while you partake from the cash bar.

Speakers

Peggy Waide

Bestselling Author

#1 Amazon bestselling author Peggy entered her first book in the Colorado Gold. The editor offered a contract. She has published four romances with Dorchester. Montlake now publishes her books. She is shopping an amateur sleuth and a romantic suspense. She’s also been a trainer... Read More →

Friday September 27, 2024 8:30pm - 10:30pm MDT
Foyer

Foyer

Audience Everyone
Subject Networking