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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. To view the conference floor plan, select or click on map from the menu.
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Thursday, September 26
 

8:00am MDT

Traditional Publishing Bootcamp ~ Block One: Traditional Publishing Overview
Thursday September 26, 2024 8:00am - 9:50am MDT
Conference Room VII
From idea to manuscript, from published novel to reverted rights, trace a story’s typical journey across the mountains and valleys of the traditional-publishing landscape.
Speakers
avatar for Angie Hodapp

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 →
Thursday September 26, 2024 8:00am - 9:50am MDT
Conference Room VII
  Conference Room VII

8:00am MDT

Genre Fusion ~ Block One: Auto-Fiction: I is Another
Thursday September 26, 2024 8:00am - 9:50am MDT
Conference Room VIII
In this generative and discussion-based workshop, we will explore writing that fuses fiction with memoir. Through the lens of a variety of craft elements such as sequence of disclosure, intimacy & distance, persona, memory & truth, we will consider the rich constellations where self and character converge. Our guides will include Cindy Sherman, Frida Kahlo, Teresa Carmody, Steven Dunn, Addie Tsai, Selah Saterstrom, and Kathy Acker.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Andrea Rexilius

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 →
Thursday September 26, 2024 8:00am - 9:50am MDT
Conference Room VIII
  Conference Room VIII

10:00am MDT

Traditional Publishing Bootcamp ~ Block Two: Contracts and Royalties: Know Your Rights, Manage Your Money
Thursday September 26, 2024 10:00am - 11:50am MDT
Conference Room VII
Angie will put into easy-to-understand language the major sections and clauses of a typical Big Five contract. Get a peek at the full laundry list of rights and subrights (including film/TV deals) on the table during a negotiation and learn to spot red flags that mean an author should walk away. Want to understand how the money moves in publishing and learn how to read a royalty statement to catch typical Big Five accounting errors? Be sure to catch this session!
Speakers
avatar for Angie Hodapp

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 →
Thursday September 26, 2024 10:00am - 11:50am MDT
Conference Room VII
  Conference Room VII

10:00am MDT

Genre Fusion ~ Block Two: Effective Genre-Fusing Fiction
Thursday September 26, 2024 10:00am - 11:50am MDT
Conference Room VIII
Genre fusion isn’t new but with the rise of romantisies, fantasies set in space, and every burgeoning combination in-between it can be challenging for authors to combine their big, genre-spanning ideas successfully. This workshop will explore what makes genre-fusing fiction effective and how to avoid common pitfalls. We’ll also discuss where these unique works find their niche in the literary marketplace and how to play up the strengths of genre fusion when publishing.
Speakers
avatar for Alexandra Grana

Alexandra Grana

Associate Literary Agent, Corvisiero Literary Agency
Alexandra Grana represents authors of science fiction, fantasy, and horror for middle grade, young adult, and adult readers. She holds a degree in professional writing from Miami University and a JD from The University of Toledo College of Law, and now uses her legal background to... Read More →
Thursday September 26, 2024 10:00am - 11:50am MDT
Conference Room VIII
  Conference Room VIII

1:00pm MDT

Traditional Publishing Bootcamp ~ Block Three: Agents and Editors: Hook ’em Deep and Reel ’em In
Thursday September 26, 2024 1:00pm - 2:50pm MDT
Conference Room VII
By this point in the day, you’ll already have a pretty good idea what agents and editors do—and what they don’t. Now we’ll cover not only how to land an agent or editor (which includes knowing how to craft compelling pitches, query letters, synopses, and opening pages), but also how to maintain these professional relationships as your career progresses…and how to know when it might be time to break up.
Speakers
avatar for Angie Hodapp

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 →
Thursday September 26, 2024 1:00pm - 2:50pm MDT
Conference Room VII
  Conference Room VII

1:00pm MDT

Genre Fusion ~ Block Three: Genre Fusion and Hybridization: Experimenting with Literary Art Forms
Thursday September 26, 2024 1:00pm - 2:50pm MDT
Conference Room VIII
The most important part of being comfortable experimenting with genre fusion is being brave and learning the writing tools to feel comfortable creating within the forms that work best for your writing. In this two-hour workshop, we’ll learn how to fuse your own fiction with plays, poems, essays, and epistolary forms by reading examples from various writers and practicing fusion with writing exercises that allow for play combined with learning. May this be an opportunity to experiment and create your own forms without rules!
Speakers
avatar for Hillary Leftwich

Hillary Leftwich

Author, Editor
Hillary Leftwich teaches contemporary and hybrid nonfiction; lyric essays: hermit crab, collage, segmented, braided; digital storytelling; documentary poetics; poetics; fiction; environmental studies, anti-racist and contemplative andragogy, narrative medicine, and empathetic medical... Read More →
Thursday September 26, 2024 1:00pm - 2:50pm MDT
Conference Room VIII
  Conference Room VIII

3:00pm MDT

Traditional Publishing Bootcamp ~ Block Four: You Be the Agent: Live Pitch Read
Thursday September 26, 2024 3:00pm - 4:50pm MDT
Conference Room VII
Don’t miss this fun, action-packed, end-of-day session wherein you’ll be the literary agents! Angie will read aloud pitches submitted anonymously, ahead of time, by you, the audience—and you, the audience, will decide which pitches would have you scrambling to offer representation. (Everyone who registers for the Thursday Intensive will receive an email from Angie with instructions for submitting your pitch.)
Speakers
avatar for Angie Hodapp

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 →
Thursday September 26, 2024 3:00pm - 4:50pm MDT
Conference Room VII
  Conference Room VII

3:00pm MDT

Genre Fusion ~ Block Four: Love Makes the (Book) World Go ‘Round: Romance for Any Genre
Thursday September 26, 2024 3:00pm - 4:50pm MDT
Conference Room VIII
Readers love love stories. From mystery to science fiction to horror, adding a romantic subplot engages readers, deepens characterization, and ups the stakes of your conflict. Learn how to take your stories to the next level by weaving in romance with this workshop from a prolific, award-winning romance author.
Speakers
avatar for Cindi Myers

Cindi Myers

Award-Winning Author
Cindi Myers became one of the most popular people in eighth grade when she and a friend wrote and illustrated their first romance novel. It would be another couple of decades before Cindi saw her first novel published, but since then she has published over 100 novels -- historical... Read More →
Thursday September 26, 2024 3:00pm - 4:50pm MDT
Conference Room VIII
  Conference Room VIII

5:30pm MDT

Kick-Off Party
Thursday September 26, 2024 5:30pm - 7:30pm MDT
Aurora III
Thursday September 26, 2024 5:30pm - 7:30pm MDT
Aurora III
  Aurora III
 
Friday, September 27
 

8:00am MDT

Critique Round Table
Friday September 27, 2024 8:00am - 11:30am MDT
Board Room I
Speakers
avatar for Angie Hodapp

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
Board Room I
  Board Room I

8:00am MDT

Critique Round Table
Friday September 27, 2024 8:00am - 11:30am MDT
Board Room II
Speakers
avatar for Nicole Luongo

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
Board Room II
  Board Room II

8:00am MDT

Critique Round Table
Friday September 27, 2024 8:00am - 11:30am MDT
Board Room III
Speakers
avatar for Mira Landry

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
Board Room III
  Board Room III

8:00am MDT

Critique Round Table
Friday September 27, 2024 8:00am - 11:30am MDT
TBD
Speakers
avatar for Rachel Letofsky

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
TBD
  TBD

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
avatar for Sharon Migerney

Sharon Migerney

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

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
avatar for Jason Evans

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 →
avatar for Melissa Koons

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

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
avatar for John Gilstrap

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

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
avatar for Tom Farrell

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 →
avatar for Susan Brooks

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 →
avatar for Josh Innerst

Josh Innerst

Actor, Audio Book Narrator
Josh Innerst has narrated audiobooks for Penguin Random House Audio, Harper Collins Audio and others. He is the narrator for each of the books in The Wager Series by Tom Farrell. He was the recipient of an Earphone Award from AudioFile Magazine and was named as the Voice of the Month... Read More →
Friday September 27, 2024 8:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Conference Room VII
  Conference Room VII

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
avatar for Karen A. Lin

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

8:00am MDT

Open Writing Space
Friday September 27, 2024 8:00am - Saturday September 28, 2024 10:30pm MDT
Cafe Lounge
Friday September 27, 2024 8:00am - Saturday September 28, 2024 10:30pm MDT
Cafe Lounge
  Café Lounge

9:00am MDT

Projector & Microphone Testing Room
Friday September 27, 2024 9:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Aurora IV
Friday September 27, 2024 9:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Aurora IV
  Aurora IV

12:00pm MDT

Exhibitors
Friday September 27, 2024 12:00pm - Sunday September 29, 2024 11:00am MDT
Aurora Foyer
Sponsors
avatar for Andrews Artistry
avatar for Crave Books
avatar for Mile-High MFA at Regis University
avatar for Vellum
avatar for Your Book is Your Hook
Friday September 27, 2024 12:00pm - Sunday September 29, 2024 11:00am MDT
Aurora Foyer
  Aurora Foyer

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

12:15pm MDT

New Attendees Welcome & Orientation
Friday September 27, 2024 12:15pm - 12:50pm MDT
Conference Room VI
Speakers
avatar for Kevin Wolf

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

1:00pm MDT

Welcome Ceremony
Friday September 27, 2024 1:00pm - 1:20pm MDT
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
avatar for Bernadette Soehner

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 →
avatar for Mark Stevens

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
Ballroom
  Ballroom

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
avatar for Angela Sylvaine

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

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
avatar for Mira Landry

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 1:30pm - 2:20pm MDT
Conference Room I
  Conference Room I

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
avatar for Kendra Griffin

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

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
avatar for J.E. Zarnofsky

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

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
avatar for Laura Manuel

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

1:30pm MDT

Grant Writing for Authors
Friday September 27, 2024 1:30pm - 2:20pm MDT
Conference Room VIII
Learn to craft compelling grant proposals to support and sustain a writing career. Participants will develop their understanding of how grants work in the art and literary world and receive guidance on the skills necessary to research, plan, compose, and submit successful grant applications.
Speakers
avatar for Leanne Haase-Goebel

Leanne Haase-Goebel

Award-Winning Author
Leanne Haase-Goebel is an award-winning writer. She’s written and published two art books, sixteen exhibition catalogs, fifty-seven magazine articles, and more than 200 profiles and stories. She’s been awarded multiple Top of the Rockies Excellence in Journalism awards. She was... Read More →
Friday September 27, 2024 1:30pm - 2:20pm MDT
Conference Room VIII
  Conference Room VIII

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
avatar for Laurel McHargue

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

1:30pm MDT

What Makes a Story a Romance? A Beginners 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
avatar for Beverly Jenkins

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

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
avatar for Kelley Lindberg

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

2:30pm MDT

Mastering Suspense: Crafting Compelling Narratives Regardless of Genre
Friday September 27, 2024 2:30pm - 3:20pm MDT
Conference Room II
Suspense isn’t just for thrillers—it’s a fundamental element that can elevate any work of fiction or nonfiction. It’s the element in any story that creates mental uncertainty and variable outcomes that turn your readers into addicts, unable to stop turning pages regardless of your genre.
Speakers
avatar for LS Hawker

LS Hawker

USA Today Best Selling Author
LS Hawker is the author of the thrillers THE DROWNING GAME, BODY AND BONE, END OF THE ROAD, and THE THROWAWAYS. THE DROWNING GAME is a USA Today bestseller and finalist in the ITW Thriller Awards in the Best First Novel category. Her novels have been translated into eight languages... Read More →
Friday September 27, 2024 2:30pm - 3:20pm MDT
Conference Room II
  Conference Room II

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
avatar for Caitee Cooper

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

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
avatar for J.E. Zarnofsky

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

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
avatar for Mira Landry

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 2:30pm - 4:20pm MDT
Conference Room IV
  Conference Room IV

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
avatar for Mariko Tatsumoto

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

3:30pm MDT

Multi-Layered Editing: The Various Stages and Why They’re All Important
Friday September 27, 2024 3:30pm - 4:20pm MDT
Conference Room I
You’ve written your first draft. Now what? If you’ve ever wondered what to do after typing “The End” or have found yourself scratching your head at the many different kinds of edits available, this workshop is for you.
Speakers
avatar for Amber Herbert

Amber Herbert

Conference Admin, Author
Amber Herbert is a (mostly) speculative fiction author living in Colorado Springs. She holds a BA in English Literature and has worked as a freelance editor for seven years. Lipstick Covered Magnet was her first novel. She is also the current RMFW technology chair and conference admin... Read More →
avatar for Oliver Blakemore

Oliver Blakemore

Author
Oliver has been writing novels since he was twelve. He’s written fifteen books, and two of them may even be worth reading. He spent four years as a technical writer and six years in brand marketing as a content writer. His credentials include a hard head and nine Honorable Mentions... Read More →
Friday September 27, 2024 3:30pm - 4:20pm MDT
Conference Room I
  Conference Room I

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
avatar for Sandra Murphy

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

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
avatar for Andre Gonzalez

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.
avatar for Z.S. Diamanti

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 →
avatar for Mark Stevens

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 →
avatar for Stephanie Reisner

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

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
avatar for Cathie Hedrick-Armstrong

Cathie Hedrick-Armstrong

Literary Agent, Marsal Lyon Literary Agency
Cathie Hedrick-Armstrong is a Literary Agent at Marsal Lyon Literary Agency, 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

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
avatar for Laura Manuel

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 3:30pm - 5:20pm MDT
Conference Room III
  Conference Room III

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
avatar for Rebecca Thorne

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

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
avatar for A. Z. Sultana

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

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
avatar for Rachael Bush

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

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
avatar for Cynthia Swanson

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

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
avatar for Dr. Andrea Rexilius

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

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
avatar for Carol Berg

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

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
avatar for David R. Slayton

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

6:30pm MDT

Writer of the Year Banquet and Keynote Address
Friday September 27, 2024 6:30pm - 8:30pm MDT
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; and a keynote address by Bestselling Author Beverly Jenkins. Find a seat at a hosted table with one of our visiting VIP guests.

Speakers
avatar for Bernadette Soehner

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 →
avatar for Andre Gonzalez

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.
avatar for Beverly Jenkins

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 6:30pm - 8:30pm MDT
Ballroom
  Ballroom

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

8:30pm MDT

Open Mic Readings
Friday September 27, 2024 8:30pm - 10:30pm MDT
Foyer
Hosted by an RMFW author, this open mic 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. 
Friday September 27, 2024 8:30pm - 10:30pm MDT
Foyer
  Foyer
 
Saturday, September 28
 

8:00am MDT

Birds of a Feather ~ Historical Fiction
Saturday September 28, 2024 8:00am - 8:50am MDT
Boardroom A
Birds of a Feather are casual sessions between writers of the same genre hosted by an RMFW member published in that genre. Attend to ask genre-specific questions, get ideas, and/or make friends.
Speakers
avatar for Cynthia Swanson

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 →
Saturday September 28, 2024 8:00am - 8:50am MDT
Boardroom A
  Boardroom A

8:00am MDT

The Right Mind For Self-Publishing
Saturday September 28, 2024 8:00am - 8:50am MDT
Conference Room I
There’s never been an easier time to self-publish—and that’s great! But with great ease comes great risk of mistakes or assumptions. Better expectations lead to better results! Let’s walk through the mindset minefield and talk about how best to approach the fantastic opportunities we have today.
Speakers
avatar for Laura VanArendonk Baugh

Laura VanArendonk Baugh

Award-Winning Author
Laura VanArendonk Baugh writes award-winning fantasy of many flavors as well as non-fiction. She has summited extinct, dormant, and active volcanoes, but none has yet accepted her sacrifice. She lives in Indiana where she enjoys Dobermans, travel, fair-trade chocolate, and making... Read More →
Saturday September 28, 2024 8:00am - 8:50am MDT
Conference Room I
  Conference Room I

8:00am MDT

Writing Scenes With Multiple Characters
Saturday September 28, 2024 8:00am - 8:50am MDT
Conference Room II
This session will help participants understand how to craft scenes with multiple characters while also building plot and developing distinct character voices. Help your reader focus on your story, not on figuring out who is speaking!
Speakers
avatar for Kendra Griffin

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 →
Saturday September 28, 2024 8:00am - 8:50am MDT
Conference Room II
  Conference Room II

8:00am MDT

Deeper Reading for Deeper Writing
Saturday September 28, 2024 8:00am - 8:50am MDT
Conference Room III
Consciously or unconsciously meaning is hidden beneath signs and facades in literature, layered in word choice and focus. Authors can achieve deep depths of intent, layer after layer of meaning, to elevate text to literature. Through example we will explore the possibilities.
Speakers
avatar for Johnny Worthen

Johnny Worthen

Award-Winning Author
Johnny Worthen is an award-winning, multiple-genre author of novels and short stories.His best-selling science fiction series Coronam, beginning with Of Kings, Queens & Colonies, then Of Civilized, Saved & Savages and now complete with Of Heroes, Homes & Honey, is an epic tale in... Read More →
Saturday September 28, 2024 8:00am - 8:50am MDT
Conference Room III
  Conference Room III

8:00am MDT

Unlock Your Story's Inciting Incident
Saturday September 28, 2024 8:00am - 8:50am MDT
Conference Room IV
Do you know the event that kickstarts your story? Do you worry that there isn’t enough tension or conflict? In this workshop, we’ll review techniques to develop an engaging and compelling inciting incident — the crucial scene that serves as a catalyst for your protagonist.
Speakers
avatar for Jacquelin Cangro

Jacquelin Cangro

Independent Developmental Editor & Book Coach
Jacquelin Cangro worked at Penguin Random House and Simon & Schuster for more than twenty years. Now, as an independent developmental editor and book coach, she’s reviewed hundreds of novel manuscripts, providing writers with feedback to revise their stories. Her areas of interest... Read More →
Saturday September 28, 2024 8:00am - 8:50am MDT
Conference Room IV
  Conference Room IV

8:00am MDT

How to be an Author on Substack
Saturday September 28, 2024 8:00am - 8:50am MDT
Conference Room V
Jump start or refresh your writing career by publishing your novel or memoir on Substack.com. In this one-hour workshop, attendees will learn all about Substack, how to post your stories, and earn income. Plus, how using this platform can make you a better writer.
Speakers
avatar for Z.J. Czupor

Z.J. Czupor

Author
Z.J. Czupor is immediate past president of Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers and an active member of Mystery Writers of America and International Thriller Writers. In addition to writing monthly columns for Rogue Women Writers, his latest thriller, "Cut Right Through Me," and mystery... Read More →
Saturday September 28, 2024 8:00am - 8:50am MDT
Conference Room V
  Conference Room V

8:00am MDT

How to Write Like a Martial Artist
Saturday September 28, 2024 8:00am - 8:50am MDT
Conference Room VI
Writers will learn basics of self-defense, what happens to a body in a fight, and how to write action that moves the scene and doesn’t feel redundant or unrealistic. This class will cover strikes, holds, targeting and basic Jujitsu techniques and how to incorporate them into fight scenes.
Speakers
avatar for Sarah Reichert

Sarah Reichert

Author
Sarah Reichert (S.E. Reichert) is a novelist, poet, blogger, writing mentor, and herder of cats. She’s the Youth Coordinator for the Writing Heights Writers Association. She is also the webmaster for WyoPoets and a member of Wyoming Writers, Inc. Her Sweet Valley Series, a contemporary... Read More →
Saturday September 28, 2024 8:00am - 8:50am MDT
Conference Room VI
  Conference Room VI

8:00am MDT

The Power of Now
Saturday September 28, 2024 8:00am - 8:50am MDT
Conference Room VII
What is the white-hot core of character motivation? What sets your characters in motion? Why does anybody do anything? How does ink on the page make us feel something? How do we build empathy for fictional characters, both good and bad? How do you help readers connect a plausible, grounded story?
Speakers
avatar for Mark Stevens

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 →
Saturday September 28, 2024 8:00am - 8:50am MDT
Conference Room VII
  Conference Room VII

8:00am MDT

Critique Partner Speed Dating
Saturday September 28, 2024 8:00am - 9:50am MDT
Conference Room VIII
Whether you’re looking for a critique partner, a critique group or simply to network with other writers, the speed dating model is both a fun and effective way to meet new people. Spend five minutes getting to know another writer and their critique needs before moving on to the next in a safe space.
Speakers
avatar for Kate Jonuska

Kate Jonuska

Author
In addition to serving as current RMFW Conference Co-Chair, Kate is a freelance writer, indie author, and part-time yoga teacher based in Boulder, CO. Her novel, Transference, was a finalist for the BookLife Prize and a Denver Post Staff Pick, and she often teaches workshops based... Read More →
avatar for Amber Herbert

Amber Herbert

Conference Admin, Author
Amber Herbert is a (mostly) speculative fiction author living in Colorado Springs. She holds a BA in English Literature and has worked as a freelance editor for seven years. Lipstick Covered Magnet was her first novel. She is also the current RMFW technology chair and conference admin... Read More →
Saturday September 28, 2024 8:00am - 9:50am MDT
Conference Room VIII
  Conference Room VIII

9:00am MDT

Birds of a Feather ~ Science Fiction
Saturday September 28, 2024 9:00am - 9:50am MDT
Boardroom A
Birds of a Feather are casual sessions between writers of the same genre hosted by an RMFW member published in that genre. Attend to ask genre-specific questions, get ideas, and/or make friends.
Speakers
avatar for Calvin Studzinski

Calvin Studzinski

Author
Calvin Studzinski is an award-winning aerospace engineer, amateur historian, role-playing game designer, and aspiring author. As a child, Calvin was an avid reader, consuming the works of Jules Verne and J.R.R. Tolkien with equal voracity, before reading everything he could get his... Read More →
Saturday September 28, 2024 9:00am - 9:50am MDT
Boardroom A
  Boardroom A

9:00am MDT

Stay Connected to Your Readers: How to Build & Maintain a Successful Newsletter
Saturday September 28, 2024 9:00am - 9:50am MDT
Conference Room I
In this session, you’ll discover powerful techniques to grow and sustain your subscriber list effectively. In just two years, award-winning author, Kerrie Flanagan, took her newsletter list from 50 subscribers to over 5,000. Learn why newsletters are an author’s greatest asset and how to grow your list with reader magnets, newsletter swaps, list-building giveaways, and group promotions. Kerrie will also teach you how to create compelling content to keep your readers engaged and how to sustain a strong email list. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced author, this session will equip you with essential skills to build a thriving community of engaged readers through your author newsletter.
Speakers
avatar for Kerrie Flanagan

Kerrie Flanagan

Event & Outreach Manager, Crave Books
Kerrie Flanagan is an accomplished author, writing consultant, instructor, and freelance writer with over 25 years of experience in the publishing industry. As the Event  & Outreach Manager for CraveBooks, Kerrie works to connect authors with their readership and organizes CraveBooks... Read More →
Saturday September 28, 2024 9:00am - 9:50am MDT
Conference Room I
  Conference Room I

9:00am MDT

Wordsmith's Workshop: Mastering Word Choice
Saturday September 28, 2024 9:00am - 9:50am MDT
Conference Room II
Does all your dialogue begin with “Oh” or “Well”? Do you regularly avoid selecting one vivid word by using five vague ones? Have editors told you your prose needs elevating? Your problem may be poor word choices. But do not despair—it’s not fatal. Come to this workshop for the cure.
Speakers
avatar for LS Hawker

LS Hawker

USA Today Best Selling Author
LS Hawker is the author of the thrillers THE DROWNING GAME, BODY AND BONE, END OF THE ROAD, and THE THROWAWAYS. THE DROWNING GAME is a USA Today bestseller and finalist in the ITW Thriller Awards in the Best First Novel category. Her novels have been translated into eight languages... Read More →
Saturday September 28, 2024 9:00am - 9:50am MDT
Conference Room II
  Conference Room II

9:00am MDT

Writers Who Read: Language & Grammer
Saturday September 28, 2024 9:00am - 9:50am MDT
Conference Room IV
We’ve all heard that reading improves our writing. But *how* we read is just as important as *what* we read. This 1-hour workshop covers Literary Forensics techniques to analyze language and grammar found in novels, with a focus on discovering techniques we can apply to our own writing.
Speakers
avatar for Gary McBride

Gary McBride

Author
Gary McBride produces Writers Who Read, a podcast based on the novels covered at Writers Who Read LIVE!, a monthly workshop for writers in Boulder that Gary founded in May 2018. WwR applies Literary Forensics analytical reading on novels published within the past 18 months in order... Read More →
Saturday September 28, 2024 9:00am - 9:50am MDT
Conference Room IV
  Conference Room IV

9:00am MDT

Writing to Theme
Saturday September 28, 2024 9:00am - 9:50am MDT
Conference Room V
From the lighthouse of intent, to hard questions, symbols, subplots and echoes, the class will encourage the writer to plumb the depths of meaning, bleed a little, and create multiple strands of meaning in their work. Class will offer concrete examples and methods to tease out your ideas.
Speakers
avatar for Johnny Worthen

Johnny Worthen

Award-Winning Author
Johnny Worthen is an award-winning, multiple-genre author of novels and short stories.His best-selling science fiction series Coronam, beginning with Of Kings, Queens & Colonies, then Of Civilized, Saved & Savages and now complete with Of Heroes, Homes & Honey, is an epic tale in... Read More →
Saturday September 28, 2024 9:00am - 9:50am MDT
Conference Room V
  Conference Room V

9:00am MDT

Developmental Editing Concepts
Saturday September 28, 2024 9:00am - 9:50am MDT
Conference Room VI
Editing isn’t just spelling and commas. Developmental editing looks at “big picture” concepts in your manuscript and tackles topics like plot, pacing, proportion, and POV, as well as character arcs and genre norms. Get an overview of these topics and a behind-the-scenes look at a developmental edit.
Speakers
avatar for Miranda Darrow

Miranda Darrow

Author, Editor
Miranda Darrow is a freelance editor, #RevPit board member, and writer. After graduating with a degree in English (and then a law degree), she became a practicing attorney but never lost the urge to read and write fiction. Taking an in-house counsel position fifteen years ago allowed... Read More →
Saturday September 28, 2024 9:00am - 9:50am MDT
Conference Room VI
  Conference Room VI

9:00am MDT

The Science of Magic
Saturday September 28, 2024 9:00am - 9:50am MDT
Conference Room VII
If magic doesn’t have consistency and limits, then it can hurt your storytelling more than help it. When readers choose immersion in speculative fiction, they crave both grounding and imagination. Science can provide both.
Speakers
avatar for Kim Lajevardi

Kim Lajevardi

Award-Winning Author
I'm a former teacher who traded the insanity of middle school science for that of working all day, every day with my family. What could go wrong? I've written two upmarket books both of which have either won or been recognized in Rocky Mountain Fiction Writer's Gold, Pikes Peak's... Read More →
Saturday September 28, 2024 9:00am - 9:50am MDT
Conference Room VII
  Conference Room VII

9:00am MDT

Conflict: The Art & Craft of Toll & Trouble
Saturday September 28, 2024 9:00am - 10:50am MDT
Conference Room III
All stories are about trouble and the toil required of characters to overcome it. Excellent trouble is at 2 levels: the external story that is measurable with a satisfying ending; the internal story based upon fears and motivations that sets this character’s trouble apart from all others.
Speakers
avatar for Sharon Migerney

Sharon Migerney

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 →
Saturday September 28, 2024 9:00am - 10:50am MDT
Conference Room III
  Conference Room III

10:00am MDT

Birds of a Feather ~ Kid Lit
Saturday September 28, 2024 10:00am - 10:50am MDT
Boardroom A
Birds of a Feather are casual sessions between writers of the same genre hosted by an RMFW member published in that genre. Attend to ask genre-specific questions, get ideas, and/or make friends.
Speakers
avatar for Christina Allen

Christina Allen

Award-Winning Author
Christina Allen (publishing as C.W. Allen) is a Midwestern transplant to rural Utah where she serves as the President-Elect of the League of Utah Writers. She writes long stories for children and short stories for former children. She is also a frequent guest presenter at writing... Read More →
Saturday September 28, 2024 10:00am - 10:50am MDT
Boardroom A
  Boardroom A

10:00am MDT

Direct Sales - Is It Right For You?
Saturday September 28, 2024 10:00am - 10:50am MDT
Conference Room I
Direct sales are being touted as one of the best ways to make money for writers, but is it true for your work? In this workshop, we’ll talk about the ins and outs of direct sales and you’ll find out if it’s the right model for your work.
Speakers
avatar for Stephanie Reisner

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 →
Saturday September 28, 2024 10:00am - 10:50am MDT
Conference Room I
  Conference Room I

10:00am MDT

Back to The Past: Writing Backstory
Saturday September 28, 2024 10:00am - 10:50am MDT
Conference Room II
Backstory can be a powerful tool in fiction, creating empathy with readers. It can also drain the energy from a piece, creating unnecessary complications and confusion. In this session, we’ll look at how to choose details from a character’s past and smoothly incorporate them into your work.
Speakers
avatar for Laurie Marr Wasmund

Laurie Marr Wasmund

Author
LAURIE MARR WASMUND has worked as an editor, community college instructor, and writing workshop presenter. Her short stories have appeared in magazines such as CIMARRON REVIEW and WEBER STUDIES. She is the author of MY HEART LIES HERE, a novel of the Ludlow Massacre; CLEAN CUT, A... Read More →
Saturday September 28, 2024 10:00am - 10:50am MDT
Conference Room II
  Conference Room II

10:00am MDT

Showing Emotions on the Page
Saturday September 28, 2024 10:00am - 10:50am MDT
Conference Room IV
Showing emotion creates a strong bond between your characters and readers. We will review core emotions and show how those emotions increase in intensity, depending on the situation. From there, we’ll break down ways to write facial expressions, body language and vocals for a more emotional read.
Speakers
avatar for Peggy Waide

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 →
Saturday September 28, 2024 10:00am - 10:50am MDT
Conference Room IV
  Conference Room IV

10:00am MDT

Marketing in 2024 & Beyond: Leverage Your Assets
Saturday September 28, 2024 10:00am - 10:50am MDT
Conference Room V
You can write, you can run ads, and you can burn out. What’s changed since we started publishing books is the way readers consume our content. Are you taking full advantage of that? Are you reaching them exactly where they are, with exactly the formats they want? Time to think bigger, broader. Here’s how.
Speakers
avatar for Nick Thacker

Nick Thacker

Founder, Book Career In a Year
Nick Thacker is the USA Today Bestselling Author of action-adventure thrillers and mysteries, including the Harvey Bennett Thrillers series. Often mentioned as a cross between Clive Cussler and James Rollins, his stories are written in a fast-paced, punchy style. Nick likes to build... Read More →
Saturday September 28, 2024 10:00am - 10:50am MDT
Conference Room V
  Conference Room V

10:00am MDT

Illustrating & Publishing Your Book
Saturday September 28, 2024 10:00am - 10:50am MDT
Conference Room VI
In this session, I’ll talk about how to organize ideas, research your subject, and turn your idea into a finished project you can publish. Whether you’re writing and illustrating a children’s book, a textbook, or a comic, the creative process is the same.
Speakers
avatar for Rachael Bush

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 →
Saturday September 28, 2024 10:00am - 10:50am MDT
Conference Room VI
  Conference Room VI

10:00am MDT

Memoir Mastery - How to Write Your Story so it Sells
Saturday September 28, 2024 10:00am - 10:50am MDT
Conference Room VII
Writers with an incredible personal story often struggle with where to start their tale and how to share it effectively with an agent/publisher/reader. Discover how to present your amazing story, determine where to begin it on the first page, and start using it to attract more readers, agents, producers, publicists, press, and clients.
Speakers
avatar for Jennifer S. Wilkov

Jennifer S. Wilkov

Creative Consultant, Your Book is Your Hook
Jennifer S. Wilkov is a multi #1 international best-selling award-winning author, producer, an award-winning freelance writer, The Literary Agent Matchmaker™ and a respected book, business and entertainment creative consultant for nearly 20 years. Jennifer was selected as the Error... Read More →
Saturday September 28, 2024 10:00am - 10:50am MDT
Conference Room VII
  Conference Room VII

10:00am MDT

Mastering The Art of Applying For Residencies For Writers
Saturday September 28, 2024 10:00am - 10:50am MDT
Conference Room VIII
A deep dive into the process, expectations, and benefits of applying for writer’s residencies. Participants will understand the purpose of residencies, learn how to find and select suitable options, and develop applications that increase their chances of acceptance.
Speakers
avatar for Leanne Haase-Goebel

Leanne Haase-Goebel

Award-Winning Author
Leanne Haase-Goebel is an award-winning writer. She’s written and published two art books, sixteen exhibition catalogs, fifty-seven magazine articles, and more than 200 profiles and stories. She’s been awarded multiple Top of the Rockies Excellence in Journalism awards. She was... Read More →
Saturday September 28, 2024 10:00am - 10:50am MDT
Conference Room VIII
  Conference Room VIII

11:00am MDT

Creativity & The Writer's Mind
Saturday September 28, 2024 11:00am - 11:50am MDT
Conference Room I
This class explores how the brain functions and where creativity comes from. Writers in the class will be given methods and tips to re-open their creative minds and foster a lifestyle that gets them into the chair and blooming with ideas.
Speakers
avatar for Sarah Reichert

Sarah Reichert

Author
Sarah Reichert (S.E. Reichert) is a novelist, poet, blogger, writing mentor, and herder of cats. She’s the Youth Coordinator for the Writing Heights Writers Association. She is also the webmaster for WyoPoets and a member of Wyoming Writers, Inc. Her Sweet Valley Series, a contemporary... Read More →
Saturday September 28, 2024 11:00am - 11:50am MDT
Conference Room I
  Conference Room I

11:00am MDT

Focusing Your Audience
Saturday September 28, 2024 11:00am - 11:50am MDT
Conference Room II
Audience focus techniques with brand marketing profesh and novelist, Oliver Blakemore.
Speakers
avatar for Oliver Blakemore

Oliver Blakemore

Author
Oliver has been writing novels since he was twelve. He’s written fifteen books, and two of them may even be worth reading. He spent four years as a technical writer and six years in brand marketing as a content writer. His credentials include a hard head and nine Honorable Mentions... Read More →
Saturday September 28, 2024 11:00am - 11:50am MDT
Conference Room II
  Conference Room II

11:00am MDT

Let's Get Cozy: Plotting Your Cozy Mystery Series
Saturday September 28, 2024 11:00am - 11:50am MDT
Conference Room III
Even if you’re not a plotter, get ready to learn how to plot a great cozy mystery and learn how to drop popular genre tropes into your story line to create a book and series the readers will return for again and again.
Speakers
avatar for Stephanie Reisner

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 →
Saturday September 28, 2024 11:00am - 11:50am MDT
Conference Room III
  Conference Room III

11:00am MDT

Improv-ing Your Networking
Saturday September 28, 2024 11:00am - 11:50am MDT
Conference Room IV
What if networking could actually be fun? Improv helps us navigate the unknown with a sense of play. Join an improv actress for a interactive session of learning a few tried and true tactics so even the most reluctant networker will be able to work a room like the best of ‘em!
Speakers
avatar for Sandra Murphy

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 →
Saturday September 28, 2024 11:00am - 11:50am MDT
Conference Room IV
  Conference Room IV

11:00am MDT

How to Use Hollywood Scene Writing Techniques For Your Novel
Saturday September 28, 2024 11:00am - 11:50am MDT
Conference Room V
What do we love about a good movie or TV show? Great scenes that move the story along and keep us glued to the screen. This workshop will show you how to use proven screenwriting techniques to write scenes for your novel to ensure that your audience (and agent!) will turn every page.
Speakers
avatar for Kevin Campbell

Kevin Campbell

Author
A 40-year television, film, and education veteran, Kevin Campbell started his career as a TV news journalist. He produced hundreds of news stories as well as TV commercials, marketing videos, and education/training content. He also taught video production for high school and college... Read More →
Saturday September 28, 2024 11:00am - 11:50am MDT
Conference Room V
  Conference Room V

11:00am MDT

Help Me, Obi-Wendig You're My Only Hope
Saturday September 28, 2024 11:00am - 11:50am MDT
Conference Room VI
A Q&A where audience members come prepared with questions about their stories or their writing careers (or, one supposes, about LIFE ITSELF if they are so troubled) and Chuck Wendig attempts to answer their questions and grease the wheels of progress. So to speak.
Speakers
avatar for Chuck Wendig

Chuck Wendig

NYT Bestselling Author
Chuck Wendig is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Star Wars: Aftermath, as well as the Miriam Black thrillers, the Atlanta Burns books, Zer0es/Invasive, Wanderers, and the upcoming Book of Accidents (July 2021). He’s also worked in a variety of other formats... Read More →
Saturday September 28, 2024 11:00am - 11:50am MDT
Conference Room VI
  Conference Room VI

11:00am MDT

Kink & BDSM: Beyond The Stereotypes
Saturday September 28, 2024 11:00am - 11:50am MDT
Conference Room VII
50 Shades gave an impression of kink that irks kinksters as much as Glocks with safeties does gun experts. This session will dispel misunderstandings and answer questions.
Speakers
avatar for Veronica R. Calisto

Veronica R. Calisto

Author
Veronica R. Calisto (she/her) is an alto, a writer of speculative fiction, and a big nerd. One of those rare Colorado natives, she has a degree in Molecular, Cellular, Developmental Biology and is a two-time American Idol reject. She is the author of several books, including Diary... Read More →
Saturday September 28, 2024 11:00am - 11:50am MDT
Conference Room VII
  Conference Room VII

11:00am MDT

Self-Care For Writers
Saturday September 28, 2024 11:00am - 11:50am MDT
Conference Room VIII
It’s hard to write fun words others will enjoy if you’re not having fun as a writer. We’ll clarify what burnout is and what leads to it as well as how you can climb out of it even at your crispiest. We will also create a plan for how to bring more joy and calm to your writing.
Speakers
avatar for Amy Armstrong

Amy Armstrong

Author
Amy Armstrong loves to dabble with ideas and occasionally gets a good story out of her dabbles. She loves to read and serves as a volunteer reader for The Masters Review. Amy managed social media for Pikes Peak Writers and received the Volunteer of the Year Award. She often moderates... Read More →
Saturday September 28, 2024 11:00am - 11:50am MDT
Conference Room VIII
  Conference Room VIII

12:00pm MDT

Publishing Panel Luncheon
Saturday September 28, 2024 12:00pm - 1:20pm MDT
Ballroom
Saturday's buffet lunch will include an agent, editor, and scout panel moderated by RMFW President Bernadette Soehner as well as addresses from RMFW's sibling organizations.
Speakers
avatar for Bernadette Soehner

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 →
avatar for Angie Hodapp

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 →
Saturday September 28, 2024 12:00pm - 1:20pm MDT
Ballroom
  Ballroom

1:30pm MDT

Birds of a Feather ~ Humor
Saturday September 28, 2024 1:30pm - 2:20pm MDT
Boardroom A
Birds of a Feather are casual sessions between writers of the same genre hosted by an RMFW member published in that genre. Attend to ask genre-specific questions, get ideas, and/or make friends.
Speakers
avatar for A. Z. Sultana

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 →
Saturday September 28, 2024 1:30pm - 2:20pm MDT
Boardroom A
  Boardroom A

1:30pm MDT

Let's Get Down to Business: How to Start a Business For Your Writing/Editing
Saturday September 28, 2024 1:30pm - 2:20pm MDT
Conference Room I
It may seem silly that you need to learn business, taxes, and finances as an author but it is crucial to understand business essentials. All self-published, traditionally published, hybrid authors, and editors must know how to register a business, licenses, and file with the IRS.
Speakers
avatar for Melissa Koons

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 →
Saturday September 28, 2024 1:30pm - 2:20pm MDT
Conference Room I
  Conference Room I

1:30pm MDT

Marketing Your Book to Success: Before, During, & After Pubilcation
Saturday September 28, 2024 1:30pm - 2:20pm MDT
Conference Room II
Authors know that marketing their books is 100% their responsibility but most don’t have the skillset or knowledge to create a winning marketing plan for their project. In this presentation, Jennifer S. Wilkov, the founder of Your Book Is Your Hook, LLC, will show you how to master the art of determining what belongs in your marketing platform – and what doesn’t – before, during, and after your book has been published.
Speakers
avatar for Jennifer S. Wilkov

Jennifer S. Wilkov

Creative Consultant, Your Book is Your Hook
Jennifer S. Wilkov is a multi #1 international best-selling award-winning author, producer, an award-winning freelance writer, The Literary Agent Matchmaker™ and a respected book, business and entertainment creative consultant for nearly 20 years. Jennifer was selected as the Error... Read More →
Saturday September 28, 2024 1:30pm - 2:20pm MDT
Conference Room II
  Conference Room II

1:30pm MDT

Writer's Who Read: Layering & Symbolism
Saturday September 28, 2024 1:30pm - 2:20pm MDT
Conference Room IV
We’ve all heard that reading improves our writing. But *how* we read is just as important as *what* we read. This 1-hour workshop covers Literary Forensics techniques to analyze language and grammar found in novels, with a focus on discovering techniques we can apply to our own writing.
Speakers
avatar for Gary McBride

Gary McBride

Author
Gary McBride produces Writers Who Read, a podcast based on the novels covered at Writers Who Read LIVE!, a monthly workshop for writers in Boulder that Gary founded in May 2018. WwR applies Literary Forensics analytical reading on novels published within the past 18 months in order... Read More →
Saturday September 28, 2024 1:30pm - 2:20pm MDT
Conference Room IV
  Conference Room IV

1:30pm MDT

80,000 Words in a Day
Saturday September 28, 2024 1:30pm - 2:20pm MDT
Conference Room V
Write faster, better. Use dictation to smash your word count goals — with a system that’s proven to work.
Speakers
avatar for Nick Thacker

Nick Thacker

Founder, Book Career In a Year
Nick Thacker is the USA Today Bestselling Author of action-adventure thrillers and mysteries, including the Harvey Bennett Thrillers series. Often mentioned as a cross between Clive Cussler and James Rollins, his stories are written in a fast-paced, punchy style. Nick likes to build... Read More →
Saturday September 28, 2024 1:30pm - 2:20pm MDT
Conference Room V
  Conference Room V

1:30pm MDT

Critiki Room: Live Critique
Saturday September 28, 2024 1:30pm - 2:20pm MDT
Conference Room VI
Witness the magic of peer feedback in action as a panel of agents, authors and publishing professionals critique short pieces of fiction submitted in advance. Find out why critique is a valuable tool for writers of all levels — and how the process usually becomes a raucous good time.
Speakers
avatar for Kate Jonuska

Kate Jonuska

Author
In addition to serving as current RMFW Conference Co-Chair, Kate is a freelance writer, indie author, and part-time yoga teacher based in Boulder, CO. Her novel, Transference, was a finalist for the BookLife Prize and a Denver Post Staff Pick, and she often teaches workshops based... Read More →
avatar for Amber Herbert

Amber Herbert

Conference Admin, Author
Amber Herbert is a (mostly) speculative fiction author living in Colorado Springs. She holds a BA in English Literature and has worked as a freelance editor for seven years. Lipstick Covered Magnet was her first novel. She is also the current RMFW technology chair and conference admin... Read More →
avatar for Mark Stevens

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 →
Saturday September 28, 2024 1:30pm - 2:20pm MDT
Conference Room VI
  Conference Room VI

1:30pm MDT

The Year of 100 Rejections
Saturday September 28, 2024 1:30pm - 2:20pm MDT
Conference Room VII
This class will focus on a 100-rejection challenge, how to face and use rejection, how to choose submissions, how to read and follow guidelines, and how to track your submissions. We’ll also look at rejections as a tool for improvement and how to separate ourselves and our worth from rejection.
Speakers
avatar for Sarah Reichert

Sarah Reichert

Author
Sarah Reichert (S.E. Reichert) is a novelist, poet, blogger, writing mentor, and herder of cats. She’s the Youth Coordinator for the Writing Heights Writers Association. She is also the webmaster for WyoPoets and a member of Wyoming Writers, Inc. Her Sweet Valley Series, a contemporary... Read More →
Saturday September 28, 2024 1:30pm - 2:20pm MDT
Conference Room VII
  Conference Room VII

1:30pm MDT

Finding Your Inner Extrovert
Saturday September 28, 2024 1:30pm - 2:20pm MDT
Conference Room VIII
Writing is a lonely process. When it comes time to sell your work, you’ll need social skills to help you interact with agents, editors, and readers. This workshop will focus on communication techniques and help you learn to network without burning out.
Speakers
avatar for David R. Slayton

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 →
Saturday September 28, 2024 1:30pm - 2:20pm MDT
Conference Room VIII
  Conference Room VIII

1:30pm MDT

Characterization Through Orientation & Identity
Saturday September 28, 2024 1:30pm - 3:20pm MDT
Conference Room III
Writing different genders, gender identities, and sexual orientations can seem like a minefield. But writing LGBTQ+ representation in a respectful manner isn’t as scary as it seems. During this workshop, we’ll dive into identity spectrums, inherent gender bias in English, and more.
Speakers
avatar for October K Santerelli

October K Santerelli

Author
October K Santerelli is a local author from Denver, Colorado. He identifies as queer and disabled, and writes characters that share his life experiences. His works are primarily fantasies, ranging from dark to epic and everything in between. His debut novel, City of Day (Nightfall... Read More →
Saturday September 28, 2024 1:30pm - 3:20pm MDT
Conference Room III
  Conference Room III

2:30pm MDT

Birds of a Feather ~ Fantasy
Saturday September 28, 2024 2:30pm - 3:20pm MDT
Boardroom A
Birds of a Feather are casual sessions between writers of the same genre hosted by an RMFW member published in that genre. Attend to ask genre-specific questions, get ideas, and/or make friends.
Speakers
avatar for David R. Slayton

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 →
Saturday September 28, 2024 2:30pm - 3:20pm MDT
Boardroom A
  Boardroom A

2:30pm MDT

Building a Platform With Facebook Ads
Saturday September 28, 2024 2:30pm - 3:20pm MDT
Conference Room I
Have you wanted to try Facebook Ads, but are get turned off by how daunting they seem? Come learn the basics of getting started and see that it’s not all that bad. You’ll learn how to set up an ads account and launch your very first ad with a spend as low as $2 per day.
Speakers
avatar for Andre Gonzalez

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.
Saturday September 28, 2024 2:30pm - 3:20pm MDT
Conference Room I
  Conference Room I

2:30pm MDT

Successful TikTok Sales
Saturday September 28, 2024 2:30pm - 3:20pm MDT
Conference Room II
TikTok Shop is officially here and people are buying in! Whether you’re a debut author trying to come out the gates swinging, or you have a great backlist to offer readers, the time to start sell books on TikTok Shop is now. Come learn the ins and outs of TikTok shop and how to sell loads of books!
Speakers
avatar for Z.S. Diamanti

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 →
Saturday September 28, 2024 2:30pm - 3:20pm MDT
Conference Room II
  Conference Room II

2:30pm MDT

Daemons, Witches, and the Occult (For Writers)
Saturday September 28, 2024 2:30pm - 3:20pm MDT
Conference Room IV
If you’re writing supernatural horror, or anything paranormal – chances are you’re incorporating some elements of the occult. Learn to blend occult fact with occult fiction without offending actual real-world witches or occult practitioners. Bring your most difficult questions and an open mind.
Speakers
avatar for Stephanie Reisner

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 →
Saturday September 28, 2024 2:30pm - 3:20pm MDT
Conference Room IV
  Conference Room IV

2:30pm MDT

How to Show & Sell Books at Events
Saturday September 28, 2024 2:30pm - 3:20pm MDT
Conference Room V
Ready to hand sell your at live events like cons, library fairs, festivals, and more? No, you don’t need to be pushy, you don’t need to be “salesy,” and you don’t need to give up your soul. Though a midwesterner and congenitally allergic to hard sales, Laura has event success to share with you.
Speakers
avatar for Laura VanArendonk Baugh

Laura VanArendonk Baugh

Award-Winning Author
Laura VanArendonk Baugh writes award-winning fantasy of many flavors as well as non-fiction. She has summited extinct, dormant, and active volcanoes, but none has yet accepted her sacrifice. She lives in Indiana where she enjoys Dobermans, travel, fair-trade chocolate, and making... Read More →
Saturday September 28, 2024 2:30pm - 3:20pm MDT
Conference Room V
  Conference Room V

2:30pm MDT

RMFW's '24 Anthology Panel
Saturday September 28, 2024 2:30pm - 3:20pm MDT
Conference Room VI
RMFW’s new anthology was just released, Without Brakes: Fingers Crossed. Want to learn to write, select, and edit short stories? How about self-publish, format, and market? Our panel of co-editors and authors tell all, from production details to how to craft a story destined for the next anthology.
Speakers
avatar for Linda Ditchkus

Linda Ditchkus

Author
Presenter and co-editor Linda (LV) Ditchkus is the award-winning author of The Sasquatch Series and was published in the 2022 Bizarre Bazaar anthology. She was a team leader and judge for the 2022 Self Published Science Fiction Competition (evaluating 50 of 300 submitted novels) and... Read More →
avatar for Paul Martz

Paul Martz

Author
Panelist and co-editor Paul Martz has been an RMFW member since 2018, he was published in the 2020 Wild: Uncivilized Tales anthology. His past presentation skills include leading corporate training sessions and technology conference workshops.
avatar for Ryanne Glenn

Ryanne Glenn

Author
Ryanne Glenn started writing short stories when she was ten and was first published in Fruita’s local newspaper. She took her first creative writing class in high school, and was inspired to expand her writing into poetry and longer stories. After struggling with depression in her... Read More →
avatar for Justin Weaver

Justin Weaver

International Bestselling Author
J. Warren Weaver lives in small town Colorado, where he enjoys the bountiful great outdoors with his wife, daughter, and three dogs. When his infant child isn’t demanding his complete and undivided attention, he enjoys writing edge of your seat thrillers with thought-provoking twists... Read More →
avatar for Susan Schooleman

Susan Schooleman

Author
Way back when shoulder-pads were in style, Susan Schooleman (pen name Cepa Onion) wrote for Roseanne Barr, was a member of the Denver Center Theatre’s Playwrights Group, was published by Self magazine and Samuel French. She then chucked it all for adventures in parenthood. Three... Read More →
avatar for Laurel McHargue

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 →
Saturday September 28, 2024 2:30pm - 3:20pm MDT
Conference Room VI
  Conference Room VI

2:30pm MDT

Becoming a Plotter
Saturday September 28, 2024 2:30pm - 3:20pm MDT
Conference Room VII
If you’ve ever set down to write with a pocket full of vibes, you may be a pantser. But what feels good in the moment can cause you to curl into the fetal position when complicated revisions come knocking. What can a pantser do? Plot. No, seriously. Let me show you plot is not a four-letter word.
Speakers
avatar for Kim Lajevardi

Kim Lajevardi

Award-Winning Author
I'm a former teacher who traded the insanity of middle school science for that of working all day, every day with my family. What could go wrong? I've written two upmarket books both of which have either won or been recognized in Rocky Mountain Fiction Writer's Gold, Pikes Peak's... Read More →
Saturday September 28, 2024 2:30pm - 3:20pm MDT
Conference Room VII
  Conference Room VII

2:30pm MDT

Kid Lit 101
Saturday September 28, 2024 2:30pm - 3:20pm MDT
Conference Room VIII
Want to write for kids? Here’s everything you’ll need to know to get started. This overview of the current children’s literature landscape, from picture books to YA, highlights unique considerations for writing, querying, publishing, and marketing kids’ books.
Speakers
avatar for Christina Allen

Christina Allen

Award-Winning Author
Christina Allen (publishing as C.W. Allen) is a Midwestern transplant to rural Utah where she serves as the President-Elect of the League of Utah Writers. She writes long stories for children and short stories for former children. She is also a frequent guest presenter at writing... Read More →
Saturday September 28, 2024 2:30pm - 3:20pm MDT
Conference Room VIII
  Conference Room VIII

3:30pm MDT

Birds of a Feather ~ Women's Fiction
Saturday September 28, 2024 3:30pm - 4:20pm MDT
Boardroom A
Birds of a Feather are casual sessions between writers of the same genre hosted by an RMFW member published in that genre. Attend to ask genre-specific questions, get ideas, and/or make friends.
Speakers
avatar for Leanne Haase-Goebel

Leanne Haase-Goebel

Award-Winning Author
Leanne Haase-Goebel is an award-winning writer. She’s written and published two art books, sixteen exhibition catalogs, fifty-seven magazine articles, and more than 200 profiles and stories. She’s been awarded multiple Top of the Rockies Excellence in Journalism awards. She was... Read More →
Saturday September 28, 2024 3:30pm - 4:20pm MDT
Boardroom A
  Boardroom A

3:30pm MDT

Ink and Syntax: Mastering Grammar for Fictional Impact
Saturday September 28, 2024 3:30pm - 4:20pm MDT
Conference Room I
The advent of spell check, grammar check, and AI makes knowing grammar as obsolete as rotary phones, right? Wrong! Grammar’s more than a set of rules—it’s the backbone of written storytelling. We’re not talking never end a sentence with a preposition, we’re talking about making your writing sparkle.
Speakers
avatar for LS Hawker

LS Hawker

USA Today Best Selling Author
LS Hawker is the author of the thrillers THE DROWNING GAME, BODY AND BONE, END OF THE ROAD, and THE THROWAWAYS. THE DROWNING GAME is a USA Today bestseller and finalist in the ITW Thriller Awards in the Best First Novel category. Her novels have been translated into eight languages... Read More →
Saturday September 28, 2024 3:30pm - 4:20pm MDT
Conference Room I
  Conference Room I

3:30pm MDT

Editing Beyond "Gut Feeling"
Saturday September 28, 2024 3:30pm - 4:20pm MDT
Conference Room II
Revising your work (or critiquing others’) can be overwhelming. Without specific elements to look for, it’s easy to fall back on our “gut feel,” which is hard to articulate and even harder to trust. Learn to evaluate 17 storytelling aspects to edit and strengthen any manuscript, including your own!
Speakers
avatar for Kelley Lindberg

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 →
Saturday September 28, 2024 3:30pm - 4:20pm MDT
Conference Room II
  Conference Room II

3:30pm MDT

Is Your Book Packaging Hurting Your Sales?
Saturday September 28, 2024 3:30pm - 4:20pm MDT
Conference Room V
People read your books and love them! So why is it so hard to generate more sales? You must treat your book as a product and understand how it’s packaged and presented to potential readers. Come learn how to analyze market trends and how they relate to the product you are offering.
Speakers
avatar for Andre Gonzalez

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.
Saturday September 28, 2024 3:30pm - 4:20pm MDT
Conference Room V
  Conference Room V

3:30pm MDT

Secondary Characters Need Loving Too
Saturday September 28, 2024 3:30pm - 4:20pm MDT
Conference Room VI
Secondary characters complete a cast needed for depth in a novel. Each character has a role to play, often working with or against the main characters. Do they help, impede or motivate, or are they a lesser player? Discover how to develop their roles and relationships for a fun and dynamic read.
Speakers
avatar for Peggy Waide

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 →
Saturday September 28, 2024 3:30pm - 4:20pm MDT
Conference Room VI
  Conference Room VI

3:30pm MDT

Going Pro With Your Mad Reading Skillz
Saturday September 28, 2024 3:30pm - 5:20pm MDT
Conference Room III
Do you demolish books? Are your friends constantly hitting you up for book recommendations? You might have superpowers that can lead to book review opportunities, reading for literary magazines and other amazing things. Best of all: these opportunities mean publication and free books.
Speakers
avatar for Amy Armstrong

Amy Armstrong

Author
Amy Armstrong loves to dabble with ideas and occasionally gets a good story out of her dabbles. She loves to read and serves as a volunteer reader for The Masters Review. Amy managed social media for Pikes Peak Writers and received the Volunteer of the Year Award. She often moderates... Read More →
Saturday September 28, 2024 3:30pm - 5:20pm MDT
Conference Room III
  Conference Room III

3:30pm MDT

Do "I" or Don't "I"? Using First Person in Fiction
Saturday September 28, 2024 3:30pm - 5:20pm MDT
Conference Room IV
Dramatic and immediate when it’s done right, excruciating when it’s done poorly, the first person point of view should be a tool in every writer’s toolbox. Some popular genres almost demand it. Learn and practice techniques, pleasures, and pitfalls of writing in first person.
Speakers
avatar for Carol Berg

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 →
Saturday September 28, 2024 3:30pm - 5:20pm MDT
Conference Room IV
  Conference Room IV

3:30pm MDT

Let's Rewrite a Famous Scene Together
Saturday September 28, 2024 3:30pm - 5:20pm MDT
Conference Room VII
Learn from your heroes. We go into a meticulous study of a single scene from a famous book, interrogating every decision, every word choice, made by the author. Then we see if we can rewrite it.
Speakers
avatar for Oliver Blakemore

Oliver Blakemore

Author
Oliver has been writing novels since he was twelve. He’s written fifteen books, and two of them may even be worth reading. He spent four years as a technical writer and six years in brand marketing as a content writer. His credentials include a hard head and nine Honorable Mentions... Read More →
Saturday September 28, 2024 3:30pm - 5:20pm MDT
Conference Room VII
  Conference Room VII

3:30pm MDT

Conjuring Up The Past: Character Development in Historical Fiction
Saturday September 28, 2024 3:30pm - 5:20pm MDT
Conference Room VIII
The writer of historical fiction faces an added element when developing a character: the historical landscape. How do sometimes cataclysmic world events affect a character’s everyday life? In this intensive workshop, we will look at the skills needed to create memorable historical characters.
Speakers
avatar for Laurie Marr Wasmund

Laurie Marr Wasmund

Author
LAURIE MARR WASMUND has worked as an editor, community college instructor, and writing workshop presenter. Her short stories have appeared in magazines such as CIMARRON REVIEW and WEBER STUDIES. She is the author of MY HEART LIES HERE, a novel of the Ludlow Massacre; CLEAN CUT, A... Read More →
Saturday September 28, 2024 3:30pm - 5:20pm MDT
Conference Room VIII
  Conference Room VIII

4:30pm MDT

Birds of a Feather ~ Crime/Thriller
Saturday September 28, 2024 4:30pm - 5:20pm MDT
Boardroom A
Birds of a Feather are casual sessions between writers of the same genre hosted by an RMFW member published in that genre. Attend to ask genre-specific questions, get ideas, and/or make friends.
Speakers
avatar for Nanette Gamily

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 →
Saturday September 28, 2024 4:30pm - 5:20pm MDT
Boardroom A
  Boardroom A

4:30pm MDT

Neurodivergency & The Creative Process
Saturday September 28, 2024 4:30pm - 5:20pm MDT
Conference Room I
Some of the best creators have ADHD or ASC/D (Autism). But with different brains come different problems — the common writing ‘rules’ sometimes just don’t work! Learn different ways to work more productively and more often, while falling in love with writing all over again – for neurospicy brains.
Speakers
avatar for October K Santerelli

October K Santerelli

Author
October K Santerelli is a local author from Denver, Colorado. He identifies as queer and disabled, and writes characters that share his life experiences. His works are primarily fantasies, ranging from dark to epic and everything in between. His debut novel, City of Day (Nightfall... Read More →
Saturday September 28, 2024 4:30pm - 5:20pm MDT
Conference Room I
  Conference Room I

4:30pm MDT

Heinlein's Five Rules of Writing
Saturday September 28, 2024 4:30pm - 5:20pm MDT
Conference Room II
A discussion of Robert Heinlein’s famous “Five Rules of Writing.” These pragmatic, practical and practiced directives are for the working author and are the very career-enabling tips that steered a blue collar scribbler to becoming one of the seminal voices of his age. But are they still valid?
Speakers
avatar for Johnny Worthen

Johnny Worthen

Award-Winning Author
Johnny Worthen is an award-winning, multiple-genre author of novels and short stories.His best-selling science fiction series Coronam, beginning with Of Kings, Queens & Colonies, then Of Civilized, Saved & Savages and now complete with Of Heroes, Homes & Honey, is an epic tale in... Read More →
Saturday September 28, 2024 4:30pm - 5:20pm MDT
Conference Room II
  Conference Room II

4:30pm MDT

Stacked Promos
Saturday September 28, 2024 4:30pm - 5:20pm MDT
Conference Room V
Unlock the secrets of strategically coordinated book promotions in this informative workshop. You’ll learn to leverage multiple marketing avenues, cultivate an engaged author platform, amplify your book’s visibility, boost sales, and expand your readership. Join us and take your author game to new heights.
Speakers
avatar for LS Hawker

LS Hawker

USA Today Best Selling Author
LS Hawker is the author of the thrillers THE DROWNING GAME, BODY AND BONE, END OF THE ROAD, and THE THROWAWAYS. THE DROWNING GAME is a USA Today bestseller and finalist in the ITW Thriller Awards in the Best First Novel category. Her novels have been translated into eight languages... Read More →
Saturday September 28, 2024 4:30pm - 5:20pm MDT
Conference Room V
  Conference Room V

4:30pm MDT

How to Write Compelling Villians
Saturday September 28, 2024 4:30pm - 5:20pm MDT
Conference Room VI
You can write great stories, but if you want to take your writing to the next level, you need a compelling villain. From intergalactic wizards to high school mean girls, a great villain will move your story like no other character can. Come and bring something to take notes with!
Speakers
avatar for Jason Evans

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 →
Saturday September 28, 2024 4:30pm - 5:20pm MDT
Conference Room VI
  Conference Room VI

6:30pm MDT

Gold Rush Awards Banquet
Saturday September 28, 2024 6:30pm - 8:30pm MDT
Ballroom
Saturday evening’s banquet will feature the much-awaited announcement of winners in the 2024 Colorado Gold Rush Literary Awards Contest as well as a keynote address by New York Times' bestseller Chuck Wendig.
  • Welcome – Bernadette Soehner
  • Colorado Gold Awards - presented by Mira Landry and Rachel Dempsey
  • Keynote Address – Chuck Wendig
Speakers
avatar for Bernadette Soehner

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 →
avatar for Mira Landry

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 →
avatar for Rachel Dempsey

Rachel Dempsey

Author
Rachel Dempsey is a writer of horror, mystery and thrillers living in Denver. Her short fiction has been published by Shacklebound Books, Brigids Gate Press, Timber Ghost Press and Twenty Bellows (Pushcart nominated, 2023). She holds a BFA in Drama and English from NYU'S Tisch, a... Read More →
avatar for Chuck Wendig

Chuck Wendig

NYT Bestselling Author
Chuck Wendig is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Star Wars: Aftermath, as well as the Miriam Black thrillers, the Atlanta Burns books, Zer0es/Invasive, Wanderers, and the upcoming Book of Accidents (July 2021). He’s also worked in a variety of other formats... Read More →
Saturday September 28, 2024 6:30pm - 8:30pm MDT
Ballroom
  Ballroom

8:30pm MDT

BarCon
Saturday September 28, 2024 8:30pm - 11:30pm MDT
Borealis Bar/Restaurant
Saturday September 28, 2024 8:30pm - 11:30pm MDT
Borealis Bar/Restaurant
  Borealis
 
Sunday, September 29
 

8:00am MDT

Yoga for Authors
Sunday September 29, 2024 8:00am - 8:50am MDT
Cafe Lounge
Forget the sticky mat and special clothes! Everyone is welcome at this chair-based yoga flow, which will warm your body and your mind. Breathing and stretching will be followed by a short guided meditation specifically for writers.
Speakers
avatar for Kate Jonuska

Kate Jonuska

Author
In addition to serving as current RMFW Conference Co-Chair, Kate is a freelance writer, indie author, and part-time yoga teacher based in Boulder, CO. Her novel, Transference, was a finalist for the BookLife Prize and a Denver Post Staff Pick, and she often teaches workshops based... Read More →
Sunday September 29, 2024 8:00am - 8:50am MDT
Cafe Lounge
  Café Lounge

8:00am MDT

Scene Construction
Sunday September 29, 2024 8:00am - 8:50am MDT
Conference Room I
Scenes are the stepping stones of a story that keep the reader turning the page. A character acts and reacts to the other characters on stage, the place or the events to advance the plot and develop character. This workshop will break down all the elements needed to construct a strong scene.
Speakers
avatar for Peggy Waide

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 →
Sunday September 29, 2024 8:00am - 8:50am MDT
Conference Room I
  Conference Room I

8:00am MDT

Emotional Intimacy in Fiction -- Your Key to Connecting with Readers
Sunday September 29, 2024 8:00am - 8:50am MDT
Conference Room II
The emotional connection between your characters and the connection your reader forms with your characters make the difference between a story readers merely enjoy to one they can’t forget. In this workshop we’ll explore why emotional intimacy matters and how to build it into your stories.
Speakers
avatar for Cindi Myers

Cindi Myers

Award-Winning Author
Cindi Myers became one of the most popular people in eighth grade when she and a friend wrote and illustrated their first romance novel. It would be another couple of decades before Cindi saw her first novel published, but since then she has published over 100 novels -- historical... Read More →
Sunday September 29, 2024 8:00am - 8:50am MDT
Conference Room II
  Conference Room II

8:00am MDT

Beyond Romance: Crafting Character Relationships That Win Readers
Sunday September 29, 2024 8:00am - 8:50am MDT
Conference Room IV
This one-hour session will teach the skills to construct dynamic, multi-dimensional connections between characters. We’ll delve into leveraging relationships for plot development, creating suspense, emphasizing the role of dialogue, and establishing connections with readers.
Speakers
avatar for Sarah Reichert

Sarah Reichert

Author
Sarah Reichert (S.E. Reichert) is a novelist, poet, blogger, writing mentor, and herder of cats. She’s the Youth Coordinator for the Writing Heights Writers Association. She is also the webmaster for WyoPoets and a member of Wyoming Writers, Inc. Her Sweet Valley Series, a contemporary... Read More →
Sunday September 29, 2024 8:00am - 8:50am MDT
Conference Room IV
  Conference Room IV

8:00am MDT

The Faceted Story
Sunday September 29, 2024 8:00am - 8:50am MDT
Conference Room V
A presentation about those elements of narrative fiction that lend depth, value and resonance to writing. Examples and techniques will be offered to help shape niches and expand any story into new areas of interest for a greater chance to stand out from the slush pile.
Speakers
avatar for Johnny Worthen

Johnny Worthen

Award-Winning Author
Johnny Worthen is an award-winning, multiple-genre author of novels and short stories.His best-selling science fiction series Coronam, beginning with Of Kings, Queens & Colonies, then Of Civilized, Saved & Savages and now complete with Of Heroes, Homes & Honey, is an epic tale in... Read More →
Sunday September 29, 2024 8:00am - 8:50am MDT
Conference Room V
  Conference Room V

8:00am MDT

How to Work With an Editor
Sunday September 29, 2024 8:00am - 8:50am MDT
Conference Room VI
Whether you’ve just signed with a publisher or you’re submitting to an anthology, this presentation will show you what to expect from your editor, the differences between the types of editors, and will remind you to be patient and professional through it all.
Speakers
avatar for Rachael Bush

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 →
Sunday September 29, 2024 8:00am - 8:50am MDT
Conference Room VI
  Conference Room VI

8:00am MDT

Playing God for Fun and Profit - Building Worlds your Readers will Love
Sunday September 29, 2024 8:00am - 8:50am MDT
Conference Room VII
Worlds are big, and building them can be daunting. Learn how to build a fantastic setting, whether modifying our world to include magic and dragons, building a new secondary world, or constructing an entire galaxy to explore. What pitfalls do many authors fall into, and how can one avoid them?
Speakers
avatar for Calvin Studzinski

Calvin Studzinski

Author
Calvin Studzinski is an award-winning aerospace engineer, amateur historian, role-playing game designer, and aspiring author. As a child, Calvin was an avid reader, consuming the works of Jules Verne and J.R.R. Tolkien with equal voracity, before reading everything he could get his... Read More →
Sunday September 29, 2024 8:00am - 8:50am MDT
Conference Room VII
  Conference Room VII

8:00am MDT

Horror Writing 666 (aka 101)
Sunday September 29, 2024 8:00am - 8:50am MDT
Conference Room VIII
Horror is part of our real world, make it part of your fiction. Readers love to experience dread, gore, and terror, and you can be the one to deliver it. Learn why and how to write stories that terrify!
Speakers
avatar for Angela Sylvaine

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 →
Sunday September 29, 2024 8:00am - 8:50am MDT
Conference Room VIII
  Conference Room VIII

8:00am MDT

NaNoWriMo Success and Beyond
Sunday September 29, 2024 8:00am - 9:50am MDT
Conference Room III
Tips and tricks for succeeding at the challenge of NaNoWriMo that can be applied to any other writing deadlines.
Speakers
avatar for Veronica R. Calisto

Veronica R. Calisto

Author
Veronica R. Calisto (she/her) is an alto, a writer of speculative fiction, and a big nerd. One of those rare Colorado natives, she has a degree in Molecular, Cellular, Developmental Biology and is a two-time American Idol reject. She is the author of several books, including Diary... Read More →
Sunday September 29, 2024 8:00am - 9:50am MDT
Conference Room III
  Conference Room VIII

9:00am MDT

Professional Marketing
Sunday September 29, 2024 9:00am - 9:50am MDT
Conference Room I
Many authors are new to marketing but it is an established field for other products. Oliver brings his expertise in brand marketing to show how professional techniques that are used to sell anything from concerts to perfume can work for books too.
Speakers
avatar for Oliver Blakemore

Oliver Blakemore

Author
Oliver has been writing novels since he was twelve. He’s written fifteen books, and two of them may even be worth reading. He spent four years as a technical writer and six years in brand marketing as a content writer. His credentials include a hard head and nine Honorable Mentions... Read More →
Sunday September 29, 2024 9:00am - 9:50am MDT
Conference Room I
  Conference Room I

9:00am MDT

Not Your Mother's Tropes: How to Subvert without Alienating Your Readers
Sunday September 29, 2024 9:00am - 9:50am MDT
Conference Room II
Tropes are the building blocks of literary tradition, but the most exciting works of today are often subversive. Using examples and generative writing exercises, we’ll explore ways to balance reader expectations with innovation, how to make old familiar conventions fresh without alienating readers.
Speakers
avatar for Rachel Dempsey

Rachel Dempsey

Author
Rachel Dempsey is a writer of horror, mystery and thrillers living in Denver. Her short fiction has been published by Shacklebound Books, Brigids Gate Press, Timber Ghost Press and Twenty Bellows (Pushcart nominated, 2023). She holds a BFA in Drama and English from NYU'S Tisch, a... Read More →
Sunday September 29, 2024 9:00am - 9:50am MDT
Conference Room II
  Conference Room II

9:00am MDT

Comedy (Seriously.)
Sunday September 29, 2024 9:00am - 9:50am MDT
Conference Room IV
No matter your audience, genre, or format, applying the principles that make comedy writing work can take any project from predictable to un-put-downable! This presentation is geared toward writers of any level of experience, with writing from laugh out loud to deathly dramatic.
Speakers
avatar for Christina Allen

Christina Allen

Award-Winning Author
Christina Allen (publishing as C.W. Allen) is a Midwestern transplant to rural Utah where she serves as the President-Elect of the League of Utah Writers. She writes long stories for children and short stories for former children. She is also a frequent guest presenter at writing... Read More →
Sunday September 29, 2024 9:00am - 9:50am MDT
Conference Room IV
  Conference Room IV

9:00am MDT

Serial Fiction: If It Worked for Andy Weir, Can It Work for Me?
Sunday September 29, 2024 9:00am - 9:50am MDT
Conference Room V
Serial fiction has been around for more than 200 years and is making a comeback with the emergence of technology from social media platforms to television streaming and comic books. This advanced program will explore serial fiction’s history, current opportunities, and how it might start or jump start your writing career.
Speakers
avatar for Z.J. Czupor

Z.J. Czupor

Author
Z.J. Czupor is immediate past president of Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers and an active member of Mystery Writers of America and International Thriller Writers. In addition to writing monthly columns for Rogue Women Writers, his latest thriller, "Cut Right Through Me," and mystery... Read More →
Sunday September 29, 2024 9:00am - 9:50am MDT
Conference Room V
  Conference Room V

9:00am MDT

Professional Authors Alliance (PAA) Meeting
Sunday September 29, 2024 9:00am - 9:50am MDT
Conference Room VI
A meeting of all members of RMFW's PAA.
Speakers
avatar for Andre Gonzalez

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.
Sunday September 29, 2024 9:00am - 9:50am MDT
Conference Room VI
  Conference Room VI

9:00am MDT

Writing with Chronic Illness
Sunday September 29, 2024 9:00am - 9:50am MDT
Conference Room VII
Chronic illness has a way of making us feel like we aren’t doing enough, fast enough. This presentation will examine mental health while writing with chronic illness, as well as ergonomics and self-accommodations to keep you writing more often and for longer amounts of time.
Speakers
avatar for October K Santerelli

October K Santerelli

Author
October K Santerelli is a local author from Denver, Colorado. He identifies as queer and disabled, and writes characters that share his life experiences. His works are primarily fantasies, ranging from dark to epic and everything in between. His debut novel, City of Day (Nightfall... Read More →
Sunday September 29, 2024 9:00am - 9:50am MDT
Conference Room VII
  Conference Room VII

9:00am MDT

True Crime to Novel: Turn Headline News into Page-Turning Fiction
Sunday September 29, 2024 9:00am - 9:50am MDT
Conference Room VIII
Ever wonder how to turn an astonishing, newsworthy story into juicy crime fiction? In this workshop, we will talk about how authors turn true crime stories into fiction. Together, we will review examples of contemporary novels and the techniques authors use to make readers turn the page.
Speakers
avatar for Nanette Gamily

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 →
Sunday September 29, 2024 9:00am - 9:50am MDT
Conference Room VIII
  Conference Room VIII

9:00am MDT

Open Writing Space
Sunday September 29, 2024 9:00am - 11:00am MDT
Cafe Lounge
Sunday September 29, 2024 9:00am - 11:00am MDT
Cafe Lounge
  Café Lounge

10:00am MDT

How to Endure in Your Writing
Sunday September 29, 2024 10:00am - 10:50am MDT
Conference Room I
The art and profession of writing can be a thrilling creative endeavor. It can also break you. What do you do when your writing dreams don’t come true? What do you do when you feel betrayed by your community and your art? This class will explore the real world issues around being a professional writer.
Speakers
avatar for Jason Evans

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 →
Sunday September 29, 2024 10:00am - 10:50am MDT
Conference Room I
  Conference Room I

10:00am MDT

Writing about Trauma Without Triggering the Victim
Sunday September 29, 2024 10:00am - 10:50am MDT
Conference Room II
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
avatar for Nanette Gamily

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 →
Sunday September 29, 2024 10:00am - 10:50am MDT
Conference Room II
  Conference Room II

10:00am MDT

Is That Scary? Writing Horror in 2024
Sunday September 29, 2024 10:00am - 10:50am MDT
Conference Room III
What scared people in the late 20th century was totally different than what scares most people today. Participants can expect to learn the current popular tropes of the genre, as well as how to build tension in stories meant to terrorize the reader and leave them shaken.
Speakers
avatar for Stephanie Reisner

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 →
Sunday September 29, 2024 10:00am - 10:50am MDT
Conference Room III
  Conference Room III

10:00am MDT

Techniques and Tools for the Prolific Writer
Sunday September 29, 2024 10:00am - 10:50am MDT
Conference Room IV
If you want to write more, write better —and balance all that with a life outside of writing—this workshop is for you. An author of more than 100 published novels gives you tips, tools, and techniques for increasing productivity, and balancing the demands of writing with the rest of your life.
Speakers
avatar for Cindi Myers

Cindi Myers

Award-Winning Author
Cindi Myers became one of the most popular people in eighth grade when she and a friend wrote and illustrated their first romance novel. It would be another couple of decades before Cindi saw her first novel published, but since then she has published over 100 novels -- historical... Read More →
Sunday September 29, 2024 10:00am - 10:50am MDT
Conference Room IV
  Conference Room IV

10:00am MDT

Generating Sales with Facebook Ads
Sunday September 29, 2024 10:00am - 10:50am MDT
Conference Room V
Many authors believe Facebook Ads no longer work for generating sales. In reality, the platform has become highly competitive thanks to a flood of major corporations. Come learn how to efficiently carve out your space as an author and gain new readers on a platform that still has a billion users.
Speakers
avatar for Andre Gonzalez

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.
Sunday September 29, 2024 10:00am - 10:50am MDT
Conference Room V
  Conference Room V

10:00am MDT

Precise Openings: A Study of What Makes an Iconic First Sentence
Sunday September 29, 2024 10:00am - 10:50am MDT
Conference Room VI
We know them when we read them, right? Those classic, compelling opening lines of lauded literary and commercial fiction alike. Together we’ll look at great, good, and just okay opening lines and see what makes one stand out and others forgettable.
Speakers
avatar for Mira Landry

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 →
Sunday September 29, 2024 10:00am - 10:50am MDT
Conference Room VI
  Conference Room VI

10:00am MDT

Exoplanetary Exploration - Realistic Methods for Visiting Alien Worlds
Sunday September 29, 2024 10:00am - 10:50am MDT
Conference Room VII
Science fiction often resorts to fantastical technologies to reach other stars, but could we do it in real life? Explore the real science we would use to explore exoplanets, the dangers involved, and how the restrictions of sub-luminal space travel should inspire gripping sci-fi narratives.
Speakers
avatar for Calvin Studzinski

Calvin Studzinski

Author
Calvin Studzinski is an award-winning aerospace engineer, amateur historian, role-playing game designer, and aspiring author. As a child, Calvin was an avid reader, consuming the works of Jules Verne and J.R.R. Tolkien with equal voracity, before reading everything he could get his... Read More →
Sunday September 29, 2024 10:00am - 10:50am MDT
Conference Room VII
  Conference Room VII

10:00am MDT

Unlocking Tween Book Marketing: Unique Tactics for Middle Grade Success
Sunday September 29, 2024 10:00am - 10:50am MDT
Conference Room VIII
Is marketing Middle Grade Books the same as for Adult Books? While many strategies overlap, there are exciting opportunities exclusive to MG Books to boost sales—and have more fun! Join me as we explore the distinctive approaches that differentiate Tween Book Marketing from its adult counterpart.
Speakers
avatar for Mariko Tatsumoto

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 →
Sunday September 29, 2024 10:00am - 10:50am MDT
Conference Room VIII
  Conference Room VIII

11:00am MDT

Gold Rush Winners Brunch
Sunday September 29, 2024 11:00am - 12:30pm MDT
Ballroom
Cap off your conference experience at Sunday's brunch, which includes live readings from our Colorado Gold Rush Contest winners and a closing address from RMFW president Bernadette Soehner. Also, an impressive, final door prize: a free conference registration for 2025!
Speakers
avatar for Bernadette Soehner

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 →
avatar for Mira Landry

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 →
avatar for Rachel Dempsey

Rachel Dempsey

Author
Rachel Dempsey is a writer of horror, mystery and thrillers living in Denver. Her short fiction has been published by Shacklebound Books, Brigids Gate Press, Timber Ghost Press and Twenty Bellows (Pushcart nominated, 2023). She holds a BFA in Drama and English from NYU'S Tisch, a... Read More →
Sunday September 29, 2024 11:00am - 12:30pm MDT
Ballroom
  Ballroom
 
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