When: September 27-29, 2024
Who: Keynote & Welcome Speakers
Chuck Wendig
Chuck Wendig is the New York Times bestselling author of Wanderers, The Book of Accidents, Black River Orchard, and over two dozen other books for adults and young adults. A finalist for the Astounding Award and an alum of the Sundance Screenwriters Lab, he has also written comics, games, and for film and television. He is known for his popular blog, terribleminds, and books about writing such as Damn Fine Story and Gentle Writing Advice. He lives in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, with his family.
Beverly Jenkins
Beverly Jenkins is the recipient of the 2018 Michigan Author Award by the Michigan Library Association, the 2017 Romance Writers of America Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award, and the 2016 Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award for historical romance. She has been nominated for the NAACP Image Award in Literature and was featured in the documentary Love Between the Covers and on CBS Sunday Morning. Since the publication of Night Song in 1994, she has led the charge for inclusive romance and has been a constant darling of reviewers, fans, and her peers alike, garnering accolades for her work from the likes of The Wall Street Journal, People Magazine, NPR, and the New York Times.
(Photo credit: Andrea King Collier)
Mark Stevens
Mark Stevens writes the Allison Coil Mystery Series—Antler Dust, Buried by the Roan, Trapline, Lake of Fire and The Melancholy Howl. Trapline won the Colorado Book Award and The Colorado Authors League Award in 2016. Buried by the Roan and Lake of Fire were finalists for the same award. Kirkus Reviews called Lake of Fire “irresistible” and The Melancholy Howl “smart and indelible.” Mark was the 2023 and 2016 Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers’ Writer of the Year. He runs the Rocky Mountain Writer podcast and is a frequent contributor to the RMFW blog. He lives in Mancos, Colorado.
Where: The Hyatt Regency Aurora-Denver Conference Center
13200 East 14th Place
Aurora, Colorado 80011
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Why should you attend Colorado Gold?
Want to hear more about our writing conference? Check out what some of our members have to say about past conferences.
The Denver Gazette column written by long-time RMFW member Pius Kamau can be found here.
What You Can Expect from Colorado Gold
Community and Networking: Writing can be a solitary pursuit, but the camaraderie and connections forged at Colorado Gold can provide a much-needed sense of belonging. Surrounded by like-minded individuals, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with fellow writers, agents, publishers, and editors who share your passion. These connections can lead to valuable collaborations, feedback exchanges, and future partnerships that may be instrumental in advancing your writing career.
Learning from Industry Experts: Colorado Gold features an array of workshops, panel discussions, and lectures led by industry experts. From mastering the art of character development to navigating the intricacies of publishing contracts, these sessions offer valuable insights and practical advice that can elevate your writing skills and understanding of the publishing world.
Feedback and Critique: Constructive feedback is the cornerstone of growth for any writer. Colorado Gold offers opportunities for manuscript critiques and pitch sessions with agents or editors. Receiving feedback from professionals and fellow attendees can shed light on both strengths and areas needing improvement in your work, guiding you toward refinement and perfection.
Inspiration and Motivation: Stepping into a vibrant, creative atmosphere can reignite your passion for writing. Attending panels featuring your favorite authors, hearing their success stories, and witnessing their dedication to the craft can inspire you to persevere through challenges and keep honing your skills.
Up-to-Date Industry Insights: The publishing industry is constantly evolving, and staying current with trends, market demands, and innovative techniques is vital for success. Colorado Gold provides exclusive insights into the industry’s latest developments, helping you tailor your writing and marketing strategies accordingly.
Pitching Opportunities: For those seeking traditional publishing, Colorado Gold offers pitch sessions where you can present your manuscript directly to agents and publishers. These face-to-face interactions are invaluable for making a memorable impression and potentially securing representation.
Escape from Isolation: Writing can sometimes feel isolating, but Colorado Gold provides a chance to escape that solitude. Engaging with others who understand your struggles and triumphs can invigorate your creative spirit and remind you that you’re not alone in this journey.
New Perspectives: Colorado Gold draws participants from diverse backgrounds and cultures, enriching your understanding of storytelling and expanding your horizons. Exposure to different viewpoints can infuse your work with unique perspectives, making your writing more dynamic and inclusive.
Setting Goals and Accountability: Attending Colorado Gold can be a catalyst for setting tangible goals and deadlines. Sharing these goals with newfound friends and mentors can provide a sense of accountability that drives you to meet your targets.
The Colorado Gold Writers Conference is more than just a gathering of literary enthusiasts; it’s a transformative experience that has the potential to accelerate your growth as an author. From fostering meaningful connections to gaining expert insights and renewing your creative spirit, the benefits are truly boundless. So, take a leap of faith and embark on a journey that could shape the trajectory of your writing career in ways you never imagined. Your next chapter awaits!