Based in Central Colorado since 1995, Central Colorado (CC) Writers fosters writing and encourages publication through the sharing of resources critique sessions, and information. (more)
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WE Write: March 6th
The next WE Write session is scheduled for Thursday, March 6 on Zoom at 7:00. Click here to connect to the Zoom link.
Bring paper and pen or laptop, a snack and a drink at your side while on Zoom.
CC Writers In the News
Congratulations are in order for J. David Holt. David has published his first book, The Mystery of Mushroom Valley, a children's book now available on Amazon. Great job, David!
Laurel McHargue released her latest book, Dark Ebb II on November 27th.
With original artwork by the author, 20 more bizarre short stories and flash fiction for a crazy world! A test of manliness, spies in love, alien visitation, a photographer who sees too much . . . and what’s in the mirrors at the gym? With shocking imagery and hints of dark humor, Laurel McHargue’s second short story collection continues to explore the challenging intricacies of human nature.
Romance Writers of America Workshop Opportunities
The Romance Writers of America (RWA is offering a workshop this spring. You do not need to be a member to participate. Topics discussed will also apply to genres besides romance.
Traditional Author Weekend, April 5-6 (virtual) Register here: https://www.rwa.org/traditional-author-weekend. Open to all, $199 for non-members, $179 for RWA members.
Upcoming Workshops
April 5, 2025 (Salida Regional Library 1:00-3:00pm): A Feast for the Senses: Writing to Immerse Your Readers w/ Anita Mumm
Adding more sensory detail to your writing can take it from ordinary to exceptional. This workshop teaches writers to observe their surroundings more closely through each of the five senses. Using examples from authors known for their vivid prose, we’ll explore ways to translate that sensory awareness onto the page to create vibrant scenes, memorable characters, and a particular atmosphere. Poets, novelists, and memoirists alike will gain tools for creating a richer experience for readers.
Anita Mumm is a developmental editor, ghostwriter, and publishing consultant. Prior to starting Mumm’s the Word, Anita worked in submissions and foreign rights at Nelson Literary Agency and taught writing workshops around the country.
Cost: $20 for CCW members / $40 for non-members. Find out more at the workshop page here.
Or sign up right now here.
More Craft Opportunities
Kristin Homer has been hard at work liaisoning with other writer organizations to bring opportunities to our members. Check out the events calendar page for Zoom/contact details for these FREE classes.
March 22, 10 AM
How a Story Bible and Timeline can help you find your way out of the wilderness Zoom (WSRMFW) FREE
Terri Benson will give examples of how a story bible and timeline can keep your WIP in order (and/or maintain continuity for a series), help you find information easily, and keep you from getting off track with characters or time and spaces. Learn what things might be important to track and why, how to make sure you don't forget important characters as you go along, and keep your POV under control. Terri will show you formats she's used for years and share other options she's found. Western Slope Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers is making this Zoom session available to CC Writers.
March 22, All Day
After many successful past events in Colorado, Writing Day Workshops is excited to announce The 2025 Colorado Writing Workshop — a full-day in-person “How to Get Published” writing event in Denver, CO on March 22, 2025. The cost is $199 with additional fees for add-ons such as pitching to an agent, professional review of your query letter, and first 10 pages review of your manuscript by an agent.
April 10, 6 PM MDT FREE
Sex in Fiction Workshop w/ Steve Almond
presented by Speculative Fiction Writers Association
Steve Almond, a New York Times bestselling author, presents a workshop on writing sex in fiction. He will discuss the pros and cons of writing intimate scenes, and how to make them compelling when included in a story. In Steve’s words: Most of us, whether we like it or not, have an erotic life. It’s a part of the human arrangement. Our sexual drive is primal, often overpowering. It causes us to think things we’d rather not think, to behave in ways we know to be destructive, to harbor wants that will remain unrequited. It’s a source of tremendous vitality, occasional transgression, and consistent imbalance. For this reason, humans have devised various systems of thought that seek to stigmatize and even criminalize our sexual impulses. These efforts are, let’s face it, a testament to the power of our libidinal urges. If you’re interested in the topic, please join us as we talk about this sparsely-discussed element of writing.
SFWA is offering this workshop to CCWriters members. Please contact Kristin Homer at kristin497@gmail.com for the Zoom link.
2025 Youth Writing Contest
The Central Colorado Writers are FIRED UP as we get ready to launch our 4th annual Youth Writing Contest on Feb 10th, 2025!
The format of the contest is similar to past years. Here are the key points for 2025:
Our theme for the fictional short story is Superpower(s) Applied.
In addition to our $1400 of prize money over the two age categories, the senior winner will also receive free attendance at the Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers Colorado Gold conference in Denver in Sep 2025 along with two nights lodging in the Hyatt Regency (over a $900 value!)
For the full guidelines (and directions on how to submit) please use the link here.
Subscribe to Receive
Free News & Updates
Join our email list to receive updates and notifications about upcoming writing sessions, workshops, twice monthly critique sessions, November NaNoWriMo mentoring, Members' new book releases, Salida Art Walk community event participation, links from our website to your published book(s).
CC Writers Exchange Membership
CCW Members receive these extras
for only $20 in 2024...
> Workshop discounts
> Monthly Critique sessions
> November NaNoWriMo Mentoring
> WE Write sessions
> Links to your website
> End of year Book Exchange
> Members' year-end writing session
I've heard enough, SIGN ME UP!
Find out more on our Membership Page!
Contact Membership Chair Melony Franchini with questions.
Writing Critique Sessions
Want feedback on your writing from other authors? Having trouble finding beta readers? Want to learn about writing craft by reviewing other authors’ work?
Join the FREE CCW Critique Group – for CCW members only.
This on-line group meets twice per month on Wednesday evenings from 6:00 to about 8:00 (see the CCW calendar for dates). By Sunday prior to the meeting, post your submission (3,000 words maximum) to Google Docs. You have three days to review/provide written feedback on three submissions and, in return, you will receive three reviews on your work. At Wednesday’s on-line meeting, you will give/receive additional feedback.
If you’re not a Google Docs user – NO WORRIES! Our facilitators will walk you through how to upload and download documents like a pro.
If you want to find out more? Please contact Author and CCW Board Member, Linda Ditchkus. Contact Linda Ditchkus HERE! or call her at 720-985-8450.
WE Writes
Join us for our free and open to the public WE Write (WW) Sessions!
Our next WE Write" is on the 6th of March. See more information in the left column of this website or on the member calendar page!
WW sessions are done on Zoom, in-person, and sometimes a hybrid version of both. Each session has time allotted at the start for general discussion, writing updates, and events.
Plan for a 15-minute "head start" for technical set-up before the start time.
The opportunity to read your writing is encouraged with no critique! See our Event Calendar for dates, times. Zoom connection information is on the calendar and in the article in the left column. Be sure to RSVP!
Contact Tom Dury to volunteer as a session facilitator! tdury3384@gmail.com
Subscribe to CCW to stay current with our schedule of events!