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)
*Note: The mobile phone version of this website requires you to zoom and scroll for functionality.
​
​
WE Write: June 5th
The next WE Write session is scheduled for Thursday, June 5th on Zoom from 7:00-8:30pm. Click here to connect to the Zoom link.
​
Our facilitator will be Elaine Wolff, and she has chosen "Peak-Bagging" as the theme.
​
Elaine is a former editor of the San Antonio Current and Out In SA magazine. Her manuscript The Bad Picker was a finalist in the 2022 RWA KOD Daphne du Maurier awards. A happy resident of Buena Vista, she writes amateur-detective mysteries with a side of Texas Noir, which she plans to self-publish in 2026 if she can’t land an agent ;)
​
Bring paper and pen or laptop, a snack and a drink at your side while on Zoom.​​
CC Writers In the News
CCW Author Lindsay Rice launches her long-awaited debut novel "Birdenwheel" on May 5th, and will have a book launch reading and party on May 31st at The Velveteen in Salida!
​
Find out more about the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Birdenwheel-Lindsay.../dp/B0F5NGS4PK
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/231637099-birdenwheel
​
And for information on the launch hit the link below or use the QR code in the flyer! A Grateful Dead cover band too--Roundhouse Assembly!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1339366393939?aff=oddtdtcreator
​
Congrats Lindsay!
2025 Youth Writing Contest--RESULTS!
We celebrated our young authors on Apr 28th at the 2025 Youth Writing Contest Awards Ceremony. Winners below received recognition and we had a chance to hear the Grand Prize winners read their submissions aloud.
​
If you would like to read any of our contestants' submissions, they are available at this link.
​
Juniors:
Grand Prize: Amelia E. Gold from Ft. Collins for Believe
Silver Prize: Rebekah Bunch from Leadville for Paperboy
Bronze Prize: Genevieve Bishop from Salida for Noodle’s Adventure
Finalists (in alphabetical order):
Declan Duke Davis from Buena Vista for Alex, Tuning In
Anthony Riggs from Leadville for Faster Than Ever
Neve R. Zippin from Salida for The Girl that Stopped A War With Only Her Determination
Seniors:
Grand Prize: Grace Bunch from Leadville for An Experiment in Persistence
Silver Prize: Morgan R. Mitchell from Buena Vista for The Dragonslayer’s Celebration Gone Wrong
Bronze Prize: Garrett C. Kelley from Buena Vista for Fly Eagle Fly
Finalists (in alphabetical order):
Alexis “Lexie” Davis from Buena Vista for Ancient Awakening
Philine Kreysing a foreign exchange student to Buena Vista from Germany for The Pearl Earrings
Evelyn Talbot from Leadville for Celestial Blessed
Upcoming Workshops
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.
​​​​​​​
Stories in a Flash with Laurel McHargue
Monday, May 19th, 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. over Zoom
What is Flash Fiction? It’s a genre of fiction defined as a very short story. Word count can vary from 100 words (micro-fiction) to about 1,500. The challenge is 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.
Participants can expect a whirlwind presentation with a few writing challenges and time for Q&As!
Laurel McHargue—a West Point grad raised near Boston—lives and laughs and publishes and podcasts in Salida, CO. After years as an Army Officer, a mother of two sons, and an English teacher, Laurel abandoned paid employment to concentrate on her creative Muses. She keeps her darker ones hidden until they scream to tell her their tasty tales. A multi-genre author, Laurel writes about life, real and imagined.
Author Talk & Writing Workshop: How to Write a Book You Care About w/David Hicks
Physics in Space Presentation and Q&A
30th Anniversary Pearl Party
Monday, May 19th, 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. over Zoom
​Offered to CCW by Speculative Fiction Writers Association
​
Central Colorado Writer’s 30th Anniversary Pearl Party celebrates three decades of storytelling, creativity, and literary camaraderie. We would love for you and your family to join us for this landmark occasion!
Date: Saturday, May 17, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: 217 Crossman Ave., Buena Vista, CO 81211 (Congregational United Church of Christ)
Enjoy the morning filled with:
- Live music to set a timeless tone
- A photo booth to capture cherished moments
- Complimentary coffee & light refreshments
- Anniversary Anthology—free copy for contributors (also available for purchase at $10)
If you haven’t signed up yet, please RSVP by Apr 19 via this Google Form or by calling Laurel McHargue at 719-293-0108.
​
Join us in celebrating the rich history of the writers, stories, and community that have shaped CCW over the past 30 years. We can’t wait to see you!
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 5th 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!
​