August 18, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Pikes Peak Writers Write Brain
Online via Zoom
Weapons in Writing (Blades)
We’ve all read fight scenes where the weapon feels cooler than the character carrying it. But what would your character actually use—and what happens when the fight doesn’t go according to plan? From improvised objects to edged weapons, firearms, wounds, and critical hits, this session explores the tools and realities of violent action so you can write fight scenes that feel grounded, specific, and suspenseful. How do place, time, access, identity, training, chaos, injury, and weapon failure shape a violent encounter? We’ll look at what characters carry, what weapons can really do, and the most important question beneath every fight: why are they fighting? Last time we learned about projectile weapons. This time it’s blades.
About AJ
AJ has more than 30 years of experience training with weapons and during this workshop, she’ll share information, funny stories, and answer as many “what if’s” as she can. She’ll focus primarily on edged weapons with time for Q&A.
August 29, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Pikes Peak Library District
Penrose Library, Colorado Springs, CO
The Devil is in Your Story’s Details
Free! Open to the public.
Whether you’re just beginning your writing journey or refining your storytelling skills, this workshop explores the essential craft of fiction. We’ll dive into character development, plot structure, dialogue, point of view, and theme — the foundational elements that bring stories to life. Through practical exercises, examples, and discussion, you’ll learn how to shape ideas into engaging narratives that connect with readers. Leave with new tools, techniques, and confidence to craft compelling fiction in any genre. Perfect for aspiring authors, short story writers, or novelists seeking to strengthen their creative voice.
Registration is required and opens August 15, 2026 at 9:00am.
October 1-4, 2026
Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers Colorado Gold Writers Conference
The Hyatt Regency Aurora-Denver Conference Center
Presenting Deviously Twisted Mystery Writing and more!
Harvest your inspiration!
I’ll be talking about twisting the knife, turning the screw, causing the mayhem, and generally wreaking havoc (in your writing). I’m a good egg outside the workshop, trust me. <wink, wink>Did you know that the Colorado Gold Rush Literary Award is open for submissions? Send in your submission by May 25th to be considered. Winner will be announced at the Colorado Gold Writers Conference.
Smash the button below for more information about the Colorado Gold conference, all it has to offer, and registration
Regular registration ends August 12, 2026!
November 10-13, 2026
Author Nation
Horseshoe Las Vegas
I’m excited to be attending the largest indie author conference in the country where Andy Weir is scheduled to be the keynote speaker! Gahhhhh!! Way to land a big fish Author Nation. Can’t wait! The theme? Incomparable.
New! My story “The House Always Wins” will be in the Reader Nation anthology, The Last Roll of the Dice.
Hope to see some familiar faces!
Stay tuned…