Catherine Dilts
Why would hundreds of introverts flock together? Isn’t that
contrary to their very nature? When asked, most people told me they were hugely
uncomfortable in crowds. But they could endure a weekend at a conference
because this was their crowd. Their people. The weirdos who “get” their weird.
Writers’ conferences are both invigorating and draining. Last
week Sybil Johnson shared her experiences at Malice Domestic. I attended the multi-genre Pikes Peak Writers Conference this weekend in my hometown. Here’s a peek at my
adventure.
The theme at PPWC 2025 was The Future
Is Now. Even people who do not write science fiction wore their SF-based costumes
to the Friday night banquet. What? You don’t have a Star Trek uniform in your closet?
An Alien face-hugger in a dresser drawer? Firefly-based attire? (A very
realistic Mal was in attendance.)
And now I’ve revealed too much about myself. I suppose that was the point this three-day weekend. Revealing your true self to like-minded folks: WRITERS.
PPWC wasn’t all fun and games. We were there for business,
too. The workshops provided educational opportunities. Three different class tracks
offered craft education, business enlightenment, and writing life advice.
There was also the chance to pitch your project to industry
professionals.
My dear friend and critique partner Beth pitched to an
editor. She received validation for years of study and work with a “send me
pages” from an editor. For non-writers, this means the person Beth pitched to
was intrigued enough to request to see more of her novel. Send me the first
three chapters may lead to acquisition and publication. Exciting!
I was seeking all the info I could get about Indy publishing and marketing. I’ve survived two small presses folding, my write-for-hire gig drying up, and my agent retiring. I’m ready to try something different. I received a fire-hose level education. How-to on an epic level.
A recently added feature at PPWC is Friday late-evening classes and
roundtables. Starting at 9pm, these less formal gatherings kept writers
energized for just a little bit longer – or way longer. Marketing Tips &
Tricks with Susan Mitchell and Jenny Kate didn’t end until people were
literally falling asleep at the table. We stumbled off to our rooms, hung up
our Star Trek uniforms and hoped to get enough sleep to recharge for the next
day.
Which started as early as you wanted. A 7:30 morning meditation with Johnny Worthen, a newcomers’ briefing at 8am, and workshops at 8:30. Another full day of classes, workshops, and hallway meetings with new writing friends.
Bar Con is the Saturday night opportunity to rub shoulders
with industry professionals, and to unwind after two days of conference
intensity. Yes, I really was having a good time. We unexpectedly became the
cool kids table when Johnny Worthen pulled up a chair. Soon we had a lively
crowd that talked until far too late into the evening.
Sunday morning, a surprising number of folks made it to the classes starting at 9am. My crew tried to divide and conquer, attending different sessions, then sharing notes later. I was exhausted, but dragged myself through the morning. My granddaughter insisted on staying for the lunch speaker, David R. Slayton. I’m glad she insisted, because he delivered an inspiring message.
As did all the mealtime speakers. That’s the part I left out
about attending a writers’ conference. Besides business and pleasure, we
received Inspiration. The words to keep you going in this often
brutally unforgiving path.
Now, I’m ready to retreat into my writing cave and enjoy
quiet time. Until next year…
