To Critique or Not to Critique

By: Jason P. Henry

It is a wonderful thing to write a novel. That moment you type the last sentence is an incredible, exhilarating feeling. You should be proud. Many want to write a book, but not all follow through. Far fewer see that dream to completion. If you have started a novel, I applaud you. If you have finished, give yourself a hand.

So what next?

Have you ever seen a diamond in the rough? It’s not an overly attractive thing, to be honest. It doesn’t stand out from many other varieties of crystals. To see a diamond uncut, it would take a lot to convince you to shell out the thousands of dollars you pay for a finished gem. It takes a lot of skill to get a rough specimen into the highly valued items you see in jewelry stores. Hours of cutting and polishing go into the process.

Consider your first, or rough draft just that, an unfinished diamond. It may be OK now, but the time you spend cutting and polishing is what really makes it shine. That is what makes it marketable and something readers want to buy. If somebody purchases a book, only to find it filled with misspelled words, plot holes, poor sentence structure, and other problems, they likely won’t purchase something with your name on it again. A nail in the coffin for potentially the best authors.

There are steps you can take to avoid this pitfall. Use spell check, read your work out loud and hear how it sounds. More importantly, let others have a look.

         

Let’s go back to the cave where we found that diamond. The person who discovered the rough-looking specimen is not likely to be the one who will polish or cut it. That person loves the adventure, the thrill of discovery. Much like an author enjoys writing a great story. The miner who finds the diamond extracts it, then sends it off to another who will cut and polish the gem to give it more shine. As a writer, you do the same with your novel or story. In fact, it’s essential.

Your first step in that process should be a critique partner and/or a group. When your first draft is complete, and you have used my advice listed above, find someone else to give it a read. You’ll be amazed at what he or she finds. You have looked at your story for hours upon hours. You know it inside out. But your brain sees what is supposed to be there instead of what actually is. A critique partner looks at things with a fresh set of eyes. He catches things that you have likely missed multiple times already. After you make the suggested corrections, you’ll be amazed at how much more your diamond shines.

         

So what makes a good critique partner?

A critique partner is not the person who tells you what a great writer you are and that your story is the next New York Times bestseller. If that is the type of feedback you want, give it to your mom and put on it on your refrigerator when she’s done. Yes, compliments are great, but too many unaccompanied by constructive feedback are counterproductive. So, before giving your work to someone for critique, have a conversation with potential candidates. It is OK if they are people you know. You still want to make sure they are right for you.

First, make sure they appreciate and understand the genre you’re writing. You would not critique a romance novel the way you would a horror novel.

Secondly, I recommend you choose a partner who is a writer. (Every relationship is about balance. Trade manuscripts and help each other out by swapping critiques.) A critique partner is not the same as a beta reader or paying an editor—that comes later.

Next, make sure your potential critique partner is someone you can work with, someone with whom you share a mutual respect. If you can’t accept criticism from him or her without getting upset, or vice versa, move on. (But consider this: If you can’t take constructive criticism, you might not be ready for a critique group.)

During critique you may find your critique partner makes a suggestion you disagree with. Remember, it is your story and it should never become anything else. You are free to ignore.

Setting Guidelines for Critique

After you’ve chosen your critique partner(s) you and your partner should set guidelines. Among these are location, frequency, time and the day of the week. These probably sound basic, but don’t underestimate the complications that can arise. You and your partners ideally have lives outside of writing.

Determine the times that are mutually available for all of you. My partner and I attempt to meet weekly. It works at the rate both of us write and can finish a critique. We also understand that there are weeks we have to skip. You and your partners will eventually settle into a rhythm and understanding. This comes with time, so be patient.

I consider location to be one of the most important aspects of a critique group. I prefer a neutral environment. Perhaps one member wants to meet at her house. Maybe she has kids, or maybe she simply loves to play hostess.

Personally, I don’t like putting that constant strain on one member. Always feeling the need every week, to clean, prepare snacks, drinks, etc. I find it distracts from the whole purpose of the group. Remember, this is your dream, and it is not an easy one to pursue. It deserves proper, dedicated attention. This is where a neutral venue comes in handy, or at least a constant rotation of private homes if that becomes necessary.

Wherever you decide to meet, the environment should be conducive to productivity. It should be quiet and comfortable enough to focus. It should have amenities, e.g. restrooms, beverages and food. It should have favorable hours of operation. Your group may move a few times before finding a venue that works. That is OK because atmosphere is essential to progress.

Now the tough advice—What if the relationship isn’t working?

Even after all the above has been addressed, and you have spent time with a group, you may find it doesn’t work for you. Know that it is OK to step away. These folks may be your friends, family or coworkers, but your goal is to improve your writing. If that is not happening, you’re in the wrong place.

Likewise, if, a member isn’t carrying his weight, it may be necessary to ask him to leave. A critique is about progress. Yes, there may be hurt feelings, but you have to move beyond that. This is your career, not a social club, although that can be a side benefit.

Once you are with the right group, you will be amazed at how much your writing improves. More importantly, how much you grow as a person. Critique boosts your confidence level because you’ve allowed others to see your work. You now have momentum and may be less hesitant to submit to contests, agents, editors, and/or publishers. Your skin also thickens as your learn how to take criticism.

To critique or not to critique should not be a question. The answer is absolutely. Writing can be a lonely venture. But even many of the best writers don’t go it alone. Get started, collaborate with others. Share your journey, and grow as an author. Watch that rough-looking specimen become a diamond.

About the Author: When he's not working with the dedicated and passionate people of Pikes Peak Writers, Jason P. Henry is lost in a world of serial killers, psychopaths, and other unsavory folks. Ask him what he is thinking, but only at your own risk. More often than not he is plotting a murder, considering the next victim, or twisting seemingly innocent things into dark and demented ideas. A Suspense, Thriller and Horror writer with a dark, twisted sense of humor, Jason strives to make people squirm, cringe, and laugh. He loves to offer a smile, but is quick to leave you wondering what lies behind it. Jason P. Henry is best summed up by the great philosopher Eminem “I'm friends with the monsters beside of my bed, get along with the voices inside of my head.” Learn more about Jason at www.jasonphenry.com. 

Breaking Points: Life Management for Writers

By: Jason P. Henry

Life sucks.

There, I said it. Why bother wasting words?

Life is an unfair, argumentative, demeaning, uncooperative, pain in the eraser. I should just give up on all of my dreams, quit living in the clouds, focus on reality, and all the stress will just melt away. I need to stop wasting my time on this ridiculous idea of writing a novel and accept the fact that I am not meant to be more than just another face in the crowd. I can focus on my job more. I can spend more time with friends. My family, maybe I’ll get a little more time with them as well. All of my problems could magically disappear if I…

Just. Stopped. Writing.

I think it is safe to say that we have all been at this point more than once. Some days, it is hard enough to keep up with the demands of our jobs, friends, families, hobbies and health. It is all we can do to keep our heads above water, our bank accounts in the positive, and to make those around us feel loved. Then we decide that we also need time to write? 

Seriously?

If Life was a graphic novel, Creativity’s arch-nemesis would be Stress.

Unfortunately, the harsh reality is that there will always be stress. If you spend time trying to eliminate it, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment. There will be days when the frustrations ebb, but there will always be something else waiting in the shadows to disrupt your peace of mind. So, the goal should not be to eliminate stress, but to learn how to manage it and lessen its impact on your productivity.

One of the phrases (excuses) that irritates me the most is “I don’t have time.” Yeah, you do. Every week you have seven days. Every day you have twenty-four hours. Every hour you have sixty minutes. That is 10,080 minutes every single week. YOU HAVE TIME. It’s the same amount of time that everyone else on this planet gets. Pick a name: George R. R. Martin? Stephen King? Danielle Steel? Brandon Sanderson? J. R. Ward? James Patterson? ALL of them get the same 10,080 minutes per week.

How many of you are saying “Jason Henry is an idiot, those people are successful authors. All they have to do is sit down and write.”

True (well, not the Jason Henry is an idiot part). They are all successful authors, but they haven’t always been. They’ve been where we are, struggling with reality, trying to find time to sit down and get their books written. Even now, published and recognized, they still have lives outside of their novels. They have to make the time to sit down and get their next bestseller finished.

I firmly believe that the key to success and coping with stress is time management.

I meet many people every day and I hear the words “I don’t have time” quite frequently. I’m very much a conversationalist so I usually ask about what they do and how they do it. And, quite often, I talk about myself. About what I do and how I do it. Many are surprised to learn how much I am involved with.

At this very moment, I am the Conference Director for the Pikes Peak Writers Conference. I also have a full-time job. I have a family. I have three active WIPs in three different genres. I write short stories. I have three blogs that I contribute to. I am partnering with someone to build a short story anthology. I am partnering with other folks to create a group that helps young writers. I am active on social media, I have a website, I have a dog, I like to hike, I’m a rock hound, I love music, and yeah, I only get the same 10,080 minutes in my week as everyone else.  

Trust me, I have reached my share of breaking points. I have smacked into brick walls so hard that I couldn’t move for days. Stress, that silent assassin, lurks in my shadows every day. So, when folks tell me they don’t have time, it is difficult to suppress my irritation. When they start complaining and saying “there’s no way,” I interrupt and I ask one simple question:

“How bad do you want it?”

The question is simple, but the answer is not. In fact, when I ask, most don’t have an answer for me.

Life has this funny way of making us work really hard for the things we want most. We are issued challenges daily and we must decide for ourselves if they hold us back or propel us forward. See, that stress that we keep trying to eliminate isn’t there to prevent us from realizing our dreams. It’s there to motivate us, to teach us, to make us better. When we learn how to manage that stress, well, that is when we truly break through and begin moving forward.

Decide how bad you want to be a writer. Then, sit down with your family and friends and explain to them how important it is. In that same conversation, remind them of how important they are. Then take a look at all the things you need to accomplish in a week. Create a schedule. Take those minutes I mentioned and begin dealing them out appropriately. Make sure to leave some time for the ones you love. Be certain to devote some time to writing. You may find you have an hour a night that you can spare, or maybe only a couple hours a week, but it is still time to write.

Be flexible. You can’t control life’s many demands no matter how detailed your schedule is. Work will demand extra hours. Kids will get sick. The unexpected will pop up. However, having that schedule will help you see where your time is and provide a road map for getting through the roughest of weeks. I think you will find that no matter how busy you are, you have more free time than you realize. Don’t let the stress cloud your vision and stop your momentum. Some weeks will be far more productive than others. A lower word count does not mean you were slacking, it means you were living. If we don’t live, we won’t have a whole hell of a lot to write about. 

Remember, stress is a vital part of life. How you handle that stress determines where it takes you.    

About the Author:  When he's not working with the dedicated and passionate people of Pikes Peak Writers, Jason P. Henry is lost in a world of serial killers, psychopaths, and other unsavory folks. Ask him what he is thinking, but only at your own risk. More often than not he is plotting a murder, considering the next victim, or twisting seemingly innocent things into dark and demented ideas. A Suspense, Thriller and Horror writer with a dark, twisted sense of humor, Jason strives to make people squirm, cringe, and laugh. He loves to offer a smile, but is quick to leave you wondering what lies behind it. Jason P. Henry is best summed up by the great philosopher Eminem “I'm friends with the monsters beside of my bed, get along with the voices inside of my head.” Learn more about Jason at www.jasonphenry.com.

A Writer's Woes: Facing Reality

By Jason P. Henry

Imagine…

You wake up to the sun’s warm rays slipping through a part in the curtains, caressing your skin, inviting you to begin a new day. You accept that invitation by sitting up on the edge of the bed, stretching your arms out to the side, yawning, and slipping your feet into your favorite slippers. Then you stand, go to the curtains, and pull them even farther apart, allowing the sunshine to completely bathe the room. A sparrow, perched on a tree branch just outside the window, whistles a soft ‘good morning’. You look past the branch and see the majestic silhouette of Pikes Peak, like a beacon leading you to your destiny. Then you are greeted by a familiar aroma that puts a smile on your face as it escorts you away from the window and to the kitchen where a freshly brewed pot of coffee awaits. You pour the first cup of the day and carry it with you to your office. Just a simple walk down the hall. You sit down, press the power button on your computer, and enjoy a few sips of java as your start screen comes to life. Then you place the coffee on the desk and open a file labeled current W.I.P. Breathing a sigh of contentment, you place your fingers on the keyboard and go to work.

As writers, whether published or still seeking that coveted place on a bookshelf, we have all had some version of that fantasy. We have spent many moments imagining how life would be if we could make a living doing what we love. That fantasy has potential for coming to fruition, but there are many challenges we face along the way. There will always be the necessities of reality: family, a job, responsibilities, obligations. Then we have the complications of the writing process: beginnings, endings, murky middles, characters, story arcs, plot holes, word counts. There are the business road blocks: rejections, low sales, loss of representation, contract negotiations. Perhaps worst of all, the internal conflicts: self-doubt, lack of motivation, frustration, thoughts of giving up. The writer’s woes are endless. We must continually find ways to evolve and improve, not just to compete in an ever-changing industry, but also to counter our own personal tribulations.

So, as writers, how do we manage to keep our motivation as we face the many setbacks that we must endure?

That is the very question I want to explore with my posts here at Writing from the Peak. There can never be too many writers in the world, yet, so many fall victim to the troubles and the worries that they encounter. I see it happening all around me and I realize writing is not easy. So let’s approach the many things that would prevent us from bestowing our words upon the world. Together, let’s find ways to navigate the vaguely mapped path to success. After all, Adventure Safety 101 tells us that we should never travel alone.

My own path has definitely seen its share of problems. Many times I have considered giving up on the whole idea of being published, because it seemed every step I took led to one more reason why I was foolish for thinking I could do this. There have even been times when I felt selfish for wanting to put the world away, just for a moment, while I sat down to write. Other times I have felt arrogant for thinking I had anything at all the world might want to read. Often, I have felt insecure because a character is just a little too much like me, and I would be exposed, vulnerable, when the reader discovered him.

Then, as odd as it seems, I have feared success. As much as I want to be published, what if it happened? I truly believe this irrational fear of achieving my goals has actually led to moments of self-destruction.   

The best thing I ever did for myself was to begin associating with other writers. As that network grows, so does my belief that my dreams can become a reality. From the writers I meet, I am constantly reminded why being a writer is so important. Set aside the illusions of grandeur; the cabin in the mountains, my face on the back cover of a novel, the book signings where hundreds of readers show up desiring my coveted and priceless autograph. Forget all the silly things that I dream of when I think about being a successful author. Other writers, they remind me of the real reason behind what I do.

We should all remember why we write in the first place. We write because we believe in the beauty and the power of words. We understand that the writers of the world keep the past alive, chronicle the present, and map the future. We writers tell the stories that allow children to dream big and believe in the impossible. We provide the escape for people who need a break from their own reality. We prove that boundaries are only as restricting as we allow them to be, and, if we open our minds, those barriers fade and allow us to breach the realm of impossibility. With the power and beauty of words, we prove that all things can be if hope stands strong. We move, we inspire, and we open doors that most wouldn’t dream of opening.

The road we travel as writers will always be a difficult one to traverse but, I wouldn’t want it any other way. As I look back at all I have been through, I realize something: I made it. I am still standing. If it wasn’t for all the problems along the way, I’d have nothing to write about. Well, nothing worth reading at least. Those moments that leave us questioning ourselves are the moments that truly shape who we are. They make us better writers by giving our words more meaning.

In the moments of doubt, when you question if what you are doing is worthwhile, close your eyes and think about why you started. Remind yourself of how incredible it felt when the journey began. Open your eyes and feel the sun on your skin. Part the curtains, get your cup of coffee. Then go to your writing place, sit down, and place your fingers on the keyboard. We’re in this together, you and I. Together, we’ll weather the storm and change the world. One word at a time.

About the Author:  When he's not working with the dedicated and passionate people of Pikes Peak Writers, Jason P. Henry is lost in a world of serial killers, psychopaths, and other unsavory folks. Ask him what he is thinking, but only at your own risk. More often than not he is plotting a murder, considering the next victim, or twisting seemingly innocent things into dark and demented ideas. A Suspense, Thriller and Horror writer with a dark, twisted sense of humor, Jason strives to make people squirm, cringe, and laugh. He loves to offer a smile, but is quick to leave you wondering what lies behind it. Jason P. Henry is best summed up by the great philosopher Eminem “I'm friends with the monsters beside of my bed, get along with the voices inside of my head.” Learn more about Jason at www.jasonphenry.com.

      

Quote of the week & the week to come

“I was never one to patiently pick up broken fragments and glue them together again and tell myself that the mended whole was as good as new. What is broken is broken - and I'd rather remember it as it was at its best than mend it and see the broken places as long as I lived.”  ~ Margaret Mitchell

 

Source: Bing.com

Bio:  Margaret Munnerlyn Mitchell, born November 8, 1900, was an American author and journalist. One novel by Mitchell was published during her lifetime, the American Civil War-era novel, Gone with the Wind, for which she won the National Book Award for Most Distinguished Novel of 1936.

This week on Writing from the Peak: 

November 9:  A writer's woes: Facing reality by Jason P. Henry

November 11:  Ask the Prez by Pikes Peak Writers President, J.T. Evans

November 13:  Sweet Success: Kelly Michelle Baker

The 2016 Pikes Peak Writers Conference: Getting Involved

EDITOR'S NOTE: We interrupt our normally scheduled blog dates and times to bring you this special invitation and request from Jason P. Henry, 2016 Conference Director.  Are you looking for ways to get involved? Here's your chance. 

By: Jason P. Henry

I have been involved with Pikes Peak Writers on some level for a few years now and it has been a fantastic experience. The people I’ve met, the things I’ve learned, the confidence I’ve built within myself, are all direct benefits from volunteering with an amazing group of people. As the current conference director, perhaps I am biased, but Pikes Peak Writers Conference is an amazing event every year. The reason is simple. There is a devoted and passionate group of volunteers who work their butts off to make it that way.

I love each and every person who is helping me with conference this year. But, the reality is that sometimes life's dictates are more important than volunteering. Jobs become more demanding, people move, some simply decide to take a break and focus on other things. These are all more than acceptable, but doesn’t change the need for volunteers to fill vacant rolls. In fact, bringing in new faces can be a great thing. They arrive full of energy and with new ideas that help keep Pikes Peak Writers moving forward and evolving with the times.

So, how do you get involved? There are many ways, but this is not where I direct you to the website and ask you to fill out a form. This year, we decided to make the chance to volunteer a little more personable. The 2016 Pikes Peak Writers Conference committee is inviting any person interested in volunteering to an open meeting.

At this meeting, we will discuss the many different roles within the Conference. You will meet some of the volunteers who are currently doing the work, get to ask questions to see where you might fit in, and I will try to help you find a path that is right for you. Even if it doesn’t happen for 2016, there is a conference every year that needs people to help make it happen.

We all started somewhere; in fact, my first role was with the A/V team. I helped set up projectors and screens in the workshops, and sometimes help find audio solutions. I changed Power Point slides for faculty and helped address any tech issues they may have. That role led to much more in the following years. I was faculty coordinator, programming director, and now I am the conference director.

Every job is important. Every person, no matter their role, is instrumental in making Pikes Peak Writers and Pikes Peak Writers Conference a success. Join us on September 18^th and find out how you can get your foot in the door. Whether you have volunteered in the past or are just now considering getting involved for the first time, we will welcome you with open arms. No, you don’t have to be at the meeting to volunteer. We are all busy and schedules don’t always permit us to do the things we want to do. So, e-mail me at  conference@pikespeakwriters.com and we will try to find a place for you. No matter how it happens, I look forward to meeting you and perhaps working with you some day.

Cheers to all,
Jason P. Henry
Conference Director

2016 Pikes Peak Writers Conference: Dare To Dream


About the Author: When he's not working with the dedicated and passionate people of Pikes Peak Writers, Jason P. Henry is lost in a world of serial killers, psychopaths, and other unsavory folks. Ask him what he is thinking, but only at your own risk. More often than not he is plotting a murder, considering the next victim, or twisting seemingly innocent things into dark and demented ideas. A Suspense, Thriller and Horror writer with a dark, twisted sense of humor, Jason strives to make people squirm, cringe, and laugh. He loves to offer a smile, but is quick to leave you wondering what lies behind it. Jason P. Henry is best summed up by the great philosopher Eminem “I'm friends with the monsters beside of my bed, get along with the voices inside of my head.” Learn more about Jason at www.jasonphenry.com.
 

SPECIAL SUNDAY ANNOUNCEMENT: THE 2016 PIKES PEAK WRITERS CONFERENCE: KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

By:  Jason P. Henry

The 2016 Pikes Peak Writers Conference will be the 24^th running of this spectacular event. For nearly a quarter-century, Pikes Peak Writers has been organizing a gathering of aspiring authors from all spectrums and skill levels.

At the 2015 Conference, I had the pleasure of meeting a new writer who was working on her first chapter. In that same weekend, I had the honor of meeting R.L. Stine, who has published more than three-hundred books. That’s what our conference is about. It’s about those who have achieved their dreams encouraging those who are still chasing theirs. It is a place where emerging authors can gather, no matter their abilities or genres, and enjoy being around others who share similar aspirations. The Pikes Peak Writers Conference is about learning, networking, and about friendship.

As director for the 2016 Pikes Peak Writers Conference, it is with excitement and pride that, on behalf of the entire conference planning committee, I announce our keynote speakers. For 2016 we are bringing in not four, but FIVE of the biggest and the best. I hope you will join us in welcoming  Kevin J. Anderson, Rachel Caine, Joe R. Lansdale, Jeff Lindsay and Wendy Corsi Staub. For our attendees, both new and returning, I am certain the stories of these five talented authors will breed new energy into the pursuit of your own dreams.

I wish you many words and a thrilling journey on your path to publication. Even more, I hope that journey leads you to Colorado Springs, Colorado on April 15^th – 17^th, 2016 where you can join many others traveling the same road at the 2016 Pikes Peak Writers Conference.

Together, let’s Dare To Dream!

Cheers to all,

Jason P. Henry
Conference Director

2016 Pikes Peak Writers Conference: Dare To Dream


About the Author: When he's not working with the dedicated and passionate people of Pikes Peak Writers, Jason P. Henry is lost in a world of serial killers, psychopaths, and other unsavory folks. Ask him what he is thinking, but only at your own risk. More often than not he is plotting a murder, considering the next victim, or twisting seemingly innocent things into dark and demented ideas. A Suspense, Thriller and Horror writer with a dark, twisted sense of humor, Jason strives to make people squirm, cringe, and laugh. He loves to offer a smile, but is quick to leave you wondering what lies behind it. Jason P. Henry is best summed up by the great philosopher Eminem “I'm friends with the monsters beside of my bed, get along with the voices inside of my head.” Learn more about Jason at www.jasonphenry.com.
 

Happy New Year! Sort of....

By Jason Henry 

December 31st always gets people excited. The calendar moves forward, people celebrate new beginnings, and make new resolutions. They reflect on the last twelve months, ponder their wins and their losses, and think about their successes and failures. For me, it seems that phrases such as ‘this year’, ‘next year’ or ‘last year’ don’t hold the same meaning as they once did. In fact, I don’t look at them in terms of calendar years much at all. For me, New Year happens in April.

textimages.com

In fact, a few weeks into my New Year, I am reflecting on ‘last year’. The 2015 Pikes Peak Writers Conference. That was my celebration, my turning of the clock. It was twelve months of work and planning culminating into one spectacular weekend. As it is every year, the conference was exciting, informative, funny, and even heartbreaking. It was all of those things and much more. And yes, it certainly was an adventure.

My favorite part of conference is watching the newcomers. I love meeting them, talking to them, learning about their work. But I truly love observing. They come in on Friday morning, bundles of energy waiting to explode into action and take the Pikes Peak Writers Conference by storm. Then, by the time Sunday morning rolls around, their feet are dragging and they can’t speak in full sentences let alone write with them. As someone who helps plan the conference, this tells me one thing… we did our job. Honestly, it’s not just the newbies that are worn out come Sunday, it’s everyone. Adventures should be exhausting. If you set out to explore new worlds or opportunities, to absorb new ideas and learn new concepts, to do the unthinkable and pursue your dreams, you should be so worn out that it hurts to think about going on. Then you should get up and do it all over again.

Isn’t that what writing is all about? The pain, the agony, the exhaustion? We get so into our stories and characters that we feel everything they feel. If they cry, we cry. If they shout for joy, so do we. When their hearts break, ours shatter. Our hearts and souls are devoted to ripping the lives of our characters apart and then stitching them together again with every bit of love we can muster. The people around us think we are losing our minds and wonder if we will ever again find our grip on reality. And it’s okay. Let them wonder.

Let them wonder, because when we go to conferences we are surrounded by people who get us. We are surrounded by folks who have devoted their lives to the same madness as us and it feels great. It is in those moments we learn that we absolutely are not normal and again, it is okay. That is why we wear ourselves down to the point of exhaustion. For one weekend, we can forget about how insane we look to the world around us and focus on our adventure. We can hone our craft, meet amazing people, and pursue our dreams without inhibition or guilt. We do it because it feels like twelve months into a low calorie diet and eating an entire chocolate cake just to raise our frosting covered lips proudly to the world and say, “Why? Because we like cake!”

The 23rd Annual Pikes Peak Writers Conference was indeed a great end to a year. We all had the pleasure of meeting so many amazing faculty members. There were many surprises… I mean, c’mon, who else expected to get goosebumps when R.L. Stine talked, but ended up with laughter pains instead? Right now you are probably enjoying conversations with new acquaintances, and are likely still hitting accept on Facebook friend requests. You are setting new writing goals, making progress on your manuscripts, and probably still have no clear answer to “self or traditional”. You are hitting the send key and completing the requests for your pages, then immediately realizing you could have done something much better in Chapter 7. You are reflecting on the months leading up to the 2015 Pikes Peak Writers Conference and wondering what will be different when the 2016 conference rolls around.

The answer is you. You will be different. You will be another year better, another year closer to the realization of your dreams, and even more courageous as your writing adventure continues despite the concerned glances from people around you. So ignore the calendar, pour a glass of champagne, look at yourself in the mirror and toast… Happy New Year! Celebrate, and enjoy your cake.

I look forward to celebrating with you all once again at the 2016 Pikes Peak Writers Conference.

Jason Henry
Conference Director
2016 Pikes Peak Writers Conference

About the Author: When he's not working with the dedicated and passionate people of Pikes Peak Writers, Jason P. Henry is lost in a world of serial killers, psychopaths, and other unsavory folks. Ask him what he is thinking, but only at your own risk. More often than not he is plotting a murder, considering the next victim, or twisting seemingly innocent things into dark and demented ideas. A Suspense, Thriller and Horror writer with a dark, twisted sense of humor, Jason strives to make people squirm, cringe, and laugh. He loves to offer a smile, but is quick to leave you wondering what lies behind it. Jason P. Henry is best summed up by the great philosopher Eminem: “I'm friends with the monsters beside of my bed, get along with the voices inside of my head.” Learn more about Jason at www.jasonphenry.com.

Quote of the Week and Week to Come

"One day I will find the right words, and they will be simple."

www.en.wikipedia.org

Jack Kerouac (March 12, 1922 - October 21, 1969)
On the Road
The Subterraneans

This week on Writing from the Peak:

* PPWC15                                                               MB Partlow

* Faculty Interview: Mary Sue Seymour          Jason Henry

* Ten Questions to Ask Your Characters         Jax Hunter

* Sweet Success: Margaret Mizushima            Kathie Scrimgeour 

Quote of the Week and Week to Come

"Tricks you need to transform something which appears fantastic, unbelievable into something plausible, credible, those I learned from journalism. The key is to tell it straight. It is done by reporters and by country folk."

www.abc.es

Gabriel Garcia Marquez (3/6/27 - 4/17/14)Love in the Time of Cholera
One Hundred Years of Solitude
Recipient, Novel Prize for Literature

This week on Writing from the Peak:

* Letter from the Editor                                 Debi Archibald

* Faculty Interview: Pam McCutcheon       Jason Henry

* First Wednesday Post                                  Deb McLeod

* Faculty Interview: Robert Spiller              Jason Henry

* PPW March News & Events                       Debi Archibald

* Faculty Interview: Pete Klismet                Jason Henry

Quote of the Week and Week to Come

"There are those who say that life is like a book, with chapters for each event in your life and a limited number of pages on which you can spend your time. But I prefer to think that a book is like a life, particularly a good one, which is well worth staying up all night to finish. "

biography.com

Lemony Snicket (aka Daniel Handler)

A Series of Unfortunate Events

This week on Writing from the Peak:

* Divert and Distract                                    Karen Albright Lin

* Faculty Interview: J.A. Kazimer                Jason Henry

* Break Free From the Mindsets That

       Make Writing a Struggle                      Guest Post - Alissa Johnson

* Faculty Interview: Rod Miller                    Jason Henry

                  

* Sweet Success - Darby Karchut               Kathie Scrimgeour

* Faculty Interview: Mike Befeler                Jason Henry 

Quote of the Week and Week to Come

"The ability of writers to imagine what is not the self, to familiarize the strange and mystify the familiar, is the test of their power."

www.famousauthors.org

Toni Morrison (February 18, 1931 - )
Recipient of Nobel and Pulitzer Prizes
Beloved
Song of Solomon
The Bluest Eye

This week on Writing from the Peak:

* What Intermediate Writers Need to Know        DeAnna Knippling

* Faculty Interview: F.T. Bradley                          Jason Henry

* The Year Writing Project                                   Jennifer Lovett

* Faculty Interview: Josh Vogt                             Jason Henry

* Tips to Update Your Online Real Estate           Stacy S. Jensen

* Faculty Interview: Angie Hodapp                      Jason Henry

Quote of the Week and Week to Come

"What I do is put my characters into situations that are so precarious there is no way to get out. And then I figure how to get them out."

delibrosviajes.com

Sidney Sheldon (February 11, 1917 - January 30, 2007)

According to Wikipedia, the seventh best selling fiction writer of all time. 

The Other Side of Midnight

Bloodline

Rage of Angels

This week on Writing from the Peak:

* PPWC15                                                          MB Partlow & Staff

* Faculty Interview: Trai Cartwright                    Jason Henry

* Story Ideas                                                      Jax Hunter

* Faculty Interview: Seanan McGuire                Jason Henry

* Seven-Step Gospel for Writing Success         Aaron Michael Ritchey

* Why Come Back to the PPWC                        MB Partlow 

A Season of Thanks

By Jason Henry

The holiday season is in full swing. As you read this, you may be recovering from a turkey coma hangover, warming a plate full of leftovers, sending friends and relatives on their way as you reclaim your house, or getting ready for a nap after a frenzied day of Black Friday shopping. 

ecoprenuerist.com

For many of us, this is a time of reflection. With thirty-three days left in 2014, a new year is fast approaching. Me, well, I am one of those thinking back over the past eleven months and wondering if I spent them correctly. I look at where I was and where I am and, I will admit, there are some things in question. However, I know that I personally have a habit of setting lofty goals and forgetting the smaller achievements along the way.

As a writer, this holds even truer.

At this moment in time, I have not secured an agent, not signed a publishing contract, and, in the past year, I have not made one single cent as a writer. For these things, I am incredibly thankful.

I am thankful because I have a chance to acknowledge and appreciate some things I did accomplish this year. Things I may have overlooked under different circumstances.

In April, I attended another amazing Pikes Peak Writers Conference. Now, I have the pleasure and honor of being Programming Director for the next. At that conference in April, I met so many wonderful new people and got to say hello to some familiar faces. I also pitched my work for the first time and received two ‘send its’.

Wait a minute…

That means I also finished writing my first novel.

As I look back, published or not, there are so many things that give me cause for thanks.

So, allow me to ask this of you:

On this Black Friday and for the rest of the holiday season, set aside thoughts of things you didn’t do. Take some time to ponder and appreciate the successes, no matter how small they may seem.

You survived NaNoWriMo! Whether you wrote 100 words or 100,000, you put words onto paper. Any word count at all should feel like a success. WIN!

Registration for the 23rd Annual Pikes Peak Writers Conference has opened. Perhaps you were one of the first five registrants. That means you received a front-of-the-line meal pass. Have you seen those lines? That’s a WIN, baby!

The Zebulon has closed and judging is underway. Maybe you ignored all the self-doubt and entered. If so, that is a major accomplishment. No matter the end results, that’s a WIN.

As we navigate through the holiday season, we all should remember one win in particular. We write. No matter where we are on our writing journey, no matter what writing adventure we’ve chosen, we write. We face the world, standing tall and steadfast in the pursuit of our dreams. For that, I ask that you be thankful. I can say that I, for one, am incredibly thankful for you.

Happy Holidays!

Jason P. Henry
Programming Director
2015 Pikes Peak Writers Conference

When he's not working with the dedicated and passionate people of Pikes Peak Writers, Jason P. Henry is lost in a world of serial killers, psychopaths, and other unsavory folks. Ask him what he is thinking, but only at your own risk. More often than not he is plotting a murder, considering the next victim or twisting seemingly innocent things into dark and demented ideas. A Suspense, Thriller and Horror writer with a dark, twisted sense of humor, Jason strives to make people squirm, cringe, and laugh. He loves to offer a smile, but is quick to leave you wondering what lies behind it. Jason P. Henry is best summed up by the great philosopher Eminem: “I'm friends with the monsters beside of my bed, get along with the voices inside of my head.” Learn more about Jason at www.jasonphenry.com. You can also find him on Facebook and Twitter.