The Unexpected Side Benefits of PPWC 2015

By Lin Kobee

Going to Pikes Peak Writers Conference 2015 as a scholarship recipient was an exciting experience for me. It hadn’t even occurred to me that I could apply for a scholarship, and certainly (wannabe-best-seller that I am) that someone would give me a scholarship if I asked.

I received my scholarship in February, and my life took a serious turn to the left between February and May. I’m now living in New York as a live-in caregiver for a gentleman with Alzheimer’s. What’s truly amazing to me is how the conference not only inspired my writing, but took my left turn with me.

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I met some amazing writers there and I want to mention them all, but two made a deep impression on me, both because of my new job and their kindness and willingness to share aspects of their lives with me.

I was introduced to Angel Smits' work through the Romance Writers Open Panel. I had not read her work before, but I am very excited to find a new author writing contemporary romances set in the West. I also had a chance to speak to her and she is a caring professional who has worked with dementia patients for many years. The advice she offered on my career choice was another invaluable and unexpected gift of the PPWC.

I already knew of Seanan McGuire both through her Newsflesh series and through Carniepunk, an anthology of Carniepunk stories. The first time I saw her, I nearly dropped what I was holding and said, “Oh, my God, you’re one of my favorite authors”. Seanan later included me in a conversation about OCD which changed how I viewed it. I felt that having a different insight into how the mind works will also aid me in my new job, as her writing inspires me to grow in different directions with my own writing. (Although I have no plans to spend much time in swamps or with tape worms.)

I came to the PPWC knowing I would learn about writing, and I did. It was an amazing conference with a variety of teachers of many styles and varieties. The unexpected bonus, for me, was the direct applications to my work life. I’m very grateful for the opportunity to learn on so many levels. Thank you PPWC for the scholarship and the wonderful conference.

This post by Lin is part of the ongoing series of blogs by PPWC15 scholarship recipients. 

A Day of Many Firsts

By Kathy Hobbs

After submitting my registration for the Pikes Peak 2015 Writers' Conference, I anxiously awaited confirmation of my Read and Critique session. Weeks had passed when I finally received the anticipated email, confirming my appointment for my Read and Critique with Author Laura DiSilverio.

Now it was time to get the first two pages of my in-progress novel ready for critique. At first I thought my first chapter was ready, without any revisions. So I practiced reading the pages out loud, just as I will have to for the critique. It didn't take long before I realized my first pages needed some refinement before they were ready for another author's ears. When I started evaluating my written pages from the perspective of a critic, it was surprising how quickly it became apparent where revisions were necessary.

I spent a few hours revising those two pages, to make them critique ready. This effort resulted in a much more interesting beginning to my novel and going through this process was invigorating. My pages were now ready for the Read and Critique session.

Finally, the opening day of the Writers Conference had arrived. This was a day of many firsts for me. Attending my first writers conference, writing my first novel, and having my writing critiqued for the first time. I was very relieved that my Read and Critique was scheduled for the very first hour of the conference. Although I was looking forward to the critique, my nerves were anxious to get it behind me and enjoy the remainder of the conference.

Every seat at the conference room table in the closed critique session was occupied by nervous writers, quietly awaiting Laura DiSilverio's arrival. She entered the room, introduced herself, and quickly explained the process. I would be the last one to read my writing.

I never expected to learn so much from listening to Laura's critique of each writer's reading. There were varying levels of expertise among the writers and everyone's writing was so unique. Listening to each piece being read by its creator allowed all of us attending the critique to get exposure to different styles of writing. Laura was impressive in the way she was able to rapidly make notes on the writer's printed copy while she listened to them read their pieces. She was able to provide each writer precise feedback on their writing.

Having the opportunity to hear Laura's critique of each writer's piece was the most beneficial aspect of the entire conference. As I listened to each writer read the opening pages of his novel, I kept thinking how great everyone's work sounded. Laura was still able to offer suggestions for each writer to make what he wrote even better. Most of us nodded our heads in agreement as she explained her reasoning for the suggested change. It would truly make the written piece even more powerful.

My critique session proved to be very enlightening. Even after spending hours revising my two pages in preparation of the session , Laura provided helpful suggestions for improving the opening pages of my novel. It was such a worthwhile experience to receive feedback from the perspective of a successfully published author.

The Read and Critique was such a valuable session for me that I highly encourage other writers to consider participating in one at next year's conference. Not only will you benefit by getting feedback on your own writing, you will expand your writer's knowledge by listening to the critique given to the other writers attending the same session.

I was fortunate to receive a scholarship to attend the 2015 PPWC. This scholarship allowed me the opportunity to attend the conference and have the insightful experience of participating in a Read and Critique session. Thank you, Pikes Peak Writer, for granting me this scholarship to attend three days of valuable learning and networking with other writers.


  

  About the Writer: Kathy Hobbs is the author and independent publisher of the Get Wise book series, which focuses on personal safety prevention. It is Kathy's aspiration to inspire people to become better informed and take responsibility for their own personal safety. Kathy has created the "Hoots of Wisdom" blog at www.getwisebooks.com, to diversify her writing and provide useful and interesting postings on a variety of lifestyle topics. Kathy is in the process of fulfilling a lifetime dream of writing her first mystery novel. 

Mission: Amazing

By Piper Scherkenbach

Before I say anything else, I want to thank all the staff that made this year’s conference possible. I also want to thank them for giving me the opportunity to attend by offering me a scholarship. It was an amazing three days and one of the best experiences a writer could ask for.

The overload of information I gathered at the conference bogged down my mind for a few days… or a few weeks. All I could think about was writing. Is my plot exciting enough to not put people to sleep? Are my characters being tortured enough by the conflict? And then, after One Moment in Time: Writing Scenes, presented by Cara Lopez Lee, I ended up dissecting each and every one of my scenes.

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There’s a lot to take away from a huge conference like this, but the thing that stands out most in my mind was the use of psychology. One workshop mentioned the psychology of color, and another Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. As a college student with a psychology minor, this instantly jumped out at me. It was one of those ‘duh’ moments. A light bulb just went off, saying, “Gee, genius. Maybe you should apply this to your writing.” I’d never even considered how much psychology is woven into writing. Understanding how people’s minds work is important to invoking the reactions you want from your readers. Writing feels like reality, but if we wrote it like reality we’d leave the readers wondering what the heck was happening. So how do people perceive reality? That’s really the question we need to ask.

Every moment had its merit. Every workshop gave me the knowledge I needed to become a better writer. Even if at times I already knew the information presented, the reiteration strengthened my understanding of the how's and why's.

With one final statement I’ll say this: PPWC felt like home to me. Surrounded by fellow writers, I finally felt like part of the group. As an introvert, I tend to avoid interactions, but being with writers flips a switch that turns me into a social butterfly. And it feels amazing. One word to describe it all: Amazing.

This blog from Piper is part of the series of posts written by PPWC15 scholarship attendees. 

Checking Off My Bucket List

By Darlene Grippo-Sowa

Hello, All.

I was honored and excited to be a scholarship winner to the Pikes Peak Writers Conference 2015. It was a definite bucket list experience for me. I self published a book for my dissertation called Rebuilding the Veil. It is a book on cults, but I had no experience and no idea how to write a book.

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The conference was an eye-opening experience. I’ve never met so many incredible, giving, kind, and helpful people in my life, and here there were hundreds in one place. The speakers, authors, agents and fellow writers were kind and supportive beyond my expectation. Before I left for the conference, my husband told me not to get my hopes up and to try to have a good time. I was literally on Cloud 9 the entire time. And I’m a New Yorker - nothing surprises me. 

The authors who came were so giving of their time and knowledge and the staff and attendees were nothing short of incredible. Each workshop was brilliant. I’ve never been to a conference where I could say I learned something at every single event. I was given the opportunity to read the first 32 lines of my manuscript and the author/attendees gave me the best advice and support. I was also asked to submit a manuscript. How I will ever come off that cloud, I have no idea.

One of the best experiences was during a talk about comedy by Robert Spiller, author of The Witch of Agnesi. He said he loved midgets and anything to do with them. I asked a question and made mention that my book was about a very small coroner. “You had me at hello,” he said. I couldn’t have laughed harder! What a great moment.

I also have to add that the Marriott staff were the most kind I’ve ever encountered. I attend about four or five conferences a year. I usually have to tote all my own food due to my 20+ allergies. The hotel staff bent over backwards (and did some flips) to meet my dietary needs. Again, completely blown away. 

This was the best experience and the most fun I have ever had at a conference and I plan to go again and again! I was completely in awe. I will go every year and donate and support the Pikes Peak Writers. Thank you so much for this once-in-a-lifetime experience!

 

Darlene Grippo-Sowa
Teller County Deputy Coroner

Are You Published?

By Nancy Provolt

“Are you published?”

A negative response to that three-word question has a way of causing non-writers, and sadly even a few writers, to roll their eyes, and cast me a look of pity as they pat me on my shoulder as if I am a kindergartener who has put the wrong end of a pencil into a sharpener. No, I am not yet published and yes, I am of sound mind.

Recently I had to have physical therapy. When my therapist found out I was a writer, he asked if I travel to the locations in which my books are set to do on-site research. When I responded that I don’t have those types of funds, but rather do most of my research on-line, he said, “Oh…well…I guess only a good writer does that.”

To put it lightly, writing is a humbling, getting-your-legs-waxed, face-planting-into-a-pile-of-cow-pooh, spending-a-week-on-a-secluded-island-with-only-your-mother-in-law profession. It is endless hours of interrupted sleep as you worry about whether or not to kill your main character, and countless days and nights of agony as you rewrite, rinse and repeat over and over only to be met with skepticism and rejection.

Attending the Pikes Peak Writers Conference was the first time I was treated like I could actually pat my head and rub my stomach at the same time without causing myself bodily harm. I was finally among my own race…an alien race, but my own kind none-the-less. I was encouraged, informed and beautifully taught. My occasionally defeated self came away feeling that if I hang onto the end of the rainbow, I will find the pot of gold at the end of my journey.

This is what I know and what was re-emphasized at conference: I love to write. I love to create characters and worlds and add in twists and turns until my head spins like an Oklahoma tornado. Putting all of that down on paper and completing a story that was conceived in my brain makes me a writer, published or not. And I also know this: “You have not failed until you quit trying.” (Gordon B. Hinckley) So “never, never, never give up.” (Winston Churchill). No matter how many potholes mar your pathway.

About the Author: Nancy Provolt, who writes young adult fiction, is a mother of four and has lived with her husband and family in Colorado Springs for eighteen years. She finally began to put her countless stories down on paper six years ago which has resulted in Veiled Menace, Deadly Shadows, and three more manuscripts in the works. You can find her reading, writing, gardening, cooking and also on twitter @Nancy_Provolt

Quote of the Week and Week to Come

'Well, to aspiring writers, I would tell them that we live in a wonderful time where you're able to make your work visible, easily."

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Diablo Cody (July 14, 1978 - )

Juno

This week on Writing from the Peak:

Two PPWC15 Scholarship Attendees are guest bloggers. Nancy Provost talks about the dreaded question, "Are you published?" and Marla Bell shares her conference story.

And Aaron Michael Ritchey gives you an insider's view to the glamorous life of an author at Denver Comic Con. 

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.

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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.

It’s all about the Base

By Link Miller

Over a military and writing career of more than 30 years I have been to dozens and dozens of conferences covering everything from space-based weapons to writing TV shows. I can say, with confidence, that what sets PPWC apart more than the topics (though there is some overlap there) is the people.

At its core, or base, PPWC has a group that truly loves writing and writers. Now this was my first PPWC so let me give you a few thoughts on how to increase your base, and by base I mean the enlarged group of friends and associates that are going to help you realize your dream of becoming a published author.

First is volunteering. Not only is the help appreciated, it gives you an opportunity to get to know the staff. My 15-year-old came down to help set up on Wednesday night. He’s learning to drive and it was his first time behind the wheel on I-25. After the ride down, I think stuffing name tags was just what the doctor ordered. Plus it allowed me to be among writers, to get to know people so I didn't feel like a stranger when the conference started, and to learn more about what the conference was offering this year.

Much of the writing game is about relationships. Remember when our keynote speaker, Andrew Gross, said his manuscript wound up on the desk of the president of a major publishing house? How do you think that happened? He had a base of people who were supporting him.

The staff always goes out of their way to be helpful and friendly, and I must say they did a bang up job this year. They are the base on which the conference stands. They know almost everyone in attendance and can point out someone you are looking for or offer advice if you need help choosing between one speaker/session and the next.

Great staff, excellent speakers… yeah, okay.  But hands down the biggest difference and one that sets PPWC apart from other writers' conferences is the ‘imbedding’ of the agents and publishers with the writers. To have them with you at a table for lunch or dinner… even if you don’t get to pitch or if the discussion has nothing to do with writing, well, that alone is invaluable. It is a chance to get to know the person and for them to get to know you. It gives you the opportunity to feel them out; maybe you ‘click’ or maybe you think, perhaps this isn’t a good fit for my work. Maybe you all click so well you are the loudest table at the Saturday night banquet.  Yes, that was us in the back corner.

What it all boils down to is a conference like the PPWC is about more than trying to get an agent. It’s about increasing your base within the writing community. After all you never know who will drop your name, idea, or maybe even your manuscript on some president’s/publisher’s/agent’s desk.

Remember, it’s all about the Base.

See you next year,

Link Miller
 

About the Author: Link Miller has traveled around the globe and it has provided him with a unique perspective he uses as a base for his writing. His extensive experience with aircraft, weapons, numerous adventures involving quirky people in faraway lands and even a stint as a stand-up comic help him write in a style that many people find exciting and humorous. His genres range from YA, to sci-fi, to historical fiction, and even romance. Director of the Parker Writers Group, he will be teaching How to Write Military Fiction at this year’s RMFW Gold Conference.

PPWC15 - The Prequel

By Anastasia Storer 

I recently had the privilege of attending the Thursday Prequel at this year's PPWC under a scholarship. I cannot thank the organization enough, as otherwise I'd not have been able to attend. It's been a long time since I've been able to go to a convention. As I handle the final preparations before I leave the country for two years to volunteer with the Peace Corps in the small country of Moldova, I find myself looking back over the notes I took and once again being so thrilled I was given the opportunity to be a part of the conference.

I've been struggling over the last few months with my writing as other things took precedence. This led to my finding it impossible to keep my word count where I thought it "should" be. Getting the chance to spend a day surrounded by readers and writers, all with the same sorts of struggles, all with the same passion for the written word, really helped me get myself back on track and helped me to realize I needed to set more realistic goals for myself during what is a very hectic time of life for me.

It also cemented in my mind the desire to attempt to form a writing circle during my time in Moldova, to encourage Moldovan writers the same way the people at the conference encouraged me.

The sessions I attended on editing and on query letters might as well have been tailor-made for me in terms of where I am in my process of working on a writing career. Another few months, and I'll be able to take the amazing insights and advice Bree Ervin offered in her Read Like An Editor workshop (goodness, I've not taken so many notes so fast since my college days!) and put them to use. And if I'm lucky, before the year is out, I'll be ready to take what I learned in Andrea Somberg's Queries With Claws to start trying to find a home for my book.

Thank you again to the Pikes Peak Writers organization for giving me the opportunity to attend the 2015 prequel!

Thank You, PPW!

By Renee Christine Martine 

Thank you, Pikes Peak Writers, for the very informative annual writers conference this April 2015. As a scholarship attendee, volunteer, first-timer and new author, I would say to those interested in gaining critical information, advisories, and the opportunity to co-exist with other fellow writers that PPW is the place you should be; not only for their annual conference, but their support allegiance as well. 

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As a new writer, I have to admit I listened and laughed at this conference. I laughed, because I learned that my protagonist has to really go through the ringer to gain an audience and mine had not even scratched the surface. One of the best lectures I attended at this conference was "Reading like an Editor—Edit Your Novel Like a Pro" by Bree Ervin. This session gave me an inside scoop on what editors want to see to help an author avoid the bucket drop, and gain an audience. After the conference, I came to the conclusion that the build up momentum surrounding my main character had some very important pieces missing from the story—she was not hanging on the edge by her fingernails, like we want our readers to do. This session was SO informative. Bree was very easy to understand, authoritative, fun, and she delivered!

As a new resident to Colorado Springs, I haven’t had much opportunity to met many people I can call friends. The Pikes Peak Writers group is very inviting, helpful, assertive, and I really enjoyed meeting new people at the conference who were there to do the same things I was —learn, grow, write, succeed. I gained a new friend while there, and this is so important; a new friend with something in common—bonus!

In addition to the three-day conference, PPW provides a Prequel day which I attended. While the Prequel didn’t have the claws the following three days did, it still packed a punch in my dilemma writers card, and I left a very satisfied and eager pupil. Armed with a super fun swag bag, notebook, classes to attend, lunch, note treasures to take home, oh and Starbucks in the lobby, I could not have asked for a better day. Next year I will certainly take PPW up on their very affordable payment plan so that I can experience the full enchilada!

Thank you so very much, PPW, for your gracious scholarship gift, and for being there for all the writers who have benefited from the expertise you brought to the table. I very much look forward to not only 2016’s conference, but the monthly “Write Brain” and “Open Critique" events you provide. These free classes are the cherry on top of your dedication in aiding writers to be their best, and succeed!

In much appreciation,

Renee Christine Martine

May Letter from the Editor

By Debi Archibald 

I am writing this on Sunday, one week post-conference, still processing the workshops, the random meetings, the keynotes, the volunteer experiences. Working to find the process that will take three intense days worth of information and infuse it into my writing life for the next 51 weeks. My "to-read" shelf is stacked with several books that are way outside my genre comfort zone. I finally entrusted the first several chapters of a rough draft to a beta reader. And I learned more from sitting in on several R&C sessions than I ever have in a formal writing class.

Over the next several weeks you will see some guest posts from the writers who received scholarships to attend PPWC15. They'll provide a wide range of fresh insight and perspective into the conference experience, as well as their own personal take-aways.

What did you take away from Pikes Peak Writers Conference 2015? And where will it take you this year?

Debi Archibald is a Colorado Springs native but spent most of her life wandering both the Arizona desert and healthcare administration. She is now blissfully reestablished at the foot of Pikes Peak. Two novels, Form and Function and Crushed, are in various stages of editing. In addition to fiction, she ventures into humor and short memoir. A recovering foreign language geek, she is also passionate about hiking, cooking, reading and being a grandmother, the role she is sure she was born for. She shares her home with the world’s most human Siberian Husky, Sasha. You can find her at pikespeakpen.com.

Make the Most of Post Conference

By Linda Rohrbough

You spent a lot of money and time, and you’ve made a lot of contacts. Hopefully you pitched, learned some stuff you didn’t know and made some friends on your way to your dream of publishing. So now what?

Now it’s time to cultivate those contacts. Not like someone who is trying to “use” those folks, rather as someone who is genuinely interested in them, and as a writing professional.

Nothing says “pro” more than hand-written thank-you notes. Yep, it’s dated. Yep, it’s old-fashioned. And yep, it’s a pain. (I type so much that handwriting is hard work for me.) But it makes an impression. When I’ve gotten handwritten notes after a conference, I’ve been impressed. I keep them and I have quite a few.

But you also need to use social media to stay in front of the person. Friend them on Facebook and like their posts once in a while. If someone sends me a handwritten note, and then I never hear from them again, on Facebook or anyplace else, I forget about them.

I can hear some of you saying, "What do I say?" That’s not hard. If you learned something, talk about it briefly. Maybe there’s something you admired about them. Or you can just say you enjoyed getting to know them. Sincere compliments go a long way.

And let’s not forget the hardworking people who put all of this together. When I speak, I send hand-written notes to the conference organizers thanking them for making my workshop a success. These folks hardly ever get thank you notes. But I can tell you, many of the big names in publishing do that same thing. And I know because I learned it from them. Most of them have been doing it for years, meaning before they became a “name.” In this business, it’s so much about relationships and it’s a very small world. So you want to be known as someone who is easy to work with and someone who can deliver the goods.

Now, just so you know, no one writes a thank you note to you because you sent a thank you note. So it’ll feel like you’re dropping these down a black hole. You’re not. Trust me.

In addition, email works. I don’t do email instead of handwritten notes, but I do use it.

So that’s a start.

The second thing is to get in there and use what you’ve learned. Think about the way the names presented themselves, how they talked about their work. Get the conference recordings and listen to them in your car. Immerse yourself in what you need to know. I do and even in workshops I attended, I found I hear things I missed the first time. And the exposure to the world of publishing helps me day to day as I’m slugging it out in the trenches. The successful writers make this a habit.

Finally, keep writing. Because that’s what it’s all about.

About the Author: Linda Rohrbough has been writing since 1989, and has more than 5,000 articles and seven books to her credit along with national awards for her fiction and non-fiction. New York Times #1 bestselling author Debbie Macomber said about Linda’s new novel: "This is fast-paced, thrilling, edge-of-the-seat reading. The Prophetess One: At Risk had me flipping the pages and holding my breath." The Prophetess One: At Risk has garnered three national awards: the 2012 International Book Award, the 2011 Global eBook Award, and the 2011 Millennium Star Publishing Award. An iPhone App of her popular “Pitch Your Book” workshop is available in the Apple iTunes store. Visit her website: www.LindaRohrbough.com.

April Letter from the Editor

By Debi Archibald

I am writing this on Good Friday so we are exactly three weeks away from PPWC15. This will be my third conference and I find myself reflecting on how differently I feel about Conference, writers'

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groups and writing in general than I did in Spring 2013 when I joined PPW. I had just walked away from a management career that required a grueling travel schedule. One of the promises I made to myself was that I would make use of the time I now had to return to a long-neglected love of writing. But the world of publication, promotion and "real" writers seemed very other-wordly and looking back, I can see I participated in PPWC13 with that mindset.      

Now two years later I have completed two novels, been privileged to edit the Writing from the Peak blog and attended dozens of workshops. Two concepts that continue to bubble up as a result of this engagement are demystification and accessibility. PPW has drawn back the curtain and revealed that the world of published authors is populated by people who are just like me. And the group has given me access to an insiders pass for information regarding craft, editing, trends, and the workings of the industry.

I share this not because my journey is unique or fascinating. As writers we all want to think we are special but I suspect there are many others out there who feel safer in the periphery just as I did that first year. So let me encourage you not to waste the opportunity of this upcoming conference as well as all the other PPW events through the year. Take risks, make friends and realize this world really does belong to you as much as anyone else. There is no Wizard behind the curtain; just the door to the wonderful, nerve-wracking world of words.

PPW April News and Events

By Debi Archibald 

April is Conference month but don't think that is all PPW has to offer. Make the most of your conference experience by taking advantage of the other events. Some are tied in with Conference and all offer the opportunity to talk to your fellow writers.

April Open Critique was on April 1 this month but mark your calendar for next month:

May 6, 2015 (Wednesday)

6:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Cottonwood Center for the Arts, 427 East Colorado Ave., Colorado Springs, CO  

Get the first 8 pages of your manuscript critiqued. First 8 to RSVP to pikespeakopencritique@hotmail.com.

Guest critiquer TBA.


2015 Mountain of Authors

April 4, 2015 (Saturday)
12:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Location: Library 21c, 1175 Chapel Hills Dr., Colorado Springs, Colorado.

This free event is an annual community program that provides an opportunity for the public and local authors to meet and listen to notable Colorado authors, and for aspiring writers to learn more about the craft of writing. No registration is required.
http://more.ppld.org:8080/mountainofauthors/schedule.html


April Write Brain
April 14, 2015 (Tuesday)  NOTE: This is the second Tuesday. 

6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

The Marriott Hotel, Colorado Springs, Colorado       NOTE the location change.

Conference Prep 101: How to Talk About Your Writing to ANYONE!
Presenters:  MB Partlow and Jason Henry



2015 PPW Conference

 Friday, April 24 through Sunday, April 26, 2015 (With a Thursday Prequel)

 Colorado Springs Marriott, 5580 Tech Center Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80919. 

 Phone: (719) 260-1800.
http://www.pikespeakwriters.com/ppwc/



PPW Writer's Night at the Ritz
April 27, 2015 (Monday)
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Elbo Room at the Ritz, 15 South Tejon, Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Join fellow writers on the 4th Monday of each month for writerly discussion, laughter, and socializing. The direction of the discussion is decided by the participants.

Marketing is a Marathon

By Jennifer Lovett Herbranson 

At every writer’s conference I attend, I hear the same thing. “I just wanna write,” says the writer when the topic of marketing comes up. Some people scoff at that; some laugh, some nod in agreement. I have no doubt at April’s Pikes Peak Writers Conference, I’ll hear it there too (have you signed up yet???).

That works in my favor because I just wanna market. I love it!

· I love chatting with total strangers about news or marketing on Twitter.
· I love participating in book parties on Facebook.
· I love finding new ideas for cover art on Pinterest.
· I love stalking writers favorite places to write on Instagram.
· Character interviews or location scout videos on YouTube? Love ‘em!

I also love blogging when I have something to say; talking to civic groups or spouses organizations and teaching writers about marketing. So you guys can write and I can do the marketing.

bisnisukm.com

Wait! Wait! Wait

That’s the easy way out! I want to help you be the best CAREER author you can. And that means you need to learn how to market yourself and your books. You need to. Because people want to get to know you, not the hack hired to do it for you.

Here’s the thing. Not only have I been doing marketing and communications for nearly 15 years, I’m also a reader. A voracious one. Last year I had a competition with my daughter to see who could read the most books. I read 60. She read 68.

Where did we find out about those books? From people we trusted and the authors who take the time to let me know them.

Where are those people? In my neighborhood. At work. At school, church, and online.

You don’t have to market if you don’t want to. You can just write. But how will anyone hear about your book? How will anyone get to know you and care about you and care about what you have to say?

I know what you’re thinking: well, you, Jenny, you enjoy doing it. Yes, I do. But I can also make it easier for you with this little secret.

It isn’t hard and it doesn’t have to take up all your time!

Nope. And here’s why. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Start slow and build up over time.

Most people are told to build a blog, blog every day, Tweet every day, Facebook every day, get on every major social media platform you can. Go talk to groups. Sell your book at your favorite watering hole. Talk, post, photo, pic, video, chat, screeeeeam!

While all of this works in your favor, if you did it, you’ll be so exhausted you’ll curl up on your couch and suck your thumb, never to leave again.

So I’m going to tell you what you can do that is good enough.

Build relationships.

This is the first and foremost thing you can do to kick start your marketing campaign or build your author platform. This is how you get people talking about you and then your book. This is THE most important thing you can do for your writing career. Because here’s the deal: selling books is not like selling cars. Writers don’t compete with one another. They don’t. Think about it. If you like one author’s books and you finish her list, don’t you want to find someone a lot like her?

I read Vince Flynn, Nelson DeMille, John Grisham, Robert Crais, David Baldacci. See a pattern? Spy thriller, noir stuff. I’m not going to diss Nelson just because he’s not David. Heck no, I’m going to read them both because I love the genre.

So what’s the point? The point is to build relationships with authors just like you because cross marketing makes life easier. Help each other out. Build a support system. This is why you read reviews by other authors on a book’s flap. The big dogs are already doing it.

How do you build relationships with other authors? Attend writers conferences, writers workshops, book signings, find their blog, like them on Facebook, follow them on Twitter. No this is not stalking. It’s finding someone to make a connection.

I spent the summer in Alaska and while there, read an article about a hometown girl who just released her latest novel. Found her on Twitter and arranged a coffee date. She was lovely & we chatted for nearly an hour. From there, I found several other writers to connect with. Since I’m back in DC, I engage with them online.

Once you start making those connections, give them something to keep coming back.

It’s all about CONTENT.

This is where “Buy My Book” doesn’t work. Ever. Not as content. People know you are a writer so you don’t have to bombard them over the head, screaming “Buy My Book!!!” This isn’t to say you can’t mention it ever, you just don’t need to mention it often. Launch time is good, sales, give-aways…all that is when you need to bring it up.

But what you can bombard them over the head with is how wonderful you are.

So pick a platform… ONE of them. Blog, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Tumblr, Edgar, Google+, Vine, whatever and offer your connections something fun. They want to know you. They know you are a writer, so they don’t need to be told to write your book.

What makes great content? Think about anything you click on while scrolling your Facebook feed or flipping through Pinterest boards. Fun, interesting, compelling content. That’s what you want to develop. How do you do that? Well, you have to first believe that you are interesting. Of course you are. And selling books is about making a connection with you not the book. What do you find interesting?

PPWC Keynote Mary Kay Andrews is a huge junker and antiquer. She’s always sharing pics and info about what new thing she’s found for her Tybee Island place.

Author Mary Karen Meredith loves hugs and peanut butter.

Author Jamie Farrell calls her kids Squeaker, Peanut and Buttercup and shares their hilarious exploits.

The point is great content comes from you think is awesome about life. What are you interested in? What do you do for fun? Share pics, share insights, ask questions, create a game and give your reader something to bond over.

Leaving you with this

Do you need to do this everyday? No, remember it’s a marathon, not a spring. Slow out of the gate, steady in execution. So not everyday, but you do need to do it consistently.

And make sure engage with your peeps when they do post or respond to you. The reason Taylor Swift just hit the 52M follower mark on Twitter is because she is always engaging with her followers. She posts pics, replies, videos of their content. She makes the follower feel valued and important.

Sure it requires some work but it is supposed to be fun. If you aren’t having fun, it will show. If you aren’t having fun, don’t do it. Find the avenue that is appealing to you and then do it relentlessly.

Once you are comfortable with that one way, you can expand.

Next time we’ll talk about social media dashboards to help make social networking effective and a lot less hassle. I promise marketing can be fun, and you can develop ways to open up your calendar so you don’t have to market for hours on end day after day. 

If you’re going to Pikes Peak Writers Conference in April, make sure to check out these workshops:

Author Platform Building (For People With a Life) with F.T. Bradley

Guerilla Marketing: Skip The Monkey Marketing with J.A. Kazimer

“Tell Me About Your Book” with Alex Kourvo and Pam McCutcheon

If you aren’t convinced yet, find me online and let’s chat or even better, register for Pikes Peak Writers Conference in April & find me to chat some more. I’ll be there all week!

   

About the Author: With a combined 14 years of active and Reserve time as a US Air Force Public Affairs Officer, Jennifer Lovett Herbranson has marketed books, shows, concerts and more. She is currently the speechwriter for the Director of the Defense Logistics Agency outside of Washington DC. In her spare time, she is pursuing a career as a fiction writer. Find her at:

       

Twitter: jennyl0vett
Facebook: facebook.com/jenniferlovettherbranson1
Blog: livefrommycouch.com

Faculty Interview: Sandy Lu

By Jason Henry 

Are you excited? We certainly are! Why shouldn't we be? The 2015 Pikes Peak Writers Conference is just around the corner! It has been an absolute pleasure recruiting the incredible faculty that we have lined up for you this year and the workshops they will be teaching are proving to be just as amazing.

Pikes Peak Writers Conference is known as one of the best and friendliest conferences for many reasons. One of those reasons is that we provide as many opportunities as possible to not only learn from our faculty, but to get to know them. Keeping in the spirit of that very statement, we interviewed all of our faculty members to get inside their heads just a little. Really, we don't see the point in waiting until April. Do you?

Over the weeks to come, we will be posting those interviews along with the responses right here on the PPW Blog. Be sure to check in on Facebook and Twitter as well! We hope you enjoy reading these brief Q&As as much as we have!

Sandy Lu: Agent - L. Perkins Agency 

1. What are the most compelling elements you feel are necessary for a good read?
A unique voice, three-dimensional characters and a compelling plot.

2. What do you see as the pleasures and difficulties of being a writer/artist in today's world?
The pleasures: finding people who respond to your writing positively, seeing your creation come to life.

The difficulties: more competitions (not just against other writers but also other media), more distractions, finding people who respond positively to your writing, and actually making a living writing full time.

3. What is the best career/writing advice someone has given you?
Read everything. Keep honing your craft. Be patient. Never give up.

4. Would you pass that same advice on or alter it?
Definitely. Also, only do it if you love it. Otherwise it’s just too hard.

5. What do you love most about your career?
Discovering new talents. Making someone’s lifelong dream come true.

6. What is something you wish everyone knew (or didn't know) about you?
I play the piano. And I love to sing. Also, I’m a damn good cook!

7. Which fictional character do you relate to the most, and why?
Sherlock Holmes. I observe and analyze everything. Also, I’m a bit of a misanthrope.

8. What character would your friends/family pick for you?
I don’t know if this is still true, but my nickname in junior high was Garfield. Yes, the cat.

Quick Qs:

Pen or Keyboard? Pen.

Plotter or Pantser? I’m not a writer, so I don’t think this applies. 

Book or E-Book? Book for pleasure. E-Book for work.

Spicy or Mild? Depends on my mood.

Sunrise or Sunset? Neither. Midnight.

Mr. Rogers or Sesame Street: No preference. Perhaps because I didn’t grow up in America.

Facebook or Twitter? Facebook for friends and family. Twitter for publishing peeps.

Sandy Lu has been a literary agent at the L. Perkins Agency since 2009. She holds BAs in psychology and sociology, with minors in music, business, and Japanese. Prior to becoming an agent, she was a Ph.D. candidate in Social and Personality Psychology and worked as a business/operations manager in the theater industry. She is a native Mandarin Chinese speaker.

Sandy is seeking submissions that draw her in with a unique voice and a good yarn that will make her miss her subway stop and keep her up at night. She particularly loves all things historical and anything with a supernatural bent. In fiction, she is looking for dark literary and commercial fiction, mystery, thriller, psychological horror, historical fiction, fantasy, and YA. In non-fiction, she is looking for narrative non-fiction, history, biography, memoir, pop science, psychology, sociology, pop culture (music/theatre/film), and food writing. She does not represent romance, poetry, children’s picture books, how-to/self-help, parenting, religion/spirituality, and sports.

Faculty Interview: Barbara (Samuel) O'Neal

By Jason Henry 

Are you excited? We certainly are! Why shouldn't we be? The 2015 Pikes Peak Writers Conference is just around the corner! It has been an absolute pleasure recruiting the incredible faculty that we have lined up for you this year and the workshops they will be teaching are proving to be just as amazing.

Pikes Peak Writers Conference is known as one of the best and friendliest conferences for many reasons. One of those reasons is that we provide as many opportunities as possible to not only learn from our faculty, but to get to know them. Keeping in the spirit of that very statement, we interviewed all of our faculty members to get inside their heads just a little. Really, we don't see the point in waiting until April. Do you?

Over the weeks to come, we will be posting those interviews along with the responses right here on the PPW Blog. Be sure to check in on Facebook and Twitter as well! We hope you enjoy reading these brief Q&As as much as we have!

Barbara (Samuel) O'Neal – Writer - Colorado

1. What are the most compelling elements you feel are necessary for a good read? 

For me, there are two: I need a character who interests me and a story hook that keeps me turning pages to find out what is going to happen. A queen of dragons who makes a lot of mistakes and her quest. A man who has ruined his chances with the only woman he all ever love--and his last attempt to win her love. A girl who falls in love for the first time at the exact moment she should be concentrating on getting a submission in to art school

2. What do you see as the pleasures and difficulties of being a writer/artist in today's world? 

The pleasures are the same as they've always been--the constant possibility of learning something new, the chance to get a story on the page in a way that touches others, the delight of turning through the pages of your own story in your own mind. Writing is like reading, except that you get to spend ever so much more time and get to go so much deeper than you ever can as a reader.

The challenges are much more intense, and require a clarity of decision-making thoughtfulness that's honestly a bit rare among creative people. More than ever we need our critique partners and editors, our truth-telling friends and the discipline to really learn the craft. It's a lot more challenging to have to juggle social media along with writing, and because often writing a blog post or a Facebook post can feel like work, the real work doesn't get done.

Creatively, it's the best and freest time I've ever seen--which is exhilarating to me both as a writer and a reader. Who knows what gem I might discover as a reader? And who knows what I can do if there are no limits to my genre-mixing or storytelling madness?

3. What is the best career/writing advice someone has given you? 

"Remember, you are always writing your backlist." Which is a reminder to always, always, always do my very best work.

4. Would you pass that same advice on or alter it? 

I'd pass it on. No alteration necessary.

5. What do you love most about your career? 

I love the writing itself. Making up stories and characters, diving into worlds I don't know and exploring them. It's just so much fun.

6. What is something you wish everyone knew (or didn't know) about you? 

Although I've learned to cope with it and have become comfortable teaching and meeting new people, I'm actually very shy.

7. Which fictional character do you relate to the most, and why? What character would your friends/family pick for you? 

I love and relate to Daenerys Targaryen as much as any character I've loved, ever. My phone calls me Khaleesi. ;) Family and friends, Joan Wilder from Romancing the Stone.

Quick Qs:

Pen or Keyboard? Both.

Plotter or Pantser? Both

Book or E-Book? Both

Spicy or Mild? Both

Sunrise or Sunset? Sunrise

Mister Rogers or Sesame Street? Sesame Street

Facebook or Twitter? Facebook

Barbara (Samuel) O’Neal sold her first novel in her twenties, and has since won a plethora of awards, including two Colorado Book Awards and seven prestigous RITAs, including one for THE LOST RECIPE FOR HAPPINESS in 2010 and HOW TO BAKE A PERFECT LIFE in 2012. Her novels have been published widely around the world and she travels internationally, presenting workshops, hiking hundreds of miles, and of course, eating. She lives with her partner, a British endurance athlete, and their collection of cats and dogs, in Colorado Springs. Her most current works are The All You Can Dream Buffet; Going the Distance, a series of New Adult novels written as Lark O’Neal, and Writing Romantic Fiction as Barbara Samuel.

Faculty Interview: Alex Kourvo

By Jason Henry 

Are you excited? We certainly are! Why shouldn't we be? The 2015 Pikes Peak Writers Conference is just around the corner! It has been an absolute pleasure recruiting the incredible faculty that we have lined up for you this year and the workshops they will be teaching are proving to be just as amazing.

Pikes Peak Writers Conference is known as one of the best and friendliest conferences for many reasons. One of those reasons is that we provide as many opportunities as possible to not only learn from our faculty, but to get to know them. Keeping in the spirit of that very statement, we interviewed all of our faculty members to get inside their heads just a little. Really, we don't see the point in waiting until April. Do you?

Over the weeks to come, we will be posting those interviews along with the responses right here on the PPW Blog. Be sure to check in on Facebook and Twitter as well! We hope you enjoy reading these brief Q&As as much as we have!

Alex Kourvo – Writer/Editor - Michigan

1. What are the most compelling elements you feel are necessary for a good read? 

A character to care about, an exciting world to live in, and stakes that matter.

2. What do you see as the pleasures and difficulties of being a writer/artist in today's world?
This is the best time in history to be a writer. People are consuming stories in dozens of ways, from novels to short stories to movies, TV shows, podcasts, video games and comic books. Every medium needs writers. Living in the digital age means reaching fans in new ways, too. There are no limits to what a creative person can do today.

3. What is the best career/writing advice someone has given you?

Richard A. Thompson taught me about something called "the implied first act." With that one useful phrase, he explained the difference between movie structure and novel structure. Movies start before the big events, while in novels, the big things should start in Chapter One.

4. Would you pass on that same advice or alter it?

I share that advice every chance I get. I actually quote Rich Thompson a lot. He's a smart guy.

5. What do you love most about your career? 

I get to make up stories and put them on paper. Then, if I've done my job correctly, that same story appears in someone else's head. How cool is that?

6. What is something you wish everyone knew (or didn't know) about you? 

I'm an introvert, which nobody believes when they meet me because I adore people and I'm always the first one to introduce myself to someone new. But after a few hours of people-time, I'm ready for a nap.

7. Which fictional character do you relate to the most, and why? What character would your friends/family pick for you? 

I'm going to go with Camilla Figg, a character from the TV show Dexter. She and I share a passion for key lime pie. Of course, that's what killed her in the end but, if I could have the perfect slice of key lime pie, I could die a happy woman.

Quick Qs:

Pen or Keyboard? Keyboard

Plotter or Pantser? Plotter

Book or E-Book? Ebook. I never read paper anymore.

Spicy or Mild? Spicy

Sunrise or Sunset? Sunrise. I'm always eager to start a new day.

Mister Rogers or Sesame Street? Sesame Street. Even today, Grover still cracks me up.

Facebook or Twitter? Twitter is my second home. (find me @AlexKourvo) I don't understand Facebook at all.

Alex Kourvo is a writer, editor and teacher. She is the author of three novels (the Detroit Next series under the pen name M.H. Mead) and numerous short stories. She is the co-founder of the Emerging Writers Workshops at the Ann Arbor District Library and authors the popular “Writing Slices” blog, reviewing how-to books for writers. She lives in Michigan, where she reads, writes, and eats as much key lime pie as possible.

Faculty Interview: Mary Sue Seymour

Compiled by Jason Henry

Are you excited? We certainly are! Why shouldn't we be? The 2015 Pikes Peak Writers Conference is just around the corner! It has been an absolute pleasure recruiting the incredible faculty that we have lined up for you this year and the workshops they will be teaching are proving to be just as amazing.

Pikes Peak Writers Conference is known as one of the best and friendliest conferences for many reasons. One of those reasons is that we provide as many opportunities as possible to not only learn from our faculty, but to get to know them. Keeping in the spirit of that very statement, we interviewed all of our faculty members to get inside their heads just a little. Really, we don't see the point in waiting until April. Do you?

Over the weeks to come, we will be posting those interviews along with the responses right here on the PPW Blog. Be sure to check in on Facebook and Twitter as well! We hope you enjoy reading these brief Q&As as much as we have!

Mary Sue Seymour (Agent/Founder, The Seymour Agency)

1. What are the most compelling elements you feel are necessary for a good read? 

Fast pace and well drawn characters – a great hook helps.

2. What do you see as the pleasures and difficulties of being a writer/artist in today's world?

 The markets are tougher.

3. What is the best career/writing advice someone has given you? 

Not really a writer.

4. What do you love most about your career? 

Discovering new talent.

5. What is something you wish everyone knew (or didn't know) about you? 

I love people and try to be nice to everyone

6. Which fictional character do you relate to the most, and why? What character would your friends/family pick for you? 

I can’t think of any fictional character I can relate to – hope that isn’t a bad thing

Quick Qs:

Pen or Keyboard? Keyboard

Plotter or Pantser? Not a writer

Book or E-Book? Book

Spicy or Mild? Either

Sunrise or Sunset? Sunrise – I’m a morning person

Mister Rogers or Sesame Street? Sesame Street – love Big Bird

Facebook or Twitter? Both

Mary Sue Seymour, nominated for American Christian Fiction Writers Agent of the Year, has been agenting for over 20 years, and is listed as a top deal-maker for inspirational fiction on Publisher’s Marketplace. She has sold New York Times selling projects such as The Unofficial Harry Potter Cookbook and Shelley Shepard Gray’s Missing. She has also sold multi-book deals to Thomas Nelson, Zondervan, Harvest House, Bethany House, Cook, Harper One, Abingdon Press, B&H, Guideposts, Summerside, Kensington and others. She travels the country and world presenting writing workshops, mentoring writers, and doing appointments with them. She has been a guest agent at The Women’s Fiction Festival in Matera, Italy, has attended the London Book Fair, and has traveled to almost every American city for writing conferences, and she’s loved every minute of it.

Mary Sue represents several best selling Christian authors such as New York Times best selling author Shelley Shepard Gray, Mary Ellis, Vannetta Chapman, Ruth Reid, Don Reid of the Statler Brothers and others; her writers have won numerous publishing industry awards and have been the subject of articles and starred reviews in Publisher’s Weekly and other publications.

Faculty Interview: Peter Klismet

Compiled by Jason Henry

Are you excited? We certainly are! Why shouldn't we be? The 2015 Pikes Peak Writers Conference is just around the corner! It has been an absolute pleasure recruiting the incredible faculty that we have lined up for you this year and the workshops they will be teaching are proving to be just as amazing.

Pikes Peak Writers Conference is known as one of the best and friendliest conferences for many reasons. One of those reasons is that we provide as many opportunities as possible to not only learn from our faculty, but to get to know them. Keeping in the spirit of that very statement, we interviewed all of our faculty members to get inside their heads just a little. Really, we don't see the point in waiting until April. Do you?

Over the weeks to come, we will be posting those interviews along with the responses right here on the PPW Blog. Be sure to check in on Facebook and Twitter as well! We hope you enjoy reading these brief Q&As as much as we have!

PETE KLISMET (Author, Colorado)

1. What are the most compelling elements you feel are necessary for a good read? 

Very easy. Get my attention in the first few pages. I started a novel just last night in which the (rather famous) author felt it was important to blabber on about some esoteric garbage that probably made perfect sense to him, but not to the reader. Perhaps someone else thought it was wonderful prose, but after about 10 pages, I put the book down and picked up another one. On all of my books, I have worked hard at a hard-hitting start, then I get the hook set as they continue to read.

2. What do you see as the pleasures and difficulties of being a writer/artist in today's world? 

The pure pleasure of writing will never go away. People have loved the feeling we all get since time immemorial. And then it stops being fun, and starts becoming WORK!! Finding a publisher or figuring out a way to self-publish are very hard tasks. Once that happens, one must open their creative minds and take a step into “Narnia,” the closet door which opens to the new world of marketing. We are one of many authors our publisher has, and they can’t devote all their time to you. Thus, one must re-direct their creativity and venture into a realm few understand, but all must aggressively pursue.

3. What is the best career/writing advice someone has given you? 

A story is built or told by two things: Action and Dialogue. Learned that at the famed University of Iowa Writers Workshop back in the 1980’s. Never forgot it.

4. Would you pass that same advice on or alter it? 

I would pass it on with no alteration. In my genre of law enforcement-related books, many former officers and agents have great stories to tell. However, I’ve read some of them and most are complete narrative. Just like their reports were. Because you were a good report writer, that doesn’t translate into writing books or novels. Trust me on this. Take a Creative Writing class and I suspect that will be the 1st thing you learn.

5. What do you love most about your career?

 I’ve had several ‘careers,’ and I’m not sure if writing is one of them, or an avocation. I loved being a cop, an FBI Agent and a college professor. I love being a writer. It’s good for my head! Clears out lots of cobwebs.

6. What is something you wish everyone knew (or didn't know) about you? 

Once people find out I was an FBI agent, they go all ‘ga ga.’ Then there are a predictable set of questions which follow, and which I’ve been asked hundreds of times. But, I do have to get that info out there because it’s part of who I am and part of what helps me have ideas for and sell books. It’s just hard for people to understand I can’t be very enthusiastic answering the exact questions (“Was it exciting?” “Did you get to shoot anybody?”) that I’ve been asked a thousand times before.

7. Which fictional character do you relate to the most, and why? What character would your friends/family pick for you? 

If you’re a fan of M.A.S.H., I have been compared most often to Hawkeye Pierce. I don’t take myself seriously, am definitely cynical and irreverent, often self-effacing, like to kid around with people, but when it comes down to working, don’t get in my way.

Quick Qs:

Pen or Keyboard? Love dem ivories! Wrote far too many reports with pens.

Plotter or Pantser? I’m not really sure what a ‘panster’ is, so I guess I’d have to be a plotter. It fits in best with my personality anyhow.

Book or E-Book? I love having a book in my hand. Have never read an e-book.

Spicy or Mild? A little of both is fine.

Sunrise or Sunset? Sunrise. Definitely. I’m an early-riser and love those hours between 8am and noon or so. I get going far better in the morning.

Mister Rogers or Sesame Street? There were a couple of critters on Sesame Street I loved. That would be Oscar the Grouch, but especially The Count. My daughter would race though the house to find me……"Daddy, daddy…..The Count is on." Love them vampires! And, if my dad had been like Mr. Rogers, I have no idea how I would have turned out.

Facebook or Twitter? I’m all about Facebook. Rarely do I take it seriously. I love to post jokes and funny stuff in general. To me it’s there to enjoy and make others enjoy what you put up there. Sounds like writing to me! I hate the way some people use it to tell us what a wonderful relationship they have. “My husband is such a sweetheart. He made coffee this morning.” “Thank you dear, it’s so special doing things for you.” C’mon. Buy a vowel. Get a room.

     

Pete Klismet retired after serving 20 years with the FBI, then spent 13 years teaching at colleges in Colorado. He was chosen to be one of the original ‘profilers’ by the FBI. His career in law enforcement, includes ten years with the Ventura (CA) Police Department. He is the Director of Criminal Profiling Associates, a consultant to the American Society of Cold Case Investigators, and a co-founder of Preventing School Shootings. Before retiring, Pete was named 1999 National Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. Pete is the author of FBI Diary: Profiles of Evil, and the recently released FBI Animal House. Both books are on Amazon, Kindle, and will be available at the conference. He and his wife Nancy live in Colorado Springs.

crimeprof@yahoo.com Website: www.criminalprofilingassociates.com