May 2017 Letter from the Editor

Where do you get your ideas? That was the theme and predominant question I heard often over the course of the 2017 Pikes Peak Writers Conference this past weekend. Such a lovely event put on by hardworking volunteers that weaved together every speaker, every workshop and every detail as the Marriott doors opened and the crush began. The weekend was ripe with aspiring authors, some already successful, others looking to reinvent themselves.

From marketing to craft, or workshops to make the writing process easier, Pikes Peak Writers offered something for everyone. I was doing airport runs and missed a few. Fortunately, digital recordings are available for attendees, just in case. 

A particularly fun moment for me was stepping on the elevator to engage a dazed young man who had just pitched his novel. Turns out, he received a full request from an agent who generally doesn’t request complete manuscripts. Or to watch my critique partner and some of the writers who attend Open Critique win and/or double final in the Zebulon. For these individuals, among myriad others, the conference was magical.

Then of course there were the keynotes. Kevin Hearne, Darynda Jones, Donald Maass and Tess Gerritsen who graciously left us laughing, thinking and mesmerized by their poise, wisdom and generosity. Moreover, they shared where they get their ideas, and left those in attendance with a few of our own.

In short, thanks to the authors, editors and agents who graced the 2017 Pikes Peak Writers Conference. Thanks to them and our 300-plus attendees, the event was not only magical, but a complete success.

Shall we proceed with May?

About the Author: Donnell Ann Bell is the managing editor for Writing from the Peak, the coordinator for the monthly Open Critique held on the first Wednesday of every month, and one of Pikes Peak Writer's board members at large. She is a best selling romantic suspense and mystery author. To learn more about her books, find her at www.donnellannbell.com