Pikes Peak Writers July Events

Write Drunk, Edit Sober – July 12

Second Wednesday of every month
6:30 PM until approximately 9:00 PM
Bar K
124 E Costilla St.
Colorado Springs, CO 80903

Please join Deb Courtney for Write Drunk*, Edit Sober on the second Wednesday of every month. We start at 6:30 PM will run until approximately 9 PM. It is located in the lower level of Bar K in Downtown Colorado Springs.

The basic format is improv writing followed by discussion of critical techniques useful in unpacking improv responses in order to further develop them.

Bar K is located on Costilla, between Tejon and Nevada.

This event is no host, which means Pikes Peak Writers will not be providing the drinks. Alcohol/soft drinks are available for purchase. There is no food service; owners have graciously agreed to allow outside food/snacks. Please be courteous and leave no messes.

This event is only open to writers who are at least 21 years old.

Hope to see you there.

* Pikes Peak Writers does not endorse or approve of drinking to excess. Please, if you choose to drink alcoholic beverages, drink responsibly.

July Write Brain – Diversity in YA Literature - July 18

Who: Khadija Grant

When: July 18, 2017 – 6:15-8:15pm – Please note the new starting time.

Where: Venue@21c (upper floor, to the right if coming in the upper entrance) of Library 21c, 1175 Chapel Hills Dr. Colorado Springs, CO 80920

More Information:  Writing a diverse character into a story can be tricky, especially if the writer is unfamiliar with the culture. However, there are a number of ways to become skilled at writing from another cultures point of view, painting vivid settings, and touching on issues young adults from all cultures must battle, even if you lack experience in the area.

This presentation will cover:

• Tips on how to write realistic and diverse characters, settings and storylines you many have not experienced.
• How to avoid stereotypes and addressing culture sensitive issues.
• My experience with writing diverse characters in Young Adult Fiction and some of the challenges I have overcome, including working with disadvantaged youth both online and offline and how I use it to write compelling stories.

About the Presenter:  Khadija Grant was born in Cleveland, Ohio and is the proud mother of three beautiful little girls. She has a passion for transforming social issues into raw, yet inspirational stories and enjoys giving back to the youth. Her first book, ‘The Influenced’ was featured and highly regarded by the community of Wattpad. Her second book, ‘You Can Start One Too’ was also featured this year at Grant Elementary’s 1,000 Night of Stars. She is a recent graduate of Leadership Pikes Peak and is an ambassador for El Pomar’s College and Readiness Success Program. Her mission is to inspire and empower the youth to become the best they can be, regardless of what they look like or where they come from. She is currently working on the sequel to ‘The Influenced’ as well as ‘The Day and Night Contest’ to inspire children to follow their passion.

FREE Writers’ Night – July 24

Location: Kawa Coffee
Address: 2427 N Union Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80909

Fourth Monday of every month
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Join fellow writers for PPW Night on the fourth Monday of every month.

PPW Night is two full hours of discussion, laughter, and fun with other local members of Pikes Peak Writers.

Kawa Coffee stays open for our gathering when they would normally be closed. We understand if you can’t afford a coffee or a snack, but please don’t bring outside food and drink into the coffee shop. Thank you for your understanding.

The direction of the meeting is decided by the participants and can include discussions about query letters, obtaining and working with an agent, writing conferences, or other specific points of the craft.  If nothing else, we talk about books!

If you have any questions, or if there is a specific topic you’d like to get on the agenda, send an e-mail to the host, Damon Smithwick, or call him on his cell phone at 719-464-5336.

Meetings are scheduled to start at 6:30 and run until about 8:30.  These are drop-in meetings, so feel free to attend all or just part of them.

See you soon!