How to Write a Page-Turner: A Workshop for Fiction, Memoir + Narrative Nonfiction Writers

October 19, 2019 | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Red Brick Center for the Arts

High tension is probably the No. 1 reason readers keep reading. Whether you’re writing fiction, memoir or narrative nonfiction, if you can keep your reader on the edge of his or her seat by creating and maintaining tension throughout scene after scene, that reader will stay up way too late reading your book and tell all his friends to go out and buy it. In this workshop, we’ll delve into the interplay of all the elements that raise tension and create conflict and explore how to craft your story to capitalize on each within scenes as well as across your entire plotline. The workshop will include short readings, craft discussion and lots of writing prompts.

Special price for Aspen Writers’ Network members: $40. Non-members: $95.

Registration is closed and the workshop is at capacity. Please email Ellie Scott to be added to the waitlist.

Free

Writing is Rewriting (Virtual Workshop)

May 11, 2020 | 6-8:30 p.m. MT
Zoom

Are you lost in the hazy fog of revision? Not sure what to do next? Have you been cutting and pasting, rewriting and moving things around and moving them back? It’s easy to get caught in addressing surface problems rather than evaluating the backbone of the story from a crafting standpoint. The most difficult part of writing is often revisions. In this spring workshop, Rachel Weaver (“Point of Direction”) will discuss concrete stages of revision, help you figure out where you are and what’s next, and discuss solid techniques to make your revisions as efficient and effective as possible. You will leave class with a long checklist of things you’ve done, and things you’ve got left to do.

Free

The Life of a Book (Virtual Panel)

Tuesday, June 9 | 5:30-6:30 p.m. MT

It takes a village to publish a book. This presentation will offer a behind-the-scenes look at everything that goes into turning a manuscript into a book — from the acquisition process to selecting a cover, distribution channels and the thousand other decisions that are essential to publishing a book. Presenters: Becky Saikia-Wilson, SVP, trade associate publisher at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt  + Lauren Wein, editorial director at Avid Reader Press.

Free

Personal Essay Workshop (Virtual Workshop)

Tuesdays, September 22 & September 29
both days 6-7:30 p.m. MT

Led by award-winning author Marcelo Hernandez Castillo, this generative workshop explored the powerful possibilities of memory, experience and reflection inherent in the personal essay. Through a close study of traditional and more experimental expressions of narrative, participants worked towards creating and workshopping original work that was nuanced, complex and effectively written. The group looked at work from writers like Maggie Nelson, Rebecca Solnit, Gloria Anzaldúa and others for inspiration. Participants were asked to look closely at their own lives to find the tremendous potential hidden in their stories.

Free

AWN – Third Thursdays Zoom Writing Meetups

Third Thursday of (almost) Every Month
7-8 p.m. MT

Writing is a solitary endeavor that can leave us feeling isolated. What has this meant for you in your writing life during this time when we’ve all been asked to isolate and stay at home?
The theme for these 60-minute informal gatherings is “Communing”. We ask that writers (that are comfortable) to share 1-3 ways that they’re nourishing their creativity and writing practice with the group. Feel free to bring a beverage!

Free

Self Publishing Zoom Workshop

May 20 | 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Zoom

Self-publishing workshop with editor, typographer and designer Barbara Scott (Be). Engage in a conversation about the process and design stages of taking your project from manuscript to finished book, via Amazon. This workshop is intended to answer writers’ questions about what it takes to self-publish a book.

Free

Practice Your Pitch

August 3 | 5:30 – 6:30 pm
Red Brick Center for the Arts

To help prepare for the upcoming agent, editor meetings at Aspen Autumn Words we are hosting “Practice Your Pitch” at the Red Brick Center for the Arts (Dance Studio space). This session is for AWN members who are interested in the art of talking about and selling their book, whether you’re just beginning to think about the publishing industry or have a meeting scheduled with an agent or editor at Autumn Words this fall. We’ll practice with one another, go over some tips and hear some input from Adrienne Brodeur, executive director of Aspen Words and former editor at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

Members should reach out to Marie Chan (marie.chan@aspeninstitute.org) to indicate your interest and confirm your AWN membership is up to date.

Free

Agent/Editor Consultations at Autumn Words

October 1, 2021 | Individual appointments
The Gant in Aspen

Featuring representatives from the top publishing houses and literary agencies. Each year, AWN members receive information on how to sign up for a private consultation and how to submit their work.

Free

AWN – Third Thursdays Zoom Writing Meetups

Third Thursday of (almost) Every Month
7-8 p.m. MT

Writing is a solitary endeavor that can leave us feeling isolated. What has this meant for you in your writing life during this time when we’ve all been asked to isolate and stay at home?
The theme for these 60-minute informal gatherings is “Communing”. We ask that writers (that are comfortable) to share 1-3 ways that they’re nourishing their creativity and writing practice with the group. Feel free to bring a beverage!

Presentation by Author Rachel Weaver

Thursday, January 20  @ 7:00 p.m. | Zoom Meeting 

Kick off the new year by joining AWN for a zoom meeting with author and editor Rachel Weaver as she shares tips on writing in 2022, and meet other local writers from the Roaring Fork Valley. You will also learn more about the exciting in-person programs AWN has planned for 2022, starting in February! This virtual meeting is open to anyone interested in AWN. All genres welcome.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rachel Weaver is the author of the novel Point of Direction which Oprah Magazine named a Top Ten Books to Pick Up Now. She is on faculty at Regis University’s low-residency MFA program, and at Lighthouse Writers Workshop where she won the Beacon Award for Teaching Excellence in 2018. 

Free

In-Person Group Meeting: Writer Introductions and Optional Readings

Thursday, February 17 @ 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. | 
In-Person at Bonfire Coffee Company (433 Main Street, Carbondale, CO 81623)

Think Aspen Writers' Network might be a good fit for you?  Learn about the exciting in-person programs AWN has planned for 2022, weigh in on what you'd like to see from the program this year, and meet your fellow Roaring Fork Valley writers. Snacks, coffee, tea, beer, and wine will be provided. An interest poll will be conducted for future meeting topics.

After introductions, there will be short readings from interested members. Slots are limited.

To read at this meeting (not required), either email Mark Tompkins (MarkLTom@icloud.com) or sign up when you arrive. Readers can receive feedback from the group if desired; indicate your preference when you sign up.  

Non-AWN members are welcome to attend their first meeting to see if they want to join; however, all attendees must upload their proof of vaccination in advance on the ReturnSafe app

Free

Aspen High School Only – Heather Hansman in the Schools

February 23, 2022 @ 9:15 am - 10:15 am MST - “Powder Days” author Heather Hansman will visit Aspen High School to discuss her book and career as a ski journalist and environmental writer. This event is for AHS students and faculty; not open to the general public.