Pikes Peak Writers Blog

The Official Blog of Pikes Peak Writers
September 2010
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We Got Lucky

Posted By Ron on August 17, 2010

It’s always a thrill when one of our own releases a debut novel, and it’s even more of a thrill when she takes some time from a busy book tour to present the third and final of our Sizzling Summer Write Brain series. Longtime PPW member Deborah Coonts spiced up her Finding Your Unique Voice with anecdotes of her publishing journey from unsold geopolitical thriller manuscripts to finding her own voice with leading character Lucky O’Toole in her debut novel Wanna Get Lucky? (“Watch out Janet Evanovich” – NYT Best Selling Author Gayle Lynds)

It’s also always cool to see a big stack of unsigned books turn into a completely empty stack of signed books in backpacks, purses and in-hand by the end of the evening.

Deb, like a large number of debut writers, is learning the challenges of leaving the safety of a quiet writing alcove to public appearances and talking in front of people. I gotta say this, kiddo, ya done good and didn’t look nervous at all.

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A Tale of Two Icons

Posted By Ron on August 15, 2010

Icon 2 Certificate

American Icon 2, 2006

American Icon 2, in 2006, signified the beginning of my involvement with Pikes Peak Writers. The 2006 PPWC was the very first writers conference I had ever attended and that came about as a fluke. I’d been engaged in email exchanges with an agent in New York who told me she would be at a conference in Colorado Springs in a couple of weeks, and maybe we could talk.

A writers conference in Colorado? Who’d ever heard of such a thing? But, of course I said yes, I’ll be there.

I scrambled the rest of that day and found TWO writers conferences in Colorado. PPWC and Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers Colorado Gold. That same day, while researching the conferences, I learned that a friend I had worked with for years not only was a writer, but was having a launch party for his debut novel The Nymphos of Rocky Flats that very night. Did I go… you betcha! The first of many since that night.

Prior to 2006 PPWC, I did what all smart newbies do and attended Pam McCutcheon’s pitch workshop at the old Cottonwood Artists School — and made a couple dozen new friends. At conference, Monica and I sat in the back of the room on Saturday night, looked up at the speaker’s table and said, “Maybe someday we’ll get to know some of those people.” Doh… I’d been talking and joking with “those people” all weekend long.

After conference, I attended the May and June Write Brains, and heard about American Icon happening July 7th. I signed up right away because it sounded fun. And, I thought what the hell, I’m a good writer, I can do this. *Snork*

So, I’d been thinking about a laptop (after seeing many of them at the conference) and made a deal with myself and Monica. If I won a prize at American Icon, I’d buy a laptop. Since this was my first time at it, I figured the $800 or $900 would be still safe in the bank when all was said and done.

We stopped in Manitou Springs and bought a good luck t-shirt. I wore my lucky buffalo bone neck-piece…

“The barometer of Andrea Bellows’s life grew in her curls….” I started out.

At the end of the night, Laura Hayden announced the winners… “Ron Heimbecher for Best Chick Lit.”

What? What the heck is Chick Lit? No matter, I had a new laptop thanks to Andrea Bellows’s curly brown hair.

Now, four years later, my laptop is wearing out, another American Icon (Icon 6) has passed, and my ‘guinea pig-go first’ reading was my last “official” act as president of Pikes Peak Writers. The next president and board of directors will be elected on September 7. Between now and then, I’m transitioning a all of the web work and a few remaining administrative things.

recognition certificate

American Icon 6, 2010

It’s been a great four-year ride with a bunch of fantastic, passionate, and dedicated people, and I’ll still be around. For the next year, I’ll remain affiliated with the board of directors in a consultancy position as immediate past president, and I will see all of you next April for the 2011 conference.

In the meantime, I’m racing to catch up with my roots, the emerging media and ePub projects that started me writing in the first place. Yup, time ta dance with the one what brung me. — And… I’ll be eligible for prizes in Icon 7.

B^)

Godspeed to all of you in the quest for your dream.

Ron Heimbecher, President, Pikes Peak Writers

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The Deadline is Almost Here!

Posted By Ron on August 1, 2010

A man missing a partyOh, crud! The deadline for American Icon 6 is almost here and I haven’t registered yet. What the heck is wrong with me? If I don’t register by 5:00 on Tuesday August 3, I might be out of luck.

Oh no!

After 5:00 on Tuesday I can only get in on a space available basis.

I could miss my chance to read for prizes.

I could miss the desserts.

I could miss the cash bar and a great party night with a bunch of friends.

I could miss it all… if I don’t REGISTER NOW!

American Icon 6, Friday August 6, 6:30 PM at the Colorado Springs Marriott.

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Join the Party – Just a Week Away

Posted By Ron on July 30, 2010

You can have the same kind of fun these people had at American Icon 4. See that thing behind them? It’s a cash bar. But you have to wonder…

Are they looking at the reader on stage, or are they looking at the scrumptious desserts just a few feet away? From the size of the smiles it’s hard to determine.

C’mon! Find out for yourself at PPW’s American Icon 6, Friday August 6, 6:30 PM at the Colorado Springs Marriott.

Here’s the tariff:

Member contestants $25.00, non-member contestants $35.00, raucous and cheering supportive audience members $10.00. That’s what we call entertainment value!

You must PREREGISTER. Need more info?  Learn more about American Icon 6.

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Picture Yourself A Winner!

Posted By Ron on July 29, 2010

Read from your work in front of a live audience. An audience that’s been fed, refreshed, and is very receptive!

Prizes include partial manuscript critiques by agents and editors, a free night at the Marriott Colorado Springs (ooooh…), bookstore certificates and more. You can be one of the winners.

Pikes Peak Writers American Icon 6, Friday August 6, 2010, 6:30 pm at the Colorado Springs Marriott.

Fees: PPW Member contestants $25.00; non-member contestants $35.00; audience (and encouragement) $10.00 (cheaper than a movie and a lot more fun!)

You must PRE-REGISTER.

Rules:

Contestants will read aloud for two minutes from their original works of fiction or non-fiction in any genre, and a panel of three judges will provide brief verbal critiques in front of an audience. Entries must not have been previously published. Materials presented should not exceed the equivalent of a movie “R” rating. Winners will be determined by the three-judge panel. Judges’ decisions will be overseen by a member of the Board of Directors of Pikes Peak Writers. Decisions are final. Pikes Peak Writers reserves the right to publish winners’ names, prizes and titles of works for use in publicity and other materials. Prizes are subject to change without notice.

Eligibility:

  • Contestants and attendees must be 18 years of age or older, unless parental consent is verified by PPW. All contestants must sign an affirmation of eligibility and a publicity release form at the event.
  • Entries must not have been published. Previous Audience Favorite and Best Overall award-winning entries will not be eligible for Icon 6.

Thinking of entering? Here’s what Erin Spradlin, last year’s Audience Favorite and winner of a special category, Essay That Should Be Chapter One in Your Book, said about her experience:

“I can’t express how good it felt to participate in this event, and that was before I knew I won anything. I learned a lot from standing before my peers, presenting my work and receiving feedback on my writing. Aside from the natural high one gets from taking those steps, I also met and networked with other aspiring writers. I will forever be pleased that I did it and would encourage anyone thinking about it to take the plunge. Terrifying? Yes. Worth it? Definitely.

Deadline for contestant and attendee registration is Tuesday, August 3rd at 5 p.m., so register early since walk-in registrations will only be accepted if we are not full or there are sudden cancellations. Check our website for up-to-the-minute details.

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An American Icon Success Story

Posted By Ron on July 27, 2010

Kirk Farber, whose novel Postcards from a Dead Girl was on the Denver Post’s best seller list the first week out, took both Best Overall and Best Character honors at American Icon 3 in 2007. He obtained an agent to represent him at the 2008 Pikes Peak Writers Conference, and Postcards from a Dead Girl was released this past spring.

Here’s what Kirk had to say about his American Icon experiences:

“American Icon was a great experience for me. All in one fun night I was able to meet a bunch of local writers, hear them read, share my own work, and get immediate feedback from professionals in the publishing industry. The opportunity to read live was also a real confidence booster, as the atmosphere is really more supportive than competitive. Later, I was able to add the experience to my query letter to agents, which ultimately helped get me signed. Pretty cool for a catered night out with other writers! I highly recommend it.”

Learn more about Kirk at www.kirkfarber.com

American Icon 6, August 6, 2010 6:30 PM, Colorado Springs Marriott – REGISTER NOW

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Be a Reading Rock Star!

Posted By Ron on July 22, 2010

American Icon 4

Enter to read from your work in the 6th Annual Pikes Peak Writers American Icon Contest! August 6, 2010 6:30 PM, Colorado Springs Marriott

Read a short selection in front of a live audience and three “celebrity” judges. This year we have writer/producer Trai Cartwright, editor Carolyn Sobczak, and agent Ange Tysdal.

Great prizes, munchies, and a cash bar.

PPW Member contestants $25.00, non-member contestants $35.00 and audience members $10.

Bring a gaggle of friends and family to cheer you on!

Learn more about American Icon or REGISTER NOW!

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Judges for American Icon 6

Posted By Ron on July 20, 2010

The “celebrity” judges for PPW American Icon 6, August 6, 2010, 6:30 PM at the Colorado Springs Marriot are:

TRAI CARTWRIGHT is a writer, producer and professional writing coach and teacher. She has consulted on thousands of books and scripts, produced three independent films and worked as a feature film and online entertainment creative executive for HBO, 20th Century Fox, Universal, New Line, Paramount and Leonardo DiCaprio. She is currently pursuing her MFA in Creative Writing at CSU, and will teach Screenwriting at the Laramie County Community College in Spring 2010. www.craftwrite.com

CAROLYN SOBCZAK is an editor with Fulcrum Publishing in Golden, Colorado

ANGE TYSDAL is an agent with AKA Literary Agency. She holds a degree in English and Creative Writing, Sociology, and attended law school at Gonzaga University. She is the former managing editor of Marginalia literary magazine. She owns and edits In the Mist, an outdoor literary magazine for women. When Ange is not at her desk, she’s outside mountain biking, kayaking, or rock climbing.

Great Fun and Great Prizes

Cost $10 per person audience members, $25 PPW Member contestant, $35 non-member contestant.

Get more details on our home page at www.pikespeakwriters.com

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Update for brag sheet: Laura Reeve signing

Posted By DeAnna on June 5, 2010

Update: Laura E. Reeve’s third novel in the Major Ariane Kedros series, Pathfinder, will be released July 6th. Laura will be signing books in the series at the Citadel Barnes & Noble in CO Springs on July 24th at 1:00 p.m. For further information, see her web site at www.AncestralStars.com.

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Twitter test post.

Posted By DeAnna on May 31, 2010

A) Yellow.
B) Unladen.
C) 42.

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