Superstars Writing Seminars 2025: Full Schedule

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10:15am MST

Better Cash Management: A Hands On Workshop for Authors — with M&Ms!

Thursday February 6, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am MST

Most business owners manage spending based on their bank account balance—but that approach often leads to missed tax payments, unplanned expenses, and a lack of profitability. In this interactive workshop, you’ll participate in a hands-on cash management simulation using M&Ms. See how typical businesses operate, discover why it leads to financial stress, and learn a better system for managing your money with clarity and confidence.

Speakers

Seth C. Norris

Norris CPA LLC

Seth Norris is a CPA with over 12 years of experience in public accounting, serving as a bank CFO, and running his own virtual tax and accounting firm. Married to an author, Seth has a deep understanding of the unique challenges creatives face, making him a trusted financial partner... Read More →

Thursday February 6, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am MST
Arkansas

Session

10:15am MST

Conversations: How We Craft

Thursday February 6, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am MST

Gunnison

A Look At The Books That Make Us — Bestselling author Todd McCaffrey dives into how the books we read influence the books we write.

Speakers

Todd McCaffrey

New York Times Bestselling Author Todd J. McCaffrey has over sixty books in print including eight in the classic Dragonriders of Pern® series. He holds degrees in art and engineering, is a licensed pilot, and an Army veteran.

Thursday February 6, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am MST
Gunnison

Session

10:15am MST

Digital Book Delivery via BookFunnel

Thursday February 6, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am MST

Platte

TBD

Speakers

Damon Courtney

Damon Courtney is the creator and CEO of BookFunnel, an ebook delivery service for authors and publishers. Though he would like to be a highly successful indie author, he can only lay claim to publishing a single fantasy trilogy that he does really like, despite its lack of sales... Read More →

Thursday February 6, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am MST
Platte

Session

10:15am MST

Pitch Practice

Thursday February 6, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am MST

White River II

Hone and refine how you talk about your story by giving practice pitches and receiving immediate feedback from experienced pitchers.

Speakers

Joshua Essoe

Joshua Essoe is a full-time editor who’s edited for NYT bestsellers, like David Farland and Piers Anthony, along with hundreds of independents. His books on writing, funded in just hours on Kickstarter cover the most-common issues he sees in fiction writing. Find him teaching at... Read More →

Chris Mandeville

Chris Mandeville is an unrepentant coffee drinker, night owl, and binge writer. She’s been teaching writing workshops for 15+ years, and loves to attend reader/writer events alongside her service dog, Oski. Her publications include nonfiction for writers, as well as short and novel-length... Read More →

Lisa Mangum

Lisa Mangum is the Managing Editor for Shadow Mountain. She is also the author of four national best-selling YA novels, several short stories and novellas, and the nonfiction book Write Fearless. Edit Smart. Get Published. She regularly teaches at writing conferences. She lives in... Read More →

Thursday February 6, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am MST
White River II

Session

10:15am MST

Query Letters 101 Workshop (Part 1)

Thursday February 6, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am MST

Rio Grande

(Part 1 of 2) Creating a QL: Not sure how to start writing a query letter? Or maybe you've got a draft, but you're not getting any bites. Let the experts at Eschler Editing dive into your letter--or show you the steps to get it drafted--and get immediate feedback and suggestions. This session is for every level of query writer--beginning-to-query writers, intermediate drafters, and even for those who have written multiple queries. Bring your laptops to work on your query right in the class.

Speakers

Sabine Berlin

Sabine is an avid reader, writer, and editor. She has a BA in History, a Certificate of Proficiency in Editing and Document Design, and an M.Ed in Higher Education Leadership. During the day she works in higher education. At night she reads, writes, edits fiction, and watches K-dramas... Read More →

Lindsay Flanagan

Lindsay Flanagan is an award-winning editor with an MA in English and Creative Writing.Her debut novel, AnnaGrey and the Constellation, was published by Young Dragons Press in August 2023, with two more books about AnnaGrey slated for publication in 2024 and 2025.She’s edited for... Read More →

Thursday February 6, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am MST
Rio Grande

Session

10:15am MST

The Literary Professional: 12 Pillars to Make You the Writer Every Publisher Wants

Thursday February 6, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am MST

Manitou

Do you wonder if you have what it takes to be a professional, successful author? Are you considering pitching to an agent or publisher? Do you have any idea what to expect from the publishing process if you’re actually accepted? Casey Cowan, co-founder and President of Oghma Communications, is here to answer all your questions and more with his workshop, The Literary Professional: 12 Pillars to Make You the Writer Every Publisher Wants. By the end of this session, your toolkit will be full to bursting with the implements it takes to pitch to anyone with confidence. You’ll discover what the life of a real author is like, learn the kind of research it takes to be successful in your genre, find tips and resources to help hone your craft, realize the commitment it takes to be a professional, and understand how and why you need to make a business plan for your writing career. Perhaps best of all, you’ll be able to get past the myths and skewed expectations of the publishing industry, so you know what to expect for yourself and your books in the future. Don’t miss your chance to take part in this insider’s view of today’s fast-moving publishing industry.

Speakers

Amy Cowan

Amy Cowan, a seasoned professional with nearly a decade of experience in publishing, excels in acquisitions, editing, and financial intricacies. Presently the Publisher at Young Dragons, an imprint of Roan & Weatherford Publishing Associates, she spearheads Children’s and Middle... Read More →

Thursday February 6, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am MST
Manitou

Session

10:15am MST

Unlocking Success: The Unmatched Advantages of Traditional Publishing

Thursday February 6, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am MST

Colorado

Join our discussion to uncover why, even in the age of self-publishing, traditional publishing remains a powerful avenue for authors aiming to maximize their book’s reach and impact in the literary world.

Speakers

Anne Fonteneau

Anne began at Blackstone Publishing in 2001 and quickly became Head of Retail Sales, significantly boosting sales. By 2008, she was managing Digital Sales, leading to rapid sector growth. Her innovative leadership as Chief Sales Officer has been key in adapting strategies in the dynamic... Read More →

Thursday February 6, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am MST
Colorado

Session

11:30am MST

Agent AMA

Thursday February 6, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm MST

Colorado

Letting the participants ask any and all questions about publishing.

Speakers

Cherry Weiner

Born and raised in Australia. Came to American when I married a Brooklyn boy. I worked for one of the biggest Literary Agents in NY until he fired me and then his clients took two years to convince me to open my own agency by sending me authors and their manuscripts. I handle all... Read More →

Thursday February 6, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm MST
Colorado

Session

11:30am MST

Pitch Practice

Thursday February 6, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm MST

White River II

Hone and refine how you talk about your story by giving practice pitches and receiving immediate feedback from experienced pitchers Lisa Mangum, Joshua Essoe, and Chris Mandeville.

Speakers

Joshua Essoe

Chris Mandeville

Lisa Mangum

Thursday February 6, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm MST
White River II

Session

11:30am MST

Query Letters 101 Workshop (Part 2)

Thursday February 6, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm MST

Rio Grande

(Part 2 of 2) Creating a QL: Not sure how to start writing a query letter? Or maybe you've got a draft, but you're not getting any bites. Let the experts at Eschler Editing dive into your letter--or show you the steps to get it drafted--and get immediate feedback and suggestions. This session is for every level of query writer--beginning-to-query writers, intermediate drafters, and even for those who have written multiple queries. Bring your laptops to work on your query right in the class.

Speakers

Sabine Berlin

Lindsay Flanagan

Thursday February 6, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm MST
Rio Grande

Session

11:30am MST

The Care and Feeding of your Cover Artist

Thursday February 6, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm MST

Manitou

How do you get the masterpiece you want while still giving your artist full artistic freedom?

Speakers

Chaz Kemp

I have been a professional illustrator for 25 years and I've done hundreds of book covers, interior illustrations and posters for clients in dozens of industries. In that time, I've studied marketing, branding and business. I am looking forward to sharing my knowledge with the Superstars... Read More →

Thursday February 6, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm MST
Manitou

Session

11:30am MST

The Marketing Conundrum

Thursday February 6, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm MST

Platte

Marketing exists on three pillars - brand, advertisements, and promotions. Exploring each of these builds a strong foundation through a continuous learning and adjustment process. Master the process. Master your author career.

Speakers

Craig Martelle

Craig Martelle is a million-selling author of Sci-Fi and Thrillers. He runs the Successful Indie Author series of author-help videos, books, and group.

Thursday February 6, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm MST
Platte

Session

11:30am MST

The Pitfalls of Literary Contracts

Thursday February 6, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm MST

Arkansas

Understanding what to look for in a literary contract is vitally important to writers at all levels. This class focuses on some of the most common pitfalls that an excited writer can overlook with potentially damaging consequences. A keen eye for contracts will save you time and heartache - this class is a perfect way to start.

Speakers

Kevin Ikenberry

Kevin Ikenberry is a life-long space geek, bestselling science fiction and alternate history author, and teacher. With more than twenty-five novels published in multiple universes under his belt, Kevin continues writing stories uplifting the power of the human spirit in difficult... Read More →

Thursday February 6, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm MST
Arkansas

Session

11:30am MST

Writing Dialogue as Action

Thursday February 6, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm MST

Gunnison

Characters don't speak lines of dialog to inform the reader. They lie, exaggerate, threaten, and seduce, in order to get what they want! Bring stories or WIP to share and we'll work through some techniques to bring your dialog to life.

Speakers

D.J. Butler

D.J. (Dave) Butler has been a lawyer, a consultant, a corporate trainer, and a registeredinvestment banking representative, and he is now a Senior Editor for ARK Press. He plays guitarand banjo whenever he can, and hangs out in Utah with his wife, their children, and the familydo... Read More →

Thursday February 6, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm MST
Gunnison

Session

2:00pm MST

Agent Live Critique

Thursday February 6, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MST

Rio Grande

Attendees provide 2 copies of their first page of a manuscript printed. A moderator or reader reads the first page out loud, followed by critique.

Speakers

Cherry Weiner

Thursday February 6, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MST
Rio Grande

Session

2:00pm MST

Anatomy of a Deal

Thursday February 6, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MST

Arkansas

The long awaited call (or email) has come and an editor is sending an offer to buy your book. All publishing houses have a standard 8 or 9 deal terms that will be included in that initial offer.

Speakers

Kristin Nelson

Kristin established Nelson Literary Agency, LLC, in 2002 and over the last two decades, she has represented over fifty-five New York Times bestselling titles and many USA Today bestsellers. Her clients include Shelby Van Pelt, Hugh Howey, Jamie Ford, Marie Lu, Stacey Lee, Ally Carter... Read More →

Thursday February 6, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MST
Arkansas

Session

2:00pm MST

It Shouldn't Hurt to Write: Ergonomics for Writers

Thursday February 6, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MST

Manitou

Writing can be physically taxing—even painful—but it doesn’t have to be. In this workshop Moesta will introduce the general principles of writing “ergonomically” no matter where you write—a desk, the park, a coffee shop, or even in bed. She covers the major ways that writing can hurt you physically, and how to prevent them, as well as symptoms to watch for, quick, easy fixes, and references for medical care when necessary. You’ll come away from this class knowing how to set yourself and your writing space up to nurture and protect your body while you write. Because writing shouldn’t hurt!

Speakers

Rebecca Moesta

Rebecca Moesta (pronounced MESS-tuh) is a freelance editor, co-publisher at WordFire Press, and bestselling author. She writes SF/F and nonfiction books for writers, both solo and with her husband, Kevin J. Anderson. Her work includes novels in Star Wars, Star Trek, and Buffy the... Read More →

Thursday February 6, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MST
Manitou

Session

2:00pm MST

Mastering the Human Connection in Writing

Thursday February 6, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MST

Gunnison

Learn how to master the human connection between reader and character that will make your books truly unputdownable.

Speakers

Lydia Sherrer

Lydia Sherrer is the award-winning and USA Today Bestselling author of the Love, Lies, and Hocus Pocus universe of books which have sold over three-quarters of a million copies worldwide. She has also published the TransDimensional Hunter series with NYT bestselling author John Ringo... Read More →

Thursday February 6, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MST
Gunnison

Session

2:00pm MST

Offset Printing and Book Distribution for Projects and Direct Sales

Thursday February 6, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MST

Arapaho

Whether to fulfill a Kickstarter campaign or to distribute direct sales of physical books from your website, offset printing can lower your cost AND produce a higher quality book than print-on-demand. We’ll discuss tradeoffs to evaluate whether a print run is right for your business, and most importantly, how to deal with a ton (literally) of books, and get them quickly and efficiently into the hands of readers!

Speakers

Andrew Cobble

Andrew Cobble is an independent fantasy author, publishing as AC Cobble, and is the founder of Merrick Books, which offers crowd-funding campaign management and direct-to-consumer book distribution for projects and direct sales. As an author, he’s published 19 titles and counting... Read More →

Thursday February 6, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MST
Arapaho

Session

2:00pm MST

Pitches / Career Counseling

Thursday February 6, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MST

White River II

Please check in at the Appointments Desk at least 5 minutes prior to your appointment.

Thursday February 6, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MST
White River II

Session

2:00pm MST

Publicity for Newbies

Thursday February 6, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MST

Platte

This presentation will show aspiring authors how to get noticed.

Speakers

Chris Kennedy

A Webster Award winner and three-time Dragon Award finalist, Chris Kennedy is a Science Fiction/Fantasy author, speaker, and small-press publisher who has written over 65 books and published more than 500 others. Get his free book, “Shattered Crucible,” at his website, https://chriskennedypublishing.com... Read More →

Thursday February 6, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MST
Platte

Session

2:00pm MST

Writing Craft and Character Death

Thursday February 6, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MST

Colorado

Killing characters; how, why and when

Speakers

Jim Butcher

Jim Butcher is the author of the Dresden Files, the Codex Alera, and his new steampunk series, the Cinder Spires. His resume includes a laundry list of skills which were useful a couple of centuries ago, and he plays guitar quite badly. An avid gamer, he plays tabletop games in varying... Read More →

Thursday February 6, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MST
Colorado

Session

3:15pm MST

Herding Cats: Project Management for Anthologies

Thursday February 6, 2025 3:15pm - 4:15pm MST

Arapaho

You’ve come up with the perfect theme, released your call, and now find yourself lost in the woods of project management. Focusing on tips, shortcuts, and ways to take the stress out of project management, this class will help make your anthology journey not feel like herding cats. Open to authors, publishers, and would-be publishers, this class is about improving the process and making it easier for all parties involved.

Speakers

Logan Uber

The Brothers Uber

Logan Uber, author, publisher, and presenter, has more than a decade of marketing and crowdfunding experience. He runs the Brothers Uber, a publishing house with a focus on telling great stories. He holds four master’s degrees and has been a guest lecturer at schools throughout... Read More →

Thursday February 6, 2025 3:15pm - 4:15pm MST
Arapaho

Session

3:15pm MST

Mastering Book Formatting in Vellum

Thursday February 6, 2025 3:15pm - 4:15pm MST

Manitou

Join Kerrie Flanagan for an engaging workshop on mastering book formatting using Vellum.

Speakers

Kerrie Flanagan

Kerrie Flanagan, with 25+ years in publishing, is an accomplished author, consultant, and instructor. She’s written for top magazines, authored 24 books, and developed the Magazine Writing Blueprint. Kerrie supports authors through her expertise and dedication and through speaking... Read More →

Thursday February 6, 2025 3:15pm - 4:15pm MST
Manitou

Session

3:15pm MST

Mastering Facebook Marketing

Thursday February 6, 2025 3:15pm - 4:15pm MST

Platte

Join David Sherrer, marketing expert for USA Today best selling author Lydia Sherrer, as he shares actionable insights on mastering Facebook marketing for business growth, covering topics from effective ad copywriting to advanced targeting and retargeting strategies.

Speakers

David Sherrer

David Sherrer is a lifelong gamer and story teller, and is the Marketing Director of Chenoweth Press and Lead Game Designer of Chenoweth Games. His debut card game "Cat Magic: The Game" released in 2022 and was funded on Kickstarter within hours of launching.

Thursday February 6, 2025 3:15pm - 4:15pm MST
Platte

Session

3:15pm MST

Node Writing: How to Bust Writer's Block

Thursday February 6, 2025 3:15pm - 4:15pm MST

Gunnison

Writer’s block doesn’t need to be a death sentence or even a speed bump.

Speakers

Todd Fahnestock

Todd Fahnestock is an award-winning, #1 bestselling author of fantasy for all ages and winner of the New York Public Library’s Books for the Teen Age Award. He is a founder of Eldros Legacy—a multi-author, shared-world mega-epic fantasy series—three-time winner of the Colorado... Read More →

Thursday February 6, 2025 3:15pm - 4:15pm MST
Gunnison

Session

3:15pm MST

Pitches / Career Counseling

Thursday February 6, 2025 3:15pm - 4:15pm MST

White River II

Please check in at the Appointments Desk at least 5 minutes prior to your appointment.

Thursday February 6, 2025 3:15pm - 4:15pm MST
White River II

Session

3:15pm MST

Practical Computer Security for Authors

Thursday February 6, 2025 3:15pm - 4:15pm MST

Arkansas

Black hats hack, white hats secure things, and what you can do to when you're in the middle.

Speakers

JT Evans

J.T. Evans writes fantasy and urban fantasy novels. He’ll dabble with sci-fi and horror in short form as well. He is the former president of the Colorado Springs Fiction Writers Group and Pikes Peak Writers. When not writing, he secures computers at the Day Job, and plays way too... Read More →

Thursday February 6, 2025 3:15pm - 4:15pm MST
Arkansas

Session

3:15pm MST

Sell Loads of Books with TikTok

Thursday February 6, 2025 3:15pm - 4:15pm MST

Rio Grande

TikTok Shop is officially here and people are buying in! Whether you’re a debut author trying to come out the gates swinging, or you have a great backlist to offer readers, the time to sell books on TikTok Shop is now. It doesn't have to be overcomplicated. In this presentation, award-winning fantasy author, Z.S. Diamanti, breaks down TikTok and TikTok Shop into easy-to-understand nuggets and gives you practical steps to implement on your own. Come learn the ins and outs of TikTok Shop and how to sell loads of books!

Speakers

Z.S. Diamanti

Z.S. Diamanti is the award-winning author of the Stone & Sky series, an epic fantasy adventure and Guard in the Garden, the first book in the Fables of Finlestia cozy fantasy series. He attended college forever and has far too many pieces of paper on his wall. He’s a USAF veteran... Read More →

Thursday February 6, 2025 3:15pm - 4:15pm MST
Rio Grande

Session

3:15pm MST

Your Book is Talking Now: A Narrator Jam Session

Thursday February 6, 2025 3:15pm - 4:15pm MST

Colorado

Bring a character-driven paragraph from your book if you wish for a chance for Ray to read it. Ray will select work from a few attendees and he will read it out on the microphone to give authors a sense of what their work actually sounds like in narration.

Speakers

Ray Porter

Ray Porter is a multiple award winning narrator with over 500 titles. His narration of “Project Hail Mary” garnered 2021 Audie awards for Best Science Fiction and Audiobook of the Year. In addition to being the voice of Darkseid in “Zack Snyder’s Justice League”, he can... Read More →

Thursday February 6, 2025 3:15pm - 4:15pm MST
Colorado

Session

4:30pm MST

Author Assistants: The Secret to Avoiding Burnout

Thursday February 6, 2025 4:30pm - 5:30pm MST

Manitou

Unlock the secret power of multiplying your efforts with author assistants!

Speakers

Adriel Wiggins

Adriel Wiggins provides a variety of services to authors from continuity editing and audiobook proofing to virtual assistant tasks and organizing your business. Find out more at AdrielWiggins.com

Thursday February 6, 2025 4:30pm - 5:30pm MST
Manitou

Session

4:30pm MST

Career Paths For Writers: One Size Does not Fit All

Thursday February 6, 2025 4:30pm - 5:30pm MST

Colorado

Newton’s First Law does not apply to literary careers: a career in motion does not always stay in motion. A discussion of different paths that other genre writers have followed, and guide to help you figure out which path suits you best.

Speakers

Toni Weisskopf

Toni Weisskopf is an American science fiction editor and the publisher of Baen Books. She has been nominated four times for a Hugo Award. She has won the Phoenix Award, the Rebel Award, and the Neffy Award for best editor.

Thursday February 6, 2025 4:30pm - 5:30pm MST
Colorado

Session

4:30pm MST

Collaborative Work: Tips and Tricks of the Trade

Thursday February 6, 2025 4:30pm - 5:30pm MST

Arapaho

Learn from veteran collaborative writer Chuck Gannon how to co-author stories with others, and in shared worlds.

Speakers

Chuck Gannon

Dr. Charles E. Gannon‘s best-selling books have won the Dragon Award, the ALA Choice Award (Outstanding Book), the Compton Crook Award, and have been nominated for four Nebulas. He is best known for the Caine Riordan series of hard sf novels, which have all been national best-sellers... Read More →

Thursday February 6, 2025 4:30pm - 5:30pm MST
Arapaho

Session

4:30pm MST

Making The Most of Digital and In Person Hand-Selling

Thursday February 6, 2025 4:30pm - 5:30pm MST

Platte

An author's guide to leveraging available tools for helping to get your book into the hands of the right readers.

Speakers

Mark Leslie Lefebvre

Mark has worked in the book industry since 1992, published more than thirty-five books, and is a pioneer in digital publishing. Past roles include President of Canadian Booksellers Association, Director of Self-Publishing & Author Relations and Director of Business Development, and... Read More →

Thursday February 6, 2025 4:30pm - 5:30pm MST
Platte

Session

4:30pm MST

Pitches / Career Counseling

Thursday February 6, 2025 4:30pm - 5:30pm MST

White River II

Please check in at the Appointments Desk at least 5 minutes prior to your appointment.

Thursday February 6, 2025 4:30pm - 5:30pm MST
White River II

Session

4:30pm MST

Publishing 101

Thursday February 6, 2025 4:30pm - 5:30pm MST

Rio Grande

The Status of Traditional Publishing Today

Speakers

Amy Cowan

Thursday February 6, 2025 4:30pm - 5:30pm MST
Rio Grande

Session

4:30pm MST

Reversion 101

Thursday February 6, 2025 4:30pm - 5:30pm MST

Arkansas

What to make sure your reversion clause says so you can revert painlessly... and how to navigate dealing with the contracts department and/or the boss man/woman who does not want to release the book if you don't have the right reversion clause.

Speakers

Cherry Weiner

Thursday February 6, 2025 4:30pm - 5:30pm MST
Arkansas

Session