September 10, 2026
Hullo, Writers!
Thanks for supporting the BWA Authors Showcase at the Boulder Bookstore and writers workshop!
Upcoming Writing Conferences
Illumify 360 Degree Story Writers Conference
The Illumify Writers Conference is helping writers create and shape stories that engage the move readers. Rick Killian is giving a talk, at this upcoming conference, on Identity, Culture, and the Hero’s Journey. Learn from Rick and other experts, and have time to write and to meet other writers and the presenters.
When: Saturday, October 3, 2026
Where: The Reel Factory Conference Center, 10488 W. Centennial Road, Littleton CO.
Lunch is provided.
Registration and more information: https://illumifyconference.com/
Early bird registration is still open.
Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers Conference: Colorado Gold 10/1 – 10/4
The conference offers 120-plus hours of workshops, includes options for master classes and agent pitches. Featured: Stephen Graham Jones and Sarah Maclean.
Here’s another reason to attend: Some BWA writers will receive special recognition for the work at the Colorado Gold conference. Stay tuned and congratulations!
When: October 1-4, 2026
Where: Hyatt Regency Hotel/Conference Center in Denver/Aurora, Colorado
Awards Competitions
For anyone published who is not with a major publishing house, receiving recognition for your work is extremely difficult. That’s why independent publishing book award programs have sprung up. Several are considered especially reputable, including the following, all of which are currently open for submissions.
- The Next Generation Indie Book Awards; if you submit by 9/30, you can enter one title under two categories, with the second at no cost. Find more information at www.IndieBookAwards.com.
- Independent Book Publishing Association at https://www.ibpabookaward.org/.
- IPPY Awards, sponsored by Independent Publisher, at https://awards.independentpublisher.com.
Another contest: The Missouri Review is seeking entries for our 36th annual Editor’s Prize contest, which awards $5,000 each for the best story, essay, and set of poems. Entries in fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction must be received by 11:59 p.m. PST on October 1, 2026. Please read the contest guidelines and submit online.
Reminder: BWA member publication list for the BWA.org website
Please send us information about your published work! Why, you ask? The answer To encourage writers to join BWA. It’s one thing to talk about a writers group; it’s another to show that our members are serious about writing—and anyone who is serious about their writing should consider joining BWA.
So, please send us information about your publications. On the BWA website, we will post the bibliographic data and links to your books. Please send the list to our BWA secretary, Allison: AAndraski@BioMedicalResearchConsulting.com. (Thank you, Allison!)
Suggested format:
Author Last Name, First Name. Title of Book. Publisher, Year. Link to publication for purchase, if applicable. / Genre: xxx
BWA Events
We have a new meetup, thanks to Aaron Markey—a Write Together meetup in Broomfield! For all meetups listed here, please confirm dates and times of meetups/sign up.
Write (Work) Together – Boulder
Host: Rick Killian
When: September 10, 8am onward (drop in)
Where: Neptune Cafe & Bar, 633 S. Broadway, Boulder
Write (Work) Together – Broomfield
Host: Aaron Markey
When: September 14, 8 – 11 am (drop in)
Where: La Belle French Bakery, 1170 Hwy 287 N · Broomfield, CO
Evening Write Together – Longmont
Host: Nicole Cardona
When: September 15, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Where: Cafe Luna, 800 Coffman St., Longmont, CO
Creative Writer’s Critique Group
Hosts: Rolin Geronsin and Christopher Macor
When: September 16, 10 am
Where: Boulder Public Library – Main Library, 1001 Arapahoe Ave · Boulder, CO
Monthly Happy Hour
Host: Nicole Cardona
When: September 17, 5:00 pm – Until we leave, usually around 9:00pm
Where: The Corner Bar, 2115 13th St., Boulder, CO
Write (Work) Together – Broomfield
Host: Aaron Markey
When: September 21, 8 – 11 am (drop in)
Where: La Belle French Bakery, 1170 Hwy 287 N · Broomfield, CO
Write (Work) Together – Boulder
Host: Rick Killian
When: September 24, Noon onward (drop in)
Where: Neptune Cafe & Bar, 633 S. Broadway, Boulder
Write (Work) Together – Broomfield
Host: Aaron Markey
When: September 28, 8 – 11 am (drop in)
Where: La Belle French Bakery, 1170 Hwy 287 N · Broomfield, CO
Write to Publish, Publish to Sell
Host: Rick Killian
When: September 30, 6pm
Where: Boulder Public Library, Main Library, 1001 Arapahoe Ave · Boulder, CO
Creative Writer’s Critique Group
Hosts: Rolin Geronsin and Christopher Macor
When: October 1, 4:30 pm
Where: Boulder Public Library – Main Library, 1001 Arapahoe Ave · Boulder, CO
Writers Who Read
Host: Gary McBride
When: October 4, 2:30 pm
Where: Boulder Public Library – Main Library, 1001 Arapahoe Ave · Boulder, CO
Write (Work) Together – Broomfield
Host: Aaron Markey
When: October 5, 8 – 11 am (drop in)
Where: La Belle French Bakery, 1170 Hwy 287 N · Broomfield, CO
Write (Work) Together – Boulder
Host: Rick Killian
When: October 8, 8am onward (drop in)
Where: Neptune Cafe & Bar, 633 S. Broadway, Boulder