Pikes Peak Writers Conference
Last weekend I attended the Pikes Peak Writers Conference. Armed with a notebook and water bottle, I scribbled notes in writing workshops, listened to the beyond-brilliant Keynotes, and purchased way too many books (shocker, I know!). I chatted with old and new friends, all who have the same passion and drive for story telling. My head is still spinning, filled to the brim with new tips and ideas. I’m energized, inspired, and can’t wait to dive back into my writing!
Here are my top 3 highlights from the PPWC:
Criminal Profiling Pete Klismet, former FBI criminal profiler, gave an AMAZING talk on criminal profiling and examples of real-life behavioral clues. Criminal profiling is using evidence from the crime scene to identify behaviors and build a behavioral portrait of an unknown offender. I especially loved hearing his examples of post-offense behavior clues (which I fully intend to incorporate in my mystery novels!) which include: changes in physical appearance, sudden media interest, mood swings, altered sleeping habits, and a pre-occupation with the crime.
Injecting Humor Into Fiction Kris Neri gave a fantastic session on different types of humor from miscommunication to absurdity, providing examples of each one (miscommunication = Who’s On First? absurdity = 47 Rules of Highly Effective Bank Robbers). She talked through general guidelines in writing humor such as: abandon dignity, slip on the proverbial banana peel, don’t over-analyze or over-edit, never have your character laugh at their own joke, and trust your own sense of humor.
I’m honored that Wendig signed The Cormorant for me and predicted my demise!
Chuck Wendig’s Message to Care Less I’m a Chuck Wendig fangirl so loved his Sunday Keynote at the farewell lunch, an inspiring message to care a little less about our writing. He cautioned us to still care, but to take it down a notch. Essentially, don’t take ourselves or our writing too seriously. When we sit down at the keyboard, write what makes us happy in our own authentic voice without worrying about the market. Stop trying to write the next viral bestseller or literary acclaimed novel and focus on writing your story. Care just a little bit less.
What were your key takeaways of PPWC 2014?
What I’m reading: Graceling by Kristin Cashore
What I’m listening to: The Black Keys — Fever
I absolutely loved Chuck’s keynote! Talk about spot on. We aren’t curing cancer and we get as many do overs as it takes.
One of my favorite workshops was the Thursday Prequel crime scene one. I’ve wanted to be a private investigator since I was 8 so that was spectacular!
Great post and it was good to see you again!
Thanks so much, Jenny! I heard great things from other attendees about the Thursday crime scene and wish I had signed up! No doubt the material would come in handy for mystery writing. It was so great to see you and catch up! Best of luck with your writing 🙂
I had a couple writer friends who went to this– It’s on my to-do list for next year!
Julie, I definitely recommend it! Not only were there great people, but the keynotes and sessions were fantastic. Plus, the sessions were so varied in subject matter that there was truly something for everyone 🙂
Hey Kate! Love what you wrote. I loved those aspects as well.
I really got a lot out of Sarah Peed’s Dialogue class.
I couldn’t just leave without sharing the books I bought at conference, you gave me the idea. 🙂
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Thank you, Lori! I’d be curious to hear what you learned in Sarah Peed’s dialogue session — dialogue is so tough! There’s a fine balance between being realistic and progressing the plot. Looks like you took home some fun books from PPWC too! Happy reading 🙂