Aspen Writers Network Third Thursday Meeting: Integrating Romance Into Your Story of Any Genre – By Elizabeth Boyle
2026-02-19 18:30 - 20:30 (America/Denver)
Aspen Writers Network Third Thursday Meeting: Integrating Romance Into Your Story of Any Genre – By Elizabeth Boyle
February 19 | Bonfire Coffee (433 Main St, Carbondale) | 6:30 to 8:30 PM
Become an Aspen Writers Network member today!
Including romance in your story without it feeling forced or sounding clunky can seem difficult and even terrifying for non-romance writers. During the next AWN meeting, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Elizabeth Boyle will share guidance on this complex issue. Come learn how to make your romance elements both natural and compelling.
Elizabeth Boyle is an award-winning, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of 25 novels, as well as a respected writing teacher. Her debut novel, “Brazen Angel”, won the prestigious Romance Writers of America RITA® award. Romance Times gave their coveted Reviewer’s Choice award to “No Marriage of Convenience”, “Mad About the Duke”, and “The Viscount Who Lived Down the Lane”. “Stealing the Bride” and “Love Letters from a Duke” have made Booklist’s annual Top Ten Romance lists. https://elizabethboyle.com/
Upcoming Third Thursday Meetings
March 19 and April 16

Presented by Friends of Aspen Words: Adam Gopnik’s Talk Therapy
2026-02-28 18:30 - 19:30
Theater Aspen presents: Adam Gopnik’s Talk Therapy
Saturday, February 28, 6:30pm | Paepcke Auditorium
An Evening with Adam Gopnik You Didn’t Know You Needed

Best known as an acclaimed writer for The New Yorker, Adam Gopnik has spent more than three decades crafting essays, memoirs, and cultural criticism. The bestselling author of Paris to the Moon and The Real Work, Gopnik now turns his sharp eye and signature wit to the stage.
Join us for an intimate, one-night-only performance of his brand-new one-man show, Talk Therapy.
In this revealing and deeply personal piece, Gopnik reflects on his early years as a young writer finding his footing in the wilds of New York City—and the mentors, friendships, and formative encounters that shaped his path.

Tickets
Standard Seating: $65
Premium Seating (Assigned) – $95
includes premium assigned seating in Paepcke Auditorium
Run Time for each performance is 70 minutes. Doors: 6:00pm | Show 6:30pm
Online sales end 5:00pm day of performance, tickets may be available for purchase at the door.
Purchase tickets and learn more here!

Aspen Writers Network Third Thursday Meeting | Member Readings with Optional Feedback | June 18
2026-03-04 08:00 - 17:00
Aspen Writers Network Third Thursday Meeting
Member Readings with Optional Feedback
One of the more important Meetings in our schedule – it provides the opportunity for you to support your fellow writers and/or be supported. Audience feedback on your reading is optional.
April 16 | Bonfire Coffee (433 Main St, Carbondale) | 6:30 to 8:30 PM
Become an Aspen Writers Network member today!
Upcoming Third Thursday Meetings
July 16 | Summer Soiree

Presented by Friends of Aspen Words: Billy Preston: That’s the Way God Planned It and conversation W/ executive producer Daniel Shaw at TACAW
2026-03-05 19:00 - 21:00
Presented by Friends of Aspen Words: Billy Preston: That’s the Way God Planned It and conversation W/ executive producer Daniel Shaw
DATE: MARCH 5, 2026
LOCATION: TACAW
TIME: 7:00 pm / DOORS @ 6:00 pm
Purchase tickets HERE
MEMBER $15 / ADVANCE $20 / DAY OF $25
SEATED SHOW / 18+ VALID PHOTO ID REQUIRED

TACAW is presenting a screening of Billy Preston: That’s The Way God Planned It and a conversation after with executive producer Daniel Shaw.
RUN TIME: 105 MINUTES
Billy Preston was 5 years old when he backed gospel legend Mahalia Jackson. Over the following six-decade career, Billy contributed his signature sound to the greatest artists of his time, including The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Barbra Streisand, Sly Stone, Ray Charles, Rufus, Eric Clapton, and others, while establishing himself as a GRAMMY-winning solo artist. Despite his success, Billy struggled to reconcile his deep relationship with the Black church with his sexuality, setting off a lifelong quest to find love and acceptance.
ABOUT DANIEL SHAW
Daniel Shaw is a journalist, musician and conservationist living in Woody Creek, Colorado with his artist and writer wife, Isa Catto. Highlights of a 40-year career include writing for dozens of page 7 publications, including the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Washington Post, and Daily Variety, working as a Washington, DC bureau chief, hosting an NPR show interviewing musicians, and serving as press secretary for the Navajo Nation. As a blues, rock and country harmonica player, he’s played live and recorded with numerous acts. He currently sits on the board of Conservation International and chairs the nation’s only net-zero performing arts center in Basalt, Colorado.
Learn more and purchase tickets HERE

Aspen Words Literary Prize Shortlist Announced March 11
2026-03-11 10:00 - 17:00
Aspen Words will announce the shortlist for the Aspen Words Literary Prize on March 11.
The Aspen Words Literary Prize is a $35,000 annual award for an influential work of fiction that illuminates a vital contemporary issue and demonstrates the transformative power of literature on thought and culture.
Annually, open to authors of any nationality, the award is one of the largest literary prizes in the United States, and one of the few focused exclusively on fiction with a social impact. Past winners include Mohsin Hamid (2018 for “Exit West”), Tayari Jones (2019 for “An American Marriage”), Christy Lefteri (2020 for “The Beekeeper of Aleppo”), Louise Erdrich (2021 for “The Night Watchman”), Dawnie Walton (2022 for “The Final Revival of Opal & Nev”), Jamil Jan Kochai (2023 for “The Haunting of Hajji Hotak”), Isabella Hammad (2024 for “Enter Ghost”) and Tommy Orange (2025 for “Wandering Stars”). Eligible works include novels or short story collections that address questions of violence, inequality, gender, the environment, immigration, religion, race or other social issues.
Learn more about the prize

Aspen Writers Network Third Thursday Meeting | Flash Fiction with Grant Faulkner | March 19
2026-03-19 18:30 - 20:30
Aspen Writers Network Third Thursday Meeting
Flash Fiction with Grant Faulkner
Exercise your writing muscles with flash fiction. Short prose where every word counts is a great way to tighten up scenes and build the ‘voice’ of your work.
March 19 | Bonfire Coffee (433 Main St, Carbondale) | 6:30 to 8:30 PM
Become an Aspen Writers Network member today!
Upcoming Third Thursday Meetings
April 16 and May 21,

Presented by Friends of Aspen Words: PenPals A New Play by Michael Griffo
2026-03-20 16:00 - 2026-03-21 17:00
Theater Aspen presents: PenPals | A New Play by Michael Griffo
Friday, March 20, 6:30pm
Saturday, March 21, 4:30pm

Two Women. Five Decades. One Extraordinary Friendship.
The Smash Hit Comes to Aspen For A Strictly Limited Engagement! Pen Pals is the extraordinary story of two friends that unfolds over decades. Bernie and Mags live in two different countries, they’ve never met, and yet they’re best friends. Because they’ve been pen pals for over fifty years. Since they were teenagers, they’ve shared every aspect of their lives with each other. The trivial bits, the most intimate details, all the happiness, all the heartache. They’ve told each other things they wouldn’t dare tell another soul. Even though Bernie lives in New Jersey and Mags is from England, the women are closer to each other than anyone else in the world. Come witness the journey of their lifetime. In their own words.

Tickets
Standard Seating: $65
Premium Seating (Assigned) – $95
includes premium assigned seating in Paepcke Auditorium
Run Time for each performance is 90 minutes.
Online sales end 5:00pm day of performance, tickets may be available for purchase at the door.
Purchase tickets and learn more here!

Aspen Writers Network Third Thursday Meeting | Perfect Your Pitch a.k.a. Find the Heart of Your Story | April 16
2026-04-16 18:30 - 20:30
Aspen Writers Network Third Thursday Meeting
Perfect Your Pitch a.k.a. Find the Heart of Your Story
Identifying and being able to clearly articulate the heart of your story is key to writing and finishing your book, as well as selling it (to a publisher or the public). This workshop will help you tighten up your narrative arc to make your story more readable and more publishable.
April 16 | Bonfire Coffee (433 Main St, Carbondale) | 6:30 to 8:30 PM
Become an Aspen Writers Network member today!
Upcoming Third Thursday Meetings
May 21

Aspen Words Literary Prize Winner Announcement on April 23, 2026
2026-04-23 17:00 - 18:30
ABOUT THE PRIZE
The Aspen Words Literary Prize is a $35,000 annual award for an influential work of fiction that illuminates a vital contemporary issue and demonstrates the transformative power of literature on thought and culture.
Annually, open to authors of any nationality, the award is one of the largest literary prizes in the United States, and one of the few focused exclusively on fiction with a social impact. Past winners include Mohsin Hamid (2018 for “Exit West”), Tayari Jones (2019 for “An American Marriage”), Christy Lefteri (2020 for “The Beekeeper of Aleppo”), Louise Erdrich (2021 for “The Night Watchman”), Dawnie Walton (2022 for “The Final Revival of Opal & Nev”), Jamil Jan Kochai (2023 for “The Haunting of Hajji Hotak”), Isabella Hammad (2024 for “Enter Ghost”) and Tommy Orange (2025 for “Wandering Stars”). Eligible works include novels or short story collections that address questions of violence, inequality, gender, the environment, immigration, religion, race or other social issues.
2026 TIMELINE
Thursday, November 13, 2025 – Longlist announcement
Wednesday, March 11, 2026 – Shortlist announcement
Thursday, April 23, 2026 – Winner announcement & reception – April 2026 in New York City
Register here to watch the 2026 Aspen Words Literary Prize Winner Announcement and a livestreamed conversation with the finalists, moderated by The New York Times’ Elisabeth Egan.

Aspen Writers Network Third Thursday Meeting | May 21
2026-05-21 18:00 - 20:00
Aspen Writers Network Third Thursday Meeting
May 21 | Bonfire Coffee (433 Main St, Carbondale) | 6:30 to 8:30 PM
Come and commune with other writers. Sacks and drinks provided. All writers welcome: fiction, nonfiction, short story, memoir, essay, poetry. Topic: Member Readings.
Sig-Sign up in person at the meeting

Readings are 4 minutes max (yes, we enforce this). Please practice and time yourself.
Optional constructive feedback (1 minute max) per reviewer = what you liked best + one area you suggest the writer take another look at.
Become an Aspen Writers Network member today!

Aspen Writers Network Third Thursday Meeting | Writing Prompts | June 18
2026-06-18 18:30 - 20:30
Writing Prompts

A wonderful opportunity to push yourself to generate new work.

June 18 | Bonfire Coffee (433 Main St, Carbondale) | 6:30 to 8:30 PM
Become an Aspen Writers Network member today!
Upcoming Third Thursday Meetings
July 16 | Summer Soiree

2026 Summer Words Writers Conference Panels
2026-06-21 08:00 - 2026-06-26 17:00 | Viewline Resort Snowmass, Autograph Collection, 100 Elbert Ln, Snowmass Village, CO, 81615, United States
Summer Words Writers Conference 2026 Panels
📅 June 21–June 26, 2026
📍 The Viewline Resort | 100 Elbert Ln, Snowmass Village, CO
Aspen Words is thrilled to welcome writers back to Snowmass Village for a week of craft, creativity, and community. If you want access to industry experts and award-winning authors, our $40 Panel Pass is your ticket to six extraordinary sessions.
👉 Purchase your $40 Panel Pass here
Summer Words Craft Talks & Panels Schedule
Monday, June 22
Inside Publishing: How It Actually Works | 1:30–2:30 PM
Description: From agents to editors to marketing, the publishing process can feel opaque. This panel offers a clear, candid look at how books move from manuscript to marketplace—what matters, what doesn’t, and where writers have more control than they think. Expect practical guidance, straight talk, and a few persistent myths put to rest.
Speakers: Ashley Lopez, Cece Lyra, Abby Walters, Rebekah Jett
Moderator: Ryan Harbage
Tuesday, June 23
Finding the Form: How Structure Unlocks Story | 3:30–4:30 PM
Description: Sometimes the problem isn’t the writing—it’s the container. This panel explores how structure shapes meaning, sharpens stakes, and guides the reader’s experience. When the form clicks, the story gains clarity, momentum, and depth.
Speakers: Jamel Brinkley, Meghan O’Rourke
Moderator: Julie Comins
Wednesday, June 24
The Art of Perspective | 3:40–4:20 PM
Description: The success of any work depends entirely on its narrative strategy. This talk defines narrative strategy and discusses its relationship to perspective, narrative distance, and the myth of “reliability” through the lens of contemporary texts.
Speaker: Christopher Castellani
Where Meaning Lives: The Hidden Power of Detail | 4:30–5:10 PM
Description: This talk explores how the scraps writers collect—objects, phrases, half-formed observations—become a training ground for metaphor. Learn why concrete detail carries more emotional weight than abstraction, and why meaning emerges when two things sit side by side.
Speaker: Hannah Pittard
Thursday, June 25
Characters That Carry the Story | 3:00–4:00 PM
Description: Plot moves the story forward, but character gives it weight. This panel explores how to create layered, specific, and surprising characters—people whose desires, flaws, and contradictions generate tension and keep readers invested.
Speakers: Lev Grossman, Jade Chang
Moderator: Mitzi Rapkin
Revision is Writing: Where the Work Becomes the Work | 4:15–5:30 PM
Description: The first draft gets something down; revision makes it work. This panel focuses on how to approach rewriting—what to cut, what to deepen, and how to recognize the story you’ve actually written.
Speakers: Brian Broome, Christopher Castellani, Hannah Pittard
Moderator: Adrienne Brodeur
🎟️ Don’t miss out on this exceptional week of programming.
Get your $40 Panel Pass today!
Learn more about the Summer Words Writers Conference here!

Aspen Words Book Ball | July 10, 2026
2026-07-10 17:30 - 21:00 | Aspen Meadows Resort Doerr-Hosier Center, 870 Meadows Rd, Aspen, CO, 81611, United States
Book Ball | July 9, 2026 | The Aspen Meadows Resort
with Jonathan Franzen
We are honored to welcome bestselling author Jonathan Franzen as the keynote speaker for Book Ball 2026.
We hope you will join a vibrant and passionate community to celebrate writers and readers, and to connect through the power of stories on July 9, 2026, at Aspen Meadows.
This special evening raises vital funds to support Aspen Words programs, including the Aspen Literary Festival, Writers in the Schools, scholarships for emerging writers, and community talks with Pulitzer Prize–winning authors.
Learn more here!

The Lit Lounge: 2026 Community Read Discussion Featuring a Live Zoom Conversation with Maria Reva, Moderated by APR's Breeze Richardson
2026-07-15 17:30 - 18:30 | Pitkin County Library, 120 N. Mill St., Aspen, CO, 81611, United States
The Lit Lounge: 2026 Community Read Discussion
The Lit Lounge: 2026 Community Read Discussion Featuring a Live Zoom Conversation with Maria Reva, Moderated by Breeze Richardson from Aspen Public Radio
Wednesday, July 15 | 5:30 – 6:30 PM
Pitkin County Library (Free & open to all; no registration required)
Welcome to The Lit Lounge—a book club inspired by the thought-provoking novels championed by our local literary center, Aspen Words.
For our July meeting, we are diving into the 2026 Community Read and Aspen Words Literary Prize winner: Endling by Maria Reva. Join fellow literature lovers for an evening of great conversation.
We are thrilled to announce that author Maria Reva will be joining us live via Zoom for an exclusive, moderated conversation with APR’s Breeze Richardson. Don’t miss this chance to discuss her extraordinary novel directly with the author!
Have a question for Maria Reva about “Endling”? Submit your questions here.
Learn more about the Lit Lounge Book Club HERE

Third Thursday Meeting, July 16 – Summer Soirée with Doc Eason
2026-07-16 18:30 - 20:30
Aspen Writers Network Third Thursday Meeting
Summer Soiree with Doc Eason
July 16 | Two Rivers Café (156 Midland Ave., Basalt) | 6:30 to 8:30 PM

Come and share what you are currently working on. Dinner will be served. Then Doc Eason will give one of his astounding close-up magic demonstrations.
Doc perfected his craft over decades at iconic venues like John Denver’s World-Famous Comedy Magic Bar and the Artisan Restaurant. His warm style, quick wit, and incredible magic have earned him a global reputation, five awards from Hollywood’s prestigious Magic Castle, and recognition as an Honorary Member of London’s Magic Circle. Doc’s awards from the Academy of Magical Arts include: WC Fields Bar Magician of the Year, Two-Time Close-up Magician of the Year, and Two-Time Lecturer of the Year. He is also the author of Cocktails & Doc Tales.

Become an Aspen Writers Network member today!
Upcoming Third Thursday Meetings

August 20 | State of the Publishing Industry

Aspen Writers Network Third Thursday Meeting | State of the Publishing Industry with Mark Gottleib | August 20
2026-08-20 18:30 - 20:30 | Bonfire Coffee, 433 Main St., Carbondale, Colorado, 81623
Aspen Writers Network Third Thursday Meeting
August 20 | Bonfire Coffee (433 Main St, Carbondale) | 6:30 to 8:30 PM

State of the Publishing Industry with Mark Gottleib
An up-to-the-minute presentation on the trends and challenges in publishing. A lengthy Q&A period will follow, so you can get your questions answered.

Become an Aspen Writers Network member today!
Upcoming Third Thursday Meetings

September 17 | Flex Your Creativity and Expand Your Skill

Aspen Writers Network Third Thursday Meeting | Flex Your Creativity and Expand Your Skill | September 17
2026-09-17 18:30 - 20:30 | Bonfire Coffee, 433 Main St., Carbondale, Colorado, 81623
Aspen Writers Network Third Thursday Meeting
August 20 | Bonfire Coffee (433 Main St, Carbondale) | 6:30 to 8:30 PM

Flex Your Creativity and Expand Your Skill
Writing prompts are a fantastic way to expand your creativity, explore new genres, and find your unique voice. So, whether you’re a seasoned wordsmith or just dipping your toes into the world of writing, come expand your artistic chops. Sharing is optional.

Become an Aspen Writers Network member today!
Upcoming Third Thursday Meetings

October 15 | Writing Science Fiction and Fantasy with Mary Robinette Kowal

Aspen Literary Festival 2026: September 25-27
2026-09-25 08:00 - 2026-09-27 17:00
The Aspen Literary Festival returns this fall.
Join us for an unforgettable (LIT)erary weekend in Aspen—filled with dynamic panels, lively parties, engaging conversations, and unexpected delights. Over three inspiring days, dozens of acclaimed authors will gather in Aspen to celebrate stories, ideas, and the power of words.
JOIN OUR MAILING LIST
Stay up to date on all things ALF, including author announcements, ticket releases, and special events.
Visit the official festival website to learn more:https://www.aspenliteraryfestival.org/

Aspen Writers Network Third Thursday Meeting | Writing Science Fiction and Fantasy with Mary Robinette Kowal | October 15
2026-10-15 18:30 - 20:30 | Bonfire Coffee, 433 Main St., Carbondale, Colorado, 81623
Aspen Writers Network Third Thursday Meeting
October 15 | Bonfire Coffee (433 Main St, Carbondale) | 6:30 to 8:30 PM

Writing Science Fiction and Fantasy with Mary Robinette Kowal.

Why is SFF hugely popular? Writers of all genres can improve the appeal of their writing by applying SFF techniques.

Become an Aspen Writers Network member today!
Upcoming Third Thursday Meetings
November 19 | Writing fiction with Laura Zigman

Aspen Words Fall Writers Workshop
2026-10-17 10:00 - 15:00 | Pitkin County Library, 120 N. Mill St., Aspen, CO, 81611, United States
Aspen Words Fall Writers Workshop

Join us for the 2026 Fall Writing Workshop with Kristin Nelson of Nelson Literary Agency. In this interactive workshop, Kristin will guide participants through the art of crafting a compelling query letter.
Saturday, October 17
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Lunch break: 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Location:
Pitkin County Library, Dunaway Room
120 N. Mill Street
Aspen, CO 81611
Arrival:
Doors open and check-in begins at 9:45 a.m. Please arrive by 10:00 a.m. so we can begin promptly.
What to Bring:
• Your preferred method of taking notes
• Lunch or a snack, or plan to purchase food during the lunch break
Registration information coming soon!

Aspen Writers Network Third Thursday Meeting | Writing fiction with Laura Zigman | November 19
2026-11-19 18:30 - 20:30 | Bonfire Coffee, 433 Main St., Carbondale, Colorado, 81623
Aspen Writers Network Third Thursday Meeting
November 19 | Bonfire Coffee (433 Main St, Carbondale) | 6:30 to 8:30 PM

Writing fiction with Laura Zigman

Author Laura Zigman (THE AUTHOR WEEKEND, SEPARATION ANXIETY) will teach the key elements of fiction.

Become an Aspen Writers Network member today!
Upcoming Third Thursday Meetings
December 17 | Holiday Party & Book Exchange

Aspen Writers Network Third Thursday Meeting | Holiday Party & Book Exchange | December 17
2026-12-17 18:30 - 20:30 | Bonfire Coffee, 433 Main St., Carbondale, Colorado, 81623
Aspen Writers Network Third Thursday Meeting
December 17 | Bonfire Coffee (433 Main St, Carbondale) | 6:30 to 8:30 PM

Holiday Party & Book Exchange
Join us for a festive and fun gathering! Choose a beloved book to share with other members.

Become an Aspen Writers Network member today!
Upcoming Third Thursday Meetings

2027 Meetings will be announced soon!
