Aspen Words

Personal Essay Workshop (Virtual Workshop)
2020-09-22 18:00 - 2020-09-29 19:00 UTC | CO
Led by award-winning author Marcelo Hernandez Castillo, this generative workshop explored the powerful possibilities of memory, experience and reflection inherent in the personal essay. Through a close study of traditional and more experimental expressions of narrative, participants worked towards creating and workshopping original work that was nuanced, complex and effectively written. The group looked at work from writers like Maggie Nelson, Rebecca Solnit, Gloria Anzaldúa and others for inspiration. Participants were asked to look closely at their own lives to find the tremendous potential hidden in their stories.

The Life of a Book (Virtual Panel)
2020-06-09 17:30 - 18:30 UTC | CO
It takes a village to publish a book. This presentation will offer a behind-the-scenes look at everything that goes into turning a manuscript into a book — from the acquisition process to selecting a cover, distribution channels and the thousand other decisions that are essential to publishing a book.
Presenters: Becky Saikia-Wilson, SVP, trade associate publisher at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt  + Lauren Wein, editorial director at Avid Reader Press.

Writing is Rewriting (Virtual Workshop)
2020-05-11 18:00 - 20:30 UTC | CO
Are you lost in the hazy fog of revision? Not sure what to do next? Have you been cutting and pasting, rewriting and moving things around and moving them back? It’s easy to get caught in addressing surface problems rather than evaluating the backbone of the story from a crafting standpoint. The most difficult part of writing is often revisions. In this spring workshop, Rachel Weaver (“Point of Direction”) will discuss concrete stages of revision, help you figure out where you are and what’s next, and discuss solid techniques to make your revisions as efficient and effective as possible. You will leave class with a long checklist of things you’ve done, and things you’ve got left to do.

How to Write a Page-Turner: A Workshop for Fiction, Memoir + Narrative Nonfiction Writers
2019-10-19 10:00 - 16:00 UTC | CO
Red Brick Center for the Arts
High tension is probably the No. 1 reason readers keep reading. Whether you’re writing fiction, memoir or narrative nonfiction, if you can keep your reader on the edge of his or her seat by creating and maintaining tension throughout scene after scene, that reader will stay up way too late reading your book and tell all his friends to go out and buy it. In this workshop, we’ll delve into the interplay of all the elements that raise tension and create conflict and explore how to craft your story to capitalize on each within scenes as well as across your entire plotline. The workshop will include short readings, craft discussion and lots of writing prompts.
Special price for Aspen Writers’ Network members: $40. Non-members: $95.
Registration is closed and the workshop is at capacity. Please email Ellie Scott to be added to the waitlist.

Agent/Editor Consultations at Summer Words
2019-06-18 08:00 - 2019-06-20 17:00, 2018-06-19 17:00 - 2018-06-21 20:00 UTC | CO
The Gant in Aspen
Featuring representatives from the top publishing houses and literary agencies. Each spring, AWN members receive information on how to sign up for a private consultation and how to submit their work.

Practice Your Pitch
2019-05-21 17:30 - 19:30 UTC | CO
Aspen Institute Campus
This session is for anyone who’s interested in the art of talking about and selling a book, whether you’re just beginning to think about the publishing industry or want to meet with an agent at Summer Words this June. Members discuss tips for crafting and delivering the right message, while also taking the opportunity to practice their own pitches with Aspen Words Executive Director Adrienne Brodeur and local author Scott Laser.

How to Promote Your Writing
2019-02-28 17:30 - 19:00 UTC | CO

Fiction Writing Workshop with Daryl Gregory
2018-10-13 08:00 - 17:00 UTC | CO
Pitkin County Library in Aspen
Award-winning author Daryl Gregory’s college acting teacher once told him that you can’t play running from a bear—you can only run to what’s going to save you: the tree, the shotgun or that spot just past your slower brother Louie. In this workshop you’ll learn how to create compelling stories by focusing on the essence of drama: characters who want something specific and fail to get it–or realize it’s not what they needed after all. Through exercises and discussion you’ll learn practical techniques for creating dynamic plots, believable characters and scenes that matter.

Publishing Talk with Novelist Amy Meyerson
2018-07-19 08:00 - 17:00 UTC | CO
Bookbinders in Basalt
Novelist Amy Meyerson will discuss everything you need to know about what happens after you finish writing your book–but before it’s published. She’ll talk about what’s it like to work with an agent + editor and how to market a book as a first-time author, among other topics.

Spring Workshop: How to Write Great Dialogue
2018-05-16 17:45 - 18:45 UTC | CO
Pitkin County Library in Aspen
Learn the essentials of crafting compelling dialogue in a one-hour workshop presented by award-winning novelist Tiffany Quay Tyson, who will join us via Skype from Denver, where she teaches at Lighthouse Writers Workshop. The session will include lots of practical advice as well as hands-on exercises.

Literary Prize Longlist Announcement Party
2017-12-13 17:00 - 19:00 (America/Denver) | CO, United States
Please join us for a free community event celebrating our inaugural Aspen Words Literary Prize longlist! The AWLP 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. All of the longlisted titles (fiction published in 2017) will be available for purchase. Give the gift of influential literature this holiday season!
Limited complimentary food and drink provided by Pyramid Bistro. Winter Words season passes and Aspen Words swag will also be available for purchase.
FREE EVENT – Please RSVP
SPECIAL THANKS TO ELLEN HUNT

AWN Holiday Party - Invite Only
2017-12-06 17:00 - 18:30 (America/Denver) | CO, United States
Aspen Writers’ Network members are invited to a year-end celebration and networking event with fellow Roaring Fork Valley writers. Join us for appetizers, cocktails, literary trivia and holiday cheer!
Free for members. RSVP to Elizabeth Nix. * Bring a wrapped book (new or used) for a fun gift exchange.

Community Partner: Aspen Film Screening of Arthur Miller Documentary
2017-12-02 17:30 - 20:30 (America/Denver) | CO, United States
A Benefit for Aspen Film | Special Sneak Screening
ARTHUR MILLER: WRITERAn HBO Documentary Film by Rebecca Miller
“…for those who revere Arthur Miller’s best work, this film is an indispensable and deeply personal addition to an understanding of the artist and the man.” –Stephen Farber, Hollywood Reporter
Aspen Words is a community partner for the Aspen Film screening of “Arthur Miller: Writer,” an intimate portrait of one of the greatest American playwrights of the 20th century. This documentary is told from the unique perspective of an award-winning filmmaker: his daughter, Rebecca Miller. The film includes material never before seen by the public, including in-depth interviews and home movie-style footage, providing insights into Miller that are quite different from the ones the public has previously seen. Rebecca Miller opens the door to the man behind the icon, delves into the roots of his life as an artist, and explores his character – both its strengths and its weaknesses.
Post film discussion with producer, Cindy Tolen followed by a reception at Explore Books.
All proceeds benefit Aspen Film. Tickets $75 (on sale Nov 6) | aspenshowtix.com | 970-920-5770

Writer in Residence: Erica Bauermeister
2017-10-24 17:30 - 18:30 (America/Denver) | CO, United States
DOORS OPEN AT 5PM — Arrive early to purchase drinks or food so as not to disrupt the author talk. While these events are free and open to the public, donations at the door are encouraged.
Erica Bauermeister is the bestselling author of three novels, The School of Essential Ingredients, Joy for Beginners, and The Lost Art of Mixing. Her fiction has been published in over 25 languages. She is also the co-author of two non-fiction works, 500 Great Books by Women: A Reader’s Guide and Let’s Hear It For the Girls: 375 Great Books for Readers 2-14. She has a PhD in literature from the University of Washington and has taught there and Antioch University. She lives in Port Townsend, WA.

Set It Free—Getting Your Manuscript Ready For the World
2017-10-07 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Denver) | CO, United States
You’ve spent months or years writing your novel or memoir. You’ve written and revised and revised some more. Now all you need is for that perfect agent or editor to fall in love with your writing. But how can you be sure your work is ready for submission? We’ll talk about how to determine if your work fulfills its promise to the reader and explore practical strategies for making sure your story is strong enough to stand out from the slush pile. Bring your almost-there manuscript and a willingness to look at your work with a fresh and critical gaze.
(NOTE: Students should feel free to bring their entire manuscript in digital or printed form, but everyone should bring the following: the first chapter or section of the manuscript; one climactic/pivotal scene or chapter; one weak or troublesome scene or chapter; your preferred writing tools.)
WORKSHOP FULL
To be added to the waitlist, email Marie Chan or call 970.925.3122 ext. 5
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR Tiffany Quay Tyson’s debut novel, Three Rivers, was a finalist for both the Colorado Book Award for Literary Fiction and the Mississippi Institute of Arts and Letters Award for Fiction. Her second novel, The Past is Never, is forthcoming in Spring of 2018 from Arcade/Skyhorse. Tiffany was born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi. She is a graduate of Delta State University. After college she worked for a brief stint as a newspaper reporter in the Mississippi Delta, where she received the Frank Allen Award for Journalism. She is the recipient of two Heartland Emmy Awards including one for writing for a children’s public television program. She is a faculty member at Lighthouse Writers Workshop and the Lighthouse Young Writers Program. She lives in Denver.
No refunds for cancellations made within two weeks of the workshop. Thank you for your understanding.

Writer in Residence: Tatjana Soli
2017-09-19 17:30 - 18:30 (America/Denver) | CO, United States
DOORS OPEN AT 5PM — Arrive early to purchase drinks or food so as not to disrupt the author talk. While these events are free and open to the public, donations at the door are encouraged.
Tatjana Soli is a novelist and short story writer. Her bestselling debut novel, The Lotus Eaters won the James Tait Black Prize, was a New York Times Notable Book for 2010, and a finalist for the LA Times Book Prize. Her second book, The Forgetting Tree, was a New York Times Notable Book for 2012. Her third novel, The Last Good Paradise, was a Millions Most Anticipated Book for 2015. Her stories have appeared in Zyzzyva, Boulevard, and The Sun. Her work has been twice listed in the 100 Distinguished Stories in Best American Short Stories.
Soli will hand in the final draft of her forthcoming novel, The Removes, to Farrar, Straus & Giroux on October 2 for a publication date of June 2018. She will spend her September residency making the last tweaks to the manuscript.
FREE copies of The Last Good Paradise are available through our Catch & Release program. Pick up a copy from the Aspen Words office in the Red Brick Building at the beginning of the month. Read it, pass it along to a friend, and come meet the author at their public event!

Writer in Residence: Chigozie Obioma
2017-08-15 17:30 - 18:30 (America/Denver) | CO, United States
DOORS OPEN AT 5PM — Arrive early to purchase drinks or food so as not to disrupt the author talk. While these events are free and open to the public, donations at the door are encouraged.
Chigozie Obioma is a Nigerian writer from Akure, Nigeria. The Fishermen (Little, Brown, 2015), his debut novel won numerous awards, including the FT/Oppenheimer Awards and an NAACP Image Awards, and was a finalist for the Man Booker Prize and the Guardian First Book award. The novel has been translated in 26 languages and is being adapted into a stage play. He lives in Lincoln, Nebraska where he is a professor of Literature and Creative Writing at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
FREE copies of The Fishermen are available through our Catch & Release program. Pick up a copy from the Aspen Words office in the Red Brick Building at the beginning of the month. Read it, pass it along to a friend, and come meet the author at their public event!

Writer in Residence: Grant Faulkner
2017-07-18 17:30 - 18:30 (America/Denver) | CO, United States
DOORS OPEN AT 5PM — Arrive early to purchase drinks or food so as not to disrupt the author talk. While these events are free and open to the public, donations at the door are encouraged.Grant Faulkner is the executive director of National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) and the cofounder of 100 Word Story. His stories have appeared in dozens of literary magazines, including The Southwest Review, 14 Hills, Green Mountains Review, and Puerto del Sol. His essays on creativity have been published in The New York Times, Poets & Writers Magazine, Writer’s Digest, and The Writer. He recently published a collection of one hundred 100-word stories, Fissures, two of which are included in The Best Small Fictions 2016. His book of essays on creativity, Pep Talks for Writers: 52 Insights and Actions to Boost Your Creative Mojo, is forthcoming from Chronicle Books in the fall of 2017.
FREE copies of Fissures are available through our Catch & Release program. Pick up a copy from the Aspen Words office in the Red Brick Building at the beginning of the month. Read it, pass it along to a friend, and come meet the author at their public event!

SUMMER WORDS PANEL - THE TAKE AWAY
2017-06-22 16:00 - 17:15 (America/Denver) | CO, United States
Moderator: Jamie KravitzPanelists: Carole DeSanti, Hannah Tinti, Jane Hamilton, Jericho Brown, Jess WalterNow what? After a week of full immersion into the art of fiction, memoir, and poetry, what will happen when you return to the blank page? Summer Words faculty share their advice for reentering the day to day writing life.
TICKETS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE AT THE DOOR OF THE EVENTDOORS OPEN @ 3PM

SUMMER WORDS STUDENT OPEN MIC
2017-06-21 16:30 - 18:00 (America/Denver) | CO, United States
Listen to short readings by the Summer Words workshop students! Wine and crostini specials will be available for purchase.
