Aspen Writers Network Third Thursday Meeting | Writing Prompts | June 18
2026-06-18 18:30 - 20:30 (America/Denver)
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
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: June 21-June 26
Aspen Words is excited to welcome writers back to Snowmass Village for the 2026 Summer Words Writers Conference. We look forward to gathering once again for a week of craft, creativity, and connection.
Applications for the Emerging Writer Fellowships open December 10, 2025 and close January 12, 2026.
Juried Workshop applications open January 12, 2026 and close February 26, 2026.
We hope you will join us for another exceptional year. If you have any questions about the application process or general Summer Words inquiries, please reach out to aspenwords@aspeninstitute.org.
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!

Aspen Writers Network Third Thursday Meeting | Summer Soiree | July 16
2026-07-16 18:30 - 20:30
Aspen Writers Network Third Thursday Meeting
Summer Soiree
July 16 | Bonfire Coffee (433 Main St, Carbondale) | 6:30 to 8:30 PM

It’s celebration time! Celebration of all of you, your impressive creativity, your dedication to writing, and your commitment to supporting other writers. Our Summer Soiree is always a lot of fun.

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 | 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
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 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!
