In answer to a demand for more in-depth programming, the Colorado Gold Writers Conference offers Thursday Intensives: all-day themed programming on Thursday, October 1, 2026 from 8am to 5pm, before the official conference begins Friday. (Note: Lunch is not included.)

Cost: $200

Dig Deep: Story as Our Greatest Tool  

Storytelling is a tool for connecting people. Tapping into this deeply rooted tradition helps us engage with different perspectives and identities, nurturing both empathy and a better understanding of our own experiences. In this workshop, we will explore how our brains process story on cultural, societal and individual levels, learning to instill deep emotional connections between our characters and readers. (The key to writing page-turning stories with loyal, voracious fans!) What makes a story resonate across borders from generation to generation is about more than surprising twists and beautiful language; it's the writer's unique ability to make the specific universal and the universal specific. Using examples from classic and contemporary literature, we will examine how to create memorable characters readers will love (or love to hate) with techniques like tropes, immersive point-of-view, and driving internal change (arc) with external action (plot).  

From Seed to Harvest: The Law of Causality in Fiction

Have you ever read (or worse, written) a story that felt like a series of random events, the literary equivalent of Whack-A-Mole? Alas, one unrelated obstacle after another, no matter how dramatic or innovative they may be, does not a narrative make. While haphazardly introducing a vampire or unicorn may help combat writer's block in the drafting phase, in editing, a writer's job is to prune away branches that do not ultimately serve the story's structure, arcs and theme. Drawing on techniques from celebrated writers of fiction and craft books alike, we will practice pruning our own work by cutting off superfluous subplots, eliminating redundant scenes or characters and grafting external action to internal change. We will also examine how to use driving questions, interiority, a balance of scenes and sequels, rising stakes, and ticking clocks to keep a story growing in the desired direction. 

Utilizing Kickstarter in Your Publishing Cycle  

You've heard over and over again how great Kickstarter can be for authors. It seems like every other day another author is launching a Kickstarter campaign for one book or another. But how does it all work? Is it meant for special editions or preorders? What are the real benefits? In this presentation, award-winning fantasy author, Z.S. Diamanti demystifies Kickstarter for authors looking to dive in and explains why he continues to use it in his own publishing cycle.

The Author Marketing Blueprint

The Author Marketing Blueprint is a practical workshop that helps authors understand how book marketing really works and how to reach the right readers. Participants will learn the key elements that influence book sales, including market positioning, genre expectations, and how covers, titles, and targeting affect discoverability. The session also explores how readers move from discovering a book to becoming loyal fans, along with effective tools such as email lists, launch strategies, and paid advertising. Authors will leave with a clearer understanding of how to build a sustainable marketing strategy that supports long-term success.

Upmarket Fiction: Voice, Theme, and Market Identity

Upmarket voices and writing styles are currently in high demand in traditional publishing. But what does "upmarket" really mean? In this class, we will explore upmarket writing and storytelling both through the lens of genre (e.g., upmarket horror, thriller, sci-fi, romance, and so on) and as a standalone category. We will discuss how upmarket fiction compares to book club and literary fiction, why it is so popular right now, and how to determine if your work fits into this growing category.

Welcome to the Spec-Fic Multiverse: A Guided Tour of 100+ Subgenres

Speculative fiction is one of the broadest, most kaleidoscopic labels in the genre world—and for many writers, that breadth can feel both exhilarating and overwhelming. In this workshop, we’ll take a lively, guided tour through the many branches of the spec fic tree. From Atompunk, Cottagecore, and Eco Horror to LitRPG, Slipstream, and Wuxia, we’ll explore the myriad subgenres, micro genres, and emerging aesthetic movements shaping today's speculative-fiction landscape.

Know Your Ending: How a Killer Outline Elevates Story

There are two types of writers: pantsers and plotters. While writing by the seat of your pants may work well for some, for most writers—and more importantly, for most stories—plotting will invariably provide a richer, more satisfying experience for the reader. This outlining intensive is perfect for thriller, sci-fi, romance, fantasy, and other genre writers. Take your writing to the next level by knowing where your characters are going with this hands-on class in which you'll learn tools and techniques to create amazing outlines

The First Chapter Fix: What Editors Look For on Page One

This workshop addresses one of the most critical challenges in manuscript preparation: crafting a first chapter that compels industry professionals and readers to keep turning pages. Participants will learn both what to avoid and what to include in their opening chapter, with practical examples, discussion, and actionable techniques they can apply immediately to their current work in progress.