Colorado, Wyoming (Rocky Mountain) Regional events
Serious about improving your craft? SCBWI's regional events provide opportunities for professional growth and help you connect with a supportive, creative community.
Colorado Springs Connect & Critique: World-Building
Feb 08, 2026
Unlimited seats
Fire Station 19 (on Research, between Lexington and Chapel Hills)
When: Sunday, February 8, 1:30-4:30pm Where: Fire Station 19 (on Research, between Lexington and Chapel Hills) World-building shapes every part of story—from the characters who live inside a book to the action itself. Join us in February for a world-building workshop with MG fantasy author, Jackie Peveto, as she walks us through the major considerations of world-building from geography to magic rules and technology. Using what we’ve learned, each person will then work on their own world-building (even if that world is your own backyard!). Remaining Time: Critiques. If interested, bring 8-10 copies of your work in progress (up to 5 pages or 1500 words) to share.
Novel Connect: Today Is Not Not The Day - Procrastination Hacks for Writers
Feb 10, 2026
Online event
Unlimited seats
When: Tuesday, February 10, 6:30-8:00pm Where: Zoom You have an idea. You have the skills. You want to write. Yet, you don’t. Even though our brains are wonderful and creative, they can also be our worst enemy when it comes to writing. This presentation with psychologist Kelly Kandra Hughes, PhD, explores why our brains resist creative work and offers practical strategies to overcome procrastination. Discover how to outsmart unhelpful thought patterns, set realistic expectations, and use your motivation type to stay on track. Questions: Contact Tiffany Painter or Kelly Kandra Hughes at [email protected]. RSVP here: https://scbwi.zoom.us/meeting/register/Hb6tQldXTouOpN72PRfSiQ#/registration.
WY Connect: Generating Ideas
Feb 18, 2026
Online event
Unlimited seats
When: Wednesday, Feb. 18, 5:30pm Where: Zoom How do you come up with workable ideas for new manuscripts? Where do you get inspiration? How do you get started on a new project? Let's inspire each other so we can begin to reach the goals we set in January. For questions or for the Zoom link: Karen Lee Boardman, [email protected].
RMC 2026 Webinar Series: The Publishing Path
Feb 19, 2026 - Apr 21, 2026
4 event
Online event
Unlimited seats
Join the Rocky Mountain Chapter for our annual webinar series, The Publishing Path! Register for webinars individually, or register at a discount for all four.
If There's No Hook, There's No Book: Tips and Tools for Writing Nonfiction with Melissa Stewart (Session 1 of Webinar Series)
Feb 19, 2026
1 event
Online event
Unlimited seats
Picture book biographies have been popular for many years, but there's currently an increased demand for other kinds of nonfiction in the marketplace. One great option is concept picture books with an expository writing style. Join award-winning author Melissa Stewart for a lively presentation that digs deep into the expository nonfiction writing process, including strategies for developing an irresistible hook, selecting a text structure, experimenting with format, and identifying the best voice for a particular manuscript.
Western Slope Connect: Let’s Talk About Picture Book Illustrations
Feb 21, 2026
Online event
Unlimited seats
When: Saturday, February 21, 10:00am to 12noon Where: Zoom (link will be sent a few days prior to those who RSVP) What makes an outstanding picture book illustration? What makes the newest Caldecott winner and honorees shine? How can picture book authors leave room for the illustrator to use their own creativity. Come with your ideas! After our discussion we will have critiques. Please email up to 650 words of your work to [email protected]. First in will be first read until we are out of time. RSVP to the same email.
The Long Game: Why Great Stories Take Time (And That's Okay) with Alan Barillaro (Session 2 of Webinar Series)
Feb 26, 2026
1 event
Online event
Unlimited seats
If you've ever felt behind because your manuscript isn't finished or your illustrations aren't where you want them to be, this session is for you. Academy Award-winning animator, author, and illustrator Alan Barillaro (Bunns Rabbit, Piper) understands that pressure, despite his impressive resume. In this candid presentation, Alan shares what he's learned about creativity's glacial pace, why throwing away hundreds of drawings led to better work, and how to sustain your energy when a project spans years rather than months. Whether you're a writer, illustrator, or both, you'll leave with a deeper understanding of why your creative timeline is exactly what it needs to be. Join us to learn how time can become your greatest creative asset instead of your biggest source of pressure.
Self-Publishing Connect: Sharing Resources
Mar 03, 2026
Online event
Unlimited seats
When: Tuesday, March 3, 6:00-7:30pm Where: Zoom Are you working on your first self-published book? Or your tenth!? Or are you merely curious? Join us to share what you know or to learn what you don't know about book publishing! Everyone is welcome. A link will be sent to everyone already on our Self-publishing Connect member list. To get your name added contact Ann at [email protected].
Query Letters and Pitches: A Half Day Workshop With Agents Sara Megibow and Helen Masvikeni of Megibow Literary Agency
Mar 07, 2026
1 event
Available seats 23
Penrose House, Colorado Springs
Join the Rocky Mountain Chapter for our annual half-day workshop at the historic Penrose House in Colorado Springs, Colorado! Saturday, March 7, 9:00am-1:00pm Mountain Time. Seats are limited to 40 for this in-person event, so register today!
Colorado Springs Connect & Critique: Critique-only Workshop
Mar 08, 2026
Unlimited seats
Fire Station 19 (on Research, between Lexington and Chapel Hills)
When: Sunday, March 8, 1:30-4:30pm Where: Fire Station 19 (on Research, between Lexington and Chapel Hills) If interested, bring 8-10 copies of your work in progress (up to 5 pages or 1500 words) to share.
Novel Connect: Author Panel - How to Best Support Debut Authors
Mar 10, 2026
Online event
Unlimited seats
When: Tuesday, March 10, 6:30-8:00pm Where: Zoom As many of us wait for our YES from traditional publishing, we often wonder how best to support authors a few steps ahead of us. Join authors Angela Hsieh, Nicole M. Hewitt, Sara F. Shacter, Alby C. Williams, and Stan Yan as they tell us what helps debut authors the most - from pre-orders to reviews to community support - and how we can be good literary citizens. Register here: https://scbwi.zoom.us/meeting/register/zRxjt0d0Se2TgS91NL8Fbw#/registration. Questions: Contact Tiffany Painter or Kelly Kandra Hughes at [email protected].
Metro Denver Connect & Critique: Demystifying Web Design for Authors & Illustrators
Mar 14, 2026
Unlimited seats
Southglenn Library, Rooms A and B, 6972 S Vine Street, Centennial
When: Saturday, March 14, 10:00am-12:00pm Where: Southglenn Library, Rooms A and B, 6972 S Vine Street, Centennial Sometimes thinking about updating/creating a website is enough to send you to bed with a book and cup of tea! But a website is a vital link connecting pre-published and published creators with agents, editors, and readers. Join Sondra Eby — a writer with 20 years of experience in web design — for an interactive talk on creating an intuitive author or illustrator website. We'll define your goals and audience, explore common author/illustrator website content, and discuss straightforward ways to make your website more intuitive and accessible. RSVP: Please RSVP here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScYh3wsbkwWMqKgzel0p6GY0BNU4AsZu2Zoq_rcpRqZdBB5IQ/viewform. For the second half of the Connect, feel free to bring a work-in-progress for critique. If you'd like your work critiqued, please bring eight copies of either a PB manuscript, the first five pages of a longer work, a query letter, illustrations, or something similar. Bring a snack to share if you'd like! Questions: Contact Stacey Simmons or Jenny Johnson at [email protected].
Yes, and. . . with Corinna Luyken (Session 3 of Webinar Series)
Mar 17, 2026
1 event
Online event
Unlimited seats
A discussion of picture books, improvisation, mistakes, creative uncertainty, ugly art, and the benefits of a cat-proof cabinet with acclaimed author-illustrator Corinna Luyken, creator of The Book of Mistakes, My Heart, and The Tree in Me.
Colorado Springs Connect & Critique: Pre-Write Your Pitch
Apr 12, 2026
Unlimited seats
Fire Station 19 (on Research, between Lexington and Chapel Hills)
When: Sunday, April 12, 1:30-4:30pm Where: Fire Station 19 (on Research, between Lexington and Chapel Hills) We know how important it is to develop a solid pitch before querying a manuscript. But what if we took the time, before we write, to create a pitch? Could it help us unravel plot holes before they begin? Or discover the "so what?" factor needed in today's competitive marketplace? How might feedback on our pitch strengthen our story idea? Bring your story ideas and join us in April to find out! Remaining Time: Critiques. If interested, bring 8-10 copies of your work in progress (up to 5 pages or 1500 words) to share.
The Art of Dialogue with Erin Entrada Kelly (Session 4 of Webinar Series)
Apr 21, 2026
1 event
Online event
Unlimited seats
In this session, Newbery Medal-winning author Erin Entrada Kelly (Hello, Universe, We Dream of Space, The Land of Forgotten Girls) will guide us through excerpts from mentor texts to determine how and why the author's dialogue was successful and learn how to implement best practices in our own work.