(Please note that this is an in-person event. We at Writing Day Workshops plan both online/virtual as well as in-person events. This next CWW is an in-person event happening in Denver on March 21, 2026. See you there.)
THIS YEAR’S SESSIONS (MARCH 21, 2026):
Agent pitches and critique consultations overlap with the sessions below. The schedule of presentation topics below is subject to change and updates. There will be 2-3 classes happening at all time, and you can pick which class you attend. Schedule is subject to change.
9:30 – 10:30: Session 1
1. Building Better Beginnings: How to Engage Your Readers From the Start (Juniper Sage room), taught by Todd Fahnestock. This workshop shows you how to organically weave three story elements together (setting, character, plot) so your manuscript can hit the ground running. Agents, editors, and readers want a tale that pulls them in starting on Page 1, so let’s discuss how to create just that. Optional: Bring the first page of your manuscript to personally examine during class.
2. Standing Out in the Query Trenches: Query Letter Tips and Tricks (Aspen/Cottonwood rooms), taught by Sara Megibow. Query letters can be daunting — but they don’t have to be. This class breaks down what makes a query effective, from how much of the plot to reveal to whether (and how) the author bio matters. We’ll explore strategies for highlighting your story’s hook, voice, and characters in a way that helps your work stand out in a crowded inbox. Writers will leave with a clear framework for approaching the query process and positioning their work for the next stage of their publishing journey.
10:45 – 11:50: Session 2
1. Examining the Two Kinds of World Building (and Why You Need Both) (Aspen/Cottonwood rooms), taught by Angie Hodapp. From romance to mystery and fantasy to space opera, every story requires that you build a world. In this workshop, discover two ways to approach this important step–and why not doing both spell trouble.
2. It’s a Character Thing (Juniper Sage room), taught by Zach Steele. Creating vibrant and memorable characters begins with channeling your inner five-year-old. “Why?” is the question that can’t quit. To live on the page, your characters need depth, they need history, they need proper motivation. In this session, we’ll also introduce the concepts of conscious desire versus unconscious misbelief.
11:50 – 1:15: Lunch on Your Own
You have 85 minutes on your own to break and eat.
1:15 – 2:30: Session 3
1. “Writers Got Talent”—a Page 1 Critique Fest (Aspen/Cottonwood rooms), with participating literary agents and editors. In the vein of “American Idol” or “America’s Got Talent,” this is a chance to get your first page read (anonymously — no bylines given) with attending agents commenting on what was liked or not liked about the submission. Get expert feedback on your incredibly important first page, and know if your writing has what it needs to keep readers’ attention. (All attendees are welcome to bring pages to the event for this session, and we will choose pages at random for the workshop for as long as time lasts. All submissions should be novels or memoir—no prescriptive nonfiction or picture books, please. Do not send your pages in advance. You will bring printed copies with you, and instructions will be sent out approximately one week before the event.)
2. Nonfiction Book Proposals that Sell (Juniper Sage room), taught by Rachelle Gardner. Your book proposal is the tool that sells your book—first to an agent, then to a publisher. What makes a strong proposal? Why do we need proposals? We’ll look at all the elements and dissect how to create a proposal that will make a publisher want to BUY.
2:45 – 3:45: Session 4
1. Open Agent and Editor Q&A Panel (Aspen/Cottonwood rooms). Several attending literary agents will open themselves up to open Q&A from CWW attendees. Bring your questions and get them answered in this popular session.
2. Critique Group Basics: How to Work With Fellow Writers to Strengthen Your Own Work (Juniper Sage room), taught by Aaron Hickman. In this session, we will explore various ways to have your work critiqued, from peer groups to professional organizations, while discussing best practices to give, receive, and evaluate feedback to reduce frustration, increase the quality of your work and improve your craft. Attendees, please bring a single page of your work (12-point font and double spaced) as you will have a chance to implement some of the best practices addressed in the session during a brief critique period.
4:00 – 5:00: Session 5
1. Send It?! What to Do—and What Not to Do—When an Editor or Agent Wants Your Manuscript (Aspen/Cottonwood rooms), taught by Chris Mandeville. You’ve pitched your project to an editor or agent, and you’ve received the magic words: send me your manuscript! After a happy dance, you might be inclined to panic. Wait a minute, what exactly am I supposed to send? What if I need more time? What if it’s no good? What if I make a bunch of rookie mistakes and I blow this chance? Fear not, intrepid writer. This workshop provides a comprehensive guide to creative a pro-level submission. With advice from industry experts, real-world examples, and a detailed checklist, you’ll have everything you need to whip your manuscript into shape, craft a compelling synopsis, write a stellar cover letter, and submit your requested materials like a pro.
2. Plot Beats and Why They Matter (Juniper Sage room), taught by Zach Steele. From the inciting incident to the finale, story beats are the foundation that makes your story work. Author and Editor Zachary Steele walks you through each element, why they are important, and offers examples of popular works to show them in action.
5:00: The Day is Over
(Schedule is subject to change.)
FREE ADDITIONAL RECORDED CLASSES:
We will actually send attendees extra FREE pre-recorded classes as part of their attendance. In addition to getting the weekend’s classes to enjoy live and in person, we will also send you 5 more free recorded classes on the side, from amazing instructors. In the week leading up to your in-person conference, we will send all confirmed attendees these classes below, some of which will aid in your pitching efforts:
- “Tips on Pitching Literary Agents & Editors at an In-Person Event,” taught by literary agent Carlie Webber
- “Tips on Pitching Literary Agents & Editors at an Online Event,” taught by literary agent Carlie Webber
- “Common First Pages Mistakes and How to Fix Them,” taught previously at the San Diego Writing Workshop
- “6 Pillars of Well-Developed Characters,” taught previously at the Texas Writing Workshop
- “How to Fix It: The Art and Craft of Revision,” taught previously at the Writing Workshop of Chicago