Events

July 14, 2025 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Aliens, Robots and AI: Writing the Inhuman (Denver)


Offered by Denver Writes, feature JF Thomas, author of “Control Freaks” and “The AI Incident.” In this camp, you’ll tap into your inner sci-fi genius to explore all of the ways inhuman characters are similar to and different from the people we encounter every day. In addition to writing and/or illustrating their works-in-progress, participants will begin and end each session with written and gamified prompts that help bring aliens, robots and AI entities to life. For ages 11-17. $300. July 14-18, 10 am – 2pm. Reading last day of Camp, 2 – 3 pm.

Address

The Bookie Bookstore, 2085 S. Holly St., Denver

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July 15, 2025 | 6 p.m.

Write Brain: Yes! You Can Win: Contests and Awards for Writers with Elizabeth Chandler (Zoom)


Pursuing awards can turbo-charge that process. In his workshop we’ll look at different kinds of contests (artists grants, awards for published works, book deals, and literary journal publications), how to prepare and position your materials for submission, how to track all that, and what to do when you win. Presented by Pikes Peak Writers. Free, registration required.

Address

Zoom

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July 15, 2025 |

Anthology Submission Portal Open (Online)


Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers are accepting submissions for the 2026 anthology. The theme is “True Story.” All genres welcome. Length is 2,500 to 4,000 words. Submissions will be accepted through July 15, 2025.

Address

Online

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July 17, 2025 | 7-8:30 p.m.

Writing in Color: Resource Sharing for BIPOC+ Writers (Zoom)


Learn about new opportunities and resources that will help you grow as BIPOC+ writers and creatives together. Sponsored by Lighthouse Writers. Free for members, $5 for nonmembers.

July 17, 7-8:30 p.m., location TBD
Aug. 21, 7-8:30 p.m., location TBD

Address

Zoom

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July 17, 2025 | 4-6 p.m.

WCWF Monthly Happy Hour (Grand Junction)


Join fellow writers and WCWF board members at our monthly Third Thursdayhappy hour.

Address

Kannah Creek Brewing Company, 1960 N. 12th Street, Grand Junction

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July 21, 2025 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Exploring Art and Stories (Denver)


In this crafty camp writers will first be inspired by works of art and the natural beauty around us to create stories. Then through a variety of mediums they’ll bring their stories to visual life. July 21-25, 10 am – 2pm. Reading last day of Camp, 2 – 3 pm. Ages 7 – 13. $300.

Address

Nagel Art Studios (on the DU Campus), 2121 E Asbury Ave, Denver

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July 21, 2025 | 10 a.m.

Summer Writing Camps by Denver Writes (Denver)


July 14-18: Aliens, Robots and AI: Writing the Inhuman, ages 11-17. Explore all of the ways inhuman characters are similar to and different from the people we encounter every day. Held at Second Star to the Right Books, 1455 S. Pearl St., Denver. 

July 21-25: Exploring Art and Stories, ages 7-13. Writers will create stories, then through a variety of mediums they’ll bring their stories to visual life. Held at Nagel Art Studio on the DU campus, 2194 S. High St., Denver.

All camps are $300 per student.

 

Address

Location varies.

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July 26, 2025 | 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Short Form Fest (Denver)


Hosted by Lighthouse. Dedicate two days to workshops, panels, seminars, and special events celebrating concision, headlined by an onstage reading and conversation with Samantha Hunt and our very own Jenny Shank. July 26-27. Prices start at $180 for members, $215 for non-members, for one-day passes. 

Address

The Lighthouse, 3844 York St., Denver

Click here to view this address on a Google Map
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Briefly Noted


Behold the Bird in Flight: A Novel of an Abducted Queen

Terri Lewis
She Writes Press, releases June 3
336 pages
Image

Terri Lewis grew up in Colorado, was a ballet dancer with a German opera company and worked in a circus. It may come a surprise, then, that her debut novel is about the life of Isabelle d’Angoulême, the 11-year-old French noble abducted by England’s King John (yes, that King John—the Magna Carta and all), taken back to England and made queen. As the novel progresses, we realize that Lewis is also a trained historian and an excellent researcher with a passion for medieval times.

The narrative is lively and compelling. Drawing on scant primary sources and historical records, Lewis creates Isabelle as a rich, complex character. Lewis renders Isabelle’s development from a silly child into an effective queen and independent agent able to direct her own destiny, thus fashioning a believable heroine immersed in a believably detailed world.

The story opens in 1198. Isabelle is betrothed to Hugh de Lusignan, who is appreciative of her future dowery but smitten with someone else. Isabelle senses that something is amiss and decides to play at courtly love by flirting with the Plantagenet king. King John, in turn, is smitten by young Isabelle and spirits her away. Her childish fantasies of true love and life in a beautiful castle are quickly dashed when she discovers how cruel her new husband really is. The narrative, while centered on Isabelle, offers the changing perspective of Hugh, and it incorporates the historically well-known characters, Eleanor of Aquitaine (John’s mother) and Richard the Lion Heart (John’s brother) as secondary characters in the Plantagenet drama.

As was the case with most noble women in the 12th and 13th centuries, Isabelle is initially a mere pawn for the men around her—expected to bring her husband a rich marriage settlement and then breed heirs. Learning from the formidable Queen Eleanor, as well as from the exceptionally strong women from the servant classes, this coming-of-age story reveals a more nuanced path than one might initially expect. Isabelle’s increasing autonomy and her growing skill at navigating the complexities of the court and surrounding society make for an exciting read. Although the last few chapters seem a bit rushed, this novel will charm fans of historical fiction and remind us all of the many lesser-known women who have shaped history and, thus, ourselves.

— Perrin Cunningham