Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Castle Rock Writers Conference held? The conference is being held in August this year. The Conference Team takes into account when the major regional conferences are scheduled, and we schedule around them, if at all possible. We take pride in supporting the other writing groups in our region.
How is the Conference organized? A panel or a guest speaker presents a topic of interest to all writers on Friday evening via Zoom. The Conference Kick-off event is held this way to accommodate our members who live in other areas. On Saturday, the conference offers tracks designed specifically for fiction & nonfiction writers, children’s & middle grade, and poets. Each track offers three workshops. The Conference Team asks the registrants to select one of the three tracks, so that writers can focus on their main form of writing.
What happens during the fourth workshop session? CRW will offer two hours of a Writer’s Choice. These may include agent pitches (no cost; sign-ups at registration/check-in), headshots (preregistered for $25), one-on-one manuscripts critiques (preregistered for $25), and a workshop on “Pursuing Traditional Publishing” led by Becky Lejeune, Bond Literary agent, AND “Self or Independent Publishing,” led by Judith Briles, PhD and founder of AuthorU. Writers may be able to get in several activities during the two hours..
Where is the Conference held? The conference is usually held in Douglas County at a venue that is accessible to regional writers. The conference this year is held at The Lone Tree Hub, 8827 Lone Tree Parkway, Lone Tree, CO 80124.
Past venues have been the Philip S. Miller Library, the Douglas County Events Center, PACE in Parker, and New Hope Presbyterian Church (Castle Rock).
Are scholarships available? On a limited basis. The president of Castle Rock Writers may be emailed at CastleRockWriters@gmail.com. Put the word “scholarship requested” in the subject line.
What are the weather and cancellations policies? In case of extreme weather, dangerous conditions, or other events beyond our control, the conference will be rescheduled. Registrants and speakers will receive email notifications if the conference is postponed or cancelled. Registration payments will be applied to the rescheduled conference. Those unable to attend the rescheduled conference will receive a credit toward the next year’s conference. CRW seldom issues refunds, due to the expenses involved in putting on a conference.
What does CRW do with Conference photos? The Castle Rock Writers Conference Team will arrange to have photographs of the conference taken, to show some of the speakers, registrants, and workshops in progress. Those mages may be used in promotional material at a later date. By registering, you hereby grant Castle Rock Writers permission to use any photographs and recordings procured at the event, in any and all print and electronic media (e.g. website, print, and promotional material and any derivations thereof, now or in the future). Your name may be used to identify photographs, audio clips, video clips, statements, etc. If you have a specific situation that precludes the above, please contact the Conference Director at castlerockwriters@gmail.com.
How do I become a conference presenter? An application is posted on our website or you may contact CRW at castlerockwriters@gmail.com to request one.