Based in Central Colorado since 1995, Central Colorado (CC) Writers fosters writing and encourages publication through the sharing of resources critique sessions, and information. (more)
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WE Write
The 2026 WE Write schedule will be coming soon!
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CC Writers In the News
Richard “Rick” Bader’s “Circle of Fifths,” which first appeared in Boudin Magazine, was nominated for the 2025 Pushcart Prize.
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The Pushcart Prize: Best of the Small Presses series, published every year since 1976, is the most honored literary project in America - including Highest Honors from the American Academy of Arts and Letters.
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Since 1976, hundreds of presses and thousands of writers of short stories, poetry and essays have been represented in our annual collections. Each year most of the writers and many of the presses are new to the series. Every volume contains an index of past selections, plus lists of outstanding presses with addresses.
Laurie Benson’s new book, Resilient Activism: Igniting Wild Hope in Uncertain Times, will be available everywhere starting 8/12/2025, and is currently available in stores throughout Buena Vista, Colorado.
Update: Laurie's book was just recognized as a 2026 Indies Today Finalist! Congrats, Laurie!
Remembering
Cary Unkelbach
It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Cary Unkelbach, one of CCW's earliest and most dedicated members, a past President of our organization, and of CCWE before it.
Cary was an award-winning author, former prosecutor, and lifelong Labrador Retriever enthusiast who brought her sharp mind and generous spirit to everything she did. Her award-winning book, Heartbreak Kennel: The True Story of Max and His Breeder, stands as a testament to that passion; learn more at www.caryunkelbach.com.
Her warmth, talent, and dedication to this community left a lasting mark on all who knew her. Our heartfelt condolences go out to her family and all who loved her.
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Workshop Opportunities
​​Ins & Outs of Critique: A SpecFicWriters/CCW Collaboration
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Presented by CCW and Spec Fiction Writers (Free to CCW members)
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Date: May 7th (Thursday)
Time: 6:00-7:00 p.m. MT​​
As a follow-up after Andy Duncan's presentation on March 12th, we will look at details about how to apply the best practices of critique in our groups:
We will focus on:
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How we are doing critique right
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How to make our critique experiences even better!
Stay late for a discussion about how we might incorporate a conversational approach to our critique sessions.
Presented by Elaine Clark (Spec Fiction Writers) & Linda Ditchkus (Central Colorado Writers)
2026 Youth Writing Contest Winners
Central Colorado Writers hosted the awards ceremony for the 5th annual Youth Writing Contest on April 13th at the Congregational United Church of Christ in Buena Vista.
This year saw a record number of submissions, especially in the Seniors category. Our contestants wrote short stories with a theme of "secret(s)" and once again amazed the CCW judges with their creativity!
Here are the results of the contest:
Junior Winners:
Grand Prize:
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Cora Mahowald, Salida, CO Pocketful of Wild
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Silver Prize:
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Emerson Mira Riles, Timnath, CO Transformation
Bronze Prize:
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Kait Held, Salida, CO In Seven Minutes...
Junior Finalists (in alphabetical order):
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Declan Duke Davis, Buena Vista, CO The Secret of Hollow School
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Quinn Freeman, Salida, CO Finding Family
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Senior Winners:
Grand Prize:
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Aberlyn Leon, Buena Vista, CO El Gran Secreto Malo en Las Dunas
Silver Prize:
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Charlotte Meakim, Leadville, CO By Fates Design
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Bronze Prize:
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Rosalee Heeter, Buena Vista, CO A Box of Secrets
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Senior Finalists (in alphabetical order):
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Zachary Leon, Buena Vista, CO Something's Lurking at DIA​
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Madeleine McGuire, Gig Harbor, WA The Right Thing
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Morgan R. Mitchell, Buena Vista, CO Breathe
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Again, congratulations to all participants! ​​​
Subscribe to Receive
Free News & Updates
Join our email list to receive updates and notifications about upcoming writing sessions, workshops, twice monthly critique sessions, November NaNoWriMo mentoring, Members' new book releases, Salida Art Walk community event participation, links from our website to your published book(s).
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CC Writers Membership
CCW Members receive these extras
for only $20 in 2025...​
​> Workshop discounts​
> Monthly Critique sessions
> November NaNoWriMo Mentoring
​> WE Write sessions
​> Links to your website​​
​> End of year Book Exchange
> Members' year-end writing session
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I've heard enough, SIGN ME UP!
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Find out more on our Membership Page!
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Contact Membership Chair Melony with questions.
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Writing Critique Sessions
Want feedback on your writing from other authors? Having trouble finding beta readers? Want to learn about writing craft by reviewing other authors’ work?
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Join the FREE CCW Critique Group – for CCW members only.
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This on-line group meets twice per month on Wednesday evenings from 6:00 to about 8:00 (see the CCW calendar for dates). By Sunday prior to the meeting, post your submission (3,000 words maximum) to Google Docs. You have three days to review/provide written feedback on three submissions and, in return, you will receive three reviews on your work. At Wednesday’s on-line meeting, you will give/receive additional feedback.
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If you’re not a Google Docs user – NO WORRIES! Our facilitators will walk you through how to upload and download documents like a pro.
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If you want to find out more? Please contact Author and CCW Board Member, Linda Ditchkus. Contact Linda Ditchkus HERE! or call her at 720-985-8450.
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WE Writes
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Join us for our free and open to the public WE Write (WW) Sessions!
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​WW sessions are done on Zoom, in-person, and sometimes a hybrid version of both. Each session has time allotted at the start for general discussion, writing updates, and events.
Plan for a 15-minute "head start" for technical set-up before the start time.
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The opportunity to read your writing is encouraged with no critique! See our Event Calendar for dates, times. Zoom connection information is on the calendar and in the article in the left column. Be sure to RSVP!​
Contact Tom Dury to volunteer as a session facilitator! tdury3384@gmail.com
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Subscribe to CCW to stay current with our schedule of events!
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Online Workshop Opportunity!
Linda Ditchkus passed along a workshop opportunity from Professor David Hicks, which he's offering at a discount to CCW members. David has presented many well-received workshops for CCW (both in person and on Zoom). He is an award-winning author and the Director of the highly ranked, low-residency MFA program at Wilkes University.
For 6 consecutive Monday evenings, March 9 - April 13, from 7P-9P ET, he's facilitating a workshop where you will develop three new stories, essays, or novels using generative prompts. Space is limited, and the fee is $300—which is very reasonable as is— but he's offering a 20% discount to CCW members. I've attached his flier below. If you're interested or want more information, please contact him at cameradowritingservices@gmail.com.
