Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers
Interviews with members of Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers and those involved in RMFW conferences, workshops and other writing-related events. Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers is a non-profit, volunteer-run organization dedicated to supporting, encouraging, and educating writers seeking publication in commercial fiction.
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Ann Lowry & The Blue Trunk
11/21/2024
Ann Lowry & The Blue Trunk
Ann Lowry, Ph.D. is an author and expert in human interaction. Her debut novel, The Blue Trunk, was inspired by the discovery of a family heirloom—a travel trunk from Norway. Ann’s writing dives deep into the complexities of relationships, conflict, and the human condition. Reviewers have noted that she provides sharp social commentary in her writing. She has made significant contributions to academic journals, authored insightful opinion pieces, and crafted content for various platforms, including Writer’s Digest, Women’s Writers/Women’s Fiction, and Girl Talk HQ. She’s also appeared on several podcasts and has been interviewed on television and radio discussing genealogy research and the treatment of mentally ill patients in the early 1900’s. When not writing, Ann enjoys a range of activities, from swimming and golfing to baking cookies and bread. She treasures moments with her therapy dog, Loki, and cherishes time with her family. She is always eager to explore new adventures in life and storytelling. Ann lives in Timnath, Colorado. More: Intro Music by Moby Gratis: Outro Music by Dan-o-Songs: Host Mark Stevens Watch these interviews on YouTube (and subscribe)!
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Elizabeth Devecchi & A Whisper in the Dark
11/14/2024
Elizabeth Devecchi & A Whisper in the Dark
Elizabeth Devecchi spent her formative years in Rhode Island, setting out after high school to travel and gather degrees. She writes in a variety of genres and styles, but lately has focused on horror. Her debut horror novel, A Whisper in the Dark, was released by Wicked House Publishing in October, 2024. Other recent releases include: “Oh, Brother,” found in Volume II of Black Spot Books’s annual women in horror poetry showcase, Under Her Eye (November 2023); a recipe accompanied by a flash fiction story in Nightmare Fueled Inc’s anthology Cooks of Horror (August 2024); and horror poem “In the Belly of the Mills,” which appears in the anthology Monsters in the Mills, launched at NecromoniCon in Providence, RI (August 2024). Upcoming releases include: “A Corporate Family,” a tech-gone-wrong horror short which will appear in Rabid Otter Horror’s anthology Error Code this November; short horror story “Open House,” to appear in a Running Wild Press anthology in 2025; and debut thriller/suspense novel, A Twist of the Lens, to be published by Wicked House Publishing in 2025. Elizabeth is a member of the Horror Writer’s Association, Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers, Castle Rock Writers, and the Italian American Writers Association. She currently resides in Parker, Colorado with her husband, children, and an ever-changing menagerie of pets and “guest creatures.” For more info: Intro Music by Moby Gratis: Outro Music by Dan-o-Songs: Host Mark Stevens
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Jason Evans & The Righteous and The Damned
10/25/2024
Jason Evans & The Righteous and The Damned
Jason always wanted to be a writer, he just didn’t know it. He grew up in Southern California and taught high school social studies after college until he got married and moved to Denver in 2004. He continued in education and earned an MA in History, until he realized his heart was in fiction. Since 2012 Jason has had over a dozen short stories and essays published, ran an online magazine, and became a regular panelist at local conventions. He blogs regularly on his own website and newsletter. The Whimsycon Anthology was published March 2nd, 2018, giving Jason his first editorial credit. His debut novel, The Gallowglass, was published in July of 2019 Jason’s latest novel, The Righteous and The Damned, is being published this month. More: Intro Music by Moby Gratis: Outro Music by Dan-o-Songs: Host Mark Stevens Watch these interviews on YouTube (and subscribe)!
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Cam Torrens: From Air Force Pilot to Thriller Writer
10/17/2024
Cam Torrens: From Air Force Pilot to Thriller Writer
Over a 30-year Air Force career, author Cam Torrens delivered combat supplies and personnel across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. He piloted the first mobility aircraft into Iraq during the Iraq War, served as the United States Air Attaché at the US Embassy in Beijing, China, and spent four years as the Professor of Aerospace Studies at Virginia Tech. Cam is proud graduate of the Class of 1984 at Montesano High School. A father of six, Cam and his spouse live in Buena Vista, Colorado where he serves as the Vice President of the Central Colorado Writers, volunteers with the Chaffee County Search & Rescue team, and chairs the board for the Buena Vista Public Library. He’s admittedly weird—he likes to count things, like consecutive days running, books read, hiking miles, tennis/pickleball/ping pong matches, jacuzzi use, and so on. Cam will release a prequel to his Tyler Zahn Series, Damaged, in February 2025. More: Intro Music by Moby Gratis: Outro Music by Dan-o-Songs: Host Mark Stevens Watch these interviews on YouTube (and subscribe)!
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Kevin Wolf & Trailhead: A Guy Hogan Mystery
10/11/2024
Kevin Wolf & Trailhead: A Guy Hogan Mystery
Kevin Wolf is an award-winning Mystery and Western author. His books include Trailridge (2024), The Homeplace, winner of the 2015 Tony Hillerman Prize and the 2016 Strand Critics Award finalist for Best Debut Mystery. His short story "Belthanger" received the 2021 Spur Award for Best Short Fiction and his novel, The Bootheel was a 2024 Peacemaker Award finalist. The legends and landscape of the West are evident in everything he writes. His newest novel, Trailridge, is set against the grandeur of Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park and the 1982 Lawn Lake Flood. Those who have chosen the national park for their once-in-a-lifetime destination will recognize the mountains, valleys, rivers, and the twists and turns of Trailridge as this story races to its climax. More: Intro Music by Moby Gratis: Outro Music by Dan-o-Songs: Host Mark Stevens Watch these interviews on YouTube (and subscribe)!
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Aimie K. Runyan & Mademoiselle Eiffel
10/04/2024
Aimie K. Runyan & Mademoiselle Eiffel
Aimie K. Runyan writes to celebrate history’s unsung heroines. She has been honored as a Historical Novel Society Editors’ Choice selection, as a three-time finalist for the Colorado Book Awards, and as a nominee for the Rocky Mountain Fiction Writer of the Year. Aimie is active as an educator and speaker in the writing community and beyond. Aimie lives in Colorado with her amazing husband, two (usually) adorable children, two (always) adorable kitties, and a dragon. Aimie’s latest novel, Mademoiselle Eiffel, was released last month. More: Intro Music by Moby Gratis: Outro Music by Dan-o-Songs: Watch these interviews on YouTube (and subscribe)! https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBP81nfbKnDRjs-Nar9LNe20138AiPyP8&si=yl_seG5S4soyk216 Host Mark Stevens
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Choosing to Self-Publish "Anyone But Her" - With Cynthia Swanson
09/04/2024
Choosing to Self-Publish "Anyone But Her" - With Cynthia Swanson
Cynthia Swanson is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the psychological suspense novels The Bookseller, The Glass Forest, and Anyone But Her. Cynthia is also the editor of the Colorado Book Award winning anthology Denver Noir. She lives with her family in Denver. Find Cynthia online at and follow her on , , and . Intro Music by Moby Gratis: Outro Music by Dan-o-Songs: Host Mark Stevens
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Maria Kelson & Not The Killing Kind
08/30/2024
Maria Kelson & Not The Killing Kind
Maria Kelson has two collections of poetry (as Maria Melendez) with University of Arizona Press, which were finalists for the PEN Center USA Literary Award and the Colorado Book Award. Not the Killing Kind is her debut novel. It received the inaugural Eleanor Taylor Bland Award for Crime Fiction Writers of Color from Sisters in Crime. A former Santa Fe Arts Institute and Hedgebrook resident, she has given readings and workshops at campuses and literary festivals around the U.S. and served as an American Voices arts envoy in Bogotá, Colombia. Born in Arizona, raised in northern California, she has lived in one southeastern, three midwestern, and five western states. On the podcast, Maria talks about all the steps in preparing to launch her debut novel, due out on Sept. 10. Connect at Intro Music by Moby Gratis: Outro Music by Dan-o-Songs:
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David R. Slayton & The Power of Persistence
08/05/2024
David R. Slayton & The Power of Persistence
David R. Slayton (He/Him) grew up in Guthrie, Oklahoma, where finding fantasy novels was pretty challenging and finding fantasy novels with diverse characters was downright impossible. Now he lives in Denver and writes the books he always wanted to read. His debut, White Trash Warlock, was a finalist for the Colorado Book Award. In 2015, David founded Trick or Read, an initiative to give out books along with candy to children on Halloween as well as uplift lesser-known authors or those from marginalized backgrounds. His latest release is Dark Moon, Shallow Sea, an epic fantasy, won the 2024 Colorado Book Award. His latest book, due out in October and the start of another new series, is called Rogue Community College. Find him online at . Intro Music by Moby Gratis: Outro Music by Dan-o-Songs: Host Mark Stevens Watch these interviews on YouTube (and subscribe)!
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Are National Writing Conferences Worth the Expense? With Travis Tougaw
07/19/2024
Are National Writing Conferences Worth the Expense? With Travis Tougaw
Should you spend big money to attend the big national conferences? Travis Tougaw recently attended his first, ThrillerFest in New York City, and he votes yes. Earlier this year, Travis published his debut novel Foxholes followed by Captives — and his third novel, Last Call, comes out later this fall. Travis is a writer and editor. He has degrees in English from Angelo State University in San Angelo, Texas, and the University of Nebraska at Omaha. An Air Force Veteran, Travis has worked in a variety of roles, including English teacher, employee educator, and health care administrator. He lives in Denver with his wife and children. More: Intro Music by Moby Gratis: Outro Music by Dan-o-Songs: Host Mark Stevens Watch these interviews on YouTube (and subscribe)! Intro by Moby Gratis: Outro by Dan-o-Songs:
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Jill Lynn & The Summer of Keeping Secrets
07/03/2024
Jill Lynn & The Summer of Keeping Secrets
Jill Lynn is a two-time ACFW - that’s American Christian Fiction Writers - Carol Award winning author of inspirational romance for Harlequin Love Inspired and a co-author of the Selah Award winning nonfiction book of the year Just Show Up. She lives near the Colorado Rocky Mountains with her husband and two teenage children. Jill’s latest book, just out, is The Summer of Keeping Secrets. More at Host Mark Stevens Watch these interviews on YouTube (and subscribe)! Intro by Moby Gratis: Outro by Dan-o-Songs:
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In the Querying Trenches with Kirk Rafferty
06/30/2024
In the Querying Trenches with Kirk Rafferty
This time on the podcast we talk with writer Kirk Rafferty about his experiences in the querying trenches as he looks to find an agent for his novel, The Cosmonaut and The Fisherman. Kirk Rafferty is a native Coloradan who has lived in many places worldwide but has always managed to return home. Kirk writes historical fiction and fantasy and is still looking for his first breakout novel. A former US Navy Cryptologist, Kirk loves reading and writing about Cold War-era intrigue, technology, and a wide variety of nerdy topics from dragons to starships. Kirk is a husband to a wonderful wife and father to four fantastic children. Validation from strangers on the internet is crucial to his mental health. You can connect with Kirk at . Host Mark Stevens Watch these interviews on YouTube (and subscribe)! Intro by Moby Gratis: Outro by Dan-o-Songs:
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Mentors At The Ready!
06/27/2024
Mentors At The Ready!
This year at Colorado Gold in September, you can sign up for a special mentor session with one of nine mentors who will take time to work with you one-on-one and discuss any topic about writing and publishing under the sun. Well, there were originally nine mentors, but one mentor’s schedule is already full. The appointments cost only $40. You can schedule the mentor session as you register, but if you’ve already done so you can contact and set it up. These are 30-minute “Ask Me Anything” appointments. So, this time on the podcast - four of those mentors. Peggy Waide, Susan Brooks, Nick Thacker, and Kendra Griffin. Peggy Waide is an Amazon Best selling author of Regency romances and romantic suspense. A RMFW member since 1995, she has served as Vice-President, PAL Rep and she’s run the Colorado Gold Conference twice. Peggy has worked with two excellent editors, had both a great and not-so-great agent, and participates in a long-time multi-genre critique group of eight authors that are traditionally and self-published. Peggy loves teaching craft and helping authors find their path. Since she's seen the industry change dramatically over the years, she has a wealth of knowledge to help authors with their writing career. Susan Brooks is Editor-in-Chief at Literary Wanderlust, a small traditional publisher in Denver. She has many years of editorial experience and a master’s degree in publishing from George Washington University. She was on the board of directors for and played many roles from 2009 to 2019. She has a passion for helping authors create great books. More at . Nick Thacker is USA Today Bestselling Author, with over 40 thrillers published. Nick owns and operates Conundrum Publishing, Book Career In A Year, and runs the write/repeat workshops and writing intensives. In addition, Nick has built businesses for authors: Author.Email, the only email marketing platform for authors, and RadioWrite.com, the 24/7 writing inspiration radio platform. Nick is also currently the VP of Author Success with Draft2Digital, focusing on getting authors to the next level. More at Kendra Griffin is an indie author, teacher, and developmental editor who has never met a good dog or a good underdog she didn’t fall in love with. She is addicted to writing (and reading) about quirky misfits, social inequality, and diverse ensemble casts. She recently published two novels in her dystopian young adult series: The Pox Ward and Apocalypse Thoughts. Kendra does developmental editing for Status Quill, and you can learn more about her at kendragriffin.com. Host Mark Stevens Watch these interviews on YouTube (and subscribe)! Intro by Moby Gratis: Outro by Dan-o-Songs:
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2024 Colorado Gold Preview
06/24/2024
2024 Colorado Gold Preview
This time on the podcast, a chat with Kate Jonuska and Connie Conolly-Bauldree, the co-chairs of the Colorado Gold conference coming right up at the end of September. To be precise, Sept. 27 through Sept. 28. As this year proves yet again, this a conference for writers that is always finding new approaches, new means of accessing the material. From the “one-day” pass to hybrid access to mentoring sessions and agent pitch appointments, this year’s Colorado Gold is guaranteed to be a winner. Full of dark humor and deep characters, Kate Jonuska’s short fiction was nominated for a 2015 Pushcart Prize (“Desire Designed,” BROAD Magazine), and her first novel, Transference, was a Denver Post Staff Pick. She’s also the author of the Dictionary of Fiction Critique, edits and publishes anthologies, and serves as Conference Chair on the Board of Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers. Find out more at www.katejonuska.com. Connie Connolly-Bauldree is a versatile author who delves into both fiction and non-fiction, employing a range of pen names and exploring various genres. She boasts a portfolio of self-published works and has previously been published by 5 Prince Publishing under the pseudonym Emersyn Kane. Beyond her literary pursuits, Connie is the Founder and Owner of Author by Design, known for the Builder Series and the Writer’s Block Box. She also plays an integral role in the RMFW community as the Conference Co-Chair. In addition to her professional endeavors, Connie finds fulfillment as a stay-at-home mom. More: baulconnpublishing.com Host Mark Stevens Watch these interviews on YouTube (and subscribe)! Intro by Moby Gratis: Outro by Dan-o-Songs:
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Social Media Check-Up With Mariah Ankenman and Z.S. Diamanti
06/19/2024
Social Media Check-Up With Mariah Ankenman and Z.S. Diamanti
This time on the podcast, a check-in with the two writers who will be offering social media check-ups at the Colorado Gold conference (Sept. 27 - 29) in Denver. Bestselling author Mariah Ankenman lives in the beautiful Rocky Mountains with her two rambunctious children and loving spouse who is her own personal spell checker when her dyslexia gets the best of her. Mariah loves to lose herself in a world of words. Her favorite thing about writing is when she can make someone’s day a little brighter with one of her books. To learn more about Mariah and her books, visit her website . Z.S. Diamanti is the award-winning author of the Stone & Sky series, an epic fantasy adventure and the result of his love for fun and fantastical stories. His short works have been published in magazines, literary journals, newspapers, and books. He went to college for a very long time and has far too many pieces of paper on his wall. He is a USAF veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom and worked in ministry for over 10 years before pursuing creative endeavors full-time. Visit zsdiamanti.com Connect on social media @zsdiamanti To sign up for a social media check-up at Colorado Gold, register for the conference at and review your options for add-on opportunities. Host Mark Stevens Watch these interviews on YouTube (and subscribe)! Intro by Moby Gratis: Outro by Dan-o-Songs:
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October Santerelli: Keys to Writing Queer, Neurodivergent, and Disabled
06/14/2024
October Santerelli: Keys to Writing Queer, Neurodivergent, and Disabled
October K Santerelli is a fantasy author from Denver, Colorado. His works include City of Day, book one in the Nightfall series, and The Book of the Witch's Son. He works as a sensitivity editor for LGBTQ+ and disability content. Beyond his writing, October spends his time as an advocate for disabled, neurodivergent, and queer persons with the Colorado government. For more information, please visit . Host Mark Stevens Watch these interviews on YouTube (and subscribe)! Intro by Moby Gratis: Outro by Dan-o-Songs:
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Bethany Turner: Finding A Literary Agent as a Seasoned Author
06/05/2024
Bethany Turner: Finding A Literary Agent as a Seasoned Author
Bethany Turner is a seasoned author who works with a major publishing house, but she’s made the decision to look for an agent now — and not finding the process all that easy. On this episode of the Rocky Mountain Writer podcast, she explains her decision and also talks about her brand new book, just out this week, Cole and Laila Are Just Friends - A Love Story. Bethany has been writing since the second grade, when she won her first writing award for explaining why, if she could have lunch with any person throughout history, she would choose John Stamos. She stands by this decision. Bethany writes pop culture–infused rom-coms for a new generation of readers who crave fiction that tackles the thorny issues of life with humor and insight. She lives in Southwest Colorado with her husband, whom she met in the nineties in a chat room called Disco Inferno. As sketchy as it sounds, it worked out pretty well in this case, and they are now the proud parents of two grown sons. Connect with her across social media @seebethanywrite, where she clings to the eternal dream that John Stamos will someday send her a friend request. More: Host Mark Stevens Watch these interviews on YouTube (and subscribe)! Intro by Moby Gratis: Outro by Dan-o-Songs:
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Scott Graham: Think Ahead / Plan Ahead for a Long Series
05/30/2024
Scott Graham: Think Ahead / Plan Ahead for a Long Series
Scott Graham is the author of the National Park Mystery Series, featuring archaeologist Chuck Bender, paramedic Janelle Ortega, and their daughters Carmelita and Rosie. The series is published by . Release date for Death Valley Duel, book nine in the series, is June 2024. In addition to his mysteries, Scott is the author of five nonfiction books, including Extreme Kids, winner of the National Outdoor Book Award. Scott is an avid outdoors person and advocate for public lands who lives with his wife, an emergency physician, in Durango, Colorado. He has worked as a newspaper reporter, magazine editor, radio disk jockey, city councilor, and coal-shoveling fireman on the steam-powered Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. On the podcast, we talk about his latest entry in the National Park Mystery Series and we discuss what writers need to plan out a series that will run for a long time. More about Scott: https://scottfranklingraham.com/ Host Mark Stevens Intro by Moby Gratis: Outro by Dan-o-Songs:
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Angie Hodapp: The One-Day MFA
05/19/2024
Angie Hodapp: The One-Day MFA
Angie Hodapp is the Director of Literary Development at Nelson Literary Agency. She holds a BA in English and secondary education from the University of Northern Colorado and an MA in English and communication development from Colorado State University. A graduate of the Publishing Institute at the University of Denver, she has worked in professional writing, editing, and education for more than twenty years. A frequent presenter at writing conferences and events, and the author of Query Craft and Do You Need a Literary Agent, she loves helping writers improve their craft and learn about the ever-changing world of publishing. On Saturday, June 22 Angie is leading a day-long RMFW education event called “MFA in One Day” at the Hyatt-Regency Aurora Denver. Complete details at - look under events. Host Mark Stevens Intro Music by Moby Gratis: Outro Music by Dan-o-Songs:
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Angela Sylvaine & The Dead Spot: Stories of Lost Girls
05/15/2024
Angela Sylvaine & The Dead Spot: Stories of Lost Girls
Angela Sylvaine is a self-proclaimed cheerful goth who writes speculative fiction and poetry. Her debut novel, Frost Bite, a ‘90s sci-fi horror comedy, is available now, and her debut short story collection, The Dead Spot: Stories of Lost Girls is forthcoming. Her short fiction and poetry have appeared in or on over fifty anthologies, magazines, and podcasts, including Southwest Review, Apex, and The NoSleep Podcast. She lives in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains with her sweetheart and three creepy cats. You can find her online . Thanks to for the new podcast graphic! Host Mark Stevens Intro Music by Moby Gratis: Outro Music by Dan-o-Songs:
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Tom Farrell: 2024 Writer of the Year Finalist
05/03/2024
Tom Farrell: 2024 Writer of the Year Finalist
Tom Farrell has worked as a golf course starter, a chemist and clerked at City Hall in Chicago while attending law school. He is the author of The Wager Series, a mystery-thriller series set in the world of sports betting, horse racing and poker. The series includes Wager Tough, WagerEasy, and Wager Smart. Wager Tough was selected by Kirkus Reviews as one of the Best Indie Books of 2021 and one of the Best Indie Mystery Thrillers of 2021. Wager Smart was an Editor’s Pick by Kirkus Reviews and was chosen as a Finalist by Indies Today for their book award. Each book in the series received a starred review from Kirkus Reviews. Tom has served as Vice President of Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers and was a 2021 finalist for RMFW’s Independent Writer of the Year. This year, he is one of three finalists for the 2024 Writer of the Year award. Now retired from practicing law when he’s not handicapping, he can be found at the local RMFW critique group meeting or on the golf course. On the podcast, Tom also talks about a Master Class he is teaching at Colorado Gold in September about audiobook production. Visit Tom at Host Mark Stevens Previous podcast with 2024 Writer of the Year Finalist Z.S. Diamanti: Previous podcast with 2024 Writer of the Year Finalist Tasha Christensen: Intro Music by Moby Gratis: Outro Music by Dan-o-Songs:
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Z. S. Diamanti: 2024 Writer of the Year Finalist
04/24/2024
Z. S. Diamanti: 2024 Writer of the Year Finalist
Z.S. Diamanti is the award-winning author of the Stone & Sky series, an epic fantasy adventure and the result of his love for fun and fantastical stories. His short works have been published in magazines, literary journals, newspapers, and books. He went to college for a very long time and has far too many pieces of paper on his wall. He is a USAF veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom and worked in ministry for over 10 years before pursuing creative endeavors full-time. He and his wife reside in Colorado with their four children where they enjoy hikes, camping, and tabletop games. You can get a free series of his stories at Connect on social media @zsdiamanti Host Mark Stevens Previous podcast with 2024 Writer of the Year Finalist Tasha Christensen: YouTube version of Tasha Christensen interview: A future podcast will feature an interview with the third 2024 Writer of the Year finalist, Tom Farrell. Intro Music by Moby Gratis: Outro Music by Dan-o-Songs:
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Tasha Christensen: 2024 Writer of the Year Finalist
04/19/2024
Tasha Christensen: 2024 Writer of the Year Finalist
Tasha Christensen believes the best love stories are found in the geekiest places. When not composing tuba closet make-out scenes, she enjoys playing volleyball, getting way too competitive about board games, and exploring the gorgeous Rocky Mountains. Tasha lives with her husband, daughters, and an overly affectionate dog named after her favorite Stranger Things character. Tasha’s Itaska High book series chronicles the romantic shenanigans of a high school marching band in Minnesota. On the podcast, Tasha talks about recently being named a finalist as the Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers’ Writer of the Year and about a short story she will publish as part of the upcoming RMFW short story anthology, WITHOUT BRAKES, FINGERS CROSSED. Oh, and Tasha drops some personal news that is a bit of a headline all on its own. By the way, upcoming podcasts will include interviews with the other two Writer of the Year finalists, Tom Farrell and Zac Diamanit. More about Tasha: Intro Music by Moby Gratis: Outro Music by Dan-o-Songs:
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Surviving A Creative Burnout With Ryanne Glenn
04/05/2024
Surviving A Creative Burnout With Ryanne Glenn
Ryanne Glenn began writing as a way to battle depression and continued because she believed she had a story to share. An avid reader herself, Ryanne wanted the chance to add to the bookshelves of young adults everywhere. She is currently signed with Atthis Arts LLC to publish her first young adult fantasy trilogy. Ryanne Glenn is a member of the Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers in Denver, CO, where she works as an image analyst for a bioscience company. She has a degree in Chemical and Biological Engineering with a minor in Biomedical Engineering. She loves to golf, though after playing for twelve years, her handicap should be much lower than it is. Between writing and work, she often visits her hometown of Fruita, Colorado, to spend time with her family and dogs, Coco, Pebbles, and Captain Carl. Ryanne’s recent writing news is her story There Will Always Be Peaches is being included in the upcoming RMFW short story anthology, Without Brakes, Fingers Crossed. On the podcast, Ryanne talks about coming back from a long creative burnout after publishing her trilogy. More about Ryanne Glenn: Intro Music by Moby Gratis: Outro Music by Dan-o-Songs:
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Writing Suspense Thrillers with J. Warren Weaver
03/30/2024
Writing Suspense Thrillers with J. Warren Weaver
Justin Weaver, who writes as J. Warren Weaver. is the author of the award winning, international bestselling Shadow of a Spy Trilogy. He lives in small town Colorado, where he enjoys the bountiful great outdoors with his wife, daughter, and three dogs. When his infant child isn't demanding his complete and undivided attention, he writes page-turning thrillers with thought-provoking mysteries. The third volume in Justin’s trilogy, Solace for the Forgotten, comes out in April and he’s got his first short story being published in RMFW’s upcoming anthology, Without Brakes, Fingers Crossed. Also on the podcast, we chat about a book fair Justin is putting together in May in his hometown of Fruita. More about J. Warren Weaver: Intro Music by Moby Gratis: Outro Music by Dan-o-Songs:
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Pivoting Among Genres With Aimie K. Runyan
03/17/2024
Pivoting Among Genres With Aimie K. Runyan
How do you shift easily among writing a variety of genres? Aimie K. Runyan knows a few things about that, especially with the release of her debut women's fiction this month after writing a variety of historical fiction novels. Aimie K. Runyan writes to celebrate history’s unsung heroines. She has been honored as a Historical Novel Society Editors’ Choice selection, as a three-time finalist for the Colorado Book Awards, and as a nominee for the Rocky Mountain Fiction Writer of the Year. Aimie is active as an educator and speaker in the writing community and beyond. Aimie lives in Colorado with her amazing husband, two (usually) adorable children, two (always) adorable kitties, and a dragon. Aimie’s contemporary Women's Fiction debut, The Memory of Lavender and Sage, just released this month. More about Aimie: https://aimiekrunyan.com/ Intro Music by Moby Gratis: Outro Music by Dan-o-Songs:
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Chatting with the Writers of the Writers Who Read Podcast
03/14/2024
Chatting with the Writers of the Writers Who Read Podcast
This time on the Rocky Mountain Writer podcast, we get to know the folks behind the Writers Who Read podcast — Gary McBride, Mira Landry, and Whitney Pinion. ++ Gary McBride founded the Writers Who Read novel study group back in August of 2018. After meeting at the Boulder Book Store, the group moved to the Boulder Public Library in 2019 after its adoption as part of the . Gary McBride lives just outside of Boulder with his wife Deb and their cats Wallace and Vincenzo. A fourth-generation Denverite, Gary has visited over 70 countries, worked in more than 50 of them, and lived for over a decade in Europe and Southeast Asia. Gary has written a reference guide for Writers Who Read, entitled Literary Forensics, which will be published in 2024. ++ Born and raised in British Columbia, Mira Landry now resides in Colorado with her husband. She has a Creative Writing Certificate from Simon Fraser University, and works both as an associate literary agent at and as a wedding and portrait photographer. She serves on the board of directors for , and when not writing, she can be found frolicking on the high peaks of the Rockies or knitting sweaters that likely won’t fit anyone properly. ++ Whitney Pinion fell in love with books when her parents gave her a set of mystery-adventure stories in which she and her cousins and friends were the main characters. She wrote poetry as a kid—and in college—where she studied literature and earned a BA in English. After working her way up from editorial assistant to magazine editor at a publishing company in Washington, DC, she and her husband moved to the Bay Area, where she further honed her writing and editing skills at a San Francisco PR firm. The drive to write more meaningful stories led her back to school, where she earned a Master’s in English and Creative Writing. Whitney has written a collection of short stories and is working on a novel. When she isn’t reading or writing, she’s hiking with her family in the stunning Colorado mountains, trying out new recipes (like cocktails for the next Writers Who Read podcast), and traveling. She lives with her husband and son in Boulder. More about the Writers Who Read podcast: Intro Music by Moby Gratis: Outro Music by Dan-o-Songs:
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Announcing the Title and Authors for the 2024 RMFW Short Story Anthology
03/03/2024
Announcing the Title and Authors for the 2024 RMFW Short Story Anthology
Linda (L.V.) Ditchkus has written her whole life. But until eight years ago, her writing was either technical, scholarly, or in travel magazines. In 2015, she jumped into novel writing with both feet. After drafting her first chapter, which only amounted to a few hundred words, she realized she had plenty to learn. So she found a network of writing friends—many through RMFW—who gave her writing tips and pointed her toward writing resources like how-to books and classes. She’s grateful for her fantastic writing pals. Being a judge for the 2022 Self Published Science Fiction Competition and a 2023 youth writing competition has deepened her understanding of what makes books and stories stand out. Since her Sasquatch Series won First Place in the Colorado Authors League 2021 Book Awards for Sci-Fi and her short story was included in the last RMFW’s anthology (Bizarre Bazaar), Linda plans to stop calling herself a debut author. In addition to marketing the Sasquatch Series, she’s recently released the first book in her new series about two time-traveling women from the distant future working desperately to repopulate the world with men.Terrorist factions, a nefarious artificial intelligence, and their own government fight against them. While they struggle to save the unborn babies, the laws of time and space have their own imperatives, and saving everyone they love may be beyond their reach. When Linda’s not writing, she leads adventure travel trips for the Colorado Mountain Club and travels with her husband. She’s been to more than 100 countries and hiked or climbed in many of those. Linda and her husband live selfish lives (without plants or pets) above 7,000 feet in the Colorado Rockies. ++ Paul Martz has been writing science fiction short stories for five years, though his love for sci fi began decades earlier. When he was six, he saw 2001: A Space Odyssey on the big screen, which lead him to a collection of Arthur C. Clarke’s short stories--and a lifelong insatiable appetite for mind-bending sci fi. But his hobbies and interests extend far beyond the science fiction galaxy. He has authored books on programming and holds a data encryption patent. Like all true nerds, he runs his own web server. He recently learned to read braille and can solve a tactile Rubik’s Cube. He has traveled the world to view multiple total solar eclipses. He has a life-long interest in music. He has ripped his entire vinyl collection to MP3, recorded his own original digital compositions, and played drums since childhood. Currently, he’s teaching himself to play piano. Paul has been published in Uncharted Magazine. He lives in Erie Colorado with his wife and loyal cat. Short stories included in FINGERS CROSSED, NO BRAKES: Where the River Ends by J. Warren Weaver Beyond Carbon by Rachel Delaney Craft The Tamarisk Hunter by Paolo Bacigalupi Our Sprinkler System by Lesley L. Smith Rightsizing by Jeff Jaskot Attack of the Third Planet by Collin Irish Iphus by Laurel McHargue Visited by a Crane by Rick Ginsberg Sticka by Natasha Watts The Cistern by Mark Stevens Stokes the Happy by Cepa Onion We’ll Always Have Peaches by Ryanne Glenn A Blip in Time by Pat Stoltey More about Paul Martz: More about Linda Ditchkus: Drum sound by Holy Ghost Party: Intro Music by Moby Gratis: Outro Music by Dan-o-Songs:
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The Approachability Factor - With Literary Agent Terrie Wolf
02/26/2024
The Approachability Factor - With Literary Agent Terrie Wolf
After nearly two decades of interaction with authors, musicians, and dignitaries in the arenas of publishing, international media, large-scale events, and agricultural endeavors, Terrie founded AKA (Also Known As) Literary Management (AKALM) in 2009. As a full member of the Association of American Literary Agents (AALA), she received the Agent of the Year Award in 2021 from American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), was named a “Top 20 of 2020 Agent” by Writer’s Digest and has sold rights in over forty countries and thirty languages. More at Intro Music by Moby Gratis: Outro Music by Dan-o-Songs:
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Book Marketing: Lessons Learned With Bowen Gillings
02/16/2024
Book Marketing: Lessons Learned With Bowen Gillings
Bowen Gillings writes to bring fun back to fiction. His latest novel, EXCEPTIONALS was released in 2023 while his short works have been published in anthologies and periodicals. He’s been featured on TV, radio, podcasts, and YouTube channels. His quirky, offbeat tales are lauded as "perfect," "charming,” and "fun," with writing that "boggles the genre mind." Bowen facilitates a variety of writing workshops and is an active member of Pikes Peak Writers, Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers, the Colorado Independent Publishers Association, and the Author’s Guild. He holds a Master of Education, five martial arts black belt certifications, and is an Army veteran. Travel enthusiast, outdoors lover, and RPG nerd, he also enjoys cooking big meals for family and friends. Find out more at . Intro Music by Moby Gratis: Outro Music by Dan-o-Songs:
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