History of NCW

Northern Colorado Writers is the brainchild of Fort Collins freelance writer Kerrie Flanagan. It all began in 2006. She found there was a strong writing community in Northern Colorado, but there wasn't anything bringing these writers together. With the help of best-selling children's author Debbie Dadey , the first Northern Colorado Writers Conference (NCWC) was held in March of 2006 at the Armstrong Hotel with LeAnn Thieman as the keynote speaker.

The conference filled up with 45 attendees and was a huge success. It was clear the conference filled a void in the community. Kerrie knew it would keep growing, so a bigger location had to be found. The Fort Collins Hilton became the home of the 2007 NCWC. Over 100 writers attended and enjoyed hearing author Sandra Dallas and motivational speaker Jim Davidson. They also enjoyed an editors panel, networking, trade show, great food, cocktails and attending 5 of the 18 sessions.

During the conference Kerrie was asked many questions about local writers groups, writing resources, publishers, querying... It occurred to her that one big gathering ayear was not enough. It was time to branch out once again. So, in August of 2007, Northern Colorado Writers (NCW) was formed. The purpose of this organization is to provide support and encouragement to writers through monthly meetings, classes, workshops, networking and a newsletter. NCW gives writers a way to stay connected. Writers of all levels and genres are welcome to join.

In 2009 NCW opened the NCW Writers Studio at 108 East Monroe in Fort Collins, a permanent location for all classes, workshops, events and coffees. The Studio is available to members as a place to write, meet with critique groups and use the writing library.

NCW is still going strong. Today there are over 220 members and the 6th Annual Northern Colorado Conference was a huge success. Over the years, the conference has brought in a variety of industry professionals including authors Stephen Cannell, Sandi Ault, Carol Berg, Greg Campbell, John Shors, Laura Resau, Linda White, Tina Forkner, Laura Pritchett, Chris Ransick and Patricia Stoltey; literary agents and editors including Chuck Sambuchino, Andrea Brown, Kristin Nelson, Rachelle Gardner, Jessical Regel, Jessica Faust, Jon Sternfeld and Ben Barnhart; freelance writers and journalists including Kevin Vaughan, Tim Beyers, Trai Cartwright, Geoff Van Dyke and Carol Rehme.