History of NCW

Kerrie_Flanagan_and_Debbie_Dadey_at_the_2006_NCWC_Small 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 a year 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.

NCW is still going strong. Today there are over 220 members and the 8th Annual Northern Colorado Conference was a huge success. It featured actor, director and travel writer, Andrew McCarthy who gave a funny and inspiring keynote that earned him a standing ovation.

Over the years, the conference has brought in a variety of industry professionals including

Authors:Stephen Cannell, Jim Davidson, Sandi Ault, Carol Berg, Greg Campbell, John Shors, Laura Resau, Todd MItchell, Linda White, Tina Forkner, Joanne Kennedy, Laura Pritchett, Chris Ransick, LeAnn Thieman, Todd Mitchell, Bonnie Ramthun, Joan King, Teresa Funke and Patricia Stoltey

Literary Agents and Editors: Northern_Colorado_Writers_Conference_2012_Jim_Davidson_web
Nicole Resciniti, Andrea Dominguez, Steve Mettee, Chuck Sambuchino, Andrea Brown, Kristin Nelson, Rachelle Gardner, Jessical Regel, Jessica Faust, Jon Sternfeld, Anita Mumm, Rebecca Schwab, Lara Perkins, Robert Brewer and Ben Barnhart;

Freelance writers and journalists:
Kevin Vaughan, Tim Beyers, Carrie Visintainer, Tom Bol, Trai Cartwright, Geoff Van Dyke and Carol Rehme.

Tentative date for the 2014 Northern Colorado Writers Conference is March 28-29, 2014.

Northern Colorado Writers, under the direction of Kerrie Flanagan continues to be in tune with writers in our area.

Feel free to contact Kerrie with any questions or comments.
To become a member, click here.

~Happy Writing!