Editor’s note: Annalise Grueter is a member of Aspen Writers Network.
The third Thursday evening of each month, Carbondale’s Bonfire Coffee bustles with activity. Two to three dozen people mingle, sipping seltzer and wine, grazing from charcuterie boards and eagerly chatting about a shared interest: writing. The Aspen Writers’ Network (AWN) is a creative coalition under the umbrella of Aspen Words. The group nurtures a quiet but productive stripe of people passionate about written expression.
AWN was started in early 2011 by Mark Tompkins. He had moved to the Valley the previous year. Before he had always lived in cities with large writing communities. Asking around and connecting with Aspen Words staff led to him blazing the trail for what was initially called Write Now!
The group has fluctuated in size over the past 14 years. When it started, Tompkins said it was only six people, but grew quickly. The network is in the midst of a renaissance now, after functionally ceasing during the depths of the pandemic. Locals responded enthusiastically when it resumed in 2022. Steering Committee member Lisanne Rogers shared that current membership consists of over 80 writers, and most meetings see between 20 and 30 — sometimes more — participants.
“There has been a huge benefit to having Bonfire Coffee as a home and having regular meeting times,” said Tompkins, “compared to varying locations and times.”
The group occasionally has teachers connecting virtually, but does not offer a remote attendance option, as many virtual writing groups already exist. One of AWN’s goals is to provide what online groups can’t: tangible, in-person connections.
“We need support, we need personal connections with other writers, with people who understand,” Tompkins emphasized. “There is value in having community to talk [with] about the unique challenges of writing and trying to get published.”
AWN gatherings feature talks by traditionally published and self-published authors alike. Many of the presenters are members of the community. If you saw them around town or on a ski slope, you wouldn’t necessarily know that these folks have written bestsellers, mega-popular television episodes or essays printed in major magazines like The New Yorker.
Tompkins’ preferred genre is fantasy. He wrote poetry for pleasure from a young age, but starting about 15 to 20 years ago he became increasingly motivated to explore other written forms. “I was always called to write,” he said. “It was something I did for the love of doing it.”
Tompkins was drawn to the challenge of writing a novel almost like it was a bucket-list item. He already had a solid outline developed for his first book in early 2012, and from there carved out sufficient time each week to write.
“Personally, I’m not sure I ever would have been published without Aspen Words,” said Tompkins — a testament to the organization. His historical fantasy novel, “The Last Days of Magic,” was published by Penguin Random House in early 2016.
Tompkins says that his favorite AWN events are the annual meetings focused on the publishing process. Each year, AWN brings in an editor or agent to share with the group about the state of the publishing industry. People tend to love this event, he said, since it can be so helpful in getting an agent and contract. Tompkins teaches another session himself, a pitch workshop to help writers find the heart of their story, what it is really about. Those two annual sessions happen to be the two coming up. “Perfect Your Pitch” is next week, April 17, and the “State of the Publishing Industry” presentation will be on May 15.
I confess some bias in highlighting AWN. In January, I joined the group to connect and learn. I have been impressed and inspired to learn just how many discreet talents are scribbling away in our shining mountain valley. These connections have been so supportive and motivating as I seek an agent for my memoir manuscript and work toward other projects. Whether your dreams are tuned to science-fiction, poetry, romance, popular essays or the next great novel, come join your people every third Thursday at Bonfire.
AWN membership costs $175 a year, but the first session is always free for those interested in previewing the group before they join. Local creatives who want to participate, but are unsure about affording the membership fee, can contact Tompkins directly. In addition to the monthly meetings, membership also includes a 25% discount for Winter Words, free admission to Aspen Words Writer in Residence and Community Read events and private consultations with literary agents and editors during Summer Words. You can learn more or sign up at www.aspenwords.org/aspen-writers-network