Montana Writers Rodeo

Two of the gift baskets we gave away during the Montana Writers Rodeo.

Each was designed to honor the main character in each of the series. Kim Vandel on the left, Karen Higgins, Author on the right.

Many of the items were purchased at Aunt Bonnie's Books, a loyal supporter of our conference. On the right are beautiful floral journals, a magnet about gardening, and a slogan pin. On the left are records that are coasters, a soy candle, and the Book Nerd sticker. Stop in and find your next read and your next gift.

We offer big incentives for filling out our evaluation forms because we use the information to fill out grant applications, grant follow-up reports, and to update our sponsors. So deeply thankful for the support from the Montana Arts Council, Gates of the Mountains, National Endowment for the Arts, Montana Cultural Trust, and Montana Department of Commerce.

And thanks to our ad supporters: The Parrot Confectionery, Super 1 Foods, Lewis & Clark Tap Room, Safeway, Farcountry Press, Sweetwater Books.

We applaud you for supporting Montana writers!

Phew!

Another successful Montana Writers Rodeo!

There was a dumptruck amount of brilliant instruction andd advice from our stellar panel of speakers, Leslie Budewitz, Kim Vandel, Debbie Burke, Mindy Peltier Author, and Ross Peter Nelson https://www.facebook.com/gorgonzola.org.

Advice on what to do AFTER a conference.

WRITE ON!

10 Tips for Writing After Attending a Writer’s Conference You’ve just returned home from a writer’s conference and your head is spinning from all you’ve learned. You had a wonderful time socializing with other writers—your people—and have made valuable connections. You’re incredibly inspired. Now what?

I loved hearing about Stagecoach Mary from Leslie Budewitz. A Cliff Clavin factoid, Mary used to babysit Gary Cooper.

For those of you who missed the presentation here's the link.

I'll post the link to her book, "All God's Sparrows and Other Stories: A Stagecoach Mary Fields Collection" in the comments.

Helena Civic TV - Channel 189

With Leslie Budewitz & Alicia Beckman – I'm on a streak! I've been a top fan for 4 months in a row. 🎉

Our Saturday schedule is packed with award-winning writers presenting workshops sharing their secrets on the craft of writing.

Only $65 for four workshops, a Presenters Panel, and Author Readings.

Your writing journey can't afford NOT to come to our conference.

Hope to see you at the HAT! Helena Avenue Theatre

It's time to Rodeo! At the door registrations available. Registration begins at 2:30pm

This year's workshops are tremendous. Follow the link to see what you'll be missing if we don't see you at the HAT!

https://www.montanaplaywrights.org/2026-montana-writers-rodeo

It's just been confirmed that the Montana Film Commissioner, Allison Whitmer, will be bringing the highlights of film in Montana before our Friday keynote by Leslie Budewitz.

Two brilliant women who have impacted Montana.

See you at the Helena Avenue Theatre!

Registration link in comments.

We have a stellar lineup this year. Keynoter Leslie Budewitz &, Kim Vandel, Debbie Burke, Ross Peter Nelson, and Mindy Peltier Author.

See you at the Helena Avenue Theatre!

2026 Montana Writers Rodeo | Montana Playwrights A productive and supportive critique group with agreed upon guidelines transforms your writing and increases your chance of publication.