Join the Colorado chapter on November 18, 2025 for

Choose Your Words Carefully: Subconscious Bias in English, presented by October K. Santerelli

Writing is a craft, and a huge part of that craft is the words you choose. What is the difference between a giggle and a chuckle to the tone of your story, your character's arc, and the plot moving forward? What can changing one or two words really do? Learn about subconscious bias in the English language and find out how to use it to your advantage in ways your reader won't even notice -- but will certainly feel.

Although October's presentation is geared toward authors, the same information applies to editors to help us catch authors' use of biased language and to coach authors to use better, less biased language in all of their work.

October K Santerelli is an award-winning author specializing in dark fantasy and comics. His writing often explores LGBTQ+ and disability themes, both of which reflect his deep commitment to inclusive storytelling. October works as a professional sensitivity editor for LGBTQ+ and disability content. He is best known for The Book of the Witch’s Son and the Nightfall series, which includes City of Day and City of Night, with City of Death set for release in 2026. His ongoing comic, Primoral Descent, is available on Webtoon starting June 5th.