EDWARDS, Colorado — Back by popular demand, students from Edwards-based author Valerie Leff’s creative writing workshop for women will share their works with the public.

Aspiring writers will make The Bookworm of Edwards their forum Friday night at 6 p.m. The class’ first public reading was held in November to a capacity crowd at The Bookworm.

“I have been amazed by the women writers who take my classes,” Leff said. “Amazed by their energy and by their talent. It’s been wildly gratifying not only to teach such exceptional students, but also to feel like I’m building a writing community in the Valley.”

Leff said she plans to teach classes for both men and women this summer in Edwards as well as in Denver at the Lighthouse LitFest.

Leff is the author of the novel “Better Homes and Husbands,” which was published by St. Martin’s Press in 2004 to favorable reviews in the The Los Angeles Times, New York Post and on National Public Radio. Her work has appeared in several nationwide publications, and she has recently completed a collection of short stories while working on a new novel. She was born in Los Angeles, raised in Manhattan, and relocated to Edwards from Asheville, N.C., almost two years ago.

Students scheduled to read include:

• Loida Alegre, who owns a catering business and is as interested in exploring the joys of writing as she is the joy of culinary creation.

• Rita Boucher, who’s an accountant by profession, geologist by academics, dancer by passion, sock knitter by obsession and writer by desire.

• Linda Boyne, an Edwards-based freelance writer and Vail Trail columnist.

• Patricia Esperon, of Eagle, enjoys spending time with her family and writing fiction, nonfiction, poetry and children’s books.

• Liv Fagerholm, of Eagle, is the director of the Next Step Institute’s Equine Program and a veterinarian at Gypsum Animal Hospital.

• Jennie Fancher, of Avon, has a novel and a children’s book in the works.

• Bambi Forbes lives in Squaw Creek with her husband, son, dogs, cats, horses and an assortment of wildlife surrounding her home.

• Virginia Minervini relocated to the Vail Valley from Memphis with the goals of cultivating her writing skills and improving her skills on the slopes.

• Sondra Slappey is a real estate agent for Keller Williams Mountain Properties but in her mind is a published author of several fiction collections.

• Donna Spinelli describes her writing style as “hip, funky, chick-lit style.” She is currently writing a novel about a female serial killer.

Tickets for this event are $10 and include appetizers. A cash bar will be available. Those interested in attending are encouraged to register at The Bookworm or by calling 970-926-READ.