Just got home from Thrillerfest in NYC and realized it's my turn to post a blog here! Hope I can stay awake long enough to say a few words about THE biggest (only?) thriller writers' conference of the year.
This was my fourth Craftfest/Thrillerfest in a row - and maybe my last, as The Big Apple is expensive - especially in July! But I had such a great time that I may just scrimp and save to go back again next year...
The conference is four days long, with all day Wed. and Thurs. a.m. devoted to Craftfest workshops and a luncheon. Thurs. pm is Agentfest (which I didn't attend), followed by two days of Thrillerfest panels, interviews, author signings, book-buying, cocktail parties, and general schmoozing and catching up with or getting to know other authors and aspiring authors.
Janice Bashman, David Morrell, Jenny Milchman, Pam Stack |
Lee Child, Anne Rice |
Steven James introduces David Morrell |
Brad Parks was highly entertaining as our panel master. I had prepared handouts on three self-editing-related topics, all of which were scarfed up immediately. I had no idea we'd get a packed room for our panel! Click HERE to read the handouts on steps for revising and self-editing, how to save on editing costs, and cutting word count.
Janice Gable Bashman, Allison Brennan, Jodie Renner |
with Doug Lyle |
If you attended Craftfest and/or Thrillerfest this year, what were some of the highlights for you?
Pam Stack, Jodie, Amy Shojai |
Do you enjoy writers' conferences or conventions? Which are your favorites, and why? How about ones you'd like to attend but haven't yet?
And by the way, as with many big conferences, all the workshops, panels, and interviews were recorded, and you can buy the CDs at www.Thrillerfest.com.
Jodie Renner has published two books to
date in her series, An
Editor’s Guide to Writing Compelling Fiction: Writing a Killer Thriller
and Fire up Your
Fiction (Style That Sizzles & Pacing for
Power), which has
won two book awards so far. Look for the third book in the series, out soon.
For more info, please visit Jodie’s author website or
editor website,
her other blogs, The Kill Zone and Resources for Writers,
or find her on Facebook,
Twitter,
and Google+.
And sign up for her newsletter.
What a wonderful report! I love the pictures - especially the one of you with your books at the top. It's been a long time since I've had time and money and energy coincide in large enough quantities to attend a convention of any kind, but my memories are fond.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for staying awake long enough to do a write-up - and adding pictures. And congrats on the panel and book sales!
Thanks, David! It was exhilarating and I'm "thrilled" to have sold so many of my Writing a Killer Thriller! :)
DeleteThanks, Jodie, for sharing your experience. I'm so glad you had fun and sold books. What could be better? I've always wanted to attend Thrillerfest just to hang out with all those great thriller writers!
ReplyDeleteI wish you could've been there, too, LJ! You would have loved it and the conference would have been richer for your contributions on a panel and overall!
DeleteIt sounds like you had a fabulous time. The photos are terrific, and I'm "thrilled" you sold so many books! One of these days...
ReplyDeleteThanks, Peg! Hope to see you again at a conference - maybe LCC 2014?
DeleteExcellent recap, Jodie. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteGlad you had a great time. I've missed it for the past 3 years, but hope to comeback in 2014. Hopefully we can meet there again and exchange updated business cards. ;-)
Yes, we missed you again this year, Jose. If I go next year, I'll look for you!
ReplyDeleteGood description of a great event. I've only been there once, but it was well worth the cost. ThrillerFest is one of the best.
ReplyDeleteI try to do at least one convention a year and I never fail to walk away without great ideas and positive energy.
I'm hoping to go back to Thrillerfest next year if time permits.
Yes, it was a blast, Teresa. You would have enjoyed it!
DeleteAgreed it was expensive ($4 a doughnut!) but definitely something I'm glad I did. Enjoyed seeing you, Jodie (and glad I was able to give you a Word tip). The craft panels were excellent, and I'm recapping them on my own blog--today's tips from John Sandford on polishing the MS before sending it to your editor. Maybe you'll get cleaner submissions from those who attended.
ReplyDeleteTerry
Terry's Place
Dear Jodie - I was so thrilled to meet you at Thrillerfest, after all of our chats and FB conversations. Those who sat in on your panels were very, very impressed, as was I, but I already knew how brilliant you are! Thanks for posting the photos too. They are part of my cherished memories!
ReplyDeleteAll the best,
Pam Stack
Radio Talk Show host
www.authorsontheair.com
Thanks for your kind words, Pam. It was wonderful finally meeting you in person, too! And congrats on scoring some NYT bestselling authors to interview on your radio talk show! Wow!
ReplyDelete