A Conference for Mystery and Suspense Writers

Mystery lovers, here’s a conference you don’t want to miss. On August 26-28, 2011, Killer Nashville, one of the fastest growing conferences for mystery writers in the country, will convene at the Hutton Hotel in downtown Nashville, Tennessee. This conference has grown so much over the past six years that it had to move to a larger hotel this year to accommodate those attending.

Since 2006, Killer Nashville has been attracting scores of authors, screenwriters, playwrights, filmmakers, fans, attorneys, editors, agents, and publishers. Speakers in the past have included such bestselling authors as Michael Connelly, Carol Higgins Clark, and last year’s guest of honor Jeffrey Deaver who had just been commissioned by the Ean Fleming estate to write the next James Bond novel.

One of the goals of the organizers in the beginning was to assist writers by helping them develop a better understanding of the craft of mystery, thriller, and true crime genres. To better meet the needs of those attending, five concurrent tracks are offered. (1) The Writing Track provides information, support, and craft techniques for beginning writers, playwrites, and filmmakers. (2) The Publishing Track offers information regarding agents, editors, and contracts. (3) The Career Management & Promotion Track discusses the areas of business, finance, and promotion for established writers. (4) The Forensic Track provides insight into the latest forensic investigation techniques. (5) The Fan Track is for those who want to meet with authors. However, you can jump from one track to another as you see sessions you want to attend.

One of my favorite sessions last year was a group of rescue workers who came with their trained cadaver and rescue dogs and did a presentation on how they train and work with their dogs to help law enforcement. Another favorite of everybody in attendance is the realistic crime scene put together in one of the hotel rooms by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. Attendees are challenged to visit the crime scene and solve a murder mystery. In addition to this, editor and agent pitch sessions are available as well as critiques, and there is a mystery trivia contest.

This year there will be two Guests of Honor—Donald Bain and Robert Dugoni.

Donald Bain is the author of more than 100 books and presently writes a series of original novels based on the television series Murder, She Wrote. Jessica Fletcher appears in the books as a fictitious character.  

Robert Dugoni is a New York Times bestselling author and has been published in 18 countries. He teaches the craft of writing throughout the United States.

 Killer Nashville promises to be one of the best conferences of the year for mystery writers. For more information go to the website.

Conferences are a must for writers who want to improve their craft, network with others in the publishing industry, and hopefully sell their work. There are many opportunities available this summer and fall. Which one are you going to attend? Leave a comment and tell us what you hope to learn there.