ThrillerFest: The Writer’s Life

Over the course of this year’s ThrillerFest, the highs and lows of the writer’s life—both as a craft and as a business—were discussed at length. In one-on-one interviews with genre titans Mark Billingham, Charlaine Harris, and Thrillermaster Nelson DeMille, as well as in a number of breakout panels, many of the participating authors shared about… Read more »

Thrillerfest: Industry Experts on Platforming

At this year’s ThrillerFest, discussions about platforming and marketing focused heavily on social media. Lynne Constantine suggested writers should of social media as a virtual cocktail party, in terms of how you should interact with others—it’s about connections, not sales. So don’t let social media platforming intimidate you—Kimberley Cameron assured that “It’s nothing to be… Read more »

Writing Full Time: When Writing Is Your Life

Writing full time. Every writer’s fantasy, right? It’s our ultimate goal, isn’t it? Selling enough books to quit the day job. I’ve been testing the theory over the last four weeks on an extended break from my day job, and I have to confess, I’m not sure if it’s my ultimate fantasy anymore. I know…. Read more »

#5onFri: Five Reasons ThrillerFest ROCKS!

I spent the first week in July at ThrillerFest, the major conference run by ITW (International Thriller Writers). As someone who spends a big chunk of each year at various conferences, I’m not supposed to play favorites, but come on we all have favorites, and it’s not like I’m choosing from among my children. So… Read more »

ThrillerFest: Top Quotes from the Industry Greats

ThillerFest was busting at the seams with the industry’s legends and heavy hitters, including legendary names like Sandra Brown and this year’s Thriller Master Nelson DeMille, along with the creators of beloved famous characters like Rambo, Dr. Temperance Brennan, and Sookie Stackhouse. The four-day event was crammed to the brim with presentations, panels and author… Read more »

Selling Short Stories, Part 1: Know Your Value

I just read Playing the Short Game, by Doug Smith.  It had some very valuable insight about the short story market.  Over the next few articles, I’ll be distilling some of his insights about short stories, as well as adding a few of my own.  This week I’ll be preparing the soil, so to speak,… Read more »