Killer Nashville: An Inspiring Conference
It’s not easy for an introvert like myself to spend three days interacting nonstop with other folks, but Killer Nashville, which I attended this past weekend, was well worth it. While it was gratifying to have my novel, MISSING MOM, be named the first runner-up for a Silver Falchion Award, the conference is about so much more than writing awards.
with Reed Farrel Coleman and Lynda Rees
Now in its twenty-first year, Killer Nashville reflects the vision of its founder, Clay Stafford. He sought to create an annual gathering of mystery authors at every level of experience and provide them with inspiration, encouragement, education, and an abundance of opportunities to network with other writers and get feedback on their work from agents and editors.
In addition to participating as a panelist on Blogging for Writers, Writing the Amateur Sleuth, and the Defining Characteristics of YA novels, I got so much out of the panels and workshops I attended. They ranged from a wonderful talk by Bradley Harper on the History of Forensics to sessions on Writing Suspense and Combining Humor and Intensity.
I also met fascinating folks, such as a recently retired 26-year veteran of the FBI and an ex-con now writing and speaking passionately as a prison reform advocate. The guests of honor, Heather Graham, Reed Farrel Coleman, and Noelle W. Ihli, gave inspiring talks about their careers as authors. Reed said that of all writing communities, he’s found the mystery writing community to be the most supportive.
I couldn’t agree more. I always come home from Killer Nashville feeling energized about writing and grateful for its lovely community. For any of you who enjoy writing and have an interest in mysteries, I highly recommend attending a Killer Nashville conference!