ThrillerFest is a unique event that not only gives anyone attending the opportunity to learn the craft of writing and developing a writing career, but it gives you an opportunity to meet and to learn from some of the most highly acclaimed authors in the genre.
From Lee Child and Anne Rice to R.L. Stine and David Morrell, the impressive list of attendees is just the beginning for listing reasons why you would want to attend.
When you have thriller writers, many who are lawyers, doctors and other high level professionals, willing to teach advanced or beginning workshops on the craft of writing you know you’ve got something truly special, but it goes beyond that. International Thriller Writers organization, which puts on the event in New York each year, is knows for helping new authors, for paying-forward and for finding and creating opportunities for all authors at all levels of their career.
Sheila Clover English and Lee Child
Steve Berry gave a talk about POV that was truly some of the best craft advice I’ve ever gotten. Another great workshop was with Alexandra Sokoloff who talked about the rhythm of writing and Gayle Lynds who talked about how to create great characters. And I got great advice from John Sandford’spanel on techniques and ideas to burnish your text!
I got an opportunity to speak with David Morrell who wrote the Rambo books, but recently wrote a Victorian era thriller novel that is amazing!!! If you love historicals and mystery you have got to check this book out! He also told me that his Spider-Man
comic finally got approval for publication and that’s coming out soon! Have you ever met an author that you hadn’t read before, but because they are such amazing human beings you gave their books a try? David is like that for me. He is so interesting and so charming and kind that you want to support him. Then, look out, cause you’ll get hooked because his stuff is so engaging and entertaining!
I walked around the room at parties, still feeling that sense of awe that I am surrounded by so many talented authors, even though I’ve attended ThrillerFest for many years. It never gets old. I turn around and there’s Brad Meltzer walking by, smiling, then Heather Graham comes up and gives me a hug, Allison Brennan asks me how I’m doing. Joseph Finder (who I call “Gentleman Joe” because of an experience I had with him during an RT event. Great guy!!) signed the book I had secretly carried with me during the entire event waiting to run into him
and he even wrote “So good to see you again” and I was so fan girly I am hoping I didn’t totally embarrass myself. Probably did. But, Joe’s too nice to tell anyone. Lol
Before the awards were given out they gave a moment of silence to Vince Flynn who, sadly, passed away this year. Looking at his picture I was stuck by how young he was. I met him once years ago and will always remember that.
Here are the award winners! Do you know any of these authors? Read any of these books?
BEST HARDCOVER NOVEL
Brian Freeman – SPILLED BLOOD (SilverOak)
BEST PAPERBACK ORIGINAL NOVEL
Sean Doolittle – LAKE COUNTRY (Bantam)
BEST FIRST NOVEL
Matthew Quirk – THE 500 (Reagan Arthur Books)
BEST E-BOOK ORIGINAL NOVEL
CJ Lyons – BLIND FAITH (Minotaur Books)
BEST YOUNG ADULT NOVEL
Dan Krokos – FALSE MEMORY (Hyperion Books CH)
BEST SHORT STORY
John Rector – “Lost Things” (Thomas & Mercer)
Also receiving special recognition during the ThrillerFest VIII Awards Banquet:
Anne Rice, ThrillerMaster
in recognition of her legendary career and outstanding contributions to the thriller genre
Steve Berry, Literary Silver Bullet Award
USO, Corporate Silver Bullet Award
The board of directors and members of the International Thriller Writers wish to congratulate all the winners and nominees of the 2013 Thriller Awards.
