Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ

A few weeks ago, I attended Thrillerfest 2017 � the premiere conference for thriller enthusiasts, which brings together famous authors and new ones along with industry professionals, agents, and fans. The conference, which took place from July 11-15 at the Grand Hyatt in New York City, is divided into three distinct parts (four if you count some of the preceding activities): Craftfest, Pitchfest (formerly known as AgentFest), and Thrillerfest.

Craftfest is comprised of writing seminars designed to teach the art of thriller writing.  In addition to the writing seminars included in the overall conference fee, one could, for an extra fee, attend the Master Craftfest, which is comprised of eight writing classes taught this year by  ,Ìý,Ìý,Ìý,Ìý, and . I did not sign up for the Master Craftfest.

Pitchfest is like speed dating with agents.  Each person who signs up gets a few minutes with agents to pitch their manuscript or book proposal.  Hundreds of writers are lined up and sent into a room to pitch 50 or so agents and a few editors.  Those who plan to participate in Pitchfest would do well to prepare in advance.  It’s a good idea to research the agents and editors online, find out which ones are looking for your type of book and make a beeline for them first when you get to Pitchfest.

Thrillerfest is composed of additional craft and career seminars, as well as book signings and other events. The main event for Thrillerfest 2017 was the ITW 12th Annual Thriller Awards Banquet, which was held on Saturday, July 15, 2017.  At the banquest, the 2017 ThrillerMaster award was presented to bestselling thriller author Lee Child (the creator of the Jack Reacher series by the 2016 ThrillerMaster Heather Graham.  The 2017 Silver Bullet Award was presented to bestselling author Lisa Gardner by the reknown thriller author John Lescroart. The most coveted award � the 2017 Thriller Legend Award was presented to Tom Doherty by Jon Land.

I’d been to Craftfest and Pitchfest before, but this was the first time I attended Thrillerfest. I took the whole week off from work so that I could participate in most of the events.

I signed up to volunteer at the conference again this year. I like doing that. It makes me feel like I’m a part of the event. It also helps me make new friends and gives me the inside scoop on the goings on. Plus, it helps me get up close and personal with some of the famous authors.  For example, last year, volunteering at the conference gave me the opportunity to meet one of my favorite thriller authors � Jon Land � and to attend dinner with him and a group of authors at a nearby restaurant.  This year though, my assignment was to be the timekeeper who informed the speakers when they had ten minutes left before the end of the seminar.  They gave me a ten minute, a five minute, and a “wrap it up� sign to hold up at the appropriate times.  Needless to say, I wasn’t very popular with the speakers this year.