Killer Nashville Writers’ Conference early check-in.
Located at the conference entrance (from Hutton Hotel main lobby, use stairs across from check-in or take elevator to 2nd floor. Cross to parking garage elevators and take parking garage elevators to top floor)
Killer Nashville 2013 Schedule
(Tentative Schedule: Times & Topics Subject to Change)
Upcoming Events
August 22, 2013
Conference Pre-Registration
Killer Wine Night (Wine Tasting Event)
Join us for an enjoyable evening tasting 4 specially collected wines and a chef’s small plate, located in the private dining rooms of the 1808 Grille within the hotel. (Ticketed Event)
You may purchase tickets for this event on our wine tasting page or during your registration.
Mysteries & More Booksellers Presents: Pre-Conference Activity
Show up and Play – Prizes will be awarded
In 2010 and 2011 it was Mystery Trivia, last year it was Mystery Bingo, what will Mysteries & More have in store for us this year!
Free for conference attendees
August 23, 2013
Registration & Information Desk
The registration and information desk will be open during the hours of the main conference sessions to answer questions, take payments for any extras, give directions, or anything else that we may be able to assist you with.
We also have the ability to make copies and print from most media for an additional fee.
Bookstores are Open
Barnes & Noble Booksellers is located in Hillsboro Room #3
Mysteries & More Bookstore is located in Hillsboro Room #2
On Site Bookstores are open to the public
Opening Remarks
Clay Stafford, Founder of Killer Nashville
Jaden (Beth) Terrell, Executive Director of Killer Nashville
Session 1 (Opening Session) TBA
Presenter: Dr. Hugh Berryman, Forensic Anthropologist, Director of the Forensic Institute for Research and Education (FIRE)
Crime Scene Detective Award Instructions
TBI Special Agents Dan Royse & Mike Breedlove will explain how the Crime Scene Detective Award contest works, where it is, and how to fill out the forms.
CRIME SCENE OPENS AT 10:00 AM
Meet & Greet with the Author
Chat with authors, presenters, panelists, and get books signed.
Crime Scene Open
The Killer Nashville Mock Crime Scene is open
Friday – 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday – 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Session 2 (Craft of Writing Workshop 1)
TBA
Presenter: Bob Mayer, Author/Consultant
Session 3 – A Nuts & Bolts Approach to Launching a Writing Career
Business of Writing Workshop 1
Presenter: TBA
Session 4 – Walking Through Time: How to Research and Write a Historical Mystery
Subgenre Workshop 1
Presenters: TBA
Session 5 – Author Readings and Q&A
Light and Traditional Crime Fiction
Panelists: TBA
Moderator: TBA
Session 6 – Interrogation Techniques
Forensic Workshop 1
Presenter: Sgt Derek Pacifico, Retired Homicide Detective
Meet and Greet with Panelists & Authors
Chat with the panelists and authors, get books signed
Session 7 – Double Duty: Using Character Perceptions to Build Depth and Bring Settings to Life
Craft of Writing Session
Panelists: TBA
Session 8 – Self-Publishing: Is It For You?
Panelists: TBA
Moderator: TBA
Session 10 – The Idea Mill: Writers Talk About What Inspired Their Novels & Where Ideas Come From
Panelists: TBA
Session 11 – “What Happens When You…”: A Short Course in Murder
Forensic Presentation
Presenter: Dave Ciambrone, SC.D., FIOF
Meet and Greet with Panelists & Authors
Chat with the panelists and authors, get books signed
Session 12 – Boot Camp for Mystery & Thriller Writers
Craft of Writing Session
Presenters: Authors Randy Rawls & Sylvia Dickey Smith
Session 13 – Be Your Own Editor: Make Your Book the Best it Can Be
Craft of Writing Session
Panelists: TBA
Moderator: TBA
Session 15 – Presentation TBA
Presenter: Marilyn Fisher, Author / Professor
Session 16 – Identifying Remains Through Forensic Dentistry
Forensic Presentation
Presenter: Dr. Michael Tabor, Forensic Odontologist
Forensic odontology, or forensic dentistry, is a vital tool in the identification of human remains—and sometimes in the apprehension of criminals. Ted Bundy was convicted on the identification of bite marks on a victim, and dental records are often used to identify victims of foul play and even of mass disasters like Hurricane Katrina. If you’ve ever wondered how experts can glean so much from a person’s teeth, you’ll want to attend this presentation by forensic odontologist Dr. Mike Tabor. Dr. Tabor is the recipient of the most prestigious award in his field and has worked on high-profile cases with law enforcement officials across the country.
Session 14 – Outsmarting the Smartphone: How Everyday Technology Helps and Hinders the Modern-Day Sleuth
Panelists: TBA
Back in the good old days, a private detective or amateur sleuth could justify entering the villain’s secluded hideout alone because they were miles from a telephone. Now, when everyone has a cell phone (and probably an internet connection) in his or her pocket, it’s not so easy to justify not just calling the police. After all, how many times can you use a dead cell phone battery as an excuse? (Does the sleuth play one too many games of Angry Birds instead of paying attention to the stakeout?) And how do you keep things interesting when so much of a modern detective’s work involves tapping computer keys and peering at a keyboard? On this panel, published mystery and thriller authors will discuss how technology makes life both easier and more difficult for the savvy crime writer.
Meet and Greet with Panelists & Authors
Chat with the panelists and authors, get books signed
Session 17 – Reverse Engineering the Novel
Craft of Writing Session
Presenter: Author Laura Hayden
Session 18 – What Every Author Should Know About Contract Negotiation
Business of Writing Session
Presenter: Paul MacArthur, Representative for the National Writers Union
Session 19 – Writing and Selling Romantic Suspense
Panelists: TBA
Moderator: TBA
Session 21 – On Beyond Browning: Firearms for Writers
Forensic Presentation
Presenter: Ernest Lancaster
Session 20 – Cooking Up Trouble
The Sweet, Saucy, Spicy, Seductive, and Sensual Side of Food in Art and Literature
(Come ready to sample!)
Presenters: Authors Honora Finkelstein and Susan Smily
For centuries, writers and artists have linked love with death, sex with violence. Nowhere is this connection embodied as clearly as in aphrodisiac foods, which are said to arouse desire and enhance performance, but which are often poisonous in larger quantities. Join authors Honora Finklestein and Susan Smiley for a fun and lively presentation on aphrodisiacs. Smiley and Finklestein will illustrate their presentation with plenty of tasty (and nonpoisonous) goodies to share.
Cash Bar
Cash Bar located in Conference Lobby Area
Meet and Greet with Panelists & Authors
Chat with panelists and authors, get books signed
Breakout Session 1 – Craft of Writing Breakout
TICKETED EVENT
Presenters: TBA
Breakout Session 2 – Q&A with Agents and Editors
TICKETED EVENT
Panelists: Killer Nashville Publishing Professionals
Moderator: TBA
Breakout Session 3 – Serial Killers & Mass Murderers
TICKETED EVENT
Presenter: Author Patrick Kendrick
Sisters in Crime Party
Come help Sisters in Crime celebrate their 27th anniversary in style!
All Killer Nashville Participants welcome – no additional charge
August 24, 2013
Session 22 – Pen & Sword
Wake up the little gray cells with Susan McDonald
Susan is a writer and certified Forza Instructor who teachers samurai sword-based training classes at Vanderbilt University. She finds that the focused repetitive sword movements free the mind, stir creativity, and help overcome bouts of writer’s block.
Registration & Information Desk
The registration and information desk will be open during the hours of the main conference sessions to answer questions, take payments for any extras, give directions, or anything else that we may be able to assist you with.
We also have the ability to make copies and print from most media for an additional fee.
Bookstores are Open
Barnes & Noble Booksellers is located in Hillsboro Room #3
Mysteries & More Bookstore is located in Hillsboro Room #2
On Site Bookstores are open to the public
Crime Scene Open
The Killer Nashville Mock Crime Scene is open
Friday – 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday – 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Session 23 – Advanced Fiction Writing
Craft of Writing Workshop 2
Presenter: Philip Cioffari, Author and Award-winning Independent Filmmaker
Session 24 – Book Cover Design
What Makes A Good Cover and How Do You Create One?
Business Workshop 2
Presenters: TBA
Session 25 – Writing Paranormal Mysteries & Suspense
Subgenre Workshop 2
Presenter: TBA
Session 26 – Author Reading Session and Q&A
Thrillers, Procedurals, Medium-to-Hardboiled Crime Fiction
Panelists: TBA
Moderator: TBA
Session 27 – (Forensic Workshop 2)
Forensic Workshop 2
Presenter: Sheila L. Stephens, Former ATF Agent / Private Detective / Law Enforcement and Forensic Psychology Expert
Meet and Greet with Panelists & Authors
Chat with panelists and authors, get books signed
Session 28 – Interview with Guest of Honor D.P. Lyle
D. P. Lyle, MD is the Macavity Award winning and Edgar, Agatha, Scribe, and USA Best Book Award nominated author of many non-fiction books as well as numerous works of fiction.
Moderator: Clay Stafford, Bestselling Author/Filmmaker, Founder of Killer Nashville
Session 29 – Presentation by Guest of Honor D.P. Lyle
D. P. Lyle, MD is the Macavity Award winning and Edgar, Agatha, Scribe, and USA Best Book Award nominated author of many non-fiction books as well as numerous works of fiction.
Meet and Greet with Author
Chat with the author and get books signed
Network Lunch
(on your own)
Reminder: Crime Scene available for viewing until 1:00 PM
Session 30 – Interview with Guest of Honor Anne Perry
Anne Perry is the award-winning, bestselling author of two acclaimed series set in Victorian England: the William Monk novels and the Charlotte and Thomas Pitt novels. She is also the author of a series of World War I novels, as well as six holiday novels, most recently A Christmas Garland. Anne Perry lives in Scotland.
Moderator: Clay Stafford, Bestselling Author/Filmmaker, Founder of Killer Nashville
Solving the Killer Nashville Crime Scene
TBI Special Agents Dan Royse and Mike Breedlove
Session 31 – Presentation by Guest of Honor Anne Perry
Anne Perry is the award-winning, bestselling author of two acclaimed series set in Victorian England: the William Monk novels and the Charlotte and Thomas Pitt novels. She is also the author of a series of World War I novels, as well as six holiday novels, most recently A Christmas Garland. Anne Perry lives in Scotland.
Meet and Greet with the Author
Chat with the author, get books signed
Session 32 – Your Writing Future in a Changing Industry
Q&A with Killer Nashville Publishing Professionals
Panelists: Deni Dietz, Evan Gregory, Jill Marr, Brooks Sherman, Marty Shepard, and other KN Publishing Professionals
Moderator: Clay Stafford
Cash Bar
Cash bar located in Conference Lobby Area
Meet and Greet with Authors & Panelists
Chat with authors and panelists, get books signed
Breakout Session 4 – Synopsis Writing Workshop
TICKETED EVENT
Presenter: TBA
Breakout Session 5 – Building Your Author Platform
TICKETED EVENT
Presenter: Author Bob Mayer
Breakout Session 6 – Forensic Case Study
TICKETED EVENT
Presenter: TBA
Mystery Writers of America Party
All Killer Nashville Participants welcome – no additional charge
Guests of Honor Dinner & Awards Banquet
TICKETED EVENT
Guests of Honor Dinner & Awards Banquet with Anne Perry and D.P. Lyle
After Dinner Entertainment
Mark Miller (of The Grass Roots) & The Pink Cadillac Band
Enjoy the music and dance to the band
August 25, 2013
Registration & Information Desk
The registration and information desk will be open during the hours of the main conference sessions to answer questions, take payments for any extras, give directions, or anything else that we may be able to assist you with.
We also have the ability to make copies and print from most media for an additional fee.
Bookstores are Open
Barnes & Noble Booksellers is located in Hillsboro Room #3
Mysteries & More Bookstore is located in Hillsboro Room #2
On Site Bookstores are open to the public
Session 33 – How to Hook Readers and Reel Them In
Writing Workshop 3
Presenter: Will Lavender, NYT Bestselling Author
Session 34 – Print & E-Book Formatting and Distribution for Self-Publishers
Business Workshop 3
Presenters: TBA
Session 35 – Writing and Selling The Crime-Related Graphic Novel
Subgenre Workshop 3
Presenter: TBA
Session 36 – Author Readings and Q&A
Romantic Suspense, Paranormal Suspense, YA
Panelists: TBA
Moderator: TBA
Session 37 – First on the Scene: Investigation & Collection of Physical Evidence
Forensic Workshop 3
Presenter: Forensic Investigator / Author Steven Bradshaw
Meet and Greet with Panelists & Authors
Chat with panelists & authors, get books signed
Session 38 – A Novelist’s Timeline
Panelists: TBA
Moderator: TBA
Session 39 – Marketing & Promotion for Small-Press & Self-Published Authors
Panelists: TBA
Moderator: TBA
Session 40 – Fiction on the Fringes: Mysteries with GLBT or Pagan Protagonists
Panelists: TBA
Moderator: TBA
Session 41 – Who Writers Read and Why
Panelists: TBA
Moderator: TBA
Session 42 – Serial Offenders and What Makes Them Tick
Forensic Presentation
Presenter: Brent Warberg
Meet and Greet with Panelists & Authors
Chat with panelists & authors, get books signed
Session 43 – What Fiction Writers Can Learn About Craft From Films & Graphic Novels
LIBRARY POLICE LIVE PODCAST
Presenters: The Library Police (reviewers, podcast hosts) Josh Mauthe & Dietrich Stogner, Author
Session 44 – Your Author Website: How To Make It Work For You
Panelists: TBA
Moderator: TBA
Session 45 – (TBA)
TBA
Presenter: TBA
Session 46 – Fiction That Matters
Panelists: TBA
Moderator: TBA
Session 47 – Forensic Presentation
Forensic Presentation
Presenter: Michael G. Bunch, Retired EMT-P/FF, Nashville Fire Department
Meet and Greet with Panelists & Authors
Chat with panelists and authors, get books signed
Breakout Session 7 – Query Writing Workshop
TICKETED EVENT
Presenter: TBA
Breakout Session 8 – Business of Writing Breakout
TICKETED EVENT
Presenter: TBA
Breakout Session 9 – An Overview of Forensic Psychology
TICKETED EVENT
Presenter: TBA
Conference Ends
Conference Ends, Bookstores Close