Thursday 3-Hour Master Classes
2:00-5:00 P.M.
Thursday, August 19, 2027
$135 for registered attendees* / $250 for unregistered participants*
Three Hours. One Focus. A New Perspective on Your Writing.
A conference session can introduce a new idea. A Master Class gives you the time to explore it, put it into practice, and discover how it can strengthen your work.
Killer Nashville’s Thursday Master Classes are three-hour, interactive intensives led by accomplished authors, editors, literary agents, educators, and subject-matter experts. Designed around specific writing, publishing, and professional-development objectives, these limited-capacity classes go beyond traditional lectures to give you the opportunity to ask questions, participate in exercises, examine examples, and apply what you learn to your own work.
Whether you're refining a manuscript, strengthening your storytelling, developing a pitch, or exploring a specialized area of research, you'll leave with practical insight and a clearer direction for moving forward.
More Than a Lecture
Three hours of focused instruction allow you to explore a subject in greater depth than a traditional conference session. Depending on the class, you may participate in guided exercises, analyze manuscript examples, receive feedback, or work directly on a specific challenge in your writing.
Each Master Class offers:
Three hours of focused instruction: Explore a specific writing or publishing topic in depth.
Accomplished instructors: Learn from experienced professionals with expertise in their fields.
Interactive discussion: Ask questions, exchange ideas, and engage directly with your instructor.
Practical exercises: Apply techniques and concepts to your own work when appropriate.
A focused learning environment: Work alongside a limited number of fellow writers for a more concentrated experience.
Practical takeaways: Gain techniques, insights, and direction you can carry into your writing beyond the conference.
Each class is designed around its own subject and learning objectives. Review the individual descriptions to find the intensive that best aligns with your interests and goals.
Choose Your Master Class
Killer Nashville Master Classes cover a range of writing, publishing, and professional-development topics, with subjects and instructors varying each year.
Past classes have explored:
Crafting and delivering effective pitches
Medical and forensic accuracy in crime fiction
Diagnosing manuscript structure and strengthening story arcs
Rewriting and revising for stronger prose
Developing compelling openings and satisfying endings
Building suspense, pacing, and tension within individual scenes
Whether you're looking to solve a specific manuscript challenge or develop a new skill, there's an opportunity to dedicate focused time to an area of your writing that matters to you.
Explore this year's Master Classes below to find your preferred topic and instructor.
A Special Benefit for Four-Day Registrants
Four-Day Killer Nashville registrants receive exclusive discounted pricing on Thursday Master Classes, making these premium, limited-capacity intensives an especially valuable addition to the conference experience.
Four-Day Registrants: $135
$250 Community price
Save $115 off the regular price.
Each Master Class is a separate purchase and guarantees you a reserved seat in your selected three-hour intensive.
Open to the Writing Community
You don't have to attend the full Killer Nashville conference to participate in a Thursday Master Class. Writers from the broader community are welcome to purchase an individual class and take part in this focused learning experience.
Community Price: $250
Your ticket includes admission to one selected three-hour Master Class and a reserved seat. It does not include admission to the remainder of the Killer Nashville conference.
Find the Class That Fits Your Goals
Master Classes are open to writers at various stages of their journeys, from emerging authors to experienced and published writers. Individual classes may have specific experience levels or preparation requirements, so review each description before registering.
Some classes may encourage you to bring manuscript pages, a pitch, a scene, or a particular writing challenge to explore during the session. Arriving prepared to engage with the subject can help you make the most of your time.
Thursday Master Class Details
Date: Thursday August 19, 2027
Time: 2:00–5:00 p.m.
Duration: Three hours
Four-Day Registrant Price: $135
Community Price: $250
Format: Interactive, limited-capacity intensive
Registration: Select one Master Class; each class requires a separate purchase
Availability: Limited seats; advance registration is recommended
All Master Classes take place simultaneously, so participants may register for one class.
Give Your Writing Three Undivided Hours
Sometimes, moving forward means stepping back and giving one part of your writing the time and attention it deserves. A Killer Nashville Master Class gives you the opportunity to work closely with an accomplished professional, explore a subject in depth, and return to your writing with new skills and a clearer sense of direction.
Choose your Master Class and reserve your seat.
Four-Day Registrants: $135 | Community Participants: $250
*Unless otherwise noted
“Fun and motivating!”
– Wendy Kendall
2027 MASTER CLASS OPTIONS COMING SOON
2026 MASTER CLASS OPTIONS
↓ Four Master Classes to Choose From – Scroll Down ↓
Pitching / Nicola Pittam [MC 1]
$154 for registered attendees* / $268 for unregistered participants*
Master the skill that can unlock opportunities in your writing career. In this impactful masterclass, agent Nicola Pittam demonstrates how to pitch with clarity, confidence, and purpose, whether you’re speaking to an agent, publisher, or Hollywood executive.
Learn how to craft a compelling pitch that captures attention quickly and leaves decision-makers eager for more. Nicola leverages her experience pitching in various formats, from quick elevator pitches to full in-room presentations, and winning multiple pitch competitions.
You’ll explore different types of pitches, what to include and omit, how to make your pitch memorable, and how to customize it for your audience. You’ll also learn how to confidently present your story and yourself while avoiding common mistakes.
During the session, attendees will get a chance to pitch Nicola and receive direct, practical feedback.
Nicola Pittam
Nicola Pittam is a British journalist, award winning author and screenwriter. She has published 4 best selling books and her scripts have placed in such contests as the Bitch List, The Grey List’s Top 40 Writers Over 40 in Hollywood in 2023 and 2025, Shore Scripts, Atlanta Film Festival, LA International Screenplay Awards, Table Read My Screenplay & Austin Film Festival. She is also the COO and Acquisition Agent for Dark Anthem Press. Nicola is a member of The Author’s Guild, Women In Film, The IWC (Independent Writers’ Caucus) and The International Press Association.
Dark Anthem is currently looking for genre fiction – horror, sci-fi, fantasy, dystopian YA, dark gothic and thrillers.
Website: https://darkanthempress.com/
“I love this conference. I went last year for the first time and can’t wait for this one. I’m excited to be on a panel and looking forward to listening to other authors and friends discuss their writing experiences and insights!”
– Susan Crawford
Deadly Details: Medical & Forensic Truths Every Crime Writer Must Know / DP Lyle [MC 2]
Join this live Q&A with DP Lyle, MD, as he explores the medical and forensic truths behind crime fiction. Bring your questions about your story and learn how to get the science accurate—without slowing down your narrative. Ideal for writers seeking authenticity, accuracy, and credibility.
DP Lyle
DP Lyle is the Amazon #1 Bestselling; Macavity and Benjamin Franklin Award-winning; and Edgar(2), Agatha, Anthony, Shamus, Scribe, Silver Falchion, and USA Today Best Book(2) Award-nominated author of 26 books, both non-fiction and fiction (the Samantha Cody, Dub Walker, Jake Longly, and Cain/Harper thriller series and the Royal Pains media tie-in series). He hosts the Crime Fiction Writer’s Blog, the Criminal Mischief: The Art and Science of Crime Fiction YouTube/podcast series, and is co-creator of the Outliers Writing University. He has served as story consultant to many novelists and the screenwriters of shows such as Law & Order, CSI: Miami, Diagnosis Murder, Monk, Judging Amy, Peacemakers, Cold Case, House, Medium, Women’s Murder Club, 1-800-Missing, The Glades, and Pretty Little Liars.
Website: https://www.dplylemd.com
Outliers Writing University: https://www.outlierswritinguniversity.com
“I owe my writing career to Killer Nashville. I am grateful for all I’ve gotten from Killer Nashville and recommend it to any new writers.”
– Nina Wachsman
The #1 Structural Mistake We See in Manuscripts (And How to Fix It) / JJ Cagney and Carol Potenza [MC 3]
Address the issue that halts more manuscripts than anything else. In this intensive, hands-on workshop, JJ Cagney and Carol Potenza identify the most common structural problem in unpublished work: a protagonist without a clear, driving goal.
Through guided exercises and real examples, you’ll learn how to identify weaknesses in your story’s foundation and rebuild it with stronger goals, motivations, and stakes. Discover how to transform a reactive character into an active force, align your plot with your genre, and make sure every scene advances your story.
Participants will revise their own story spine, identify problem areas in their manuscripts, and develop a clear plan to strengthen plot, pacing, and character arc.
You’ll depart with a solid structural foundation, practical revisions, and a clear roadmap to bring your manuscript closer to publication.
JJ Cagney
J.J. Cagney writes twisty, atmospheric mysteries and thrillers where every clue is a risk and every secret comes at a price. Her award-winning books follow smart, determined protagonists as they face danger, both in the wild landscapes of New Mexico and Yellowstone and in their own lives.
Cagney is best known for the acclaimed Cici Gurule Mysteries. A Pilgrimage to Death was named one of Kirkus Reviews’ 100 Best Books of 2018, won the National Indie Excellence Award, and became a Goodreads Best Mysteries reader favorite. An Artifact of Death was called “an exhilarating entry in a thoroughly enjoyable series” (Kirkus Reviews) and was a BookLife Award quarterfinalist. Her newer books, like Bayou Venom, have also earned her Judge’s Top Pick for both the Claymore and Silver Falchion Awards at Killer Nashville 2025.
Before becoming a full-time storyteller, Cagney worked as a literary agent and as a marketing director for elite athletes. These jobs helped her develop a sharp sense for high-stakes drama and character-driven conflict. She now lives in northern New Mexico with her family, two mischievous dogs, and a small but suspiciously well-organized tank of fish.
Cagney’s next thriller, The Kill Line, is a gripping cat-and-mouse survival story set deep in Yellowstone. It will be released on August 25, 2026, by City Owl Press.
Carol Potenza
Carol Potenza is the award-winning author of Hearts of the Missing, a Tony Hillerman Prize, winner, Spirit Daughters, a Daphne du Maurier Mainstream Mystery/Suspense winner, and Sting of Lies, a Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Finalist. She taught biochemistry at New Mexico State University before transitioning to a full-time mystery writer. Carol is a lifelong learner who loves the challenges of writing and craft. In her books, she specializes in creating a combination of strong women sleuths, paranormal and murder, mixed with science or, as she likes to call it—Biochem-Mystery. She sets all her mysteries—historical, contemporary, and futuristic—in the beautiful state of New Mexico, her adopted home.
“This was an amazing writing experience that I would recommend to writers at any level. I learned so much at this conference, saw interesting speakers, had opportunities to meet with agents and editors, and made new friends. The people who run this are warm and hospitable. I hope I can return.”
– Faith Maria
Buffing and Polishing: The Art of the Rewrite / John DeDakis, Traci Hunter Abramson, Christine Fairchild [MC 4]
Ernest Hemingway once said, "Writing is all in the rewriting." In this session, you'll receive expert guidance and practical advice from Traci Hunter Abramson, Christine M. Fairchild, and John DeDakis, three experienced professionals with many years as authors, editors, and teachers. They will give you a clear and detailed checklist to help you revise what you’ve written. Join them as they talk about the main areas to focus on, common mistakes to avoid, and ways to improve your manuscript. We'll also examine examples of how awkward writing can be improved. This is a thorough approach to editing, covering everything from big picture to small details.
John DeDakis
Award-winning novelist John DeDakis is a former editor on CNN's "The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer." DeDakis is the author of six traditionally published mystery-suspense thriller novels. He is a podcaster, one-on-one writing coach, manuscript editor, and regularly teaches novel writing at literary centers and writers’ conferences nationwide.
Website: www.johndedakis.com
Traci Hunter Abramson
Traci Hunter Abramson worked for the Central Intelligence Agency for six years, eventually resigning in order to raise her family. She credits the CIA with giving her a wealth of ideas as well as the skills needed to survive her children’s teenage years. She prefers it when her research requires a plane ticket and loves to explore new places. She has written more than fifty best-selling titles and is a ten-time Whitney Award winner. You can find out more about Traci at www.traciabramson.com.
Christine Fairchild
Christine M. Fairchild writes Suspense and Historical Fiction, so she understands the challenges authors face. Through workshops, conferences and editing guides, Christine helps authors take their work/career to the next level. A former journalist/editor with 35yrs experience, she now operates as a Book Doctor specializing in Suspense Fiction. https://EditorDevil.blogspot.com
“Some force from somewhere in this complicated universe was kind enough to send me to this great annual writers’ conference. I went from taking notes on how to publish a novel at Killer Nashville to being on their published authors’ panels. I cannot say enough about Killer Nashville.”
– Linda Thorne
Pivots and Payoff: How to Write an Unforgettable Ending Every Time / Steven James [MC 5]
Create endings your readers won't forget. In this impactful session, bestselling author and writing instructor Steven James shares how to craft compelling pivots and payoffs that are both surprising and inevitable.
You’ll learn how to build toward a climax that fulfills your story’s promises while still surprising readers. Discover how to craft believable and satisfying twists, avoid predictable or forced reveals, and shape turning points that deepen meaning and increase tension.
Steven also questions common storytelling myths, including the idea of traditional rising action, and shows you what to focus on instead. Drawing on over a decade of teaching worldwide and his acclaimed craft books, including Delve, Pivot, Propel, he provides a fresh, practical approach you can use for any story.
Walk away with the skills to craft endings that surprise, satisfy, and linger with your readers long after the last page.
Steven James
Steven James is the critically acclaimed, bestselling author of more than fifty books. With a master's degree in storytelling, he has taught writing and storytelling around the world, appearing more than 2000 times on five continents. His award-winning, groundbreaking book Story Trumps Structure has equipped thousands of authors to write organically. For the last fifteen years he has taught novel writing intensives around the country. Publishers Weekly has called him a "master storyteller at the peak of his game."
“I got home yesterday from my first Killer Nashville, and I still feel like I’m flying. Thank you so much for the FANTASTIC conference. I met so many wonderful people and learned so much.”
– Lori Roberts Herbst
Unputdownable Openings / Miranda Darrow [MC 6]
Hook readers from the very first page. In this focused, practical session, attending editor Miranda Darrow shows you how to craft openings that capture attention and keep agents, editors, and readers turning pages.
Learn the essential elements every strong beginning needs, the common mistakes that weaken first pages, and how to ensure you start your story in the right place. Using examples from published works and insights gained from reviewing thousands of submissions as a RevPit editor, Miranda will help you ground readers in your character’s goal, motivation, and conflict while building a vivid setting and engaging scene without relying on info-dumps.
Walk away prepared to revise your opening into something truly unputdownable.
Miranda Darrow
Miranda Darrow is a freelance fiction editor and #RevPit online revision contest board member and contributing editor. She's a frequent presenter at writing groups, conferences, and online writing events. Miranda’s Concise Fiction Academy series of writing craft books and courses combines her experience as a freelance editor and a corporate attorney into an executive summary of complex writing topics with an overview, key recommendations, and sources for more information, all with a dash of humor. Miranda is doing a slow tour of the upper Midwest: she grew up in Wisconsin in a county with six times as many cows as people, attended college in Iowa surrounded by tall corn, and now lives in the great north woods of Minnesota with her husband, teen sons, and a bossy little dog.
“Killer Nashville International Writers’ Conference got me published a lot faster and easier than if I’d gone about it another way.”
– Margaret Fenton
The Anatomy of Mystery: Deconstructing The Scene / Steven Womack, Beth Terrell, and Lisa Wysocky [MC 7]
Behind every unforgettable mystery lies a carefully crafted scene—the tense quiet interrogation, the shocking reveal that flips everything upside down, the small but significant exchange that sets up the final twist.
In this immersive master class, award-winning authors Jaden Terrell, Steven Womack, and Lisa Wysocky explore the mechanics of mystery fiction. Together, we’ll analyze iconic scenes from both classic and modern mysteries to see how skilled writers use structure, pacing, character, and point of view to build suspense and reveal secrets.
You will learn how to:
Identify the purpose of key scenes and how they move the story forward.
Create suspense and surprise using dialogue, gestures, and sensory details.
Use scene design to enhance stakes and emotional impact.
Maintain flow from discovery to confrontation to payoff.
By the end of this session, you’ll see the scene not just as a moment in a story but as the essential engine of mystery itself. Whether you're writing your first whodunit or refining a complex thriller, this master class will sharpen your instincts for how great mysteries are crafted—one scene at a time.
Steven Womack
Edgar and Shamus Award-winning author Steven Womack created the groundbreaking Music City Murders series, the first series to put Nashville on the map as a mystery setting. He’s also the author of a number of other novels, including the New York Times Notable Book Murphy’s Fault. A screenwriter and member of the Writers Guild of America as well, he co-wrote the ABC-TV movie Volcano: Fire On The Mountain. For twenty-five years, he was on the faculty of Tennessee’s first film school, the Watkins Film School.
He also writes a monthly column for Killer Nashville Magazine called This Crazy Writing Life.
Visit his website: www.stevenwomack.com.
Jaden (Beth) Terrell
Jaden (Beth) Terrell is a Shamus Award finalist and the internationally published author of the Nashville-based Jared McKean private detective series. Terrell’s short stories, which range from cozy to noir, have appeared in several anthologies, and she’s a contributor to ITW’s The Big Thrill online magazine and Now Write! Mysteries, a collection of how-to essays for writers of crime fiction. Terrell is the recipient of the Killer Nashville Builder Award and two awards for service to the Southeast Mystery Writers of America. She offers workshops, coaching, and courses for writers.
Website: https://www.jadenterrell.com
Lisa Wysocky
Lisa Wysocky is an award-winning horse trainer / riding instructor who runs the nonprofit Colby’s Army. An editor / ghostwriter, she authors the award-winning Cat Enright cozy series (now in film pre-production), hosts the award-winning Celebs with Horses podcast, and often co-hosts Horses in the Morning on the Horse Radio Network. lisawysocky.com.