Schedule – Thursday, August 21st, 2025
1:00 – 7:00 PM • Registration
Registration Desk (Atrium) and Bookstore (Magnolia/Iris/Azalea) open to receive incoming consignment books
2:00 – 5:00 PM • Thursday Master Class Presentations
Master Class 1 – Thrillers: The Nuts and Bolts Master Class
– Kathleen Antrim, Steven James, D.P. Lyle – Ticketed Event – Advance Registration Required (Oak)
Master Class 2 – How to Write a True Crime Thriller Master Class
– Peter Houlahan – Ticketed Event – Advance Registration Required (Maple)
Master Class 3 – Build Your Author Platform and Launch a Stellar Book Marketing Campaign Master Class
– Jeniffer Thompson – Ticketed Event – Advance Registration Required (Hickory)
Master Class 4 – Forensics for Writers Master Class
– Mary Jumbelic – Ticketed Event – Advance Registration Required (Sycamore)
Master Class 5 – Creating and Utilizing Launch Teams and Social Media Master Class
– Traci Hunter Abramson – Ticketed Event – Advance Registration Required (Redbud)
Master Class 6 – Setting, Sidekicks, and Secrets Master Class
– Jaden Terrell, Steven Womack, Lisa Wysocky – Ticketed Event – Advance Registration Required (Poplar)
Master Class 7 – Cops and First Responders Master Class
– Ellen Kirschman – Ticketed Event – Advance Registration Required (Williamson)
5:00 – 6:00 PM • SEMWA / Killer Nashville Ready! Set! Pitch!
Ready! Set! Pitch! One-on-One Coaching
– Sponsored by Southeast Mystery Writers of America – Ticketed Event – Advance Registration Required (Franklin)
5:30 – 7:00 PM • Open Bar
Killer Nashville Open Bar – Free to Those Staying at Embassy Suites, Bar Tab for Those Not Staying at Embassy Suites (Atrium Rear)
6:00 – 9:00 PM • ‘Shine ‘n’ Wine Shindig
Killer Nashville ‘Shine ‘n’ Wine Shindig
– Nashville music, local moonshine, local wine, hors d’oeuvres – Ticketed Event – Advance Registration Required / Open to the public (Birch/Chestnut)
6:00-7:00 • Local wines and moonshine begin / hors d'oeuvres / live music
7:00-7:15 • Introduction of agents, editors, and guests of honor
7:15-9:00 • Guests optionally can sing with the band and impress their fellow attendees
7:00 PM • Registration Closes
Registration Desk (Atrium) and Bookstore (Maple / Oak) close