A week in New York
ThrillerFest.
What’s more exciting – meeting authors whom you idolize and getting your photo taken with them, or listening intently while they share pearls of wisdom about writing?
ThrillerFest, CraftFest, and PitchFest took place in one action-packed week in New York City. Sessions began at 0800 and continued into the evenings. At PitchFest, we pitched our novels to individual agents. ThrillerFest brought together zillions of published authors and emerging authors, including bestselling writers Lisa Gardner, Jeffrey Deaver, Michael Connolly, Ivy Pochoda, and Karin Slaughter.
I also met some very cool emerging writers – Chicago’s Eric Anderson and St. Albert’s Laurie McLure Kolada, to name two. Connecting with other authors let me listen to their experiences, share mine, and reaffirm that I’m part of a larger group of emerging writers.
The writers I met.
Lisa Gardner
I didn’t want to scare Lisa Gardner into thinking I was an unhinged fan by telling her how I can’t wait for the next novel to be published. Her books are so readable.
Karin Slaughter
I have trouble putting down Karin Slaughter’s books once I start reading. And then I dream about them.
Tammy Euliano
Since See Me: A Jeannie Johal Thriller is a medical thriller, I was pleased to meet Tammy Euliano – anesthetist, writer of medical thrillers, and a panelist who freely shared her experience writing thrillers. I read her books for the first time after attending ThrillerFest, and am delighted to report that she is an excellent writer.
Michael Connolly
I have a friend who is recovering from a stroke and slowly reading again. Michael Connolly is his favorite author. Michael was so gracious in signing his book and writing an encouraging note for my friend.
Ivy Pochoda
I love Ivy Pochoda’s sad yet triumphant stories and powerful, lyrical writing. The humanity in them reminds me of Michael Ondaatje’s exquisitely written novels. Her portraits of women remained with me long after I finished reading.
A marquee, by surprise.
What a thrill to stumble across the marquee for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert while attending ThrillerFest.
Read the Books
Start with See Me (Book One) or step into Bless Your Heart (Book Two). For the full series view, visit The Jeannie Johal Thrillers.