The conference begins tomorrow at 1 pm. Free but registration is required.
FRIDAY, MARCH 19, 2021
(Note: All times are Eastern)
1.00 – 2.00 pm
Pitch Workshop – moderator Jenny Milchman *
What Agents Want & How to Give It to Them
Figuring out how to woo an agent or small press editor can be as puzzling as a good mystery. In this informal session, writers will receive an overview of the publishing process today, learn how to describe their book and themselves as writers, and discover the secret to a difficult-to-turn-down pitch.
2.15 – 3.45 pm
Master Class I – Sujata Massey (Guest of Honor) *
A Journalistic Approach to Writing a Novel: How to Add the Right Details Without Becoming an Encyclopedia
Sujata will break down the journalism techniques she uses for creating pictures on the page, weaving real facts with the fictitious. She’ll also give tips on how to cultivate valuable sources in government and academia and the importance of sensitive representation of characters with different cultural backgrounds.
4.00 – 5.30 pm
Master Class II – Alison Gaylin (Special Guest)
Creating Lead Characters: Series versus Standalone
From hardboiled crime-solvers to noir antiheroes to the unreliable narrators of psychological suspense, compelling lead characters are a key element in crime fiction. We’ll discuss how to create protagonists that are multi-faceted, surprising and real – whether they’re driving one story or an ongoing series.
6.00 – 7.00 pm
Meet-the-Authors Cocktail Hour
Authors will introduce their series or latest book and present a brief reading. Bring your favorite drink!
Saturday, begins 10 am EST.
10.00 am Welcome and Conference Overview by Frankie Y. Bailey, President, Mavens of Mayhem
10.30 – 11.30 am Historical Mysteries Panel – Shakers, Quakers, Revolutionaries, and Depression-era cops. Journey with us to exciting mysteries of the past
11.45 am – 12.45 pm Short Stories and Other Shorts Panel – No matter where you are on your writing journey, short fiction presents an opportunity to try something new, refine your craft, and have the satisfaction of writing “the end” after just 10,000 words. Tune in as these authors share their insights and inspirations behind writing short fiction, and tips on getting started and where to submit.
1.00 – 2.00 pm A Conversation with our special guests Sujata Massey and Alison Gaylin
Don’t miss this lively and informative chat with our honored guests. Moderator – Elaine Viets *
2.15 – 3.15 pm Gothic Romance and Romantic Suspense Panel – Step away from the comfort of your armchair and flirt with danger as this panel delves into the darkly alluring genres of Gothic Romance and Romantic Suspense.
3.30 – 4.30 pm Police Procedurals: Fact or Fiction Panel – Ripped from the headlines! Go behind the scenes and learn how to turn your police procedurals into page-turners as four experts from the field talk about how murder is handled in real life.
4.45 – 5.45 pm Pathways to Publication Roundtable – This isn’t your grandmother’s publishing world! Getting a book published has changed drastically over the past decades. Join this panel as they discuss the variety of paths to publication available to authors today.
5.45 pm Wrap-up
PITCHES
Publisher Harriette Sackler (Level Best Books) and agent Josh Getzler (HG Literary) will take pitches at a time and date TBA. Indicate on your registration form if you wish to pitch your manuscript. You will be contacted.
