The Best Before the Fest?

Several mystery/crime fiction conferences include writers' workshops prior to the main event, often staffed with bestselling authors and an interesting array of panels and seminars. Thrillerfest, coming up next week in NYC, has such an event called CraftFest, a two-day affair held July 6-7. The first day starts off with simultaneous panels including Steve Berry talking about "Point of View, Psychic Distance and Passive Voice"; Dr. D.P. Lyle discussing "Forensics in Fiction"; and Gar Anthony Haywood who will tell you how to "Make the Case for Your P.I." You'll also have a chance to hear several other experienced writers as they help you navigate your way through writing and publishing in the suspense/thriller field.  And there's still time to register, if you're a procrastinator.

Over on the West Coast, the Book Passage Mystery Writers Conference, held July 21-24 in Corte Madera, CA, likewise has an impressive roster of authors and panels to inspire you. Dr. Lyle will be on hand there, too, talking about "The Psychology of Characters," to get the ball rolling as part of three pre-conference classes, along with David Corbett on "Integrating Arcs and Acts" and Hallie Ephron on "Back Story, and How Not to Shoot Yourself in the Foot With It."  Then the full conference kicks off in the afternoon on the 21st with Cara Black, Tony Broadbent, Kirk Russell and Moderator Jacqueline Winspear as they "Explore the Genre." And you're in luck here, too, as there's still time to register for this learning opportunity.