I stopped by a discussion about ThrillerFest over on Murderati where one of the commenters wondered if TFest was a conference just for authors or if it was for fans as well. My two cents...
ThrillerFest is definitely a fun conference for fans to attend. Since ITW is still in the process of building up the attendance base of readers, there is incredible access to the authors for the ordinary fans.
People like Lee Child, Heather Graham, Kathy Reichs, Joe Finder, Barry Eisler and James Rollins (among many others) are just hanging out, standing in the corridors or drinking in the bar. And they'd love the chance to talk to readers.
They aren't constantly mobbed by huge groups of people as so often happens at signings or some of the other conferences. So it's easy to get books signed or take pictures or have a chat. (And they were giving away a ton of free books, so you could get those signed as well.)
Sure, it's expensive -- but everything is expensive. Combine it with a vacation to NYC and you can see the sights AND hang out with cool authors.
I would definitely consider attending ThrillerFest in the future. In fact, I was hoping to attend Bouchercon in Baltimore, but alas, I have one more year in London.
Posted by: C.T. Henry | July 25, 2008 at 12:05 PM
I'm anticipating that Bouchercon is going to be great this year. Really looking forward to it.
The advantage to B'con is that you have SO many great people in attendance. Of course, that can also be its disadvantage, as the numbers tend to limit the possibility for intimate conversation.
Posted by: David J. Montgomery | July 25, 2008 at 12:14 PM
Actually, not everything is expensive. There are a few conferences that are worthwhile that are not even close to the price of Thriller Fest.
And remember, Thriller Fest had a decent first year, a lousy second year, and a good year in '08. So, the jury is still out as to whether it's truly the conference all its organizers think it is.
Posted by: Fitzwilly Householter | July 25, 2008 at 04:22 PM
I dunno... I had a great time at all three. But I was always in the bar until late, so maybe I'm not objective...
:D
Barry
Posted by: Barry Eisler | July 26, 2008 at 02:32 PM
Fitzwilly is just bitter because he propositioned Lee Child in the men's room at the second Thriller Fest and was rejected.
That's why I never wear pants.
Posted by: Cosmo Vittelli | July 26, 2008 at 08:44 PM
My web site has become a haven for the crude and reprehensible. I don't care for it anymore.
And now these people talking yuck-yuck here at your wonderful site.
Well, I don't know what the Internet is coming to, but I'm sure Mr. Gore didn't imagine all this.
Posted by: Cozy Crime | July 27, 2008 at 02:20 AM
Let's keep a lid on the nonsense, folks, or I'm going to start moderating comments again.
Posted by: David J. Montgomery | July 27, 2008 at 08:25 AM
Heather Graham was so freaking hot in BOOGIE NIGHTS.
Posted by: Finnigan | July 27, 2008 at 04:50 PM
I heard about ThrillerFest from a friend. One of my favorite authors, Anthony Flacco, attended it and was even up for an award. I would definitely love to go to one someday.
[Ed. The rest of the message was a bunch of spam, so I deleted it.]
Posted by: jainey | July 31, 2008 at 04:08 PM
trying to read your post. The layout isnt viewing properly with chrome.
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