NASHVILLE NOIR
December 18, 2009
NASHVILLE NOIR
At first, I resisted. An event named “Killer Nashville” sounded, well…threatening. Still, I was intrigued enough to ask a few questions. Turns out, the extensive website, www.killernashville.com. had the “goods” for writers and fans of crime fiction. (Please note: crime fiction.)
According to the Frequently Asked Questions About Killer Nashville, “Killer Nashville was designed to launch new professional writing careers, promote published authors, and offer educational opportunities to anyone with an interest in crime fiction or in writing in general.” With a Special Guest of Honor like Jeffrey Deaver, author of thrillers like The Bone Collector, Killer Nashville 2010 promised a first class conference. I was not disappointed.
Founder Clay Stafford and Executive Director, Beth Terrell planned a weekend to remember! The conference was jam-packed with information for crime writers: writing techniques, forensics, crime investigation, contract negotiations, and marketing were just a few representative topics. An actual crime scene was recreated for viewing. Agent and editor pitch sessions and panels, as well as several bookstores, were available, (and busy), all weekend. Overall, about 400 people attended in 2010, up from 150 registrants in 2009.
I cannot say enough about the hospitality! All weekend, Killer Nashville rolled out the Red Carpet! At the Saturday evening dinner with Guest of Honor, Jeffrey Deaver delighted guests with an entertaining and witty description of how he chose “the writer’s life.” An informal jam session by the “Coffin Bangers,” a free-form group of musicians topped off the event. It was perfect.
After all, what’s in a name? After attending Killer Nashville, I can’t think of a better one. And how about those Coffin Bangers?
Until next year…
— Claire Applewhite
Congrads Claire you are a talent. It was so good seeing you and your lovely family again. Keep up the good work. I aam really enjoying your books. Our library group is meeting tomorrow and get our books We are reading TheWrong Side of Memphis now . I loved your dedication to Tom. You picked a wonderful man and your poem dedication to himin your new book is beautiful . I am happy for both of you. Your acknowledgements especially to your mom was right on I miss her.She had such a loving heart and I am so glad to have shared the same path in life so so many years. God Bless you
— ginny zink · June 27, 2010
Claire , how sweet and beautiful about the day at the library,thank you for being my cherished friend. I am sorry that your didn’t get the email about June. Laura didn’t send on since I told her I did. When you get to the church go on in we will be sitting together as a group. I think my computer is working again. I had about 20 emails that never went out.God Bless you and your family ps on emqil use #1 instead of i
— ginny zink · September 7, 2010
Dear Ms. Applewhite,
I thoroughly enjoyed your presentation at Killer Nashville. Thank you for taking time out of your schedule to visit our poor city, and to make the conference part of your agenda [but I could have told you KN was about the best conference on this side of the Mississippi]
— Helen Chapman · September 10, 2010
Claire,
Your presentation at CCMWG’s 2010 conference was excellent. Thanks for taking the time to answer: “I’m Pretty Good, So Why Aren’t I Published?”
It was my first conference (in fact, my first meeting) as a Missouri Writers Guild member and I was bowled over at the quality of instruction in general. I really appreciated the thoroughly useful (insider) information you provided in your lecture. Thanks again. Ken
P.S. Your web site is fantastic!
— Ken Sinclair · October 26, 2010
Dear Ms. Chapman,
Thank you for your note. It was an honor to present at Killer Nashville, and I had the time of my life in your city. Loved it! But then, I love the state of Tennessee. I lived in Memphis for a awhile in my 20s, and my husband’s family has deep roots there. My first novel, The Wrong Side of Memphis, drew on those experiences and memories. I’m glad you enjoyed my presentation, and thank you for taking the time to write to me.
Best regards,
Claire Applewhite
— Claire Applewhite · December 12, 2010
Dear Mr. Sinclair,
Thank you for your note. I am honored that you have acknowledged my presentation and that you enjoyed the CCMWG 2010 conference. I hope that you will continue to attend the Missouri Writers’ guild presentations. We value you as a member and I hope to see you in April 2011 at the Annual spring conference in St. Louis. Thanks again for taking the time to write to me.
Best Regards,
Claire Applewhite
— Claire Applewhite · December 12, 2010