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Thrillerfest: Mental Preparation and I Need Help
July 8, 2008
I'm trying to prepare mentally for
ThrillerFest. Laundry, packing, stopping mail is all pretty much rote by now, but I've got to admit that I'm kind of gaga about the list of authors awaiting me in New York.
From the ThrillerFest site:
ThrillerFest includes a multitude of author panels, signings, a complete bookstore on premises, and a reader’s reception. Meet attending thriller writers Bob Mayer, Steve Martini, Lee Child, Gayle Lynds, Tess Gerritsen, David Morrell, M. Diane Vogt, Joe Moore, M.J. Rose, Barry Eisler, Steve Berry, David Hewson, Jim Rollins, Christine Kling , D.P. Lyle, Shane Gericke, Kathleen Antrim, Christine Goff, Jon Land, Shirley Kennett, Heather Graham, R.L. Stine, and many more.
But then there are the "Special Guests." Let's start with Sandra Brown. I've been reading her forever. Everyone I know is a fan and has read at least one of her fifty-five bestsellers. To prepare I've been practicing in the mirror with my professional press look, but I know I'll quickly swoon into my reader/fan/stalker mode. Must work harder on this.
James Patterson. Again, I've read all his books until he started "sharing" writer duties. I'm dying to ask him if he will ever write a book by himself again, of course, why should he when his books automatically go to the bestseller list no matter who writes them. I've heard lots of reader complaints, so we'll see if I can ask the tough questions while flashing my Flip video.
David Baldacci. I loved Absolute Power from the first page (the movie was kind of weak, so sad). Probably no need to ask him anything, I just want a picture with him and naturally a Drive By Video™ a la Adrian Paul.
Kathy Reichs, author/forensic anthropologist/tv producer. Ok, you know I'm going to have to ask her about David Boreanaz. Like maybe, can she introduce me?
I've never read Brad Thor, but I plan to soon. He has served as a member of the Department of Homeland Security's once top-secret Analytic Red Cell Program and is a New York Times bestselling author. I'm sure he's had a lot of hard hitting political questions thrown at him, so I'm going to try and trip him up with my soft, romantic approach. BTW, he has a really cool website and I noticed that he was here in Milwaukee last night and I missed him. How could this happen?
Eric Van Lustbader has written bestsellers before taking over the 
reins of the Robert Ludlum hero, Jason Bourne, by writing The Bourne Legacy and The Bourne Betrayal. Since I've always been a huge Ludlum fan, I want to ask him if he feels like a ghost writer by taking over another's popular character. (I did just read on Brad's site that he is being called the Next Ludlum...will we have a clash of the would be Ludlum's in NY?)
There will be tons more authors there, so now I need your help. What questions would you ask? What's important for you to know as a reader? As a fellow author? As a fan? Does it have to be about the book? Who would you like to see Drive by Videos™ of? Any other tips?
Bottom Line: Even though I'm now an experienced NY traveler, I still plan to be on the look out for Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert. True New York icons, so I'd better keep my Flip handy.
Posted by Barbara Vey on July 8, 2008 | Comments (15)
