ThrillerFest –the ultimate conference for readers and writers of thriller fiction—will be held from July 8-11 at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in New York City.
Here’s what today’s top thriller authors are saying:
GAYLE LYNDS (best-selling and award-winning author of THE LAST SPYMASTER and ITW co-founder): At the top of the list of the thirty-odd authors who met for the first time in 
Toronto in October 2004 to vote whether to form ITW was a yearly convention where we could meet our readers en masse and spend time not only with them but with each other. Since our first convention in Phoenix in 2006, the number of attendees has more than doubled, with people flying in from all over the world. It truly is a festival, in which we celebrate all permutations of thrillers and those who love them.
DAVID MORRELL (international best-selling author of SCAVANGERS, creator of Rambo (in his stunning novel FIRST BLOOD), and ITW co-founder: “The MGM movie studio used to say that it had more stars than are in the heavens. The 
same can be said about ThrillerFest with regard to thriller authors. Where else can you roam the halls of a conference and see Lee Child, Sandra Brown, RL Stine, Steve Berry, James Rollins, Joseph Finder, Robin Cook, Douglas Preston, and on and on? From apprentice writers, it’s a chance to learn from the masters. For readers, it’s a chance to talk with your favorite authors.”
SANDRA BROWN (#1 New York Times international best-selling author of SMASH CUT. There are over 350 millions copies of her books in print.): “It’s a most generous professional organization, dedicated to publicizing the genre and every single writer, whether a first timer or a veteran.”
DOUGLAS PRESTON (International best-selling author of THE MONSTER OF FLORENCE and BLASPHEMY, and co-author –with Lincoln 
Child- of RELIC and CEMETERY DANCE): “Once a year, the country’s top thriller writers get together with agents, reviewers, readers, and aspiring authors to mingle, chat, grouse, eat, drink, and talk shop. It’s a great opportunity for devotees of the thriller genre—readers and writers alike—to make connections, mingle with authors, pitch manuscripts and meet agents.”
BRAD MELTZER (New York Times bestselling author of THE BOOK OF LIES and top comic book writer for DC Comic’s IDENTITY CRISIS and GREEN ARROW): “I was at the very first ThrillerFest, back when no one knew what it was. But those who were there knew. And they knew it’d only get bigger and better. In fact, now that I think about it, those who were there that first year are all geniuses.”
DAVID HEWSON (award-winning author of the Detective Nic Costa Series, including THE BLUE DEMON): “I love Bouchercon and Left 
Coast Crime and Harrogate and all those other great festivals. But Thrillerfest is a place apart, a meeting of minds between readers, authors and publishers all in the unique setting of New York City. Part publishing industry conference, part advanced writing and publishing school, and a great place for fans and authors too there’s nothing like it.”
CJ LYONS (best-selling medical suspense author 
of WARNING SIGNS): I think the conference wonderfully personifies the essence of ITW. ThrillerFest is a place where thriller lovers can feel at home. There’s a wonderful sense of community, a feeling that–whether you are a bestseller, a debut author, a bookseller, reviewer, or a reader–everyone is welcome!
ALAFAIR BURKE (best-selling author of the gripping legal thrillers ANGEL’S TIP and DEAD CONNECTION): “This community of thriller writers has been growing almost as fast as the pace of its members’ novels. The energy level and the support found in ITW is exciting.”
JASON PINTER (best-selling author of THE FURY and THE STOLEN): “As a writer, you have a chance to meet passionate thriller fans always looking for the next great read. As a fan, you have the chance to meet and mingle with some of the best thriller writers around. And when you’re both, like I am, it’s the most fun you can have without getting arrested.”
ALEXANDRA SOKOLOFF (Bram Stoker and Anthony Award nominee author of THE HARROWING and THE UNSEEN): “The ITW is the most star-studded AND the warmest extended family I’ve ever had.”
SANDRA BROWN: “I look forward to it each year. The panels are designed for thriller writers, but from them a writer in any genre can pick up useful information. I also love the “star-gazing,” getting to meet writers whom I’ve read and admired for years. They make themselves so accessible.”
DOUGLAS PRESTON: “When ITW was created, the thriller genre didn’t get no respect. There were few (if any) literary awards in our category, no writer’s conferences devoted to thrillers, and few opportunities for established thriller writers, new authors, and readers to get together. This seemed especially strange when you consider that sales of thrillers—let’s not mince words—support the trade publishing industry in the United States. ITW is changing all that.”
BRAD MELTZER: “There is no nicer group of people than the folks at ITW. And I’m not just saying that because they’re giving me an award.”
DAVID HEWSON: “For me, ITW is the benchmark for authors’ organisations in the 21st century. It’s outward-looking, focused on bringing the work of its members to a worldwide audience, it’s tech-savvy, as sharp as hell, and just seems to get bigger and better every year.”
CJ LYONS: “I was at the very first ITW meeting in Toronto at the 2004 Bouchercon. David Morrell escorted me inside himself, even though I didn’t have a book out yet, saying ‘If you’re a thriller writer, this is the place to be.’ He was right! Such energy, such warmth, such incredibly talented and smart people! It didn’t matter if they were huge bestsellers or beginners like me, they all wanted the same thing: to create a place where writers and readers could bond over their mutual love of thrillers. As a doctor, I’m used to the idea of building a “medical home” for patients–how exciting it was to be with ITW from the beginning as the foundation was laid for a home for thriller lovers everywhere!”
ALAFAIR BURKE: “I’m looking forward to seeing old friends and making new ones at ThrillerFest ‘09.”
JASON PINTER: “ITW does a great job showcasing some of the most popular thriller writers in the world, but just as important they make a real effort to mentor newer writers just cutting their teeth. ITW’s members have sold over a billion books worldwide, but they’re just as interested in the authors who will help make up the next billion.”
ALEXANDRA SOKOLOFF : “ITW set a magical tone with the first ThrillerFest in Phoenix and it just keeps getting more glamorous and riotous every year. I can’t wait!!”
KYLE MILLS (NY Times best-selling author of LORDS OF CORRUPTION and FADE): “ThrillerFest is a great chance to catch up with old friends and, even after writing ten novels, I always learn something.”
GAYLE LYNDS: “Who would’ve thought it would’ve worked? When David Morrell and I started ITW, it was a dream for many of us. By nature thriller writers tend not to be joiners, instead being somewhat recluses, focused on our novels, our family, and friends. At the same time we had a yearning to join together, to have a place to gather, and to celebrate our field and the fine work in it. ITW isn’t quite five years old, yet we have some 1,100 members and a vibrant organization that fills our hearts.” 
DAVID MORRELL: “It’s an exciting organization dedicated to making readers aware of how innovative, exciting, and meaningful thrillers can be. The level of energy, creativity, and collegiality is amazing.”
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