SK: What were some of the challenges you faced just to get ThrillerFest 2008 off square one?

KA: I think the biggest challenge is knowing that I have big shoes to fill by following in the footsteps of Diane Vogt, who did a fabulous job in creating this event.

SK: What are some of the main tasks, and who's helping you with them?

KA: This is a huge undertaking with a million moving parts. It's very similar to running a corporation. Shirley Kennett is brilliant at the financial end of things, providing spreadsheets and helping establish budgets and systems. Liz Berry is my right arm doing everything and anything that needs to be accomplished. Shane Gericke has taken on a larger role this year. Not only is he in charge of the auction, but he's also heading up AgentFest. Joe Moore is the creative force behind all of our graphics, ads, and brouchures. Christine Kling and Doug Lyle are heading up programming for ThrillerFest and CraftFest respectively. I could go on and on as there are so many people working very hard to put all of this together.

SK: Keeping the planning moving along smoothly must be like trying to keep twenty kittens in a basket. What do you do for coordination?

KA: It's a full time job that includes a tremendous amount of planning and strategy. It is a matter of staying on top of everything from the beginning and getting things done early.

SK: With that kind of time commitment, it must be hard to fit ThrillerFest planning into your schedule as a writer. Could you explain how you're coping, and what you're currently writing?

KA: I try to delegate time to each task. It's hard sometimes because I have deadlines to meet for the San Francisco Examiner and NewsMax, and I have to do a lot of show preparation before I go live on the radio. My favorite part of the day, however, is working on my next thriller. I'm currently doing the second draft.

SK: Are you a Big Picture planner or do you like to get down and dirty with the details?

KA: Hmmm . . . I think I'm more of a big picture planner, looking down from the twenty-thousand-foot level type of thing. I like to get systems in place and strategize on how to take the conference to the next level and beyond. But I have to say that there is a lot of satisfaction in getting down into the details and accomplishing things first hand.

SK: What has surprised you most about working on ThrillerFest 2008 so far?

KA: The incredibly talented people that I have the wonderful good fortune to be working with! This is most definitely a team effort, and we have a tremendous team!

SK: Pinning down the programming schedule is a massive job. How's that going, and what's in store for the Awards Banquet on Saturday night?

KA: We've got an incredible line-up coming together. I don't think any other conference in the world has so many New York Times Best Selling authors all under one roof and accessible to all the fans. Sandra Brown is phenomenal, and as our ThrillerMaster she's going to bring the house down Saturday night. Of course, James Patterson will be presenting her with her award, and he has one of the quickest wits and best senses of humor. Be prepared to laugh and have a great time!

SK: Who comes up with the panel topics, and how?

KA: It's a team effort, with suggestions coming from fans, industry professionals, writers, etc. Our number one priority is delivering what the attendees want to see and hear, so we are always open to suggestions. We want to hear from the fans.

SK: What do you think your biggest concern will be on the opening day of ThrillerFest 2008? Your biggest satisfaction?

KA: Whenever I put on an event my mindset is that everyone is my guest and I've invited them into my home, so to speak, so my biggest concern is that they have a wonderful time, feel welcome, and that they want to come back. My biggest satisfaction will be if I accomplish these goals.

SK: Flip the pages of the calendar ahead to the end of July 2008. What memories do you want fans to take home from ThrillerFest 2008?

KA: I want the fans to feel a part of the writing community. I want them to come to this event and know that we love having them at ThrillerFest, it's our favorite time of the year, we want it to be their favorite event of the year, and they are the reason we all write.

SK: If you could give fans one piece of advice about attending ThrillerFest 2008, what would it be?

KA: Come ready to have a blast! Every writer is equally excited to meet the fans as the fans are to meet the writers, so plan on a busy schedule, making new friends and many wonderful memories.