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 had big shoes to fill by following in the footsteps of Diane Vogt, who did a fabulous job in creating this event.

SK: 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: 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. 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.

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: Pinning down the programming schedule is a massive job. How's that going?

KA: We'll have 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.

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 2009? 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 2009. What memories do you want fans to take home from ThrillerFest 2009?

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, 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.