ThrillerFest 2009 Chair
ThrillerFest is a huge endeavor requiring strong leadership and a remarkable team. ITW is fortunate to have such leaders within its ranks. One such leader is Shirley Kennett. For the past three years Shirley has been the registrar for ThrillerFest, always leading by example. Time and again, she has show an incredible commitment and talent for getting the job done. This is why it gives me great pleasure to announce that Shirley Kennett will be the 2009 ThrillerFest Chairperson.Many of us know Shirley as the ThrillerFest registrar. We've emailed Shirley regarding registration and various other questions. But she is also a very accomplished author.
Shirley Kennett has published six novels, including five in the PJ Gray series, in which a psychologist steps into virtual reality recreations of homicides, playing the role of the killer to decipher a deviant mind. The first novel in the series, Gray Matter, was an alternate selection of the Mystery Guild, and the second, Fire Cracker, was a Mystery Guild Editor's Choice.
Shirley, writing under a pseudonym, has a paranormal thriller to be released in September 2009 (Harper). The book is based on ancient Sumerian myths come to life in modern times, and a woman's battle for her soul.
She's already garnered advance praise for her new book:
"Sometimes you just need a kick-ass former demon's slave to tackle life's problems. Especially one wielding a whip sword. This is a novel to be savored for both its edge of suspense and the pure joy of its storytelling. Part immortal, all human, Maliha will leave readers breathless and craving more. Not to be missed!" --James Rollins, New York Times bestselling author of Map of Bones and Black Order
"A passionate, fascinating urban fantasy packed with action and history. Three hundred years ago, Maliha Crayne was burned at the stake. Now she's in a race against time to save the world and her soul, and you'll be with her step by step." - David Morrell, New York Times bestselling author of The Brotherhood of the Rose and Creepers, and 2009 ThrillerMaster
Shirley is published in novel, short story, and article formats. She
has contributed chapters to books about writing and worked on a
progressive mystery with a dozen other authors. She has taught
workshops about writing online and in person, and is a frequent speaker
at conferences. She has judged short stories for a Mystery Writers of
America anthology, and judged for the Edgar Awards several times (twice
as committee chair).
She is a founding member and past president of the St. Louis Chapter of Sisters in Crime, a member of the Mystery Writers of America, Horror Writers Association, the American Crime Writers League, and International Thriller Writers. In her spare time, somehow, she manages to get some writing done.
Before beginning her writing career, Shirley wore a number of hats, including those of corporate analyst, clinical systems programmer, independent computer consultant, and pet store employee (the one who cleans the cages), but her writer's hat is by far the most comfortable--and most satisfying--of them all. She has been a mystery/thriller fan as long as she can remember, probably a result of growing up in a converted turn-of-the-century funeral home.
Shirley has been involved with computers most of her life. Conducting business with clients around the country from her home office, she was a pioneer of telecommuting before the concept took off.
With adopted sons from Peru and Ethiopia, she's experienced both the rewards and the difficulties of having a cross-cultural family. Shirley is a graduate of the Washington University School of Engineering in St. Louis, Missouri, and lives on the western fringe of St. Louis with her husband, two sons, and two cats.
Please join me in congratulating Shirley on her next endeavor as the 2009 ThrillerFest Chairperson!
Kathleen Antrim
Vice President National Events
International Thriller Writers
She is a founding member and past president of the St. Louis Chapter of Sisters in Crime, a member of the Mystery Writers of America, Horror Writers Association, the American Crime Writers League, and International Thriller Writers. In her spare time, somehow, she manages to get some writing done.
Before beginning her writing career, Shirley wore a number of hats, including those of corporate analyst, clinical systems programmer, independent computer consultant, and pet store employee (the one who cleans the cages), but her writer's hat is by far the most comfortable--and most satisfying--of them all. She has been a mystery/thriller fan as long as she can remember, probably a result of growing up in a converted turn-of-the-century funeral home.
Shirley has been involved with computers most of her life. Conducting business with clients around the country from her home office, she was a pioneer of telecommuting before the concept took off.
With adopted sons from Peru and Ethiopia, she's experienced both the rewards and the difficulties of having a cross-cultural family. Shirley is a graduate of the Washington University School of Engineering in St. Louis, Missouri, and lives on the western fringe of St. Louis with her husband, two sons, and two cats.
Please join me in congratulating Shirley on her next endeavor as the 2009 ThrillerFest Chairperson!
Kathleen Antrim
Vice President National Events
International Thriller Writers
ThrillerFest
ITW's annual celebration of the thriller world is the largest event of its kind, a meeting place for authors, readers, budding writers, and publishing industry professionals.
For 2010, we’ll be back in the heart of New York in July with the ThrillerFest conference including CraftFest and AgentFest.
ThrillerFest V will be held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in New York City.
The dates will be July 7-10, 2010. You must register for the conference prior to making hotel reservations. Call the Hyatt at 1-800-233-1234 or 212-883-1234. Ask for the ThrillerFest or International Thriller Writers rate of $199. If you prefer, use the direct online reservation link by clicking here. Conference rates apply July 6-11, 2010. If your stay is longer, please call the hotel to make your reservations.
- ThrillerFest
- CraftFest
- AgentFest
- Latest News
- Special Guests
- Schedule
- Programming
- Attending ITW Members
- Prices
- Registration
- ThrillerFest Sponsors
- Thriller Awards
- Press
- Contact ThrillerFest
Sponsor
