Friday, March 15, 2024
Monday, March 11, 2024
International Thriller Writers Announces Finalists for Thriller Awards!
The International Thriller Writers (ITW) is thrilled to announce the finalists for the 2024 Thriller Awards! Learn more about the finalists by clicking the LINKS to their websites below.
ITW is an honorary society of authors, both fiction and nonfiction, who write books broadly classified as “thrillers.” This would include (but isn’t limited to) such subjects as murder mystery, detective, suspense, horror, supernatural, action, espionage, true crime, war, adventure, and myriad similar subject areas.
ITW’s mission is “To bestow recognition and promote the thriller genre at an innovative and superior level for and through our Active members; to provide opportunities for mentoring, education and collegiality among thriller authors and industry professionals; and to grant awards for excellence in the thriller genre.”
One of the
main purposes of the organization is to provide a way for successful,
bestselling authors to help debut and midlist authors advance their careers. To
that end, ITW has designed numerous, effective programs and events which
promote debut and midlist writers and their work, sometimes in partnership with
bestselling authors. In addition, ITW promotes literacy, gives money to worthy
organizations, supports libraries, and advances the genre. Finally, it brings
together almost a thousand writers, readers, publishers, editors and
agents at its annual conference, ThrillerFest, as well as at CraftFest, a
writing workshop program, and PitchFest, where aspiring authors can meet and
pitch top literary agents.
Interested in joining ITW? I've been a member for years! Read about membership qualifications and find out how to apply.
Best Hardcover Novel
- S.A. Cosby – ALL THE SINNERS BLEED (Flatiron Books)
- Robert Dugoni – HER DEADLY GAME (Thomas & Mercer)
- J.T. Ellison – IT’S ONE OF US (Harlequin – MIRA Books)
- Mick Herron– THE SECRET HOURS (Soho Crime)
- Joe Ide – FIXIT (Mulholland Books)
- C.J. Tudor – THE DRIFT (Ballantine Books)
Best Audiobook
- I.S. Berry –
THE PEACOCK AND THE SPARROW (Simon & Schuster Audio)
Narrated by Pete Simonelli - Gregg Hurwitz – THE LAST ORPHAN (Macmillan)
Narrated by Scott Brick - Freida McFadden – THE HOUSEMAID’S SECRET (Bookouture)
Narrated by Lauryn Allman - James Patterson, Mike Lupica – THE HOUSE OF WOLVES (Hachette Audio)
Narrated by Ellen Archer - Emma Rosenblum – BAD SUMMER PEOPLE (Macmillan)
Narrated by January LaVoy
Best 1st Novel
- I.S. Berry – THE PEACOCK AND THE SPARROW (Atria)
- Amy Chua – THE GOLDEN GATE (Minotaur)
- Margot Douaihy – SCORCHED GRACE (Zando)
- Kerryn Mayne – LENNY MARKS GETS AWAY WITH MURDER (Bantam Books)
- Steve Urszenyi – PERFECT SHOT: A THRILLER (Minotaur)
Best Paperback Original Novel
- Tracy Clark – HIDE (Thomas & Mercer)
- Luke Dumas – THE PALEONTOLOGIST (Atria)
- Tess Gerritsen – THE SPY COAST (Thomas & Mercer)
- Lisa Gray – TO DIE FOR (Thomas & Mercer)
- Johnathan Maberry – CAVE 13: A JOE LEDGER AND ROGUE TEAM INTERNATIONAL NOVEL (St. Martin’s Griffin)
- J. Todd Scott – CALL THE DARK (Thomas & Mercer)
Best Short Story
- Chris Bohjalian - SLOT MACHINE FEVER DREAMS (Amazon Original Stories)
- J.T. Ellison -THESE COLD STRANGERS (Amazon Original Stories)
- Smita Harish Jain - AN HONORABLE CHOICE (Wildside Press)
- Richard Santos - RUSH HOUR (Akashic Books)
- Lisa Unger - UNKNOWN CALLER (Amazon Original Stories)
- Stacy Woodson - ONE NIGHT IN 1965 (Down & Out Books)
Best Young Adult Novel
- Sorboni Banerjee, Dominique Richardson – RED AS BLOOD (Wolfpack Publishing LLC)
- Darcy Coates – WHERE HE CAN’T FIND YOU (Sourcebooks Fire)
- Courtney Gould – WHERE ECHOES DIE (Wednesday Books)
- Andrea Hannah – WHERE DARKNESS BLOOMS (Wednesday Books)
- Elizabeth Wein – STATELESS (Little, Brown & Co.)
Best E-Book Original Novel
- Jeff Buick – THE VULTURE FUND (Self-published)
- Rona Halsall – THE BIGAMIST (Bookouture)
- Matt Phillips – A GOOD RUSH OF BLOOD (RunAmok Books)
- Lisa Regan – CLOSE HER EYES (Bookouture)
- Robert Swartwood – THE KILLING ROOM (Blackstone Publishing)
- Laura Wolfe – THE IN-LAWS (Bookouture)
Wednesday, March 6, 2024
Mystery Writers of America Announces Nominees for the 78th Annual Edgar® Awards
Hello everyone! Mystery Writers of America (MWA) announced the nominees for the 2024 Edgar Allan Poe Award, which will be celebrated on May 1, 2024, at the New York Marriot Marquis in Times Square. This year's Edgar Awards Banquet will be in honor of the 215th birthday of one of the most famous mystery writers in literary history, Edgar Allan Poe. Purchase banquet tickets here.
MWA is the premier organization for mystery writers, professionals allied to the crime-writing field, aspiring crime writers, and those who are devoted to the genre. I'm an Active member. Some 3,000 members who are fiction and non-fiction writers, screen and television writers, publishers, editors, and literary agents have joined MWA. You can join, too - no need to be published, just a supporter of the genre. See Membership Information.
Here is your chance to get to know each of the nominees in their respective categories!
Best Novel
- James Lee Burke (Flags on the Bayou)
- S.A. Cosby (All the Sinners Bleed)
- Jennifer Cody Epstein (The Madwomen of Paris)
- Jessica Knoll (Bright Young Women)
- Michael Koryta (An Honest Man)
- William Kent Krueger (The River We Remember)
- Colson Whitehead (Crook Manifesto)Best 1st Novel by an American Author
- I.S. Berry (The Peacock and the Sparrow)
- Amy Chua (The Golden Gate)
- Ken Jaworowski (Small Town Sins)
- Kristen Loesch (The Last Russian Doll)
- Ritu Mukerji (Murder by Degrees)
Best Paperback Original
- A.F. Carter (Boomtown)
- Tracy Clark (Hide)
- Jess Lourey (The Taken Ones)
- Jesse Q Sutanto (Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers)
- Scott Von Doviak (Lowdown Road)
Best Fact Crime
- Kim Cross (In Light of All Darkness: Inside the Polly Klaas Kidnapping and the Search for America’s Child)
- Zeke Faux (Number Go Up: Inside Crypto’s Wild Rise and Staggering Fall)
- John Glatt (Tangled Vines: Power, Privilege, and the Murdaugh Family Murders)
- Nathan Masters (Crooked: The Roaring '20s Tale of a Corrupt Attorney General, a Crusading Senator, and the Birth of the American Political Scandal)
- Barbara Rae-Venter (I Know Who You Are: How an Amateur DNA Sleuth Unmasked the Golden State Killer and Changed Crime Fighting Forever)
- Joe Sexton (The Lost Sons of Omaha: Two Young Men in an American Tragedy)
Best Critical/Biographical
- David Bordwell (Perplexing Plots: Popular Storytelling and the Poetics of Murder)
- Max Allan Collins & James L. Traylor (Spillane: King of Pulp Fiction)
- Mark Dawidziak (A Mystery of Mysteries: The Death and Life of Edgar Allan Poe)
- Robert Morgan (Fallen Angel: The Life of Edgar Allan Poe)
- Steven Powell (Love Me Fierce in Danger - The Life of James Ellory)
- Linda Castillo (“Hallowed Ground”)
- Heather Graham (“Thriller,” Thriller)
- Rob Osler (“Miss Direction,” Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine, Sept-Oct 2023)
- Ian Rankin (“The Rise,” Amazon Original Stories)
- Lisa Scottoline (“Pigeon Tony’s Last Stand," Amazon Original Stories)
Best Juvenile
- Elizabeth C. Bunce (Myrtle, Means, and Opportunity)
- Adrianna Cuevas (The Ghosts of Rancho Espanto)
- Lamar Giles (Epic Ellisons: Cosmos Camp)
- Larry Schwarz & Iva-Marie Palmer (The Jules Verne Prophecy)
- Claire Swinarski (What Happened to Rachel Riley)
Best Young Adult
- April Henry (Girl Forgotten)
- Matthew J. Kirby (Star Splitter)
- Cameron Kelly Rosenblum (The Sharp Edge of Silence)
- Yvonne Woon (My Flawless Life)
- Laura Zimmermann (Just Do This One Thing for Me)
Best Television Episode Teleplay
- Wyatt Cain & Charlie Peppers (“Time of the Monkey” - Poker Face)
- Liz Heldens (“I’m a Pretty Observant Guy” - Will Trent)
- Rian Johnson (“Dead Man’s Hand” - Poker Face)
- Graham Roland & John Wirth (“Hózhó Náhásdlii” (Beauty is Restored) - Dark Winds)
- Nora Zuckerman & Lilla Zuckerman (“Escape from Shit Mountain” - Poker Face)
Additional Awards to be Presented by MWA
Robert L. Fish Memorial Award
- Bill Bassman (“Errand for a Neighbor” - Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine, Jan-Feb 2023)
- Kate Hohl (“The Body in Cell Two” - Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine, May-June 2023)
- Sean McCluskey (“The Soiled Dove of Shallow Hollow” - Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine, Jan-Feb 2023)
- Meghan Leigh Paulk (“It’s Half Your Fault” - Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine, July-Aug 2023)
- Gabriela Stiteler (“Two Hours West of Nothing” - Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine, Setp-Oct 2023)
The Simon & Schuster Mary Higgins Clark Award
- Lina Chern (Play the Fool)
- Carol Goodman (The Bones of the Story)
- Anastasia Hastings (Of Manners and Murder)
- Kate Robards (The Three Deaths of Willa Stannard)
- Mary Winters (Murder in Postscript)
The G.P. Putnam’s Sons Sue Grafton Memorial Award
- Samantha Jayne Allen (Hard Rain)
- Linda Castillo (An Evil Heart)
- Susan Isaacs (Bad, Bad Seymour Brown)
- Val McDermid (Past Lying)
- Sarah Stewart Taylor (A Stolen Child)
The Lilian Jackson Braun Memorial Award
- Danielle Arceneaux (Glory Be)
- Vivien Chien (Misfortune Cookie)
- Jennifer J. Chow (Hot Pot Murder)
- Patricia Johns (Murder of an Amish Bridegroom)
- Mark Waddell (The Body in the Back Garden)
Special Awards
Grand Masters
Ellery Queen Award
- Michaela Hamilton, Kensington Books
Monday, May 29, 2023
Bound by Blood Teleplay Scores Again
Notching another contest win for Bound by Blood, the Mortal Path series pilot teleplay that covers the first part of BOOK ONE: DARK TIME. An especially fun festival that I was invited to attend. Great people! 😍
Logline: A Colonial woman unjustly burned as a witch struggles to reclaim her soul from the ancient Sumerian demon who saved her and used her as his Ageless assassin for over 300 years.
Mortal Path Teleplay Bound by Blood
Dakota is pleased to announce the latest contest win for the pilot script for the first book in the Mortal Path series, Bound by Blood. 😀
Monday, October 18, 2021
Bound by Blood Teleplay Official Selection
The Big Apple Film Festival and Screenplay Competition chose the teleplay Bound by Blood, adapted from the first book of the Mortal Path series, as an official selection! 😊😊😊
Dakota
Thursday, June 10, 2021
Mortal Path Screenplay wins Best TV Script!
Feedback Excerpts for "Bound by Blood," TV Pilot Episode for the Mortal Path series:
The concept for Mortal Path is refreshingly original in both its idea and execution. The way history and mythology are merged to together to create a unique story is astonishingly intelligent. There is a near limitless possibility of episodes in each of Susannah’s attempts to save souls.
Susannah is a deep, complex protagonist that has a tragic, yet interesting story. The teaser is an effective of way showing her heightened spiritual sensibilities and how that arouses skepticism in those around her. Despite her moral failings, there are a lot of scenes showing that she has a deep desire to do good, which makes her more likable.
Mortal Path is rich with impressively written emotionally poignant dialogue. One of the strongest aspects of Mortal Path is the vivid way a wide variety of emotional scenes are depicted in the script. The strong concept gives it an exciting amount of market potential. The dynamic nature of the story easily lends itself to serialization. The fact that its already based on an established book series inspires more confidence in producers looking to pick up the series.
Final Comments:
Mortal Path ("Bound by Blood" TV Pilot) is an impressively written pilot that sets up an amazing idea for a series. The characters are easy to empathize with and the writing of the script is emotionally poignant. The level of detail that went into the vivid descriptions is highly impressive.
Register for Virtual ThrillerFest XVI - 2021 Now!
An exciting opportunity from International Thriller Writers: Virtual ThrillerFest 2021!
Take advantage of this opportunity to participate in
MasterClass, PitchFest, ConsultFest, and the brand new X-Treme CraftFest!
June 28 - July 10, 2021
All Online!
There’s no travel, no hotel stay—but you can still hone your craft in small classes taught by ITW bestselling authors, you can learn to pitch your novel with confidence, and get insider details on the business of writing from agents, editors, and marketing professionals.
Spots for pitches to top NY Agents in PitchFest are filling fast! Don't miss this great opportunity.
Tuesday, December 29, 2020
ITW's Winter Thrills Conference - Register NOW
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Tuesday, May 26, 2020
Online ThrillerFest 2020 now available!
Due to the pandemic this year, International Thriller Writers has canceled the in-person ThrillerFest Conference at the Grand Hyatt in New York City. The health and safety of attendees is ITW's top priority.
But we have fantastic news! We are offering a virtual conference so attendees can remain safe in the comfort of their homes yet still participate in the learning and camaraderie that is the hallmark of the annual conference of the International Thriller Writers. No travel, no hotel stay, but an even more extensive array of bestselling ITW authors who can help you polish your thrillers and top drawer New York agents and editors to whom you can pitch— along with attractive prices!
Check out the incredible events ThrillerFest is offering and REGISTER NOW!
Saturday, April 13, 2019
New Book Trailer!
Want a book trailer like this for your own book? Authors, get the highest quality and an unbelievably low price (really) for a cinematic book trailer at Motion Tank! I'm excited about my new trailer and wouldn't think of looking elsewhere in the future. Why not work with this new company founded by a professional producer/composer to launch your book in style? Don't wait, business is going to be brisk at Motion Tank!
Sunday, November 11, 2018
Saturday, September 15, 2018
ThrillerFest XIV - 2019 Best Prices End October 31st
END OCTOBER 31ST
- 2019 ThrillerMaster John Sandford
- 2019 Silver Bullet Award Harlan Coben
- 2019 Spotlight Guest Lisa Unger
- 2018 Silver Bullet Award James Rollins
- 2019 Thriller Legend Margaret Marbury
- 2019 Thriller Fan Mystery Mike
Master Class: This one-day intensive writing program allows your instructor to focus on your craft and your story. Everyone is welcome, from beginning writers to well-established authors. Teachers for Master Class 2019 include top-selling members of ITW who will work with you in a small class setting. Instructors this year will be Grant Blackwood, David Corbett<, Karen Dionne, Robert Dugoni, Steven James ,D.P. Lyle, Gayle Lynds, Donald Maass, and F. Paul Wilson. Space is limited, so sign up soon.
CraftFest: Learn the craft of thriller writing from the best in the genre! Hone your thriller writing skills on many topics to provide you with the tools needed to take your writing to the next level. Special feature: CareerFest! Now that you've written that sparkling manuscript, where do you go from there? You don't want to miss it!
PitchFest: Face-to-face pitching with fifty-plus top agents and acquiring editors who are actively looking for new thriller writer clients. Don't miss this exceptional opportunity. Purchase an admittance package that includes PitchFest.
ThrillerFest: Spotlight guests, extraordinary programming, author book signings, and camaraderie. Includes the ThrillerFest Grand Opening Reception on Thursday evening, July 11th.
Thriller Awards Banquet: John Sandford will receive his 2019 ThrillerMaster Lifetime Achievement award. 2018 Silver Bullet Award James Rollins will present the 2019 Silver Bullet Award. All Thriller Award Winners will be announced. Fun, entertainment, and before and after cocktail parties!
Saturday, November 18, 2017
Win DARK TIME in an Amazon Giveaway
Win 1 of 50 free ebooks of DARK TIME: Mortal Path Book One by @DakotaBanks! Yes, 50! No purchase needed. Limited time Amazon Giveaway of this supernatural action thriller.
“Sometimes you just need a kick-ass former demon’s slave to tackle life’s problems. Especially one wielding a whip sword….Not to be missed!” – James Rollins
Thursday, November 2, 2017
Mortal Path Dark Time Ebook on Sale!
Dark Time |
Deliverance |
What if a woman sells her soul to a demon and 300 years later wants it back?
"A breakneck ride through worlds visible and invisible — who knew the ancient Sumerians were this thrilling?" – Joseph Finder, Top 10 NYT Bestselling Author
"Seductive, sophisticated, and imaginative. Dakota Banks is firing on all cylinders!" - Steve Berry, NYT and #1 Internationally Best Selling Author
"Fans of the supernatural and dark fantasy will be intrigued by Maliha Crayne and her quest to save her soul." – Publishers Weekly
"Readers who like their paranormal romantic suspense novels to feature nonstop action, twisting plots, and deadly heroines will devour Banks’ clever and compelling Mortal Path series.” – Lisa Gardner, #1 NYT Bestselling Author
"Deliverance is a gut-kick of a read, with non-stop action and as inventive a world as I’ve ever seen. Maliha Crayne, not a character to be trifled with, could give other Urban Fantasy heroines a pointed lesson in real ass-kicking." – Vicki Pettersson, NYT Bestselling Author
The Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery is guarded 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and in any weather by Tomb Guard sentinels. Sentinels, all volunteers, are considered to be the best of the elite 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), headquartered at Fort Myer, Virginia.
Yet Trump didn't want to get wet in a light rain Saturday and stayed warm and dry inside the U.S. Ambassador's residence in Paris rather than honor American soldiers who died in WWI at the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery. Learn about the cemetery in the video below. Then he skipped town on Sunday as the Paris Peace Forum was about to start. The Peace Forum is a global gathering of leaders dedicated to international cooperation and multilateralism.