Here's a list of several popular and exciting events for Horror authors (and fans) from around the world. Perhaps one will will pique your interest!

ThrillerFest 2024

ThrillerFest is the premier annual gathering for suspense, thriller, and mystery writers and enthusiasts worldwide. Hosted by the International Thriller Writers (ITW), this event is a highlight in the literary calendar for both established and debut authors in the genre. ThrillerFest offers an unparalleled opportunity to learn from the best in the industry, network with fellow writers, and pitch to some of the most influential agents and editors in the thriller genre.

Location: New York City, NY

Date(s): May 28th - June 1st 2024

Purpose and Function:
ThrillerFest serves multiple functions, from educational workshops and panels to networking opportunities and pitch sessions. For debut authors, the event is a goldmine of resources and opportunities. The CraftFest segment offers writing workshops taught by bestselling authors, providing insights into crafting compelling thrillers. CareerFest includes panels and sessions designed to help authors at all stages of their careers navigate the publishing landscape.

One of the event's highlights is PitchFest, where aspiring authors can pitch their manuscripts to top agents and editors in the industry. This is a unique opportunity for debut authors to get their work in front of key decision-makers, receive immediate feedback, and potentially secure representation or a publishing deal.

Activities:

• CraftFest: Writing workshops focusing on various aspects of thriller writing, from character development to plot pacing.
• PitchFest: A speed-dating style pitching event where authors have a limited time to pitch their book to agents and editors.
• Panel Discussions: Covering a wide range of topics relevant to thriller writers, including market trends, research methods, and the future of the genre.
• Networking Opportunities: ThrillerFest is an excellent place for authors to meet peers, industry professionals, and their favorite authors.

For Debut Authors:
Debut authors will find ThrillerFest particularly beneficial for its educational and networking opportunities. The chance to learn from successful authors and industry professionals can provide invaluable insights into the writing and publishing process. Moreover, PitchFest offers a rare opportunity to bypass the traditional manuscript submission process, putting authors directly in front of agents and editors.

URL for More Information: ThrillerFest 2024

EDGE-LIT 10

EDGE-LIT is an annual celebration of the best in horror, thriller, fantasy, and science-fiction writing. Held in Derby, UK, at the QUAD, EDGE-LIT gathers authors, publishers, and fans of speculative fiction for a day of panels, workshops, book launches, and networking. This event is particularly beneficial for debut authors looking to immerse themselves in the speculative fiction community, offering insights into writing, publishing, and the latest trends in genre fiction.

Location: QUAD, Derby, UK

Date(s): Saturday, 7 September 2024

Purpose and Function:
EDGE-LIT aims to support and promote the speculative fiction community, offering a platform for writers at all stages of their careers to learn, share, and connect. The event features a packed schedule of activities designed to inspire and inform authors, from craft workshops led by genre experts to discussions on the future of speculative fiction.

Activities:

• Author Panels: Engaging discussions on a variety of topics relevant to speculative fiction writers, including genre blending, world-building, and character development.
• Writing Workshops: Interactive sessions focused on refining writing skills and exploring new techniques.
• Book Launches and Signings: Opportunities for authors to showcase their latest work and engage with readers.
• Networking Opportunities: Meet and mingle with fellow authors, editors, agents, and publishers in a friendly and supportive environment.

For Debut Authors:
For those new to the publishing world, EDGE-LIT offers a welcoming environment to gain knowledge, enhance writing skills, and meet industry professionals. Debut authors can benefit from the workshops and panels to hone their craft and better understand the speculative fiction market. Networking with peers and professionals can also provide valuable connections and insights into the journey of publishing and promoting their first book.

URL for More Information: EDGE-LIT 10

Colorado Festival of Horror 2024

Colorado Festival of Horror (COFOH) is an immersive fan and community experience centered around the horror genre, including literature, films, and art. Taking place in Denver, Colorado, this event is designed to bring together horror enthusiasts, authors, artists, and filmmakers for a weekend of frightful fun and networking. It's an ideal venue for debut authors in the horror genre to showcase their work, learn from seasoned professionals, and connect with fans and peers.

Location: Denver, Colorado

Date(s): September 13 - 15, 2024

Purpose and Function:
The Colorado Festival of Horror offers a platform for horror creators to celebrate the genre's diversity and creativity. For authors, it presents a unique opportunity to engage directly with their audience, participate in panels and workshops, and showcase their work alongside other horror creators. The event emphasizes community and collaboration, providing a supportive environment for debut authors to gain exposure and insights.

Activities:

• Panels and Workshops: Covering a range of topics from horror writing techniques to marketing and publishing in the horror genre.
• Book Signings and Readings: Authors have the opportunity to meet fans, sign books, and perform readings of their work.
• Art and Film Showcases: A celebration of horror beyond literature, including screenings and exhibitions.
• Networking Events: Tailored opportunities for authors to connect with industry professionals, including publishers and agents, as well as fellow horror creators.

For Debut Authors:
Debut authors will find the Colorado Festival of Horror an invaluable venue for making connections, learning from successful horror creators, and gaining visibility in the horror community. The event's workshops and panels can offer new insights into the craft and business of horror writing, while the networking events provide a chance to build relationships that can support a budding author's career. Participating in book signings and readings also allows authors to introduce their work to a passionate audience, essential for building a fan base.

URL for More Information: Colorado Festival of Horror

2nd Annual WDU Horror Writing Virtual Conference

Writer’s Digest University is thrilled to announce the return of its Horror Writing Virtual Conference, a premier online event dedicated to the art and craft of horror writing. Scheduled for October 14, 2023, this conference is a must-attend for anyone eager to delve deeper into the horror genre, from budding writers to seasoned authors. With a lineup of award-winning and bestselling horror authors, this event promises a day filled with invaluable insights, techniques, and inspiration.

Location: Online Virtual Conference

Date: Saturday, October 14, 2023

What to Expect:
Participants will have the opportunity to learn from four distinguished horror authors, each offering a one-hour webinar presentation focused on different aspects of writing horror. The conference is designed not only to impart knowledge but also to foster interaction, allowing attendees to engage in live Q&A sessions with the speakers.

Featured Sessions and Speakers:

• Finding Hope in Horror by Richard Thomas. Explore the concept of Hopepunk within horror, discussing how to blend the bleak and unsettling with elements of hope and optimism.
• Pushing the Boundaries of Genre by Adriana Chartrand. Learn about combining horror with social commentary, pushing genre boundaries to create stories that resonate on multiple levels.
• The Physiology of Fear by Tim Waggoner. Dive into how fear affects the human mind and body, and how to effectively incorporate these elements into your fiction.
• How to Craft Scares by Mark Wheaton. Gain insights into the basics of crafting genuine scares, from pacing and character development to engaging a desensitized readership.

Additional Opportunities:

• Query Letter Critique: Attendees have the chance to submit their query letters for personalized feedback from participating literary agents, offering a unique opportunity to refine their pitches.
• Networking: The conference provides a platform for attendees to connect with fellow horror writers through discussion boards, fostering a sense of community and collaboration.
• Unlimited OnDemand Viewing: All sessions will be available for download following the live presentations, ensuring participants can revisit the material at their convenience.

Bonus Content:
As a thank you to attendees, the conference includes extra presentations and takeaways, such as:

• The Anatomy of a Query Letter: An OnDemand webinar by literary agent Kate McKean.
• Supercharge Your Horror: Tips from Tim Waggoner on elevating your horror fiction.
• The Three Prime Rules of Horror Writing: Mort Castle shares essential guidelines for crafting compelling horror stories.
• Gateway Scares: Writing the YA Horror Novel: Adam Cesare discusses the nuances of writing horror for a young adult audience.

URL for More Information: 2nd Annual WDU Horror Writing Virtual Conference

Bram Stoker Festival 2024

The Bram Stoker Festival is a unique celebration that immerses Dublin in the gothic, the mysterious, and the supernatural, drawing inspiration from one of its most famous sons, Bram Stoker, the author of "Dracula." This festival is a vibrant homage to the world of horror and dark fantasy, blending literature, culture, and the arts in a city already rich with history and storytelling. It's an event that promises to captivate both the resident vampires of the literary world and visitors looking for an adventure steeped in gothic elegance.

Location: Dublin, Leinster, Ireland

Date(s): October 25 - 28, 2024

Purpose and Function:
The Bram Stoker Festival offers a gothically inspired program of events that spans both day and night, catering to a wide audience with its mix of free and ticketed events. The festival is designed to celebrate the legacy of Bram Stoker and his contribution to the horror genre, providing a platform for storytelling, performance, and discussion that spans the literary and the theatrical, the historical and the contemporary.

Activities:

• Living Stories: Engage with the literary heritage of Bram Stoker through readings, dramatizations, and discussions that bring his work and the broader genre of horror and dark fantasy to life.
• Deadly Adventures: Night-time events that explore the darker side of Dublin and the gothic, from immersive theatrical experiences to horror film screenings and themed parties.
• Cultural and Artistic Performances: A variety of performances that draw inspiration from the gothic and horror genres, including music, dance, and visual arts.
• Educational Workshops and Talks: Learn more about the art of horror writing, the history of gothic literature, and Bram Stoker's influence on the genre through workshops and talks by experts and enthusiasts.

For Dark Fantasy and Horror Authors:
The Bram Stoker Festival is an invaluable opportunity for authors in the horror and dark fantasy genres to immerse themselves in the atmosphere that inspired one of the genre's pillars. It offers a chance to connect with fans, participate in genre-specific discussions, and gain new insights into the craft of horror and gothic storytelling. Authors can find inspiration in the festival's diverse program, network with peers, and explore the rich literary culture of Dublin.

URL for More Information: Bram Stoker Festival

This festival not only honors the legacy of Bram Stoker but also celebrates the enduring appeal of the horror and dark fantasy genres, making it a must-attend event for enthusiasts, authors, and anyone fascinated by the darker side of literature and culture.

2024 USA Horror Convention Calendar

The 2024 USA Horror Convention Calendar is a comprehensive guide to horror conventions across the United States, catering to fans and creators of horror literature, films, comics, and art. For debut horror authors, these conventions represent a fantastic opportunity to immerse themselves in the horror community, promote their work, and connect with fans and industry professionals.

Location: Various locations across North America, Europe, and Oceania

Date(s): Various dates throughout 2024

Purpose and Function:
The calendar serves as a resource for finding horror conventions where authors can participate in panels, book signings, and vendor tables. These events vary in size and scope but generally offer a mix of entertainment, education, and networking opportunities. Authors can choose conventions that best fit their goals, whether it's to promote a new book, meet potential publishers, or connect with fans.

Activities:

• Panel Discussions: Participate in or attend panels on horror writing, publishing, and trends.
• Book Signings: A chance to sell books and engage directly with readers.
• Networking Events: Opportunities to meet other authors, publishers, and agents in the horror genre.
• Exhibitions: Display and sell books, artwork, and other horror-related merchandise.

For Debut Authors:
Horror conventions are an excellent way for debut authors to introduce themselves to the horror community. Participating in these events can help new authors build a following, learn from more experienced writers, and gain insights into marketing and selling their books. The conventions also offer the chance to connect with publishers and agents, potentially opening doors to future opportunities.

URL for More Information: 2024 Horror Convention Calendar

This is not an exhaustive list, just a worldwide selection.

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