September 27-30, 2018
Corte Madera, CA (Just north of San Francisco)

Discover All the Clues for a Successful Career as a Mystery or Suspense Writer!

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The four-day Book Passage Mystery Writers Conference has a strong tradition of great authors and teachers. It covers everything mystery writers need—from developing ideas and writing skills to finding a publisher. Participants work closely with mystery writers, agents, editors, and publishers as well as investigators and crime-fighting professionals.

In this conference, mystery writers learn the clues to a successful writing career. Editors, agents, and publishers tell participants what they need to know to get published. Authors offer classes on setting, dialogue, suspense, point of view, and openings. They tell how to write about private eyes, amateur sleuths, and police protagonists, and how to create thrillers and historical mysteries. Panels of detectives, forensic experts, police, and other crime-fighting professionals provide information that allows crime fiction writers to put realism in their work.

The collegial atmosphere of this four-day conference attracts participants and faculty from all over the country, many for repeat visits. Opportunities abound for faculty and participants to talk, laugh, and exchange ideas in classes, workshops, panels, and informal lunches.

For a full overview of the Book Passage Mystery Writers Conference, check out Learning All the Clues!

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The 2018 Mystery Writers Conference faculty is an outstanding group of mystery writers, editors, agents, forensic experts, detectives, and teachers. Together, they will show you how to bring realism to your work and help guide you through the publishing process.

Meet the 2018 Faculty

There are many conferences where you can meet great writers, and you can certainly do a lot of that at the Book Passage Mystery Writers Confernece, but here you'll also do something more. The emphasis of this four-day conference is to show you what you need to do to become a successful mystery writer yourself.

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Look Back at 2017

Browse Our 2017 Schedule

Want to meet with a member of our faculty one-on-one? Optional 30-minute private consultations are available for $95. You may use that time to discuss a concept or proposal, or to have a faculty member review and provide feedback on a portion of a manuscript you have submitted. A list of faculty members available for consultations will also be made available prior to the conference.

Learn More About Private Consultations

Thinking of traveling from afar to learn the craft of mystery writing? No problem! We have some great recommendations for places nearby where you can rest and relax.

Accommodations 

Still have questions? We have answers!

Frequently Asked Questions

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Success Stories

"I attended two Mystery Writer's Conferences a few years back.  I hooked up with agent Liz Trupin Pulli and my mystery/thriller, Tropical Ice, was introduced at the Waterstreet Press booth at the 2016 Chicago Book Expo. The conference provided invaluable information and stimulated me to see the project through."
– Ken Smith, San Rafael

"Before I learned about Book Passage’s classes and the Mystery Conference, the only creative writing I’d ever done were a couple of particularly imaginative IRS submissions at tax time. Sure, I was an avid mystery reader, but that didn’t translate to being a mystery writer anymore than being a gourmet means you know how to cook. So I decided to learn from the pros. Within a year I’d written my first novel, partnered with a well-known agent, and sold the book to Time Warner’s Mysterious Press...It’s been a great year of book tours, signings and getting to meet some terrific readers, librarians and booksellers. It also feels good to fulfill a fantasy I’ve been dreaming about for close to fifty years. I can stick to nonfiction for the IRS submissions now."
– Louise Ure, Author of Forcing Amaryllis

"The conference bolstered my skills and helped me get published. You can’t beat the caliber or the inspiration."
– Cara Black, Author of Murder in the Latin Quarter

"I am a graduate of the Book Passage Mystery Writers Conference who has since published three mysteries through St. Martin’s Press... My first mystery, Murder Off Mike, was published as the result of winning the St. Martin’s Press Best First Traditional Mystery Contest."
– Joyce Krieg, Author of Murder Off Mike

"I attended the conference twice, when I was learning how to write my first novel, and the faculty were so encouraging that I stuck with it. And now I've recently had my second novel published, signed a new book deal, and hit the USA Today bestseller list to boot. It's been a long and winding road, but a very fun one. Thank you for being part of the journey!"
- Gigi Pandian, Author of the Jaya Jones Series 

Read more conference success stories

Confirmed 2018  Faculty

 Click here to see the full list! 

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2018  Scholarships 

Two Mystery Writers Conference Scholarships will be awarded this year, including full conference tuition to the 2018 conference (travel and accommodations not included). To be considered, applicants must submit the first 10-20 pages of a mystery novel in progress, plus one paragraph about what this conference would mean to them in their writing life. The scholarships are sponsored by William C. Gordon, author of Unfinished and The Halls of Power, and Kimberley Cameron, founder of Kimberley Cameron & Associates Agency.

To apply, send the required materials to Kathryn Petrocelli at bpconferences@bookpassage.com.

Applications must be received by Monday, August 20th, at 5:00 pm PST.

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Former Los Angeles prosecutor and current mystery writer Marcia Clark signs books at the 2011 Mystery Writers Conference.

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2018 Pre-Conference Class

This optional writing workshop is taught by David Corbett on Thursday afternoon just prior to the conference. It is open to the public and available to confernece participants for a reduced fee.

David Corbett
The Character of Crime
Thurs., September 27, 2018, 1:00 - 3:30 pm

In this pre-conference lecture and workshop, award-winning crime novelist David Corbett will guide students in exploring the key roles that make crime fiction work, with specific focus on the specific demands of the three major subgenres of crime fiction—mystery/detective, crime, and thriller—and an emphasis on maintaining dramatic tension, creating moral complexity, and avoiding cliché.

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An expert displays a hazmat suit at the 2004 Mystery Writers Conference.

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"The Book Passage Mystery Writers Conference offers the best program of panels and workshops in the mystery community."

– Joe Blades, Vice-President & Executive Editor, Ballantine Books

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"Book Passage's annual Mystery Conference is the creme de la creme of gatherings for both aspiring and accomplished authors, offering a star faculty, real life connections to agents and editors, and the joy of time spent with those who understand why writers write."

– Carolyn Hart, Author of Death Comes Silently

August 9-12, 2018
Corte Madera, CA (Just north of San Francisco)

The Premier Conference in the World for Travel Writers and Photographers!

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The Book Passage Travel Writers & Photographers Conference has an extraordinary reputation among publishers, editors, and writers. Alumni have published books, articles, and photos—many as the direct result of lessons learned and contacts made at the conference. There is no finer travel conference anywhere in the world.

The Conference offers an array of workshops, panels, and evening activities. There are many hours of informal interaction between faculty and students during lunch and in discussions that often last late into the evening.

The collegial atmosphere of this four-day conference attracts participants and faculty from all over the country, many for repeat visits. Opportunities abound for faculty and participants to talk, laugh, and exchange ideas in classes, workshops, panels, and informal lunches.

For a full overview of the Book Passage Travel Writers & Photographers Conference, check out Conference Days!

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2018 Faculty

The collegial atmosphere of this four-day conference is legendary, with participants and faculty from all over the world. There are morning specialty classes, afternoon sessions on topics of interest, and evening presentations by well-known writers and photographers.

2018 Schedule

Want to meet with a member of our faculty one-on-one? Optional 30-minute private consultations are available for $95. You may use that time to discuss a concept or proposal, or to have a faculty member review and provide feedback on your work. A list of faculty members available for consultations will also be made available prior to the conference.

Learn More About Private Consultations

Thinking of traveling from afar to learn the craft of travel writing or photography? No problem! We have some great recommendations for places nearby where you can rest and relax.

Accommodations 

Still have questions? We have answers!

Frequently Asked Questions

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Conference Praise

"I owe a huge karmic debt to Book Passage! Without Book Passage, I'd be sitting in my house twiddling my thumbs instead of preparing to introduce my fifth book!"
– Paola Gianturco

"Coming to the Conference for the first time this year [2005] I was struck not just by the talent and passion (which are the norm at writing workshops) but by the friendliness and lack of pretentiousness (which aren't). Everyone — students as well as faculty — seemed well-read, well-travelled, curious, engaged, open. If good Americans go to Paris when they die, good American travel writers go to Corte Madera."
– Thomas Swick, Travel Editor, South Florida Sun-Sentinel

"Last night was about more than books to me. It was a about life, inspiration, a dream that began in 2006, when I attended my first event (the Travel Writers' and Photographers' Confence) at Book Passage, met Linda, and hoped, one day, that I would be able to write a book of my own. Thank you for the opportunity to celebrate this dream-come-true. You have given a great gift to me and my family during a very special time in our lives — something we will always remember."
– Elaine Bond

Read more conference success stories

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2017 Conference Sponsor

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Faculty members join together for some karaoke at the 2016 Travel Writers & Photographers Conference.

First Look at Our 2018 Faculty

Legendary travel writer Tim Cahill and guidebook maven Pauline Frommer are just a few of the incredible names on our 2018 faculty.

Click here to see the full list! 

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2018 Pre-Conference Classes

These optional writing workshops are taught by Don George and Robert Holmes on the Wednesday prior to the conference. They are open to the public and available to confernece participants for a reduced fee.

Don George
Travel Writing in Sonoma
Wed., Aug. 8, 2018, 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
$120 for conference attendees, $170 for general public

Join acclaimed National Geographic Traveler and BBC Travel writer and editor Don George for a day of exploration and travel writing in Sonoma. Participants will explore the shops and sites of this historic town together and the gather details and themes for a written passage about their experience. The group will reconvene over a picnic lunch to talk about the writing experience and to discuss their work. By the end of the day, participants will return with an appreciation of the craft and potential of travel writing. Lunch and round-trip transportation will be provided.

Robert Holmes
Travel Photography in in Sonoma
Wed., Aug. 8, 2018, 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
$120 for conference attendees, $170 for general public

Join award-winning landscape, food, and wine photographer Robert Holmes for a day of exploration and travel photography in Sonoma. Holmes will demonstrate the art of finding, framing, and capturing photos. Participants will explore the town together and then go off on their own to find photographic inspiration. The group will meet later on to share their work and discuss what they have learned. and to discuss their work. This interactive group will provide the tools for learning the travel photography craft. Lunch and round-trip transportation will be provided.

Candace Rose Rardon
The Art & Soul of Travel Sketching
Wed., Aug. 8, 2018, 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
$120 for conference attendees, $170 for general public

Travel sketching not only helps us create rich, vibrant memories of the places we’re exploring — it’s a powerful, meaningful way to unlock deeper connections when we’re traveling. Join professional sketch artist and illustrator Candace Rose Rardon for a day of watercolor travel sketching. Whether you’re looking to hone and develop your sketching skills, or discover them for the first time, creativity will be at the heart of this workshop. The morning will begin at Book Passage in Corte Madera with a classroom-based sketching workshop and series of demonstrations covering perspective, composition, and watercolors. After lunch, Rardon will lead participants on the Larkspur Path to downtown Larkspur, where the group will sketch on-location together. By the end of the day, participants will have developed greater confidence with sketching on-location, as well as a creative new way of documenting their travels. Lunch will be provided.

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Author-actor-director Andrew McCarthy and conference chair Don George in discussion at the 2012 Travel Writers & Photographers Conference.

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"Every summer some magic happens at Book Passage. For four days in August, some of the best travel writers, editors, photographers, publishers, and agents in the world convene in Corte Madera to share the art and heart of the work they love at the Book Passage Travel Writers & Photographers Conference."

– Don George, Conference Co-Founder and Chair

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Dinner between faculty and participants on the Book Passage patio at the 2006 Travel Writers & Photographers Conference.

June 15-17, 2018
Corte Madera, CA (Just north of San Francisco)

Learn the tips and tricks for writing and illustrating amazing books for children!

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Gennifer Choldenko discusses Book Passage's
Children's Writers and Illustrators Conference

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Learn More About Private Consultations

Thinking of traveling from afar to learn the craft of writing or illustrating for children? No problem! We have some great recommendations for places nearby where you can rest and relax.

Accommodations 

Still have questions? We have answers!

Frequently Asked Questions

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Success Stories

"I cannot recommend Andrea Alban’s RE-Vision process highly enough. Without question, my current picture book would not be where it is without the instruction and feedback I received at a RE-Vision retreat and at Andrea’s Tribe sessions at Book Passage. She is the best! Conference attendees will benefit tremendously from her master class. Once I have a solid draft of my next picture book, one of Andrea’s venues is the first place I will take it for critique."
– Sarah Pate

"I participated in dozens of children's book conferences, workshops and events in the two years prior to attending my first Children's Book Writers and Illustrators Conference at Book Passage in 2016. What is remarkable about this conference is the extraordinary access to editors and agents it provides.

My goal was to receive detailed critiques during my 30-minute 1:1 sessions. Instead, I was surprised and delighted that multiple editors requested that I submit my work. One of my books was acquired by a top publisher one month after the conference ended. In addition, all three editors who provided feedback on my manuscript helped me strengthen it considerably.

Prior to getting the offer on my book, I queried agents and received seven offers of representation. The  Children's Book Writers and Illustrators Conference at Book Passage was a career-changing event for me. I highly recommend it."

– Jasmine Stirling

Read more conference success stories

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A Look Back at 2017

The 2017 Children's Book Writers and Illustrators Conference faculty is an outstanding group of writers, illustrators, editors, agents, and teachers. Together, they will show you how to refine your work and help guide you through the publishing process.

2017 Faculty

There are many conferences where you can meet great writers, and you can certainly do a lot of that at the Children's Book Writers and Illustrators Confernece, but here you'll also do something more. The emphasis of this three-day conference is to show you what you need to do to become a successful children's book writer or illustrator yourself.

2017 Schedule

Want to meet with a member of our faculty one-on-one? Optional 30-minute private consultations are available for $95. You may use that time to discuss a concept or proposal, or to have a faculty member review and provide feedback on a portion of a manuscript you have submitted. A list of faculty members available for consultations will also be made available prior to the conference.

2018 Faculty

Click here for the current list!

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2018 Schedule

Click here for the current schedule!

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2018 Master Class

Manuscript Workshop with Andrea Alban

Two Options:

* Sat., June 16, 10:00am to 12:00pm
* Sat., June 16, 1:00pm to 3:00pm

"The art of fiction is crafted in the revision,” according to author and editor, Andrea Alban, founder of The Writer’s Tribe™. In this dynamic workshop, children's writers will learn how to revise with a focus on quintessential characters, page-turning plots, and the exact right word and elegant sentence. This session guides writers to practice self-editing mastery.

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Paint a Cheshire Cat smile across your face at Book Passage’s 2018 Children’s Writers Conference! Join us for a weekend down the rabbit hole of storytelling from nonfiction and fiction masters for picture-book through young adult literature. There’s a joy in children’s books that can be found nowhere else!

With children more aware than ever before about the big riddles affecting their future, this is also the year to tackle the tough topics and learn how writers can present them to children of all ages. From tricky mythology, gender, and sexuality questions to civil rights and war, our faculty members have written with compassion on challenging issues without taking the enjoyment out of reading. Learn how to create great stories in complex times from outstanding authors, illustrators, agents, publishers and educators in an intimate and collegial setting.

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Faculty Publishing News

Gennifer Choldenko
Al Capone Throws Me a Curve
Published: 05/08/18

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Christine Bronstein
Stewie Boom! and Princess Penelope: Handprints, Snowflakes and Playdates
Published: 04/03/2018

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Andy Weiner
Down By the River
Published: 03/06/18

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Ying Chang Compestine
Emperor's New Clothes
Published: 12/26/17
View the trailer for Ying's newest book here!

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Expect to Write, Create & Learn! 

For over ten years, Book Passage’s Children’s Writers & Illustrators’ Conferences have provided participants an intimate setting to learn, connect and exchange ideas. Students and faculty mingle among the bookshelves of our nation’s most prominent indepen-dent bookstore. With expert faculty leading their students from concept development to finding a publisher, this unique confer-ence links its attendees to their goals.

Our multi-award winning faculty in the children’s and young adult literary world include agents, editors, writers, illustrators, publishers and business representatives. During the conference, participants have multiple opportunities to learn as well as interact during meals, at our special evening events & in workshops.

Panel discussions on Publishing Trends, What Makes a Book Memorable and Promoting Your Work cover information for both new and established writers. With Q&A time, your questions will be answered!

This intensive weekend offers an added opportunity to workshop your writing in small groups up to 5 facilitated by an editor. You must register for the conference & submit your work by July 10th to participate. An additional fee applies. Networking & Private Consultations with Faculty Not only will you have the opportunity to share meals with our faculty in our brick-lined patio, you also have the opportunity to consult with them one-on-one about your work. For an additional $120, a 30-minute private consultation can be scheduled with participating faculty.

Open to new, established and aspiring writers and illustrators, the conference takes place in beautiful Marin County, just across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco and adjacent to Northern California’s wine country.