Independent writers group to discuss benefits of writers conferences, Thursday

Discuss ways authors can maximize their participation at writers conferences when the National Press Club's independent authors group meets from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 9, in the McClendon Room.

Austin Camacho, one of the organizers of the Creatures, Crimes & Creativity Con, will discuss such conferences can benefit authors, how they should prepare for such events, and how to get the most from them.

Camacho is the author of seven novels about Washington-based private eye Hannibal Jones, five in the Stark and O’Brien international adventure-thriller series, and the detective novel "Beyond Blue." His short stories have been featured in several anthologies including "Dying in a Winter Wonderland" -- an Independent Mystery Booksellers Association Top Ten Bestseller for 2008. He is featured in the Edgar nominated "African American Mystery Writers: A Historical and Thematic Study" by Frankie Y. Bailey. Camacho is also editorial director for Intrigue Publishing, a Maryland small press, and one of the organizers of the Creatures, Crimes & Creativity Con for writers and fans of genre fiction.

Advance reservations are required by contacting Ed Barks at [email protected]. Also contact Barks for more information about the group of independent authors, defined as those who manage their own publishing businesses rather than relying on agents and traditional publishing houses.