From Isolation to Inspiration: A True Crime Writer’s Conference Experience
True crime author Bill Powers reflects on his journey from novice to seasoned writer and shares why joining the Public Safety Writers Association was one of the best decisions of his career. With the group’s 20th-anniversary conference on the horizon, he offers a behind-the-scenes look at the camaraderie, learning, and inspiration that make this event a must for writers in the genre.
When I started to write non-fiction true crime books, I knew my genre, but I admittingly had no idea how the writing, editing, and publishing process worked. Regardless, I was sure that I was well on my way to producing award-winning best-sellers. Well, now that two of my books have been published, all I can say is thank God I kept my day job, or I would be volunteering at a food pantry just so I could eat.
I learned a lot over the last half-dozen years, and while I am now wiser and better educated to the “game,” for years I felt somewhat isolated and restricted to my own small island.
Three years ago, I searched the internet in hopes of connecting with a group of my writing peers. Not exactly looking for a dating forum, but you get the idea. I came across the Public Safety Writers Association (PSWA). After a bit of exploring and a few inquiries, I filled out an application and forked over the small annual membership fee.
Turns out it was some of the best money I have spent in my short writing career. The membership feeds from diverse public safety sectors and various backgrounds, and, above all, they are committed writers. I have found them all to be more than willing to engage with, and assist, other members by answering questions and offering their expertise when questions are asked. They also bring a wealth of knowledge gained from their experiences about the good and bad and ups and downs of editing, publishing, and marketing books.
In a few days I will be heading off to Las Vegas for their 20th anniversary of the three-day conference. It is held in a very moderately priced hotel a bit off the mainline. The hotel rooms and conference accommodations are clean and comfortable, the food and beverages are better than average. and all are more than adequate for our needs. We are there to learn, reconnect and network with folks with similar needs and interests.
Generally, there are 45-50 attendees, which is the perfect number to get to know and interact with each other. There are four keynote speakers who are subject-matter experts on their topics. Past speakers have talked of prison life, criminal profiling, modern CSI skills and technology, and the keys to successful writing. This year’s themes and speakers feature content ranging from perfecting an opening and closing chapter that will keep a reader thoroughly engaged, to understanding military law enforcement and their protocols and procedures, to turning writing into audio-books, navigating the “dark web,” and writing drafts of potential storylines and editing the finished product.
Beyond the individual speakers, there are 12 one-hour concentrated discussions, each with a facilitator and five panelists with tremendous experience and knowledge on the topics they were tasked to discuss.
Overall, it is a worthwhile and affordable conference for learning and networking with folks of similar backgrounds, interests, and goals. If you, like me, have ambitions to write about true crime or mystery, I would strongly suggest you review the website at www.policewriter.com, and consider joining this committed and friendly group of like-minded professionals.
Bill Powers
Discover Bill Powers’ gripping true crime stories
Dive into the riveting world of real-life crime with When the Smoke Cleared and Murderous Rage. Each book takes you behind the headlines, exploring the twists, turns, and human stories at the heart of criminal investigations. Perfect for fans of true crime and law enforcement history.
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