Chalk Circle goes to Killer Nashville Conference

CHALK CIRCLE PARTICIPATE IN INTERNATIONAL CRIME WRITERS CONVENTION

In August 2026, Chalk Circle's J. Reid Graham will be attending the Killer Nashville International Writers’ Conference in Tennessee. James’ novel in progress and Chalk Circle’s Strata 3 Shifting Tides short story anthology have both been entered for the Killer Nashville Awards.

James is always on the look-out for exciting writing opportunities. So here’s his low-down on the conference and why his flight is already booked!

‘I was looking for a way to promote my novel in progress (developed from one of my short stories published in Chalk Circle’s Shifting Tides anthology, November 2025), network with other writers and industry professionals. I also love travelling, so what better opportunity than an international writing conference with two exciting writing awards up for grabs?'

The Killer Nashville International Writers’ Conference is the largest of its kind in the USA, and the #1 Voted Writers’ Conference (The Writer Magazine). Here’s what the organisers have to say: ‘Killer Nashville is the premier forum for all genres incorporating mystery, thriller, suspense, action, or romance elements . . . (it) was created in 2006 by author/filmmaker Clay Stafford in an effort to bring together forensic experts, writers, and fans of crime and thriller literature.’

• 157 Author Panellists

• 171 Presentations & Events

• 480 Attending Authors

• 352 Volunteers Worldwide

• 8 Book Signings Open to the Public

• Agent / Editor Meet & Greets

• Multiple Networking Events

Even better, the conference hosts the Killer Nashville Claymore Award 2026 for the best first 50 pages of an unpublished manuscript, play or screenplay, and the Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Award for published books from 2025 (including short story anthologies).

James' novel is a darkly humorous and speculative crime thriller about abuse of power by exploiting illegal immigrants with electronic tagging and forced participation in dangerous roles including frontline fighting in Ukraine. While Chalk Circle's Shifting Tides anthology, which incorporates many if not all the Killer Nashville favoured themes, is already very well-reviewed. So hopefully, one or both of our entries could be up for an award!

Whatever happens James is clearly looking forward to his trip. 'Did I mention the conference is held in Nashville, Tennessee? Wow! I’ve always wanted to go there . . . to enjoy the Country and Western music, see the home of Elvis Presley. Yes, perhaps I’ll even visit Graceland . . . can't wait!'

Fancy entering your own work for one of the Killer Nashville awards – or even making the trip yourself? Visit https://www.killernashville.com for all the information you need.