2005 FOCH Conference
The Tenth Annual Chester Himes Black Mystery Writers Conference
and Student Writing Contest
WHEN: May 14, 2005
TIME: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
WHERE: James Moore Theater, Oakland Museum,
Oakland, CA
COST: $65 (includes morning refreshments and
lunch)
PROGRAM:
A DECADE OF SLEUTHING:
CELEBRATING THE CREATIVITY OF THE BLACK MYSTERY WRITER
9:00 AM
Welcome and Reflections from FOCH, Jim Turner, PhD, FOCH Board Member
9:15 AM
Urban Fiction: Is It the New Pulp Fiction?
A new voice is emerging in the mystery genre known as urban fiction
or hip hop fiction. Is this new trend of mystery writing becoming
the new pulp fiction? Mysteries written in this tradition appeal
to today’s youth, and highlight the writing of established writers,
such as Renay Jackson. Jackson is the author of six urban fiction
books. Hip Hop fiction allows other writers, to voice their own
experiences and that of the “hood.” This panel will explore
the elements of urban fiction, its appeal to today’s youth, and
its similarities to the pulp fiction of yesterday.
Moderator: Norlisha Crawford, Chester Himes Scholar and English Professor,
Bucknell University
Panelists: Renay Jackson, Nichelle Tramble, Gammy Singer, Glenville Lovel
10:15 A.M. Break
10:30 a.m. Murder Under Scrutiny or Crime and Punishment
Under a Microscope
Many sensational crimes and trials have received significant public attention
because of the celebrity status of the defendant, the heinous nature of
the crime or because of the unusual or novel legal and medical theories
presented.
As a result legal pundits, and forensic scientists are called upon to
offer their views and opinions on trial strategy, evidence presentation,
and psychological analysis.
Dr. Benson will discuss the psychological aspects of crimes.
Guest Speaker: Dr. Samuel Benson,
Forensic Psychiatrist
11:30 A.M.
Student Contest Presentation
Emily Filloy, Administrator
Oakland Unified School District
12:00 P.M.
Lunch Break and Book Signing
1:00 P.M.
Writing Across Ethnicity: Defining Characters of a Race and/or Culture
Different from the Author's
The panelists will explore the personal knowledge, research and sensitivity
used to develop the characters of color in their novels.
Moderator: Robert Greer, MD, Mystery Writer
Panelists: Gar Haywood, Gary Phillips, Naomi Hirahara, and Faye Snowden
2:30 p.m.
Works in Progress
Various authors will read selections from their upcoming novels and/or
short stories not yet published.
Moderator: Terris Grimes
Panelists: Attending Authors
4:00 p.m.
Everything You Wanted to Know About Writing Mysteries But Never Asked
This segment of the program will offer conference attendees an opportunity
to participate in a lively Q & A with all of the attending authors.
Moderator: Jim Hicks, FOCH Board Member
4:45 p.m.
Chester Himes Awards Presentation
5:00- Closing Remarks
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