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How do I join the Florida
chapter?
You first must climb aboard the Mother Ship by
joining Mystery Writers of America. Once your
application is processed, the office in New York
will notify us and you become “assigned” to our
chapter. You don’t have to live in Florida to be a
Florida chapter member. If you want to be assigned
to a different state, simply let the New York office
know when you apply.
What role does a
chapter play in the national organization?
MWA has 11 regional chapters and each has its own
board and activities, including newsletters,
conferences, meetings, speakers, social events. The
chapter is also a basic political unit in the
organization. Each chapter is represented on the
National Board by its president.
Do I need to pay extra dues to
be in the Florida chapter?
No. Your membership in the chapter is included in
your national dues. When you join the national
organization, you are automatically given membership
in the chapter. A portion of your dues is returned
to your chapter to support its newsletter and
activities.
Who is on the Florida Board of
Directors?
Neil Plakcy (president); Sharon Potts (vice
president); Linda Hengerer (treasurer); Joan Cochran
(secretary); at-large members are Miriam Auerbach, Michael Haskins, Deborah Sharp, and
Diane Stuckart.
Who do I contact if I have
a question about the chapter?
Any board member will be happy to help you with
questions. But most general things can be directed
to Neil Plakcy at
Neil.Plakcy@mwaflorida.org.
Does the chapter have a
website?
Yes. Yes. Our website is at
http://www.mwa-fl.org.
It's a great place to learn about the chapter and
get updates on events, monthly meetings and news.
I am an author. Can I get
my name and website link on the chapter website?
Yes, if you are a chapter member in good standing
and would like us to link to your website, please
contact Kris Montee at
Kris.Montee@mwaflorida.org.
Is there a chapter
newsletter?
Yes. Yes. The Rap Sheet
is the chapter newsletter for FMWA. It comes out
monthly and is edited by Kris Montee. The Rap Sheet
is sent via email only to members, who can also
access it through a password on our website. The Rap
Sheet contains important announcements about
meetings and activities, articles on publishing and
writing, the business aspects of writing, promotion
and marketing, member news, forensic medical
information and other topics. We encourage all
members to send in announcements about their careers
and to write articles for the newsletter. Please
contact Kris at
Kris.Montee@mwaflorida.org.
I joined so I can network with
other writers. How do I start?
How
about the internet?
When you join MWA, you automatically get access to
the MWA Yahoogroups posting site EMWA. The posting
site is an excellent exchange of ideas for writers.
But as Florida members, you also have access to our
chapter posting site:
Sleuthmail@yahoogroups.com
Both sites
are rich sources of help for research and writing or
just alittle cyber-socializing. To activate your
EMWA access, send a blank email message to
EMWA-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. (Contact the
national office if you have trouble). To access the
Sleuthmail, email Margery Flax at
mwa@mysterywriters.org.
What about meetings?
We hold regular meetings the third Saturday of every
month at the Deerfield Beach Hilton, Fort Lauderdale
(I-95 at Hillsboro Beach Boulevard). We have a guest
speaker or workshop – everything from bestselling
authors to editors. The meetings cost $25 ($30 for
non-members) which covers your luncheon and the
hotel costs. Details and reservation forms are
always sent out to members via email ahead of time,
and you can find info on the website.
What if I don’t
live in South Florida?
The chapter has made a commitment to hold at least
three meetings per year in locations throughout the
state. You will receive plenty of advance notice of
these meetings.
What are some of the
chapters' other activities I can get involved in?
We host a booth at the Miami Booth Fair where
members can do signings. We also team up with
Sisters in Crime at the Southeastern Booksellers
Association annual conference for a booth giving our
authors a venue to sign their books. Our December
meeting is traditionally given over to a sale of all
author’s books, run by Murder on the Beach
bookstore. Plus we sponsor one of the biggest and
best mystery writers’ conferences going –
SleuthFest.
So what is SleuthFest all
about?
This is a four-day conference geared for the working
mystery writer – no matter if you are starting out
or bestselling author. We run four programming
tracks featuring workshops and panels on everything
from the basics of plotting to advanced marketing.
Our full forensics track and Forensics Fair has
become renowned and the model for other conferences.
At SleuthFest you not
only rub elbows with famous authors, you can pump
experts for advice on everything from gun profiles
to finding an agent. SleuthFest is held every March
in Fort Lauderdale. For information, go to
http://www.mwa-fl.org
Who can vote and hold office?
Anyone whose membership category is Active -
generally, those whose work has been professionally
published or produced, and who have received payment
for it. You can run for a spot on the board, but you
must be an Active status to be elected president or
vice president.
I finally got my book
published. How can I change my membership
status?
Send information regarding your eligibility to the
National office. We cannot simply change your status
at the chapter level; new Active status must be
approved by a vote of the National board. You are
not eligible for Active status if you are
self-published.
How can I get a discount
rate for Publishers Weekly magazine?
Consult your MWA Member Benefits Guide, or contact
MWA National Headquarters.
Where can I find
information about other membership benefits?
Most information about benefits is available in the
National newsletter, The Third Degree, and
with the packets you receive from National when you
join or renew - but we are happy to help you find
any information about MWA you need. Contact the
chapter or National offices.
Can you help me if I'm
frustrated with the National office?
Our National office's staff is usually friendly and
helpful, but as with any organization, sometimes
problems occur. Many times we can help you if you
are having difficulty obtaining information or
having other problems with the MWA National office.
Contact us by any of the methods mentioned above.
How can I get more
involved in FMWA?
Speak up! Volunteer your time and talents. We have
various committees that can always use good ideas
and reliable helpers. We are a volunteer
organization and that means we run on good
intentions. We are all busy in our personal and
professional lives, but you will find your
involvement in FMWA can pay dividends by giving you
entree to the mystery and providing you with
networking opportunities you can’t get on your own.
 Even if you can’t volunteer, there are things you
can do: Recruit other writers to join. Write a
newsletter article. Tell a librarian or bookstore
owner about MWA's website. Link your website to
ours. Promote MWA when you speak in public,
especially at writing conferences and seminars.
Attend meetings and special events. Bring others
with you. Post industry news to the list. Tell us
how the organization can be improved. Make sure we
get your new address if you move, your new email
address if you change services or accounts. Suggest
a speaker. Suggest a program. Suggest possible
member discounts and benefits. Let us know which
activities you like best/least. Don’t just sit back
and do nothing...get involved!
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