Just because we happen to like killing off people (fictionally, of course!), doesn't mean we're not a friendly group. We love to have non-members join us at the luncheon meetings of the Mystery Writers of America (MWA) Florida Chapter. We get together most months on Saturdays, 11:30 am to 2 pm, at the Hilton Hotel, 100 Fairway Drive, Deerfield Beach, Florida, 33441. We generally take a break from meetings during the hottest, most hurricane-prone months of the summer in Florida. Many of our members (the lucky ones) flee the summer swelter for cooler, storm-free states.

We try to offer entertaining, educational programs and accomplished speakers at our luncheon meetings. Topics are intended to interest both published and unpublished authors, as well as other professionals in the fields of writing and publishing. Of course, those who simply appreciate reading a good mystery novel are most welcome, too. We draw our members from every corner of the state. Visiting MWA members from other states are also invited to attend.

Speakers range from veteran Florida authors like Les Standiford and James W. Hall, to up-and-coming mystery novelists. We also feature individuals who can offer fascinating insight into fields of interest to mystery writers and others: Crime scene techs, medical examiners, police officers and attorneys, for example. The luncheon meetings are a great opportunity to network, and to mingle with some of the talented mystery authors who call Florida home.

The hotel serves excellent food, and the meetings provide friendship, fellowship and support for mystery writers and those who love them (or put up with them). We'd love to have you join us at any of the meetings detailed below. The cost for the lunch and speaker program is generally $25 for MWA members; $30 for non-members.

Reservations: Contact Diane Stuckart
 

Mark Your Calendars!

September 2010
September FMWA Meeting: The ABCs of E-publishing

If you're thinking that publishing seems to be changing at the speed of light, it's not just your imagination. As sales of e-readers like Kindle soar, authors will need to be savvy about what this means for their books.

On September 11 Neil Plakcy, author of nine novels, including two published with Amazon.com for the Kindle, will be leading a program on e-publishing: the hardware (Kindle, Sony Reader, et al); the formats for electronic publishing for different machines; the pluses and minuses of self-publishing; and how to market your books to those who read digitally. Mike Jastrzebski, who self-published his book "The Storm Killer" to great reviews and sales, will help with the marketing angle. The program is aimed at authors who control rights to out-of-print books, as well as those who want to experiment with publishing original content.

We will also have several artists on hand to show off the e-book covers they have designed, and MWA is trying to line up someone there who can handle conversions, too.

Date: Saturday September 11
Time: 11:30 a.m. for mingling, lunch at noon.
Place: Deerfield Beach Hilton, 100 Fairway Drive, Deerfield Beach, 954-427-7700. Take I- 95 to Exit 42A (Hillsboro Blvd East). Turn Left at the 1st traffic light onto Fairway Dr. The Hotel is on the right, past Deerfield Country Club.
Cost: $25 for MWA members; $30 for non- members. Buffet lunch.

Reservations: To make a rezzie, please contact Diane Stuckart by CLICKING HERE.
Make checks payable to Mystery Writers of America Florida Chapter.
Mail payment to:
Diane Stuckart
17884 30th Lane N
Loxahatchee, FL 33470
 

October 2010
And in October? Ever wonder what happens to your victims after the crime scene investigation, after the autopsy, when they go to the mortuary? Then join us at our October 16 meeting for a lively presentation on A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A FUNERAL DIRECTOR. Our speaker will be George Rafaidus, Jr., who will bring his deadpan humor to the topic. George has more than thirty years' experience in the body biz and is a past president of the Michigan Funeral Directors Association (who knew they had a league of their own?). Order yourself a stiff drink because this is sure to be a grave undertaking.

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