Yes, it's that time again! Sleuthfest 2008 is just around the corner! Our Guest of Honor this year is Lee Child, with our Forensic Guest of Honor Dr. D P Lyle. Sleuthfest is being held at the Deerfield Beach Hilton Resort Hotel, February 28th through March 2nd, 2008.

So, what sets Sleuthfest apart from all the "other" conferences? First of all, and most importantly, Sleuthfest is first and foremost a working writers conference. On Thursday, Feb 28th, we kick it into high gear with Third Degree Thursday, a day of workshops and hands-on seminars, presented by working published writers, some of whom are Edgar, Anthony, and Shamus award winners. Jerry Healy and P J Parris are only two of the writers who will be leading the workshops on Thursday, beginning at noon.

That evening, our annual Reader's Corner, led by Dirk Wyle, is a showcase of as yet unpublished stories and novels, written by the attendees at Sleuthfest. If you're interested in taking part, go to the website, and click on the FAQs link. This will tell you how to get in on this fun evening.

Friday morning at 9 am, The regular conference kicks off with four tracks of seminars and workshops: Apprentice, Advanced, The Writing Biz, and Crime Scene. The latter is our always educational Forensics track, in which professionals in the crime busting business tell you how to get it right. At Noon on Friday, in the Grand Ballroom, you get to take part in a "Food Autopsy" with our Forensic Guest of Honor, Dr. D P Lyle.

Seminars continue on Saturday morning beginning at 9 am. The keynote luncheon on Saturday at noon, includes our annual Author Auction, with Keynote speaker Lee Child.

That afternoon, the always enjoyable Agents & Editors Cocktail Party and Raffle Drawing takes place at 6:30 pm.

In addition, when you register for Sleuthfest 2008, you will be given a chance to sign up for an Agent and/or Editor appointment! You'll get to pitch your novel to a real professional in the business.

We've even added something different from the past few years: A continental breakfast called "At the Writer's Desk" which involves a Q & A session with a surprise special guest.

And also this year, we're setting up a seance by a special guest facilitator.

So come on down to South Florida February 28 through March 2, 2008, and join us for what is sure to be the best Sleuthfest yet!

Go here to register: http://www.mwa-florida.org/sleuthfest.htm

December 9, Sunday, 2:00 pm, Barnes & Noble, 591 S. University Dr., Plantation, FL 33324, 954-723-0489.