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Even if you can't make it for the entire weekend....
.... be sure to drop by Thursday evening after work to meet our NY Times best-selling authors Donald Bain, Julie James, David Morrell  and Hank Phillippi Ryan, plus local featured author Julie Hyzy, at a pre-conference signing Thursday evening, Feb. 2 from 5 to 7pm at the InterContinental Chicago O'Hare Hotel. The event is free, so bring your friends and fellow mystery fans to get your book(s) signed, chat with the authors, mingle with other authors, and maybe win books and Love is Murder souvenirs in prize drawings every 15 minutes. You can also take advantage of the conference parking rate of just $5.00!
Conference Highlights....
Seats Still Available for MASTER WRITING CLASSES with David Morrell and Hank Phillippi Ryan There's still time to sign up for Love is Murder Master Classes, presented in an intimate venue that lets you get up close and personal with Love is Murder featured authors. Visit the website for more information, and register for one or both Master Classes when you sign in at the conference. David Morrell: "IT DEPENDS ON YOUR VIEWPOINT" According to David Morrell, the viewpoint of a story is one of its most fascinating aspects. Each of the possible approaches carries assumptions and implications. David will point out the strengths and weaknesses of each and discuss the historical perspectives that caused them to be invented."
Hank Phillippi Ryan: "THE INSIDE SCOOP: USING TV TECHNIQUES TO WRITE A KILLER NOVEL" Boston's premier inbestigative reporter will show you what you need to do to produce a successful television news story -- and show you how those skills can help you develop the novel you've always wanted to write. Develop memorable characters. Build suspense. Show conflict. Tell a compelling story. Create a satisfying ending. Find justice. Change lives. Hank's years of experience with journalism will give your book or short story a boost. With her top-10 list of questions, journalism techniques and solid practical applications, this Emmy- and double Agatha-winning reporter will teach you the secrets of television news. 13 hours of expert witnesses. Our expert witness line-up offers panels and workshops, where you can learn everything you ever wanted to know about fingerprints, forensic accounting, CSI , cybercrime, and guns, just to name a few! Join our presenters Bill Howe (fingerprint expert), Peggy Tracy (forensic accountant), Susan Vonderich (Illinois Crime Lab), FBI Agent Brent Dempsey (cybercrime) and the Gun Guys, Chicago-area cops Mike Black and Dave Case, for our fascinating and informative expert witnesses track.
Special F.B.I. Agent Brent Dempsey brings you the gritty details of cyber crimes and investigations, from computer intrusions to Internet fraud to crimes against children. Get the scoop on the sources of computer intrusions, common characteristics of cyber offenders, and investigative methods that land computer criminals in prison. Of particular interest to writers, Special Agent Dempsey will also share some frustrations of cyber-crime fiction from a law enforcement perspective.
Mystery Writers of America (MWA) Writers Track. Presented by award-winning author D. C. Brod, this series of panels focuses on writing and getting published, running all day Friday, February 3. Whether you're a published author looking for a brush-up on technique, or a pre-published writer looking to see your work in print, the MWA-Midwest Writers Track has something for you. Panels include a hands-on workshop on how to write the perfect query letter and synopsis, and how-to discussions on various aspects of crafting great prose. Ptch-A-Palooza! Pitch sessions with agents and editors will take place on Friday and Saturday, with panels on how to pitch before each Pitch-A-Palooza event. "How to Pitch" sessions on Friday will run from noon to 2 p.m. (pitching starts at 3), and on Saturday at 8 a.m. (pitching starts at 10). Sisters in Crime Events. Sisters in Crime Chicagoland presents an in-depth interview with Hank Phillippi Ryan on Friday afternoon at 3 p.m., followed by a coffee hour at 4. On Saturday afternoon, come and meet more Sisters in Crime as published SinC authors talk about the mystery genres they write and how Sisters in Crime has helped them in their writing careers. Author Chats. Last year's popular author chats are back! Writers and readers, talking books in a cozy, informal setting... what better way to while away an hour on a cold February day? Details on who's chatting when will appear in the Love Is Murder program book handed out to all attendees at the registration desk. Kick Off Your Shoes! Julie Drouare, proprietor of Girlie Girl on the Go, has been confirmed as a vendor at Love Is Murder 13. Ms. Drouare carries a full line of 10 to 20 styles in her mobile women's shoe boutique. Stop by and see her in the vendor room. Calling All Volunteers... Coming to Love Is Murder 2012? We can use your help! With all the things that need doing to make a mystery con run smoothly, willing hands are always welcome. If you're interested in volunteering, contact Wally Cwik at wcwik@comcast.net. | 
