While reading Nancy's wonderful guest post about research, I thought about one of the ways that I do research is by attending the Public Safety Writers Association's conference every year. Many of the members who attend and the speakers are experts in forensics, law enforcement, fire fighting, FBI and any number of professions that we mystery writers often have lots of question for.
I must confess, as the program chairperson for the conference after I've managed to talk the most outstanding speakers to come and make presentations at the conference, I'd really like to have a good crowd for them to share their expertise with.
You can take a look at the great line-up by heading to the website http://www.publicsafetywriter.com and checking them out. My suggestion is that if you are a mystery writer you might want to give yourself a Christmas gift by signing up for the conference--and if you know a writer who would benefit from a conference like this maybe you might nudge their significant other to register him or her for the conference.
Because it is a smaller conference, attendees have the opportunity to really network with everyone. And if you would like to be on a panel, all you have to do is say so on the registration form--and it would be great if you'd give a hint as to what kind of panel you'd like to be on.
You can bring your books for sale and PSWA will only take 10% as their fee for taking care of the selling.
If you think Christmas is too soon, since the conference isn't until June, be sure to sign up before March 31 to be on a panel before the price goes up once again. (The price includes three great lunches.)
I've said it before, but I'll say it again, besides gaining some knowledge, I guarantee you'll also have fun.
And be sure to check out the contest for unpublished and published short stories, articles, non-fiction books, and fiction books.
I promise not to say anything more about the PSWA conference until it gets closer to March.
I'm a confessed conference junkie--but this is one of my very favorites and not just because I'm on the board.
Try it, you'll like it.
Marilyn
http://fictionforyou.com
I do enjoy a good conference! I just got back from a week long South Carolina retreat and it was wonderful! Great idea to give yourself a conference for Christmas.
ReplyDeleteI love conferences. Have several I really enjoy--Mayhem in the Midlands, Epicon, Left Coast Crime and Bouchercon. But for the ability to talk one-on-one with experts, PSWA is the best.
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