Florida’s killer scribes are coming to Sarasota once again for the 3^rd Annual Mystery Florida Writers’ Conference, June 1-2, at the Lido Beach Resort, 700 Ben Franklin Dr., Sarasota.  Keeping with tradition, the Conference will open with a barside Mystery Mingle, featuring bookselling and signings, and casual discussion on suspense, villains, and the jagged art of murder.

Visiting authors include James O. Born, Don Bruns, Blaize Clement, Tom Corcoran, Tim Dorsey, David Hagberg, current Mystery Writers of America Grand Master Stuart Kaminsky, Jonathon King, Ward Larsen, James Macomber, Claire Matturro, Kristy Montee, Bob Morris, Barbara Parker, James Swain and Randy Wayne White.  Noted local mystery writers, Wayne Barcomb and Terry Griffin will also attend. 

This year’s conference panels address the Ws of mystery writing:  Who (“How to Create a Villain”); What (“Mystery vs. Thriller – What’s the Difference”); Where (“Location and Setting the Tone”); Why (“Why Authors Write a Series vs. Stand-Alone Mysteries”) and When Hollywood Comes Calling, Turning Books Into Movies…”.(featuring Sarasota Film Commissioner, Jeanne Corcoran).  Literary scholar Cal Branche will explore John D. MacDonald’s influence on Florida mysteries, and the continuing tradition of MacDonald’s “Liars’ Club” fraternity (today, including a few sorority sisters) of killer writers.  The Conference will close Saturday evening with a Patrons’ Dinner among sponsors and writers. 

Mystery and murder are intimate arts, so Conference attendance is limited to 100.  Tickets may be purchased for $99.00, with details available at www.mysteryflorida.com or directly through Circle Books on St. Armands Circle.