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Sleuthfest 2016

Posted on 06 March 2016 by LeslieM

sleuthfesta

Author C.J. Box signs autographed books.

By Karen Newcombe

The Florida Chapter of Mystery Writers of America (MWA) held their annual conference “Sleuthfest” in Deerfield Beach last week, at the Doubletree by Hilton, from Thursday through Sunday.

The MWA is the leading association for professional writers of crime fiction and non-fiction. The conference focuses on technical topics for writers, and brings national A-list authors, editors and literary agents to speak and work with participants. Professionals in the criminal justice field conduct workshops on procedures and technical aspects of crime solving, the law and other factors important to the crime writer.

This year, New York Times best-selling author C.J. Box, whose 18 books include the popular Joe Pickett series, was the keynote speaker at the Saturday luncheon. Box spoke about his life in Wyoming and the growth of his writing career. His experience as the owner of a marketing firm and as a journalist “working every aspect of a small, community newspaper” helped him develop the skills needed to become a successful author. Box is known for combining authentic details of Western life into his masterfully-plotted novels. Box’s newest Joe Pickett mystery, Off the Grid, will be available on March 8.

Other keynote speakers included P.J. Parrish – the pen name of sisters and co-authors Kristy Montee (a Ft. Lauderdale resident) and Kelly Nichols – former CIA operative Valerie Plame, and John Hartnett of Jack Farrell and Associates, a talent recruiting agency for the publishing and media industry.

Mystery Writers of America

Victoria Landis, the co-chair of Sleuthfest, told The Observer that about 250 attendees were at the conference from all over the United States, Canada, and even from Ireland and Spain.

The Florida Chapter of MWA is one of the most active in the country,” Landis said. “The MWA has 11 regions. Membership is $115 per year, and is open to professional writers who are paid by an approved publisher for their work.”

The MWA board reviews all applications and writers must meet other criteria as well; for example, self-publication does not qualify. An Associate Membership category is open to publishing agents, journalists, filmmakers and others in related fields.

Our focus at the conference is to offer support to writers at all career levels. We have workshops for new writers, those in mid-career and those who are already successful but want to learn how to move up to the next level.”

Writers attending the conference could schedule time to meet with literary agents and editors, including Neil Nyren, the well-known editor-in-chief of G.P. Putnam’s Sons division of Penguin Random House; Anne Speyer, editor at Ballentine Books; Kirsten Carleton, literary agent at The Prospect Agency, and many others.

For information about joining the MWA, visit www.mysterywriters.org, or for upcoming meetings of the Florida chapter, www.mwaflorida.org.

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Football season starts tonight! Find your fellow fans at these locations

Posted on 10 September 2015 by LeslieM

By Karen Newcombe

New England Patriots vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers, baby! Tonight at 8:30 p.m. football season officially opens at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, MA. This year’s Super Bowl winning Patriots – complete with QB Tom Brady back on board – will come up against the Steelers, who seek to make a statement and beat the best on their own field. Sports bars in every corner of the country have stocked up on wings and beer, and many have had shiny new HDTV screens installed for the season opener.

We all know that most residents of Florida came from somewhere else, so while we may support the Miami Dolphins, many of us also have a first football love that still rules our hometown hearts. Here’s a rundown of where in and around our neighborhoods that you can find your fellow fans, and what specials to expect at that location:

The Cabin Sports Bar — 154 N. Federal Hwy., Deerfield – Patriots fans, this is your home away from home. The Cabin is in its 15th season this year and has installed new, big-screen TVs just in time for tonight’s game. While all fans of any team are welcome here, the Cabin will be hosting a very Patriotic evening tonight! Bucket Specials throughout football season. 954-428- 6438.

Bonefish Mac’s — 2002 Sample Rd., Pompano – Steelers fans are rumored to gather at Bonefish, so it should be jam-packed with excited fans tonight! 954- 781-6227.

Two Georges — 1754 SE 3 Ct., Deerfield Beach – The jumbo screen. What more do you need to hear? Two Georges offers their 10’ X 12’ television for the big game, plus 19 other TVs, and a special football menu available in the bar on Saturdays and Sundays. All fans are welcome. 954-421-9272.

City Pub — 956 S. Federal Hwy., Deerfield – The City Pub reboot with new owners is going strong, and we’ve heard that they have some special treats lined up for football fans this year. Buffalo Bills fans have found a home at City Pub, but everyone is always welcome. 954-427-8213

Bru’s Room Deerfield — 120 NE 20 Ave., Deerfield – Dolphins fans, we know you’re welcome everywhere in South Florida, but former Dolphin Bob Brudzinski has made Bru’s Room into a special home for you. You know they’ll have plenty of specials on food and drinks throughout football season. With enough TVs to show every game at the same time, you can stop by early in the week and check the labels on each TV to find out which one will show your game this weekend. 954-420-5959. [Their Coral Springs location (1000 N. University Dr.) caters to Cleveland Browns fans — 954-656-8041].

Slackers Bar & Grill — 995 W. State Rd. 84, Ft. Lauderdale – Our research indicates that Green Bay Packers fans congregate at Slackers. So do Florida State fans. 954-530-4758.

Hott Leggz — 3128 N. Federal Hwy., Lighthouse Point – Chicago Bears (and Cubs) fans make their Florida home at Hott Leggz, where they can get traditional Chicago Beef sandwich of roast beef on Italian bread smothered in giardiniera (sautéed Italian peppers). There’s also a TV on every table. 754-307-2444.

Legends Tavern & Grill — 1391 S. Military Tr., Deerfield Beach – Legends is new and this will be their first football season in Deerfield Beach. They’re offering specials on game weekends including $13 Bud Lite buckets and $2.50 pints on selected beers, as well as All Day Happy Hour on Sundays. Fans from all teams come here. 754-212-2655.

Packy’s Sports Pub — 4480 N. Federal Hwy., Lighthouse Point – Packy’s has now been under new ownership for a year, and is a gathering spot for Buffalo Bills fans. Packy’s is offering $13 domestic buckets and $18 craft/import buckets.

Enjoy the game tonight, everyone! This is just a sampling of some local football hangouts. Send your gameday fun pictures to observereditor@comcast.net.

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