DATE: November 17, 2018, Florida Chapter, Mystery Writers of America Luncheon Meeting
GUEST SPEAKER: Micki Browning
PROGRAM: “Into the Depths”

Program: Almost 20 percent of Florida is underwater, including miles of inland and coastal waterways—and that doesn’t include the ocean that laps at our shores. While a beautiful backdrop for a story, water complicates crime scenes. Retired police captain, professional divemaster and author Micki Browning will share how credible details can help your sleuth unravel an underwater scene, adding depth and interest to your story.

During this presentation, we’ll cover the basics of underwater crime scene investigation, evidence collection, and equipment requirements. We’ll also discuss accidental deaths while diving, the physiological process of drowning, and the marine critters that make your sleuth’s life difficult.

Speaker: An FBI National Academy graduate, Micki Browning worked in municipal law enforcement for more than two decades and retired as a division commander. She is the author of the award-winning Mer Cavallo Mystery series set in the Florida Keys. Her debut novel, Adrift, is nominated for the 2017 Agatha Award for Best First Novel. It won both the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence and the Royal Palm Literary Award prior to its publication. Her latest thriller, Beached, launched in January 2018.

Micki also writes short stories and non-fiction. Her work has appeared in dive magazines, anthologies, mystery magazines and textbooks. She lives in South Florida with her partner in crime and a vast array of scuba equipment she uses for “research.”

TIME: 11:30: Mingling; 12:00: Lunch; 12:30: Business Meeting; 1:00: Presentation

PLACE: Embassy Suites by Hilton Boca Raton, 661 NW 53rd Street, Boca Raton, Florida, 33487

COST: $25 for MWA members; $30 for non-members. Prepayment by November14 is strongly urged.

RESERVATIONS/PREPAYMENT: To reserve and pay online: Scroll down to the “Sign up for Luncheon Meeting” box and fill in your information, then click the “Pay Now” button and follow the instructions.

If you sign up for a meeting via PayPal in error, do NOT dispute the charge with PayPal. Instead, please contact our Treasurer at harriet@ottenheimer.com and she will refund your payment less PayPal’s transaction fee of 2.9% plus $0.30. If you do dispute the charge, be aware that you will be liable for any penalties back-charged to the FMWA Chapter by PayPal (minimum $20.00 per disputed transaction). Thanks for your cooperation!

IMPORTANT NOTE: BECAUSE OUR TREASURER WILL BE OUT OF THE COUNTRY IN NOVEMBER, WE ARE UNABLE TO ACCEPT MAILED CHECKS, OR PAYMENT AT THE DOOR FOR THIS MONTH’S PRESENTATION. ALL PAYMENTS FOR THE NOVEMBER MEETING MUST BE VIA PAYPAL. THANK YOU FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING.

Please make your online reservation by MAY 16 so that you will be included on the reservation list, and we can provide the hotel with an accurate headcount! 

Next Meeting Date: SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2018 – HOLIDAY PARTY!

DATE: October 20, 2018 Florida Chapter, Mystery Writers of America Luncheon Meeting
GUEST SPEAKER: Christopher Hawke

PROGRAM: “Psychology and the Art of Writing”

Improve your story crafting skills by applying the principles of psychology. Go line by line through real-world examples with Christopher Hawke, as we explore what makes great writing work from both the author’s and reader’s point of view. Members will be encouraged to add their input as Christopher dissects work and reveals the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of the written word!

Speaker: Christopher Hawke’s debut novel, Unnatural Truth—a surreal psychological thriller focusing on the perception of reality, addiction, and mental illness—established Hawke’s unique talent for storytelling. His second novel, Altered Selves, is a 21st-century fable about what it means to have a soul and the power of true forgiveness.

Following his passion for teaching the craft of writing and utilizing his career in information technology and marketing, he is co-owner of Community Authors, a one-stop author services company. Christopher believes everyone has a story worth telling.

DATE: SATURDAY, October 20, 2018
TIME: 11:30: Mingling; 12:00: Lunch; 12:30: Business Meeting; 1:00: Presentation
PLACE: Embassy Suites by Hilton Boca Raton, 661 NW 53rd Street, Boca Raton, Florida, 33487
COST: $25 for MWA members; $30 for non-members. Prepayment by October 17 is strongly urged.

RESERVATIONS/PREPAYMENT: To reserve and pay online: Scroll down to the “Sign up for Luncheon Meeting” box and fill in your information, then click the “Pay Now” button and follow the instructions.

IMPORTANT – if you sign up for a meeting via PayPal in error, do NOT dispute the charge with PayPal. Instead, please contact our Treasurer via email ASAP at harriet@ottenheimer.com and she will refund your payment less PayPal’s transaction fee of 2.9% plus $0.30. If you do dispute the charge, be aware that you will be liable for any penalties back-charged to the FMWA Chapter by PayPal (minimum $20.00 per disputed transaction). Thanks for your cooperation!

To reserve and pay via mail:
Step 1–Email harriet@ottenheimer.com with the subject line “FMWA Meeting” to reserve a spot. In the body of the email, please include your name, the name of any guest you have invited, your email address, and telephone number.
Step 2– Write your check or money order payable to “Mystery Writers of America/Florida Chapter.”
Step 3-Mail your payment to FMWA Treasurer, 2301 S. Ocean Dr. #2005, Hollywood, FL 33019

Please make your online reservation by October 17, or mail your check at least 3 days prior to that date so that you will be included on the reservation list, and we can provide the hotel with an accurate headcount! Walk-ins are accommodated only it space allows.

Next Meeting Date: Saturday, November 17, 2018.