Sleuthfest!

SleuthFest 2010, “Lights! Camera! Write!”, will be held in the Deerfield Beach Hilton in north Broward County from Thursday, February 25 through Sunday, February 28. The hotel sits just off I-95 and features beautifully renovated rooms and FREE parking. Driving or flying, you can't beat the rate and location. And don’t forget, this is South Florida in the Winter—sun, more sun, and beaches.

David Morrell and Stephen J. Cannell are our Guests of Honor. David Morrell is the award-winning author of First Blood, the novel in which Rambo was created. That "father" of all modern action novels was published in 1972 while Morrell was a professor in the English department at the University of Iowa. He taught there from 1970 to 1986, simultaneously writing other novels, many of them national bestsellers, such as The Brotherhood of the Rose (the basis for a highly rated NBC miniseries starring Robert Mitchum). Eventually wearying of two professions, he gave up his tenure in order to write full time. Stephen J. Cannell is the bestselling author of twelve novels, including the critically acclaimed Shane Scully series, which includes Three Shirt Deal, White Sister, Cold Hit, Vertical Coffin, Hollywood Tough, The Viking Funeral, and The Tin Collectors. The newest installment, On The Grind, was published by St. Martin’s Press in January 2009. In addition, Cannell is the author of At First Sight, Runaway Heart, The Devil’s Workshop, Riding the Snake, King Con, Final Victim, and The Plan.

Come in on Thursday for a line up not equaled by any conference in the country. We have instructors who can teach anyone anything they didn't know about writing or the writing business. That evening, the Sleuthfest 101 Dinner will take place, as well as our annual Reader’s Corner.

Friday and Saturday will be filled with talented , including P J Parrish, Paul Levine, James W. Hall, Les Standiford, C J Lyons, Elaine Viets, Diana Snell, John DuFresne, and N. M. Kelby.

Our Friday luncheon speaker will be David Morrell, who on Friday evening, will introduce a showing of “Rambo”, and speak about how what’s on the page does or does not end up on the screen.

Saturday’s luncheon speaker is Stephen J. Cannell, along with our annual Author Auction. That evening is the Agents and Editors Cocktail party, including the silent auction results and the crowning of the new Flamango 2010.

On Sunday morning, we'll have a special treat. You'll have to attend to find out what it is.

As proof we're always improving SleuthFest, we're sponsoring the Short Story Contest again this year. The feedback last year was all positive, especially from the winner whose story was published in the SleuthFest program. And, she's attending SF 2010 as our guest this year. You could be the lucky winner this year.

There's more info at the web site (www.sleuthfest.com) and we'll be adding right up to the last moment. So check the site now and check back often. Registration is up on the website, as well as a link for room reservations. Be sure to click on the Sleuthfest 2010 link, and if you reserve your rooms over the phone, be sure to mention you are attending SleuthFest 2010, in order to get our great room rates.

We’re looking forward to seeing you at Sleuthfest 2010.