Conference Countdown....

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) January 9, 2012 -- January 10, 2012
For more information, contact Juli Schatz,
847-372-6222 or email julib@imagegrille.com

Countdown to Conference....

Chicago, IL -- 1/10/12) It's a short three weeks to Love Is Murder 13, the Midwest's premier mystery and romance conference for authors, readers and fans. The three-day celebration, Feb. 3-5 (yes, Superbowl weekend!) celebrates their favorite genres with a host of activities throughout the weekend, including the opportunnity to mingle and network with others who share their passion for mystery and romance.

Here are just a few highlights of this event- and excitement-packed February weekend:

Pre-Conference Book Signing, Thursday, February 2, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.

Love Is Murder 13 starts with a bang even before it’s officially underway! On Thursday evening, February 2, featured NY Times best-selling authors David Morrell, Donald Bain, Juli James, and Hank Phillippi Ryan and local guest of honor Julie Hyzy will all be at the conference site, the Intercontinental Chicago O’Hare Hotel (5300 N. River Rd. in Rosemont) to meet and greet readers and sign books. Drop by and meet your favorite author, and take your shot at the raffle prize! Free book giveaways every 15 minutes. This gala event is open to the public.

13 hours of expert witnesses. Our expert witness line-up offers panels and workshops, where you can learn everything you ever wanted to know about fingerprints, forensic accounting, CSI, cybercrime, poisons, and guns, just to name a few! Join our presenters Bill Howe (fingerprint expert), Peggy Tracy (forensic accountant), Susan Vonderich (Illinois Crime Lab), FBI Agent Brent Dempsey (cybercrime), the Gun Guys, Chicago-area cops Mike Black and Dave Case, and more, for our fascinating and informative expert witnesses track. It starts at noon Friday and continues "'Til the Last Perp Walks."

Mystery Writers of America (MWA) Writers Track. Organized by award-winning author D. C. Brod, this series of panels focused on writing and getting published runs all day on Friday, February 3. Whether you’re a published author looking for a brush-up on technique, or unpublished writer looking to see your work in print, the MWA-Midwest Writers Track has something for you. Panels include a workshop on how to write the perfect query letter and synopsis, and how-to discussions on various aspects of crafting great prose.

Pitch-A-Palooza! Got a great story idea, or even a book already written? Pitch sessions with agents and editors will take place on Friday and Saturday, with panels on how to pitch before each Pitch-A-Palooza event. “How to Pitch” sessions on Friday will run from noon to 2 p.m. (pitching starts at 3 p.m.), and Saturday at 8 a.m. (pitching starts at 10).

Sisters in Crime events. Sisters in Crime (SinC) Chicagoland presents an in-depth interview with Hank Phillippi Ryan on Friday afternoon at 3 p.m., followed by a coffee hour at 4. On Saturday afternoon, meet more Sisters as published SinC authors talk about the mystery genres they write and how SinC has benefited them in their writing careers.

Author chats. Last year’s popular author chats are back! Writers and readers, talking books in a cozy, informal setting… what better way to while away an hour on a cold February day? Details on who’s chatting when will appear in the Love Is Murder program book that all attendees receive at registration.

Entertainment by Those Were The Days radio players, The Mystery Shop, and Mixed Company Troupe.

Visit www.loveismurder.net for more information and to register online. All-inclusive packages include panels, entertainment, workshops, author signings and meals for the entire weekend. Hotel rooms at the Intercontinental O'Hare are $89 per night with $5/night parking. You may also register for single days or individual events.

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