Key West Updates

Have you ever imagined yourself in the role of moody mobster, dangerous dame or daring detective in a fiction novel? Now, organizers of the upcoming 2nd Annual Mystery Writers Key West Fest have announced that one Fest guest will walk into the pages of New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Heather Graham’s next novel.

Every fan of mystery fiction that has registered for the Fest by midnight June 30 is eligible to win a cameo “character placement” role in the prolific author’s next work. Graham, who has more than seventy-five million books in print published in approximately twenty languages, is slated to be a featured presenter and panelist at the upcoming “Murder & Mayhem in Paradise” themed Fest, a gathering of true-crime, mystery, and suspense writers and fans to be held in Key West, Florida, August 14-16.

Fest registration includes three days of panels, presentations and social events with best-selling and global award winning authors, including Graham, featured guest Jeffery Deaver - international best-selling author of the acclaimed “Lincoln Rhyme” book series; James O. Born, former U.S. Drug Agent and undercover operative whose titles include the award-winning novel "Escape Clause;" and a Who’s-Who of mystery genre luminaries including Carolina Garcia-Aguilera, Sandra Balzo, Don Bruns, Nancy J. Cohen, Libby Fischer Hellman, Chris Kuznesk, Sharon Potts and others including Irish thriller writer Laurence O’Bryan and Florida Keys based authors Michael Haskins, Mike Dennis, Shirrel Rhoades and Jonathan Woods.

Sponsored in part by the Mystery Writers of America - Florida Chapter, the Key West Citizen daily newspaper and the Florida Keys Council of the Arts, registration for all three days of events is $125, with “killer” early bird discounts for select hotel rooms booked by July 10.

For registration, hotel room booking link and further information, visit www.mysterywriterskeywestfest.com.

Do you have a mystery novel in the works or know someone who does? Those who do are eligible to compete for the inaugural Jeremiah Healy Mystery Writing Award, to be presented at the 2nd Annual Mystery Writers Key West Fest, August 14-16 in Key West, Florida. The winner will claim a book-publishing contract with Absolutely Amazing eBooks, free Mystery Writers Key West Fest registration, hotel accommodations for two nights, and a captivating bobble-headed "Jerry" trophy.

Sponsored by Absolutely Amazing eBooks, the award salutes Healy's legacy as a beloved and influential mentor credited with helping and advising many aspiring writers. Candidates wishing to compete for the Award are invited to submit the first three pages of a finished, unpublished manuscript no later than June 30, 2015. There is no fee to enter, finalists will be notified August 1, and will have until August 10 to submit full manuscripts.

Complete Jeremiah Healy Mystery Writing Award competition guidelines and details are available at www.mysterywriterskeywestfest.com.

Mystery Writers Key West Fest alert! Today is the final day to reserve rooms at the "killer" discount being offered by DoubleTree Grand Key Resort. And, those who buy their Fest tix today will be registered to win a walk-on roll in Sandra Balzo's next story of suspense! Registration is $98 and open to authors, aspiring authors and non-writing mystery-buffs alike. www.mysterywriterskeywestfest.com

Mystery Writers Key West Fest Mystery Writers Key West Fest is a gathering of your favorite South Florida mystery writers along with local storytellers.

Planning on attending the Mystery Writers Key West Fest? Those who register by midnight tomorrow (Sat, May 10), are eligible to win a walk-on roll in Sandra Balzo's next story of suspense! Plus, out-of-towner's who book their rooms at DoubleTree by midnight tomorrow get a "killer" discount! register at www.mysterywriterskeywestfest.com

FYI - cost to attend the inaugural fest is just $98 (not including hotel room) and includes a Friday-night opening party populated with nearly two-dozen participating mystery writers … a day-long session filled with informative panels and luncheon with best-selling mystery and detective fiction author W.E.B. Griffin … a noir movie night, group book-signing event, bar-hopping with your favorite mystery writers, free consultations with industry experts and those who register by May 10 have the chance to win a cameo role in Sandra Balzo's next Maggy Thorsen Coffee House Mystery! http://mysterywriterskeywestfest.com/