Mystery Florida conference reaches new chapter

The suspense is almost over.

“Mystery Florida, the Conference to Die For” will take place Friday, Aug. 13 — yes, Friday the 13th — and Saturday, Aug. 14, at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota, 1000 Blvd. of the Arts.

This year marks a new chapter for the conference, because for the first time, film agents will be present, along with authors and literary agents plus crime-investigation specialists.

This year’s presenters include Longboat Key novelist H. Terrell “Terry” Griffin, along with Colette Bancroft, Suzanne Beecher, Mark Billingham, Lisa Black, Don Bruns, Mary Jane Clark, Julie Compton, Michael Connelly, Marty Conroy, Tom Corcoran, Tim Dorsey, Riley Kathryn Ellis, James A. Forrest, David Gerson, David Hagberg, Erin Hennicke, Joseph Andrew Konrath, Maryglenn McCombs, Bob Morris, Sharon Potts, Susan Rife, Karen Rose, James Swain, Lisa Unger, Elaine Viets, James O. Wade and Noreen Wald, aka Nora Charles.

The event will kick off Friday morning with a discussion of agents, what they do and where to find one. Other presentations include “Trends in Publishing,” “Writers Start Your Engines” and “Books to Movies.”

A free “Mystery Mingle” from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, welcomes the public to meet authors and purchase books. The event will conclude with a “Patrons Dinner.”

“Florida has produced some of the most widely read authors of this genre and continues to incubate and attract writing talent. The conference has evolved to encompass the art, engineering and business of writing, but it also strives to contribute to Sarasota’s rich cultural reputation and to promote it as a destination,” said conference board member Demetra MacBride in a prepared statement.

Registration for both days of the conference is $200, which includes lunch on both days, or $275 with Patrons Dinner tickets included. Tickets for Saturday only are $125. The conference is limited to 100 people.

The event benefits Longboat Library and the Tingley Memorial Library, in Bradenton Beach. For information, including a complete schedule and registration, go to mysteryflorida.com or call Circle Books, 478 John Ringling Blvd., at 388-2850.

IF YOU GO
‘Mystery Florida, the Conference to Die For’
When: Friday, Aug. 13 and Saturday, Aug. 14
Where: Hyatt Regency Sarasota, 1000 Blvd. of the Arts
Website: mysteryflorida.com