Just because we happen to like killing off people (fictionally, of course!), doesn't mean we're not a friendly group. We love to have non-members join us at the luncheon meetings of the Mystery Writers of America (MWA) Florida Chapter. We get together most months on Saturdays, 11:30 am to 2 pm, at the Hilton Hotel, 100 Fairway Drive, Deerfield Beach, Florida, 33441. We generally take a break from meetings during the hottest, most hurricane-prone months of the summer in Florida. Many of our members (the lucky ones) flee the summer swelter for cooler, storm-free states.

We try to offer entertaining, educational programs and accomplished speakers at our luncheon meetings. Topics are intended to interest both published and unpublished authors, as well as other professionals in the fields of writing and publishing. Of course, those who simply appreciate reading a good mystery novel are most welcome, too. We draw our members from every corner of the state. Visiting MWA members from other states are also invited to attend.

Speakers range from veteran Florida authors like Les Standiford and James W. Hall, to up-and-coming mystery novelists. We also feature individuals who can offer fascinating insight into fields of interest to mystery writers and others: Crime scene techs, medical examiners, police officers and attorneys, for example. The luncheon meetings are a great opportunity to network, and to mingle with some of the talented mystery authors who call Florida home.

The hotel serves excellent food, and the meetings provide friendship, fellowship and support for mystery writers and those who love them (or put up with them). We'd love to have you join us at any of the meetings detailed below. The cost for the lunch and speaker program is generally $25 for MWA members; $30 for non-members.

Reservations: Contact Diane Stuckart
 

Mark Your Calendars!
 

Psychologist Offers Glimpse at Psychopathic Mind
What makes murderers kill? How do psychopaths think?

Psychologist Thomas J. Fagan will tackle those questions and more as guest speaker Feb. 18 at the monthly luncheon of the Mystery Writers of America (MWA)/Florida Chapter. All are welcome, but reservations are required.

Dr. Fagan, an author and professor at Nova Southeastern University, is director of the college's Social and Behavioral Sciences Division. His background includes many years as a psychology practitioner and administrator with the Federal Bureau of Prisons. In addition to designing mental health programs and training prison staff, Dr. Fagan was also the prison bureau's chief hostage negotiator.
He's widely published in psychological journals, and has written several books, including ''Correctional Mental Health Handbook,'' and ''Negotiating Correctional Incidents: A Practical Guide.''

As part of his talk, he plans to show a prison interview with a psychopath, providing a glimpse into the criminal mind.

Luncheon date: Saturday, Feb. 18
Time: 11:30 a.m. for mingling, lunch at noon.
Place: Deerfield Beach Hilton, 100 Fairway Drive, Deerfield Beach (at Hillsboro Blvd. exit, east of 1-95.)
Cost: $25 for MWA members; $30 for non-members
Reservations are required along with pre-payment. To reserve: email diane@dianestuckart.com with subject line "MWA February Meeting". If you make a reservation and are unable to attend, please send a cancellation notice by the Friday before the meeting
PLEASE PAY IN ADVANCE (makes lunch registration MUCH easier, thanks!)
Mail a check for Feb 18 luncheon, payable to ''Mystery Writers of America/Florida Chapter.'' Send to:
Diane Stuckart
17884 30th Lane N
Loxahatchee, FL 33470

Don't forget your permanent chapter member name tag. If you don't have one yet, let Diane know what you want your tag to say.

{ click to view recent meetings }