Fact or Fiction: Attack of the crime writer! with Carla Norton

*May 18 Chapter Meeting*

Are you fascinated by a criminal case that’s “stranger than fiction” and tempted to write a true account? Or would you rather cherry-pick details and blend them into a crime novel? Either way, there are certain steps to take and legal issues to consider. What are the challenges and pitfalls in writing true crime? When is it okay to fictionalize? And what’s the key to a good book proposal? Maybe you’re ready to dedicate blood, sweat, and years into researching a crime, or maybe not. But here are some insights into the process and some tips on how to craft a story with the grit, complexity, and emotional payoff necessary for a successful book.

Speaker:  Carla Norton is a novelist and true crime writer. Her award-winning fiction includes The Edge of Normal and What Doesn't Kill Her. Her nonfiction includes Disturbed Ground, about a female serial killer, and Perfect Victim, about an extraordinary case of kidnapping and prolonged captivity. Perfect Victim, which was put on the reading list for the FBI Behavioral Sciences Unit and became a #1 New York Times bestseller, provides inspiration for her fiction. Carla has an MFA degree in creative writing and enjoys teaching workshops. She invites you to contact her via Goodreads, Facebook, and at CarlaNorton.com.

• WHAT DOESN’T KILL HER  *2016 Nancy Pearl Book Award & FAPA President's Award Winner
• THE EDGE OF NORMAL *Thriller Award Finalist & Royal Palm Literary Award Winner
• PERFECT VICTIM *#1 New York Times bestseller
• DISTURBED GROUND *now in ebook format

DATE:  SATURDAY, MAY 18, 2019

TIME: 11:30: Mingling; 12:00: Lunch; 12:30: Business Meeting; 1:00: Presentation

PLACE: Embassy Suites by Hilton Boca Raton, 661 NW 53rd Street, Boca Raton, Florida, 33487; Get Directions Here.

COST: $25 for MWA members; $30 for non-members. Prepayment by May 10 is strongly urged.

RESERVATIONS/PREPAYMENT: 

To reserve and pay online: Go to www.mwaflorida.org and click the “Monthly Meeting” tab under “Events,” Once you reach the page, click the “Register for Monthly Meeting Here” link. Scroll down to the “Sign up for Luncheon Meeting” box and fill in your information, then click the “Pay Now” button and follow the instructions.

IMPORTANT - if you sign up for a meeting via PayPal in error, do NOT dispute the charge with PayPal. Instead, please contact our Treasurer via email ASAP at ray@rayflynt.com and he will refund your payment less PayPal's transaction fee of 2.9% plus $0.30. If you do dispute the charge, be aware that you will be liable for any penalties back-charged to the FMWA Chapter by PayPal (minimum $20.00 per disputed transaction). Thanks for your cooperation!

To reserve and pay via mail: 

Step 1–Email ray@rayflynt.com with the subject line “FMWA Meeting” to reserve a spot.  In the body of the email, please include your name, the name of any guest you have invited, your email address, and telephone number. 

Step 2– Write your check or money order payable to “Mystery Writers of America/Florida Chapter.” 

Step 3–Mail your payment to FMWA Treasurer, 2767 Carambola Cir S., #202, Coconut Creek, FL 33066. 

Please make your online reservation by May 10 or mail your check at least 3 days prior to that date so that you will be included on the reservation list, and we can provide the hotel with an accurate headcount! Walk-ins are accommodated only if space allows.

Next Meeting Date: SATURDAY, JUNE 15, 2019 

For more info about the Florida Chapter: http://www.mwaflorida.org/