Welcome to the 11th Annual
Love is Murder FAQ
February 6-8, 2009 | Westin Chicago North Shore, Chicago, Illinois

1. What would mystery/paranormal fans get out of the conference?

Fans have the opportunity to hear some of the best mystery writers in this country and abroad discuss their books, their motivation for writing, their plans for future mystery novels -- just about anything fans are interested in. Fans are encouraged to question the authors during the panels, converse with them during meals and in the hospitality room, and generally mingle with them throughout the conference. We'll have authors who write in all the mystery fields -- amateur sleuth, thrillers, suspense, historical, paranormal, police procedurals, PI novels. Mostly, fans will enjoy a weekend of fun events and be able to indulge in the camaraderie that goes hand in hand with a love for the mystery genre. Plus, they'll get to enjoy a whole lot of great food every day! :)

2. What should aspiring writers/authors do to prepare for the conference?

Aspiring writers and authors will be able to meet with agents and publishers at the conference. If they have a work in progress, they should brush up on their two-minute pitches and be prepared to sell themselves and their work to these people. They can also attend master writing classes, learn all about weapons, wounds, police investigations -- all things that will make their writing more believable. They'll have an opportunity to network with fellow writers and fans. And, if they like, they can have their work critiqued by members of MWA, Mystery Writers of America, for a small fee.

For those aspiring writers who do not yet have a book out or are not at the pitching stage, there are lots of benefits to meeting writers at every stage of their careers.  Meeting writers who have just finished their first book is inspirational to many, plus talking to more seasoned writers always gets new writers on the right track.  In addition, there are so many wonderful panels. We don't know any one who has even the smallest of writing ambition who doesn't leave rejuvenated to try their hand at writing again. And nothing beats making the sorts of contacts you can make at Love Is Murder.

3. What sort of clothing should people pack for daytime and evening events?

We're pretty casual, even at the banquet. Comfortable slacks or jeans, sweaters, sweatshirts, T-shirts -- anything they want to wear is fine with us! Most people wear pantsuits or skirts and sweaters to the banquet. The guys wear casual clothes, slacks or jeans with shirts of all kinds.

4. How many people attend the conference?

Anywhere from 250 to 300 people. We try to keep it on the small side so that fans can mingle with authors and no one misses out on the fun. Big conferences can be overwhelming. You can feel lost at them. We enjoy the way that everyone rubs elbows with everyone else at LIM. We've had people who come to LIM year after year because we're perceived as one of the friendliest conferences around. Anne Perry was with us back in 2005. She enjoyed herself so much that she asked to return in 2007, which she did, even though she's traveling all the way from Scotland to be with us.

5. Is there limited space for some of the demonstrations or workshops?

There's a limit on the two master writing classes, so folks who want to attend those should sign up soon. The same goes for writers who want to meet with agents and publishers. There will be plenty of room for anyone who wants to come to the other demonstrations and workshops, and there's no need to sign up for those. Just come to the room where the event is being held.

6. If I want to be a panel, when should I register?

Authors must register EARLY if they want panel time.  Slots ran out last year before many hopefuls got their registration in and they were disappointed. There was a time in our early years when every author who registered got a slot on a panel, but that cannot be taken for granted any longer.

7. What if I have a manuscript and I have the strong desire to bump into an editor or agent at the conference?

Schedule a pitch time. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet face-to-face with an editor or agent. Writers get ten minutes alone with the editor and they are expected to present their novel in hits most inviting terms to an editor. Most editors do not take manuscripts at the conference. If they are interested, they will ask you to send the manuscript afterward. Slots for pitches are limited, so sign up soon.

8. What if I am not ready to pitch my manuscript yet?

Get a manuscript critique. This is an opportunity to present your first few pages of your novel and get an honest, helpful critique from a published writer. You would bring your manuscript to the conference, schedule a manuscript critique, and sit with a published author for about half an hour, receiving their ideas for ways to improve your opening.