July 10-14, 2014
Another year, another wonderful conference put on by the PSWA (Public Safety Writers Association) July 10-14 at the Orleans Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas! The conference is open to anyone writing crime and mystery fiction or non-fiction technical writing for public safety magazines in print or online or anyone interested in writing.
This is a small conference filled with public safety officers from all walks of life.
We had former undercover DEA agents, FBI agents, CIA agents, Naval Intelligence agents (that’s a whole lot of agents!), and detectives/police officers from all over. EMTs and firefighters were also in attendance as were seasoned mystery writers, therapists and social workers.
This year I volunteered to be a contestant to play CSI Jeopardy. I was the only non-law enforcement person to play.
Joe Haggerty and Diane Kratz
I was up against Pete Kilsmet whom you met here on my blog. He wiped the floor with me. Even though I came in last place, everyone rooted for me. It was a great experience and lots of fun!
Pete Klismet and Thonie Hevron
This year’s panels were a mix of the writing craft and expert knowledge.
Panel- Madeline Gornell, Janet Greger, Marilyn Olsen and Marilyn Meredith.
Flexibility in Your Plotting
Writing Articles in Today’s Competitive Market
What are Setting and Dialogue and How Should You Use Them?
Mike Black put together this years conference
Point of View: What is it, How to Use it Best
Working with an Editor, the Art of Revision, and How to Edit Yourself
The Aspects to be Considered When Writing a Series
On Expert Knowledge:
Dave, a former DEA agent , gave a presentation on Working Narcotics Undercover.
Working Narcotics Undercover
The Medical Side of Wounds and Forensics
Weapons for Writers
Defense Criminal Investigative Organizations in the Military
The Evolution and Aspects of Fire Fighting and Arson Investigation
The Art of Interview and Interrogation
They also have a competition every year. No, I didn’t send anything but the entry fee is only $10.00 per entry.
Competition categories were:
Michelle Perin, PSWA award spokeswoman
Fiction:
Books, Short Stories, Flash Fiction
Non Fiction:
Books, Creative-Non-Technical, Creative-Technical, and Technical Manual
Poetry
Screenplay
Also, if you join this group, you are entitled to a free one-time manuscript review.
On the last day we had our awards luncheon where the winners of the competition are revealed. I didn’t attend this because we met up with family.
This year I got to meet in person, two people I’ve become friends with over the web in other writing groups. Sam Bradley, my KOD sister, joined PSWA this year and fit right in to the group. She volunteered to be on three of the panels.
Diane and Sam
Rayne E. Golay, an Elements group sister, also joined PSWA this year. She volunteered to be on two panels. I had a great time and learned a bunch.
Rayne E. Golay
I can’t say enough about this group of writers. I love, love, love PSWA!
If any of you would like information on or would like to join PSWA please go to their website at: http://policewriter.com/wordpress/
Happy Writing,
Diane Kratz
Blog edited by Sally Berneathy
Profiles of Murder 