HOTSHOTS
December 2005
 Karen MacInerney, editor

URGENT CALL FOR LEADERSHIP

Although we have programs scheduled for the next two months, HOTSINC needs volunteers to keep the programs running! Please contact Sarah Ann Robertson at hotxsinc@yahoo.com if you're interested in taking a leadership role. We need your help to keep the Heart of Texas chapter humming!

UPCOMING EVENTS

HOTSINC ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARTY -- SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11!

The HOTSINC annual Holiday Party will be on December 11 at 2:00 o’clock  (same as meeting date/time).  Our host is Gary Petry, 9015 Fairway Hill Drive, Phone 219-0656.  The program will be the exchange of mystery books, so bring a book, be prepared to talk about it, and exchange it for another. The meeting will be potluck, so bring your favorite dish.

Directions to the Petry home from Anderson Mill and Highway 183… take  the 183 frontage road south, turn right on Balcones Club Drive. This is the first street after the strip shopping center.  Stay on Balcones Club Drive as it curves around.  When you see Mountain Lake Circle,  Fairway Hill Drive will be the next street.  Turn right and look for the house on the right in the first block.

Our Holiday Community Service Project for the year is the donation of books to the Austin Women’s Shelter. Bring any books that you would like to donate to this cause.

JANUARY SISTERS IN CRIME MEETING WITH DAVE CIAMBRONE -- SUNDAY, JANUARY 8

Don't miss this one! Dave Ciambrone will be talking about what REALLY happens when you kill someone -- and what they get right (and wrong) on CSI.  From stabbings to shootings, Dave will tell you everything you need to know to plan your next murder! January 8th, 2:00, Westlake Barnes and Noble.

Outside Austin...

HOUSTON HOLIDAY BAZAAR (Networking and bookselling event for authors)

BizRadio 1320, The American Book Cooperative, the Powder Puff Team, and the Authors and Publishers Association invite you to their Holiday Bazaar in Houston Tuesday, December 13, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.  Admittance is $15 at the door.  Speakers include Mrs. Texas, Darian Ward, and Dwight Edwards.  RSVP deadline is Dec. 12; for more information or to reserve a spot, call 281-807-1300.

WRITING CONTEST

The Fort Bend Writers Guild contest is now open. Categories include novel/screenplay, short story and personal essays; the deadline is Feb. 28, 2006.  For more information, go to http://www.fortbendwritersguild.com or e-mail at info@fortbendwritersguild.com .

WRITING GROUP OPPORTUNITY

Austin Mystery Writers, a critique group for mystery writers that meets weekly, is considering adding a new member. If you're interested, e-mail me (Karen MacInerney) at macinerney@sbcglobal.net

MEET THE AUTHOR! (MEMBER SIGNINGS)

At 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 10, Nancy Bell, Russ Hall, and Jan Grape will be signing and discussing their respective books, DEATH SPLITS A HAIR, BLACK LIKE BLOOD, and DARK BLUE DEATH at Remember The Alibi mystery bookstore in San Antonio. The Alibi is at 8055 West Ave. #101, San Antonio, 78213. Tel: 210-344-7776 or Fax: 210-344-7734, Website address: www.rememberthealibi.com .

Watch this space for more member news!