A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO COZUMEL

I just returned from a trip to the Mexican Caribbean. It was a cruise saluting Veterans, very patriotic (I am a Vietnam Era vet). I was on a panel of authors talking to the vets about writing their memoirs. We got together later with the travel agent who pulled together the trip and pitched the idea of a mystery cruise: Mystery On the High Seas: A Cruise To Die For.

My head is "swimming" with all this, it happened so fast. We expected it would take two years, but the amazing travel agent has already put it together for Nov. 14-21, 2010! Contact her at Beverly@cruisingsmart.com She is reserving cabins with a $100 deposit right now. She'll also send you the flier.

You can view the ship at http://www.carnival.com/cms/fun/ships/carnival_splendor/default.aspx?shipCode=SL

Details: Nov. 14-21, leaving from Los Angeles. Three days at sea for panels and such. Ports-of-call: Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas. No extra charge for the conference, just pay for the cabin. I'm really encouraging small presses and their authors to attend. No "rules" on this trip! I'm also trying to negotiate with the ship so we can sell our books.

In my mind, this seems cheaper than mystery conventions where you pay for a room and meals--I know I've spent more than $700 at a few conventions and only saw the inside of a hotel. Plus, fans and authors are sort of a "captive" audience since they can't jump ship. (geez, now I sound like a pirate. Arghhh!).

Okay, I'm fishing for Joseph Wambaugh, Ann Rule, Lee Goldberg and an acquisition editor from Midnight Ink. They don't know it yet--thought I'd let them enjoy turkey first. We'll see who takes the bait.

We already have several real mob figures coming with us, people you've seen portrayed in Casino and other real-crime movies. Dennis Griffin, former law enforcement who writes about the Vegas mob, is doing a presentation with them. I've met these wiseguys and they are interesting people. They aren't allowed to bring weapons, are out of witness protection and they have written books.

I'm not doing this for money, I don't even get to sail free! I just think it's a terrific idea and I'm glad I was asked to put the word out to my contacts. Need more information? Contacts me on my website at http://www.sunnyfrazier.com I'd love to see my CCC Sisters on board!