Friends of The Ferguson Library and Mystery Writers of America Present Connecticut's Own (Virtual) Mystery Lovers' Conference CrimeCONN Express: Session Four How To Connect In A Time Of Disconnection? Thursday, November 12 at 7 p.m. via Zoom Clever communicators turn the virtual into reality. Co-Moderators: Charles Salzberg, John Valeri Panelists: Lauren Bright Pacheco, Barbara Peters

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Lauren Bright Pacheco is a New York City-based writer and producer who started out in news radio. Over the years she's worked as a reporter, on-air television talent, newspaper columnist, magazine writer and has received three Emmy Awards for her efforts as a daytime television producer. She co-hosted, narrated and produced the critically acclaimed first season of Happy Face, Murder in Oregon and The Murders at White House Farm podcasts. She also is the executive producer of Speed of Sound, the podcast that breaks down the stories behind the pop songs - and sounds - that topped the charts and shaped the soundtrack of generations.

Barbara Peters holds a BA from Stanford University, MA from Northwestern University, MSLS from the University of Tennessee. After careers at the Library of Congress and in law, she moved to Arizona and founded The Poisoned Pen Bookstore in 1989-run as a not-for-profit corporation. In 1997 she and her husband Robert L. Rosenwald founded Poisoned Pen Press, now the mystery imprint at Sourcebooks. Barbara was nominated for a 1998 Edgar Allan Poe Award, has received the Mystery Writers of America's Raven Award (bookselling) and Ellery Queen Award (editing), has earned a dozen nominations as Bookseller of the Year, and a 2011 Lifetime Achievement Award /Million Dollar Club from the Arizona Republic. The Poisoned Pen has frequently been named Best Bookstore in Phoenix and in Scottsdale by the Arizona Republic and New Times.

Charles Salzberg is the author of the Shamus Award nominated Swann's Last Song, Swann Dives In, Swann's Lake of Despair, Swann's Way Out and Swann's Down. Devil in the Hole, was named one of the best crime novels of 2013 by Suspense magazine. His latest novel, Second Story Man was nominated for a Shamus Award and a David Award and won the Beverly Hills Book Award for Best Crime Novel. His short stories have appeared in Long Island Noir, Mystery Tribune, Down to the River and Black Cat Mystery. He has written for Esquire, New York magazine, New York Times Book Review, and other periodicals. He is also the author of over 20 nonfiction books, including Soupy Sez: My Zany Life and Times, with Soupy Sales. He was a Visiting Professor of Magazine at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University and he teaches writing the New York Writers Workshop where he is a founding member. He is also on the Board of PrisonWrites and the MWA-NY Board.

John B. Valeri is a lifelong lover of crime fiction whose affinity for law and (dis)order has thus far been contained to the page. He has contributed to CrimeReads, Criminal Element, Mystery Scene Magazine, The National Book Review, The New York Journal of Books, The Strand Magazine, and Suspense Magazine. John hosts the online author interview show Central Booking and is a recurring guest on the popular Book Cougars podcast, where he serves as "Mystery Man," offering genre commentary and reading recommendations. His short fiction is featured in the award-winning anthology Tricks & Treats: A Collection of Spooky Stories by Connecticut Authors.

Upcoming Final Session

November 19: How’d You Do It? Walter Mosley and S.A. Cosby have a conversation about how they've turned their passion for writing into successful careers. MC: Chris Knopf Panelists: Walter Mosley, S.A. Cosby More information. Register.

Based on the popular Mystery Writers of America/Ferguson Library annual CrimeCONN, CrimeCONN Express is comprised of five one-hour virtual events, one every Thursday at 7 p.m. Our theme this year is You have questions, we have answers. Moderators and panels include real-life crime fighters, best-selling authors, experts in writing craft and much more.  Each live streamed event is free, but registration is required for each session. Visit our CrimeCONN Express page for all the details.

Registration is free We appreciate your donation.  The Friends of The Ferguson Library is the Library’s volunteer support group. The Friends provide funding for many library programs including summer reading, book discussions, film programs and cultural events. With the COVID-19 pandemic impacting everyday life, we have decided to suspend the normal ticket charge for our Friends programs. Please consider a donation.