Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - The successful writers who will be presenting tips at the 8th annual "Puerto Vallarta Writers Conference" - February 22nd through 24th at Bibiloteca Los Mangos - would like to offer some hints about what to expect.

Building plot and characters, creating believable dialogue, and finding ways to unleash the creative muse will be looked at in detail - but what comes after the book has been written?

Selling the product will get as much attention as creating it and to that end presenters at the three-day event, which is sponsored jointly by the city’s writers’ group and the library, say they will be emphasizing networking and the use of social media.

"Social media, right now, is the key to promoting, and I plan to explain how it works in detail," says mystery writer Jinx Schwartz, award-winning author of the Hetta Coffey series. "With the Internet today, you can write from anywhere and reach an International readership. The British are giving me great reviews and India just got into the picture. There have never been more global opportunities for books then we have right now. Think big!"

Beth Groundwater, bestselling mystery writer of the Claire Hanover gift-basket designer series, promises a similar approach. "I use Facebook and Goodreads, primarily, for my personal promotion efforts, leaving other venues up to my publisher. Unpublished writers should begin building a presence on both social networks now."

Agent Suzie Townsend of New Leaf Literary and Media says the "social" part is the key. "Ultimately you should be using social media as a way to establish your brand and add to your name recognition."

Such networking is a key benefit of the event, says conference chairman Doug Danielson in emphasizing the informality of the weekend. Interaction with the presenters and interplay among participants is of as much importance as the program itself.

From keynote speaker David Lyons, author of the thriller Ice Fire, to Los Angeles Times best-selling true crime writer Corey Mitchell, ghost writer and editor Terra Mar, Schwartz and Groundwater, author and blogger James Callan, to agent Townsend and publisher’s representative Billie Johnson, the emphasis will be on turning ambition into success.

Registration is $150 or $2,000 pesos. Seating is limited so early registration will guarantee participation. Registrants will receive further emails outlining the program of workshops and seminars. Online registration is at pvwg.com.