How many free crime fiction events feature Peter Robinson, author of the popular Inspector Banks series? Answer: Just one–Capital Mayhem.

This premier Capital Crime Writers event  runs from 9 a.m. to approximately 4 p.m. on Saturday,May 10, 2014 at the Ottawa Public Library Main Branch. Free refreshments and a gratis lunch are available for the first 100 registrants. Be sure to register at mayhem@capitalwriters.com

Robinson will be participating in an interview-format session starting at 9:45 a.m. Got a burning question about Robinson’s writing rituals, favourite characters, or what’s next on his roster? Feel free to send it along to treasurer@capitalcrimewriters.com.  We want to give fans a chance to get their queries in to the interviewer.

Be sure to stick around for our stellar lineup of Ottawa authors ready to entertain and inform audiences in these panel discussions:

Kickass Characters — What traits should you consider for the ideal hero in stories and novels? How do you make sure your sidekick doesn’t steal the show? Should you use your in-laws as inspiration for the perfect villain? Find answers to these questions and more in the Kickass Characters panel featuring the following top-notch talent: Barbara Fradkin, R.J. Harlick, Linda Wiken, and Mary Jane Maffini.

Mystery Striptease — What to reveal and conceal when? How many breadcrumbs for your readers are too many? When is a surprise too surprising? Learn from these veterans of criminal intent and imagination: Brenda Chapman, Vicki Delany, C.B. Forrest, and Jeff Ross.

Read My Shorts — Is there such a thing a short story that’s too short? How do you manage to paint the scene of the crime, create compelling characters, and catch the bad guy in such a short amount of time? What does the crime short-story market look like in Canada? Have a listen to these short story pros to glean cues for short-story awesomeness: Wynn Quon, Sue Pike, Denis St. Jean, and Melanie Fogel.

And there’s more! There will be readings, book signings, announcements about the Audrey Jessop short list, and winner of our Twitter mystery contest.

Check out the schedule below:

M.C. – Ottawa City Councillor (and CCW member) Katherine Hobbs

9 a.m. – Muffins, refreshments, and a book sale by Perfect Books

9:30 a.m. – Opening remarks by CCW President Michael Murphy, and Ottawa-Centre MPP Yasir Naqvi

9:45-10:45 a.m. – Peter Robinson talk/interview

10:45-11:15 a.m. – Twitter contest winners announced/read by Kurt Stoodley

11:15-12 p.m. – Kickass Characters with panelists: Barbara Fradkin, R.J. Harlick, Linka Wiken, and Mary Jane Maffini

12-1 p.m. – Lunch and Writers’ Circle with Tom Curran and David Whellams

1-1:15 p.m. – Audrey Jessop short story contest finalists announced

1:15-2 p.m. – Mystery Striptease with panelists: Brenda Chapman, Vicki Delany, C.B. Forrest, and Jeff Ross

2-2:15 p.m. – Reading by Ottawa Sun Reporter Jon Willing

2:15-2:30 p.m. – Break

2:30-3:15 p.m. – Read My Shorts with panelists: Wyn Quon, Sue Pike, Denis St. Jean, and Melanie Fogel

3:15 p.m. – Closing remarks, book signings, and mingling.