Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - David Lyons, the long-time Puerto Vallarta resident who converted his career as a globe-trotting international lawyer into that of acclaimed full-time novelist, is about to reveal the secrets of his new trade.

The author of the thriller "Ice Fire," a novel about a renegade federal judge who takes justice into his own hands, will be keynote speaker at the eighth annual Puerto Vallarta Writers’ Conference February 22nd -24th at Biblioteca Los Mangos in Puerto Vallarta.

"For years David Lyons has been an inspiration to all the ex-pat writers in Puerto Vallarta," says conference chairman Doug Danielson. "He is an outstanding example of what talent and perseverance can mean to your writing career. We celebrate his success and look forward to hearing how he landed on top of the slush pile."

"Writers Unleashed" is the theme of the 2013 conference sponsored by the Puerto Vallarta Writers’ Group and the library. Lyons will be expanding on that theme with his opening address: "Everything You Need to Know About Being a Writer: the How, the Why, the Risks, and the Rewards."

After producing several self-published books, Lyons hit the jackpot with Ice Fire which was published by Atria/Emily Bestler Books, an imprint of Simon and Schuster. Packed with suspense, science, politics, and murder, it is the tale of a US judge who confronts one of the most powerful energy companies in the world. Ice Fire is the first in a series of novels featuring District Judge Jock Boucher.

Along with Lyons, the three-day conference will also feature three best-selling authors, a one-time national magazine columnist, and a literary agent conducting seminars, workshops, and discussion groups.

"I’m excited about the quality of this year's presenters," Danielson says. "They are at the top of their game, full of enthusiasm, and youthful exuberance."

The presenters include:

Beth Groundwater: Bestselling mystery writer of the Claire Hanover gift-basket designer series, which includes the novel, "A Real Basket Case;" a finalist for the Best First Novel Agatha Award. She also wrote the Rocky Mountain Outdoor Adventure Series, including "Deadly Currents," an Amazon bestseller.

Suzy Spencer: The New York Times bestselling author of four true-crime books – "Wasted," "Wages of Sin," "Breaking Point," and "The Fortune Hunter." In 2004, she began a journalism investigation of American’s alternative sex habits and the result was her first memoir: "Secret Sex Lives: A Year on the Fringes of American Sexuality."

Corey Mitchell: The Los Angeles Times bestselling author of such true-crime books as "Hollywood Death Scenes," "Murdered Innocents," "Evil Eyes," "Stranger," "Pure Murder," and "Savage Son." He is also the founder of the true-crime blog, "In Cold Blog."

James Callan: He has written a monthly column for a national magazine, been published in several anthologies, and has two published non-fiction books and a mystery, "Cleansed by Fire," which was published in paperback and audio. He also co-authored "Murder a Cappella" with his daughter, Diane Bailey.

Suzie Townsend: The agent with New Leaf Literary and Media will be holding private sessions for those who have books to pitch. She will also be offering workshops on: "Finding and Agent" and "What do Agents Look for in a Query Letter."

Registration is $125 or $1,600 pesos until January 31st, after that it will be $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/2013-conference/.