The Crime Writers’ Association

Submitting for CWA Competitions: In at the Kill

The deadline’s getting close! So here’s some last-minute advice for you on the practicalities of submitting. Please remember the rule: if you have any problems with your Debut Dagger submission, you must let us know on comps@thecwa.co.uk befor...


Tips 2017/1 for Debut Dagger Entrants

Each of these tips comes from one individual Debut Dagger reader. Remember, another individual might have a different outlook and individuals don’t always agree – which is why each Debut Dagger entry is always read by at least two readers. It’...


Tips 2017/2 for Debut Dagger Entrants

More tips from readers of Debut Dagger entries. Remember, each tip is only the view of one individual and, as we all know, individuals disagree. All Debut Dagger entries are read and scored by at least two readers. Avoid using too many commas, or...


Minor Characters by J G Harlond

Most characters in a crime novels are potential suspects, so even if they are minor or secondary characters, make their presence and dialogue meaningful. In historical crime fiction these people should of course also reflect or exemplify the lifestyl...


Crime writing: How to write the science

Brian Price, author of "Crime writing: How to write the science” will be giving a talk on scientific errors in crime fiction, and how to avoid them, at the University of the West of England, Coldharbour Lane, Bristol on October 17th at 17:00. The...


Submitting for CWA Competitions: In at the Kill

The deadline’s getting close! So here’s some last-minute advice for you on the practicalities of submitting. Please remember the rule: if you have any problems with your Debut Dagger submission, you must let us know on comps@thecwa.co.uk befor...


Staying Accountable

Even writers don’t feel like writing all of the time. When you’re part-way through your book and the rest of it stretches out ahead of you like an insurmountable task, the temptation to do something else instead can become strong, and if you’ve...


Simon Scarrow in conversation with David Young

On Thursday 8 April, 7pm, the CWA is hosting multi-million bestselling author Simon Scarrow, talking about his new novel, Blackout, with David Young, winner of the CWA Historical Dagger with Stasi Child. Blackout, Simon’s first crime thriller, in...


2024 Dagger Nominations Open

Have you published an award-worthy book in 2023? The deadline for nominating and submitting books for the annual Daggers is November 15. Has your publisher nominated your book? If not, now is a good time to nudge them. Traditionally published a...


Private: Dagger Awards to Carry Cash Prizes and Open to Authors to Self-Nominate from 2023

The CWA Daggers – synonymous with quality crime writing for over half a century – is set to again award cash prizes beginning in 2023, for titles published and nominated in 2022. Detail of the amounts will be announced next year. The CWA is delig...


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