Private: Winning the Debut Dagger by C J Carver
I entered the Debut Dagger on a complete whim. Despite feeling buoyant having finished my novel Blood Junction, I was hesitating over the entry fee, convinced I’d never win, let alone get shortlisted. It was only because a friend of mine said the...
CWA Dagger Awards Longlists Announced
The 2021 longlists for the prestigious CWA Dagger awards, which honour the very best in the crime writing genre, have been announced. The world-famous Crime Writers’ Association (CWA) Daggers are the oldest awards in the genre, and have been synony...
Dagger Shortlists Announced
A debut novel is up against one of Britain’s biggest and most celebrated authors for the crime novel of the year. The 2021 shortlists for the prestigious CWA Dagger awards, which honour the very best in the crime writing genre, have been announced....
The Best Bit of Writing Advice I Was Ever Given by Morgan Cry
Gordon Brown aka Morgan Cry When I signed a two-book deal with Polygon back in 2019 under the new name of Morgan Cry, I was ecstatic. I delivered both books to the publisher by late 2019 and thought, what do I do now? I knew that there was editing a...
After 20 years, would-be crime novelists find it more rewarding than ever to enter the CWA Debut Dagger Competition
Amended 8.12.17 The CWA Debut Dagger for the opening of a crime novel, established in 1998, is renowned within the crime writing world as a way for unpublished authors to get known, with former winners and shortlisted entrants going on to win publish...
Escaping from Greece with Jason Monaghan
In an ideal world that should be ‘Escaping to Greece’, as like so many other Brits I’m just longing for some sunshine and warm sea. The closest I’ve come so far this pandemic is organising ‘Greek Nite’ for my family bubble, with kebabs, d...
‘Three pieces of writing advice I’ve never forgotten’ by Helen Cooper
For years, I’ve been collecting writing tips from wherever I can get them. While I was trying to get published, and after I succeeded, my addiction to studying the craft of writing never went away. But there are three particular gems of advice that...
Bloody Scotland Crime Writing Masterclass
In association with the University of Stirling, this masterclass for writers features Booker shortlisted Graeme Macrae Burnet; author (& Slice Girl!) A K Benedict; and advice on writing a synopsis and pitch by Alison Belsham (who won Pitch Perfec...
Vaseem Khan elected Chair of the CWA
Vaseem Khan has been elected as the new Chair of the CWA at the association's AGM earlier this month, taking over from Maxim Jakubowski, who ably steered the CWA Chair for three years. Vaseem is the first non-white author to chair the CWA. Vaseem ...
CrimeFest Returns
After lying fallow for two years, CrimeFest in Bristol is back! Nearly 150 authors, appearing on 44 panels, will be gathering with crime readers at the Mercure Bristol Grand Hotel, 12 – 15 May 2022. As always, there is something for everyone. Fr...
Join the CWA
Become part of a thriving community of successful crime writers with invaluable support, expertise and marketing opportunities for all our members.
