The Crime Writers’ Association

2023 Debut Dagger Competition Opens for Entries

The most hotly contended competition for would-be crime novelists is now open for entries. Aspiring crime novelists have until the end of February 2023 to enter the Crime Writers’ Association (CWA) Debut Dagger, renowned for opening doors for as...


The Entry Process

The Entry Process There are four kinds of Dagger, differentiated by how they are nominated. See below for an explanation of the different entry processes, and who may nominate for each Dagger. Please do not hesitate to contact the Dagger Liaison Or...


Margery Allingham Short Mystery Competition

The Margery Allingham Short Mystery CompetitionHow to Write a Winning Story We asked Martin Edwards, the inaugural winner of the CWA/Margery Allingham Short Story competition for 6 great tips and here they are: Read the great short stories (not...


Debut Dagger Success Story by Fiona McPhillips

I had never written a novel before I entered the 2021 Debut Dagger. I was halfway through an MA in Creative Writing and too focused on the rhythm of my prose, the structure and shape of my short stories. A novel felt like a marathon when I’d only e...


My Life in Crime

Simon Michael's fascinating one-man show 'My Life of Crime' will be at Croxley Green Library on Saturday 26 January 2019. 'I talk about my family's 450-year London East End history, their connection with the Kray Twins, my practice at the criminal B...


CWA Presents: Walking Through a Crime Scene Part 3

Part 3 – 'Pathology Opened Up' with Dr Marie Cassidy   Learn with the Crime Experts 24 June 7.30pm Tickets: http://bit.ly/pathologyopenedup The minds behind February's Blending Fact and Fiction have put together a thrilling three-part series...


Skulduggery in Stowmarket – crime writing festival

Join us for live author interviews at Stowmarket Library with best-selling crime novelists including CWA Diamond Dagger winner Simon Brett, Tim Weaver, Laura Purcell, Rory Clements, and more. Stowmarket Library is a vibrant part of the community that...


An Evening with Sir Alec Jeffreys

An Evening with Sir Alec Jeffreys Join the Royal Society of Biology for an evening with Sir Alec Jeffreys on Monday 16th May 2016 at the Science Museum’s IMAX Theatre, London. The inventor of forensic DNA fingerprinting tells his story at this s...


Daggers Dinner and Awards Ceremony

This year's Daggers Dinner and Awards Ceremony will take place on 4 July, 2024, at: Leonardo Royal Hotel London City 8-14 Cooper’s Row London EC3N 2BQ The event will include a three-course gourmet dinner, and all of the Daggers festivities. Th...


In Memory of Helen Cadbury – by Marnie Riches

The world of crime fiction mourns one of its brightest and best this month. Those in the crime-writing community who were lucky enough to call Helen Cadbury a friend knew that she had secondary cancer. But we didn’t expect her to depart this world ...


Join the CWA

Become part of a thriving community of successful crime writers with invaluable support, expertise and marketing opportunities for all our members.


Advertise with us