The Crime Writers’ Association

Best Practice with Jo Callaghan


Jo Callaghan is one of the strongest new voices in contemporary crime fiction Her background as a senior strategist, carrying out research into the future impact of AI and genomics on the workforce informed her massively lauded multi-prizewinning deb...


Private: CWA Dagger Shortlists Announced

The CWA Goldsboro Gold Dagger for Best Crime Novel of the Year * The First Rule of Survival by Paul Mendelson (Constable) * How the Light Gets In by Louise Penny (Sphere/Little Brown) * Keep Your Friends Close by Paula Daly (Bantam/Transworld) * This...


Suffolk Bookfest with Crime Writers

The full programme and details can be found at www.suffolklibraries.co.uk/bookfest but these events might be of most interest: Monday 24 October - How to write a thriller with Erin Kelly at Stradbroke Library Wednesday 26 October - James Runcie...


Morecambe & Vice Crime Writing Festival

In September 2017, Morecambe & Vice made its sparkling debut at the glorious Morecambe Winter Gardens. Described as a weekend 'full of warmth, wit and wisdom', authors, speakers and guests from across the globe flocked to the sunny seaside for a ...


CWA Annual Conference: Edinburgh, April 2017

CWA Edinburgh Conference 21 – 23 April 2017 The CWA Annual Conference, open to CWA members only, is shaping up to be a lot of fun – and a chance to get together with fellow writers in a superb setting in Edinburgh, the Jekyll and Hyde of cities ...


The Bloodshed Crime Fiction Festival

From 18-20 October, join authors Eleanor Barker-White, DV Bishop, Tom Hindle, Simon Mason, and more for a brand new crime festival! Go here for details and booking....


CANCELLED: Candlelight Crime Writing Salon

THIS EVENT HAS UNFORTUNATELY BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO VENUE ISSUES This January, Forensic Outreach is proud to announce our very first Candlelit Crime Writing Salon. Joining us at our inaugural salon on January 19th is the Editorial Director of Crim...


Building Tension in Your Writing by John Dean

As part of my work, I’m often hired to assess aspiring authors’ manuscripts, including for the Crime Writers’ Association’s Criminal Critiques service, and one of the recurring themes that crops up in the feedback that I give is how to build...


Ten Ways to Make Your Criminal Protagonist Fascinating by Dagger Longlister Judy Hock

By Judy Hock There’s always a crook in crime fiction, but what if that character is your protagonist? Readers need to care about the main character. Here are some tips for adding complexity and keeping your reader intrigued. 1. Make Them ‌a...


Private: Debut Dagger competition: now open

For 15 years the CWA has been encouraging new writing with its Debut Dagger competition for unpublished writers. The submissions are judged by a panel of top crime editors and agents, and the short listed entries are sent to publishers and agents. Th...


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