The Crime Writers’ Association

Countdown to Daggers Live!

Book lovers and crime fiction fans have a unique opportunity to watch the famed Crime Writers’ Association (CWA) Daggers awards, live. Tickets are free, but limited. To book a place, visit: http://bit.ly/cwadaggers2021 The oldest awards in the genr...


CWA Opens Membership to Self-Published Authors

For the first time in its 68-year history, the prestigious Crime Writers’ Association will allow self-published authors to join its ranks. The move comes after the CWA consulted its members, who voted with an 84% majority in favour to accept self-p...


Robert Richardson R.I.P.

The CWA announces with great sadness the death of author Robert Richardson, one of the most popular and respected figures in the CWA over recent decades. Uniquely, Robert served two distinct terms as Chair of the CWA; in 1993-1994 and 2006-2007, and ...


Top crime writers support Scotland on Sunday’s libraries campaign

Crime writers owe a lot to libraries. Library staff lend out their books, bringing in welcome payments under the Public Lending Right scheme, host their events and raise their profiles. Writers of all genres have much to be grateful to libraries for....


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...


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...


Finding the Time to Write Your Debut Dagger Entry, by Antony Johnston

Finding time to write is something we all struggle with when we’re starting out. We have other commitments and obligations, things to do, a day job, maybe a family… ‘If only I could just have time to write and not worry about all this other stu...


WRITERS’ BLOCK by Sarah Rayne

We’ve all been there. It doesn’t matter if we’re in the best-selling lists, or just starting out with a hopeful eye on the CWA Debut Dagger as a stepping-stone to great things (which, of course, it can often be) – we’ve all sat dismally in...


The Detective’s Journey by Luke Deckard

Joseph Campbell’s seminal book The Hero With A Thousand Faces explores the uncanny similarities between the world’s myths and religions and what they mean in a real-world context. Campbell’s book is rich in psychology and insight in...


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