The Crime Writers’ Association

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Dagger for the opening of a crime novel, established in 1998, is renowned within the crime writing world as a way for unpublished authors to get known, with former winners and shortlisted entrants going on to win publish...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 ...


Hastings Literary Festival

We have a series of workshops for writers, performances, panel discussions, a book fair, films, lots of author talks, competitions (short story, poem and flash fiction) with great prizes, free events for children and of course the opportunity to meet...


WRITING WORKSHOP IN BRONTE COUNTRY WITH FRANCES BRODY

Join writer Frances Brody to explore the different approaches to writing a crime novel, with practical advice on creating characters, shaping plots and finding the right setting. There will be writing exercises to stretch your imagination and sharpen...


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...


Time to Get Crime Writing for Prestigious CWA Competitions

Two crime writing competitions are open now. 1)The CWA Margery Allingham Short Story Competition Not to be missed for lovers of short-story writing – and being shortlisted for this renowned competition brings attention and prestige to the writing C...


CWA appoints Maxim Jakubowski as Publishers’ Liaison Officer

Press Release from the Crime Writers’ Association February 2019 The Crime Writers’ Association has appointed Maxim Jakubowski as its first ever Publishers’ Liaison Officer. Jakubowski, who currently also serves as a CWA Vice Chair, takes up the...


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