The Crime Writers’ Association

Seven Writing Tips from Leigh Russell

Chair of the CWA Debut Dagger judges, Leigh Russell, has sold well over a million books. Writer’s Block The best cure for writer’s block is a deadline. If you’re not fortunate enough to have an external deadline set by a publisher, you can ...


Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival – Harrogate

The Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival is back at Agatha Christie’s old haunt: the Old Swan Hotel, Harrogate, Thursday 21 – Sunday 24 July. It promises to be one sizzler of a weekend. The 2022 Festival guarantees thrills, and perhap...


Crime Fiction: Past, Present, and Future with Simon Brett

Part of the Open Centre and Online CI Public Talks collection In conversation with OU's Bill Alder, detective fiction author Simon Brett will discuss crime fiction's past, present and future. Please join us on Wednesday 17 April from 13:00-14...


Debut Dagger Writing Tips

Here are tips from recent newsletters compiled for you by Dea Parkin, the CWA’s Competitions Coordinator (and professional editor). If you’re at the stage where your entry is finished and you’re into the all-important revision and editing pr...


The CWA Diamond Dagger Winner is…..

The Crime Writers’ Association is awarding its highest honour, the CWA Diamond Dagger, to acclaimed author Peter James. During an illustrious career in writing, Peter James has proved he is a master storyteller penning 28 novels and selling 16 mill...


Private: How To Hook An Agent

Three dates have been released for Writers & Artists most popular event, How To Hook An Agent (available at a 10% discount until midnight 7th January). These half-day events present a small group of writers with the opportunity to receive essenti...


How To Hook An Agent

Three dates have been released for Writers & Artists most popular event, How To Hook An Agent (available at a 10% discount until midnight 7th January). These half-day events present a small group of writers with the opportunity to receive essenti...


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About the CWA The CWA promotes, supports and celebrates crime writing, and writers of all crime fiction and non-fiction from across the globe. We’re proud to be a growing, thriving community with membership encompassing authors of all ages and at ...


ALCS Gold Dagger for Non-Fiction

ALCS Gold Dagger for Non-Fiction This Dagger is for any non-fiction work on a crime-related theme by an author of any nationality as long as the book was first published in the UK in English during the judging period. The Dagger encompasses, tho...


Crime Writers in Residence: at home with Holly Watt

The CRA: Please tell us a little about yourself and the books you write. My name is Holly Watt, and I write novels about a journalist called Casey Benedict who investigates stories that take her all over the world. The first one - To The Lions, whi...


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