Every year I feel that spring launches writer’s conference season. For writers and fans alike there are many choices to fill the schedule. Interested in networking, there’s a conference for that. In advancing craft? Connecting with an agent, meeting your writing idols? Still other choices. This week at MissDemeanors we’ll take a look at a range of choices and weigh in on a few of our favorites.
Later this month, the Mystery Writer’s of America (MWA) host a symposium followed by the Edgar Awards (yes, named for THAT Edgar…. he of the tell-tale heart). The groups mission is to promote higher regard for crime writing and the writers in the genre. As part of this mission, the symposium features the Edgars’ nominated authors in categories ranging from Best Novel and Best First Novel, to Best Fact Crime, Best Juvenile, Best Short Story, and Best TV episode, among others. Held annually in New York City, this is a great chance to hear from the best of the year, and meet them in person. The size of the event makes it possible – almost inevitable – to speak to your favorite authors. Ask that burning question about how they started in their careers, created a favorite character, or negotiated the ins and outs of tricky plot lines. The audience is heavily weighted toward MWA members, although non-members may attend. Certainly the questions lean toward the issues facing writers as they negotiate craft and story and work in general.
The truly dedicated can attend the awards ceremony and banquet, and perhaps imagine their own “Best of” speech. As they say in sports, visualize success.
If you’re curious about your favorite mystery/thriller/crime book of 2018 take a look at the MWA nominees and start rooting for the big win. Tomorrow we feature one of the nominees right here…. the glamorous and frightening clever Deanna Raybourn whose novel, A Treacherous Curse, is a nominee for best novel.
For more about the Mystery Writers of America and the Edgar Awards visit: https://mysterywriters.org/about-mwa/ And don’t forget to look into activities of the MWA in the eleven regional chapters around the country. Sometimes you don’t have to travel to NYC to have it all.
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