CWA Library Initiatives

Crime writing award shines a spotlight on the importance of libraries to readers and writers alike

 Many libraries are struggling during the pandemic restrictions, so it's more appropriate than ever that the Crime Writers' Association (CWA) should champion them through its annual award, the Dagger in the Library.

The world-famous CWA Daggers have been synonymous with quality crime writing for more than half a century. Only library staff can nominate authors for the CWA Dagger in the Library. Nominations are open until February 26, 2021 and up to three members of staff from each UK library can nominate.

The award not only recognises a writer whose books are frequently borrowed and enjoyed in libraries nationwide, but who also works to support libraries. Previous winners include Martin Edwards, Elly Griffiths, Mari Hannah and Kate Ellis.

Strengthening its work to highlight the importance of libraries for readers and writers alike are the CWA’s two Library Champions, crime novelists Priscilla Masters, covering England and Wales, and John Dean, Scotland.

John Dean said: “As Library Champions, we want to raise awareness of the value of libraries and their staff, and shine a spotlight on their importance.”

All genres owe a lot to the work done by libraries, but crime fiction is the most borrowed with authors such as Lee Child, M C Beaton and James Patterson dominating the Top 10 most borrowed lists.

The CWA is not only encouraging librarians to nominate authors for the annual Dagger, but to register with them so they can keep informed of relevant work and developments.

The Library Champions will be linking libraries who want crime writers as speakers, or to feature in events, with authors in their area and encouraging library users to become part of the Crime Readers’ Association.

Priscilla Masters said: “The role of libraries in helping crime writers to raise their profile is invaluable. They go far beyond just lending books. During National Crime Reading Month – a CWA/CRA (Crime Readers' Association) initiative – and throughout the year they hold talks and panels with authors and promote their work as a result.”

Chris Brookmyre, who won the CWA Dagger in the Library 2020, acknowledged the importance of libraries: “One of the great pleasures and privileges of this job is doing library events, where I find many of the warmest and most receptive audiences. It is one of the things I have missed most during the pandemic, which makes it particularly gratifying this year to feel the warmth from libraries reflected in this way.”

 The Library Champions will also speak out in support of libraries in a non-political way when they are threatened by closure and cutbacks, something which is of increasing concern as local authorities confront tight budgets and financial pressures caused by Covid-19.

Library staff can go https://thecwa.co.uk/libraries to register with the CWA. Staff can nominate authors for the CWA Dagger in the Library at: https://thecwa.co.uk/cwa-dagger-in-the-library where they’ll find a list of eligible candidates drawn up by the CWA, and a short online form.

Library staff can also contact the CWA Library Champions, Priscilla Masters: priscilla.masters@btinternet.com and John Dean: deangriss@btinternet.com

 Quotes from Dagger in the Library Winners -

Kate Ellis, Winner 2019

‘I'm really thrilled and honoured to have been awarded the CWA Dagger in the Library. The fact that the winner is decided by the nation's library staff makes it particularly special as I have loved and supported libraries for as long as I can remember. The thought of all those thousands of readers in libraries enjoying my books is so wonderful and rewarding.’

Martin Edwards, Winner 2018

‘Receiving this award is a tremendous honour, and one of the great thrills of my writing career. Libraries have always played an important part in my life, both as an author and as a reader, and it’s absolutely right that the CWA should celebrate them, just as libraries celebrate authors and their work. I’m a huge admirer of the contributions made by libraries and their tireless staff, not only to local communities but also to society as whole. Our libraries are invaluable, and they are a treasure we must prize.’

Mari Hannah, Winner 2017

‘It’s been quite a journey! I’ve been a member of the Crime Writer’s Association since 2011. I joined on the recommendation of my agent and authors I admire. I can remember how excited I was. This was the day that I was no longer aspiring, but an actual author linked through the association to writers who gave me inspiration, top names of international, multi-award-winning status. I’d finally arrived. Fast forward to the Dagger in the Library 2017. To receive this award is such an honour so early in my career. I’m still pinching myself! It means so much because, in the early stages, it was librarians and readers who voted me onto the longlist. I’m thrilled!’

 

National Crime Reading Month Goes Digital for May Lockdown

The month of May sees the return of National Crime Reading Month (NCRM), a unique, UK-wide literary festival, designed to connect authors and readers and promote the crime genre.

The festival, which is a major annual initiative co-ordinated by the Crime Writers’ Association and Crime Readers’ Association, normally promotes live author events up and down the country. During lockdown, the initiative has moved online with crime authors posting vlogs and blogs on the website crimereadingmonth.co.uk.

Linda Stratmann, Chair of the CWA, explained: “We’ve – quite literally – created Crime Writers in Residence by asking authors to post films from their homes while in lockdown. It’s a kind of criminally-good Through the Keyhole! Readers love the personal insights from meeting authors in person, and most crime authors love to connect to their readers. With all the major crime writing festivals, as well as author events in libraries and bookshops, cancelled for spring and summer, we felt it was important to step in and offer a digital alternative.”

Festivals allow readers to meet established writers and discover new authors to widen and enrich their reading life. They also play an important role for aspiring authors, as well as help forge new friendships.

Linda said: “Reading and writing are of course solitary acts but you’re never alone with a book. There’s a real connection on the page that is passionately celebrated in our festivals and author events. The crime genre is perhaps the most accessible and democratic of all, which makes our community a very sociable and inclusive one. We understand how important those connections are, so we’re encouraging CWA members to join in and submit videos from their homes to reach out to readers in lockdown.”

Although May is the official month for mayhem and murder with NCRM, the CWA began collating vlogs in April in response to lockdown.

Featured authors include AJ Waines, a former psychotherapist who has gone on the write ten thrillers selling half a million copies, with her latest psychological thriller Cut You Dead released this April.

Fiona Veitch Smith, author of the Poppy Denby Investigates series, shortlisted for the CWA Historical Dagger in 2016, also joins the video series to talk about her life under lockdown during the Covid-19 crisis, alongside Holly Watt, who won the CWA Ian Fleming Steel Dagger last year for To The Lions.

Holly Watt said: “One thing I am finding weird about writing at the moment is that my characters are meeting up with friends! And having dinner together! And getting on planes! And all these things suddenly seem completely alien. It’s quite hard to write several paragraphs without interjecting ‘and then he washed his hands while singing Happy Birthday’.”

NCRM will also see the launch of short stories that will be free to read on the Crime Readers’ Association website, to provide a public platform for CWA authors wishing to showcase their work.

Readers and authors can join in #CrimeReadingMonth online and subscribe to the Crime Readers’ Association for free to receive the CRA Newsletter and bi-monthly e-zine, Case Files.

Join in #CrimeReadingMonth on Facebook and Twitter @The_CWA or find out more on the Crime Reading Month website.