Mari Hannah on the importance of Libraries

My journey to publication is somewhat unusual. I have no degree. No MA in creative writing. No background in journalism as many writers do. In fact, the opposite is true. I’m from an army family. We were transient. My education suffered as a result. I had minimal access to books as a child.

Packing up and moving on every couple of years or so meant that books were low down the priority list for my parents who, every couple of years, had to box up our lives for pastures new. They were seen as luxuries, rather than staples, in our house. Dragged from location to location, I spent a lot of time on my own, lonely, and yet trying to make new friends. I had good teachers, but encouragement without consistency can only go so far.

If I was lucky enough to get hold of a book from the library, I used to devour it, losing myself in its pages. Later, I used my imagination to make up stories of my own. Books, whether borrowed or self-written, became my friends. My passion for writing grew from that feeling of isolation.

Several decades on, I’m still striving to improve the vocabulary that should have been there when I left school. It’s why I visit libraries often to share my work and engage with readers. One of the greatest compliments I was ever paid was from a man who’d never read a book until he was given one of mine. He’s now an avid reader.

During the last twelve years, I have met thousands of library users. Next month, I’ll celebrate the publication of my fifteenth title, The Longest Goodbye. This milestone would never have been possible without their support.

The Longest Goodbye by Mari Hannah (Orion Publishing) Out Now

Lies Cost Lives. Three years ago, police officer Georgina Ioannau was murdered, her killers never brought to justice. Now the prime suspects have been shot dead within hours of their return to the UK. Has someone finally taken the law into their own hands? Seeking out the truth will force Kate Daniels to confront her own past mistakes, and put her career, and her team's lives, on the line.

More information about Mari Hannah and her books can be found on her website. You can also find her on X @Mariwriter

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!’