Ouch. There's no frick'en way. . . .

[B.R.Stateham]

Just read the requirements the Mystery Writers of America require for a publisher to be accepted and placed on their offical list. Now, interestingly enough, I can see somewhat the logic behind their actions. They want quality. Yeah, so do I.

But their stiff demands concerning payments to authors and book runs just about elminates 95% of the small publishers in this country. And that's unfair. There's lots of good writing going on thru a number of small houses. They'll never be considered for any awards. Nor reviews. (and yes, I'm one of those never-to-be-considered)

That's the way it goes. No one said the world was fair.

[Scott Cramton]

Got ya. I thought that was a touch different from your stance! :)

Thanks,
Scott

Murder Mystery Dinners www.grimprov.com

[B.R.Stateham]

No---I didn't mean I believed in exclusivity was good--but that it existed.

[Scott Cramton]

Oh definitely. I wasn't saying you wern't. Just saying that it sucks, but it necessary! :)

It seems to make sure that the race is never won by the swiftest, but by the most connected. : )

Thanks,

Scott

Murder Mystery Dinners Illionois www.grimprov.com

[B.R.Stateham]

Scott I do believe in the exclusivity of many organizations.

[Scott Cramton]

I'd like to mention this one last thing.

I went to Grand Valley State University and at the time they really didn't like me in theater. I didn't get good grades and I was often not able to do plays because I was busy writing plays or getting paid to director larger events.

This week an article came out. Here' the link if you're interested....LINK then go to PAGE 22

Basically they're falling all over themselves to give me awards and do articles. The reason is I'm doing stuff and I'm ignoring them. We pursue that which retreats from us!

So ignore all awards and write. With all the talent around here I'm sure soon they'll fall all over themselves to get YOU to join their lame club.

Just my thoughts. :)
Scott

Murder Mystery Dinners www.grimprov.com

[Scott Cramton]

The think the problem is exclusivity. The more they exclude people the more powerful they are. A night club is only successful if they keep people waiting outside. If I took all mystery actors that wanted a part and put them in shows, the actors I had would start assuming that my company must blow.

Bottomline awards are just a clever way of marketing. It sucks and an award winning sticker will sell some books, but I think it's best we all never think about awards.

Thanks,
Scott

Murder Mystery Dinners in Michigan www.grimprov.com

[I. J. Parker]

Jon is right. The organization has been the premier venue for mysteries of all kinds and because they have won a sort of venerable standing, they carry a lot of clout. How good they are at picking winners depends on who does the judging and also on what the current agenda is. Subgenres have separate organizations (I belong to PWA -- Private Eye Writers of America) and am quite fond of them. I have won an award from them and have judged for them. I've found them absolutely fair at all times. Thriller Writers of America is a group that split off from MWA fairly recently. They've become very active and supportive of their members. The other groups tend to give popularity awards.

[Jon Loomis]

You can be nominated for an Edgar without being a member of MWA--my first book was nominated by St. Martin's. Your press has to be recognized by MWA, though--the list is here.

[O'Neil De Noux]

B.R., I gave up on the MWA years ago.

[B.R.Stateham]

If you're crazy enough to think someday you might write a book that could be nominated for an Edgar . . .and I think most writers, in the back of their minds, think they are . . . that's where the MWA comes in. They're the ones doing the nominating and the electing.