May is National Crime Writing Month

Ah yes, it’s that time of year again, the month when we crime authors celebrate what we do for a living, or try to. It’s practically a motto among many of us that crime doesn’t pay, nearly enough. At least we're good at spreading the word that crime writing is alive and well in Canada.

A couple of weeks ago, I posted the short list of authors for this year’s Arthur Ellis Crime Writing Awards. You might have noticed that the finalists in the Best Novel category are well-known authors not only in Canada but internationally! Beyond the prestigious list of nominees are a number of others Canadian crime writers whose work sells in other countries. I invite you take to visit the Crime Writers of Canada website to learn about more authors and there work. www.crimewriterscanada.com

This month, I have, or will be, participating in events to help raise our profile. Yesterday at the Victoria Public Library’s central branch, we held a day-long event of panel discussions and an interactive mini Toastmasters session moderated by Robin Spano. It was terrific to see so many audience members bravely stand in front of the panel and read snippets of their work and then face critique. It was helpful for all of us who have to get up there and read aloud from time to time.

Also this month, Crime Writers of Canada is being featured on CBC’s Canada Writes website, and will be posting writing tips from several members throughout the month. Yesterday was my turn, and my 100 words on writing the big scene is now up there for the world to see. You can find it at http://www.cbc.ca/books/canadawrites/2012/05/debra-purdy-kong-the-big-scene.html Below the tip, you’ll find a link to more writing tips.

Last but not least, we’ll be celebrating crime writing at this year’s Bloody Words conference in Toronto from May 31st to 3^rd. In addition to the awards banquet announcing the AE winners on the 31st, there will be a number of great events, including workshops, agent appointments, manuscript evaluations and so forth. You can check out more information about the conference at www.bloodywords2012.com

Hope to see you there!