With Bouchercon coming to Calgary, we’re excited to offer CWC members an opportunity to spend some time at the Crime Writers of Canada table during the convention.
The table will be a chance to showcase the great work Crime Writers of Canada does, but we also want it to be a place where our individual authors can promote themselves and their books. If you’re attending Bouchercon, we’d love to have you join us at the table to meet readers, sign books, talk about upcoming releases, hand out swag, and share your experience as a CWC member.
We hope to feature as many attending members as possible and will do our best to work around panel schedules and other Bouchercon programming commitments.
If you’d like to participate, please complete the following form:
Member Book Room Table Participation Form
As part of the form, we’ll ask you to provide:
Availability will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Asking for two prospective times will give us some flexibility as we build the schedule and work around everyone’s other convention commitments.
Please note that, under Bouchercon convention policy, books may only be sold through the official convention bookstore. Authors therefore cannot sell books directly from the CWC table. You are, however, very welcome to meet readers, sign copies they already have or have purchased through the convention bookstore, and distribute bookmarks, postcards and other promotional material.
Not attending Bouchercon? You can still be part of it!
We would also love to feature swag and promotional materials from CWC members who aren’t able to attend the convention in person. If you have bookmarks, postcards, promotional cards or other author swag that you would like us to make available at the CWC table, you are welcome to send it to us in Calgary and our volunteer team will make it available to convention attendees.
To send your promotional items, please contact Ludvica Boota at ed@crimewriterscanada.com for shipping instructions.
Whether you’re joining us in person or sending something along from afar, we’d really like the table to represent the breadth of CWC’s membership and give Bouchercon attendees a chance to discover as many of our members and their books as possible.
Please complete the form — or let us know that you’ll be sending swag — by August 31, 2026.
We’re looking forward to showcasing CWC at Bouchercon and, most importantly, giving our members a great opportunity to connect with crime-fiction readers from across Canada and beyond.
Hope to see many of you at the table!
donalee Moulton’s first mystery book Hung out to Die was published in 2023. A historical mystery, Conflagration!, was published in 2024. It won the 2024 Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense (Historical Fiction). donalee has two new books out in 2025, Bind and Melt, the first in a new series, the Lotus Detective Agency.
A short story “Swan Song” was one of 21 selected for publication in Cold Canadian Crime. It was shortlisted for an Award of Excellence. Other short stories have been published in numerous anthologies and magazines. donalee’s short story “Troubled Water” was shortlisted for a 2024 Derringer Award and a 2024 Award of Excellence from the Crime Writers of Canada.
donalee is an award-winning freelance journalist. She has written articles for print and online publications across North America including The Globe and Mail, Chatelaine, Lawyer’s Daily, National Post, and Canadian Business.
donalee has co-authored two new non-fiction books Better Policy | Better Performance: The Who, Why, and What of Organizational Policy and Newsworthy: Media Relations Without the Spin. As well, donalee is the author of The Thong Principle: Saying What You Mean and Meaning What You Say and co-authored the book, Celebrity Court Cases: Trials of the Rich and Famous.
donalee has published numerous poems, short stories and essays in journals and other publications across Canada and beyond. She lives in Halifax happily surrounded by family, friends, pets, and words of all shapes, sizes, and syllables.
10 Questions for donalee
1. What is your favourite book?
When I was about eight or nine, someone gifted me Charlotte’s Web, and my life was forever changed. Not only could words transport you to new worlds, they could become a part of your heart, change you in ways you could not have imagined. I wanted to do that. And I wanted a pig.
2. What is your favourite movie?
For reasons that remain unfathomable to me, I am a huge fan of While You Were Sleeping with Sandra Bullock and Bill Pullman. People cannot talk while it is on. I’d be happier if they didn’t even breathe. I can also be easily convinced to watch anything where Nicolas Cage takes off his shirt.
3. If you could move to any province where would you live?
I’m not going anywhere. Joyfully. I was born, raised, and chose to remain in Nova Scotia. It’s home. And now it is home to most of the characters that live in the pages of my books.
4. If they were making a movie from one of your books, who would play the protagonist?
Hung Out to Die, my first book, started with a bath. I’m a big believer in bubbles, candles, scrubs, essential oils, and music with birds chirping in the background. Friends call this bathroom time my shrine. One night immersed in a lavender cloud I realized it was time to begin writing my first mystery. Get off the pot kind of thing. That led me to a litany of possible characters and crimes. Through the mist Riel emerged. Not fully formed but fleshed out enough that I wrote down my ideas before I even moisturized. In my mind, Riel looked remarkably like Gabriel Macht who played Harvey Specter on the TV show Suits.
5. Are you a plotter or a pantser?
On the spectrum from pantser to plotter, I lean left. When I was writing my first mystery Hung Out to Die, I had brief backstories for the main characters. I had an outline of the plot, I knew who the killer was, and why they had committed the crime. Then I dove in.
Writing my second book, Conflagration!, was a slightly different process. I may have leaned a little more to the right. The book is a historical mystery and follows the trial of Marie-Joseph Angélique almost 300 years ago. I immersed myself in the details of the trial and everything connected to it.
Now I trust the process I need will reveal itself. If I need to stop and plan, I plan. If my characters nudge me forward, I tag along for the ride.
6. Who inspired you to write?
My mother taught me to love language – and to respect it. She cared about words and getting the words right. She was my greatest influence.
7. What part of the writing process do you enjoy the most?
Generally, I prefer drafting to editing and outlining. I like to have fun. Outlining feels like work. Editing feels rewarding, the outcome is satisfying, but it’s not fun. When I’m drafting, characters take me places I never expected to go. Wonderful places.
8. Has a real person ever inspired a character in your stories?
Until recently, the answer to that question was a resounding “no.” However, I have just completed the second short story featuring Mary Margaret, a hit woman from Grand Bank, Newfoundland. Mary Margaret was inspired by my good friend Cheryl Ann, who, like Mary Margaret, hates being called by her full name and who also pronounces it en-chee-la-das. It’s just wrong.
9. On average, how long do you write in a day?
In a good week, I’m writing every day, but I am not a marathon writer. I am a sprinter. I can’t sit and write for hours at a time. I break up my writing by taking a yoga class, soaking up some sunshine, checking email, doing some writing-related work. I do try to write 1,000 fictional words a day. Some days I achieve this. We don’t need to talk about the other days.
10. Are you part of a writing critique group?
I am one of nine Frivolous Pencils. Our writers’ group has been meeting in person once a month for several years now. We eat, we laugh, we workshop. The people in the room are an indispensable source of insight and inspiration. I am a better writer because of them.
Dear Members,
It is with profound sadness that we inform you of the passing of Gail Bowen, one of Canada’s most beloved crime writers and a true literary treasure. Gail passed away June 26, 2026, in Regina, Saskatchewan, at the age of 83, following a brief battle with cancer.
On behalf of the Crime Writers of Canada, we offer our deepest, most heartfelt condolences to Gail’s family, friends, and the countless readers and colleagues whose lives she touched.
Gail was a longstanding and deeply valued member of Crime Writers of Canada. In 2018, CWC recognized her illustrious career by naming her a Grand Master, a testament to her immense contribution to Canadian crime fiction. She is best known as the creator of the iconic Joanne Kilbourn mystery series. Spanning more than three decades and over 20 novels—from her 1990 debut Deadly Appearances to her recent titles The Legacy (2023) and The Solitary Friend (2025)—Gail’s work helped define the Canadian mystery genre for a generation. Her exceptional storytelling earned her widespread acclaim, including the 1994 Arthur Ellis Award for Best Novel for A Colder Kind of Death, and a national television audience through a series of popular TV movie adaptations.
Beyond her incredible success as an author, playwright, and educator, Gail was incredibly generous with her time. She was a constant source of support, mentorship, and encouragement for fellow authors, emerging writers, and people across the broader literary community.
Originally born in Toronto, she made Saskatchewan her home, where she served as an associate professor of English at the First Nations University of Canada and gave back as a writer-in-residence at public libraries across the country. Her immense contributions to the cultural fabric of her adopted province were further honored with the Saskatchewan Order of Merit.
Gail was highly respected in the writing community and celebrated at literary events nationwide.
Her passing is a monumental loss to the CWC and to the nation. Please keep Gail and her family in your thoughts.
Warmly,
David Wickenden
Chair, Crime Writers of Canada
Crime Writers of Canada (CWC) is pleased to announce the results of its Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on June 18, 2026, which included the election of its new Board of Directors.
The CWC extends its sincere gratitude to retiring director Betty Ternier Daniels (SK) for her dedicated service and invaluable contributions to the organization. We are also incredibly grateful to the contractors and volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scenes to keep our organization running smoothly. Your dedication is truly appreciated.
We also welcome back our returning directors and extend a warm greeting to our newest board members. We look forward to working with this talented group as we continue to champion Canadian crime writing.
2026–2027 CWC Board of Directors
July Office Closure Notice
Please note that the CWC office will be closed for the month of July. While regular operations will pause, the team will monitor channels for emergencies. For any urgent technical support needs during this time, please contact Stephen Butters, CWC Tech Support, at techsupport@crimewriterscanada.com.
The Crime Writers of Canada expresses its profound appreciation to our members for their ongoing support and engagement. Your commitment is vital to the success of our organization and the programming we provide. We are incredibly excited about the year ahead and the opportunities it holds for Canadian crime writers.
CWC board director Jass Aujla will be presenting the following two sessions at MOTIVE 2026.
Saturday, June 6, 2026 • 5:30pm
Get ready for an electrifying showcase of fresh crime fiction! Hosted by Jass Aujla (Crime Writers of Canada Board Director and author of Next Of Twin), this session brings you exclusive live readings from CWC authors launching (or recently launched) their hot new titles in 2026. Whether you’re discovering breakout voices or savoring favorites, join us for pulse-pounding excerpts, behind-the-scenes insights, and the chance to hear these thrilling stories straight from the authors themselves.
Sat, June 6, 20265:30pm ↑ 6:30pm
Victoria University North Quad
73 Queen's Park Crescent, Toronto ON
Sunday, June 7, 2026 • 1:30pm
Discover the next big names in crime fiction before they hit the bestseller lists! Hosted by Jass Aujla (Crime Writers of Canada Board Director and author of Next Of Twin), this exciting session spotlights CWC associate members as they share captivating readings from their unpublished manuscripts. It’s a rare, intimate opportunity to experience raw talent, fresh twists, and chilling new voices in the making. Cheer on these rising stars, get a sneak peek at tomorrow’s must-read thrillers, and be among the first to witness the birth of tomorrow’s crime fiction sensations!
Sun, June 7, 20261:30pm ↑ 2:30pm
Victoria University North Quad
73 Queen's Park Crescent, Toronto ON
OTTAWA, ON – May 29, 2026 – Crime Writers of Canada (CWC) is pleased to announce the winners for the 2026 Crime Writers of Canada Awards of Excellence in Canadian Crime Writing. Since 1984, Crime Writers of Canada has recognized the best in mystery, crime, suspense fiction, and crime nonfiction by Canadian authors, including citizens abroad and new residents.
As we conclude our review of this year’s outstanding submissions, we are thrilled to celebrate the voices that keep Canadian crime writing at the forefront of the genre. On behalf of the CWC Board and the Awards Committee, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to the talented winners whose work continues to captivate and thrill readers worldwide.
THE 2026 AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE
The Peter Robinson Award for Best Crime Novel
With a $1000 prize
Louise Penny, The Black Wolf, Minotaur Books
Congratulations to Louise Penny and The Black Wolf, our unanimous winner of The Peter Robinson Award for Best Crime Novel for 2026. The jurors were first-time readers of Louise Penny and were inescapably drawn in from the first line to the last. Never has a location held so much depth and complexity as Three Pines. Being the twentieth installment of the Inspector Gamache series, Penny’s masterful knack of weaving a story that carries years of knowledge mixed with a hint of a future and a never overdone richness of character is at its finest. Armand Gamache is simply a brilliant character, and this novel captivates with no good place to put it down. Both series-long and new readers belong here, in this world, that terrifyingly mimics our own. Penny brilliantly threads a complex and interconnected web through police and science agencies, organized crime, government, and even dear friends and foes leaving no one safe…nor innocent. At the heart sits Three Pines, a hopeful refuge from the world-altering revelations Penny crafts to test the very heart and soul of those we love and those we trust most. But, no one will be quite the same after The Black Wolf, Penny insists on it.
Best Crime First Novel
Sponsored by Melodie Campbell with a $1000 prize
Ray Critch, The Beltane Massacre, Breakwater Books
The Beltane Massacre distinguished itself to the jury as an impressive and deeply satisfying debut, one that combines suspense, emotional depth, and a confident command of story from beginning to end. The jurors respected the novel’s ability to deliver a compelling crime narrative while remaining grounded in character, grief, and the lasting consequences of violence. At the same time, it feels fully rooted in contemporary reality, bringing modern pressures of power, surveillance, and instability into a story that never loses its human centre. The narrative unfolds with skill, allowing mystery and momentum to develop alongside a more intimate search for truth. The result is a novel that is both absorbing and affecting, and one that arrives at an ending of real force. As a debut by Newfoundland and Labrador writer Ray Critch, The Beltane Massacre is a remarkable achievement, a worthy winner, and a memorable introduction to a fresh voice in Canadian crime fiction.
Best Crime Novel Set in Canada
Sponsored by Shaftesbury with a $500 prize
C.S. Porter, Salt on Her Tongue, Vagrant Press
Animated by the intense fog and turbulence of the Bay of Fundy, as well as the personal struggles of the varied characters who take the reader on this gripping journey, Salt on Her Tongue keeps the reader engaged through masterful pacing and startling revelations.
The jurors pointed in particular to how well the author evokes the geography, maritime life and weather that forms the setting, and how well it amplifies the conflicts and mysteries in the plot. Also, the characters, from salty locals disdainful of big-city practices to wealthy and powerful elites, are drawn with a clarity that brings them to life, making the reader see their unique perspectives. Notably, the detective’s self-awareness of her mental fragility helps the reader see inside her head, empathizing as she persists despite barriers, including that the people around her seem to be trying to hinder her investigation. Further, the scope of the plot is engaging, convincingly telescoping from local corruption to an unexpected plot twist sure to leave readers satisfied
The Whodunit Award for Best Traditional Mystery
Sponsored by Jane Doe with a $500 prize
Iona Whishaw, The Cost of a Hostage, TouchWood Editions
The jurors were unanimous in awarding this year’s CWC Award of Excellence for Best Traditional Mystery to Iona Whishaw’s The Cost of a Hostage, the twelfth Lane Winslow story.
This book represents all the best elements of Lane’s adventures: engaging characters living in beautifully described settings, both in Canada and this time in Mexico and France, skilfully woven plot strands that come together in a satisfying way at the very end, and Whishaw’s command of the narrative arc examining the rippling effects of Lane’s wartime service on her postwar life.
Although the book takes place in the 1940s, its themes of addiction and drug trafficking are familiar to contemporary readers and yet this is not an anachronism. Whishaw’s characters are of their time. The crimes could be contemporary, but they are solved in a way that is true to the world in which they occur.
Sustaining reader interest over a long series, yet producing books that can also stand alone, is a challenge of the mystery-writing craft, one that Iona Whishaw has met with solid success.
Best Crime Short Story
Sponsored by Crime Writers of Canada with a $200 prize
Sylvia Maultash Warsh, “Polly Wants a Freaking Cracker”, Malice Domestic: Murder Most Humorous, Wildside Press
Everything about this delicious easter-egg-rich criminal confection is as engaging as the title. Author Sylvia Maultash Warsh gets full marks for leading readers through the investigation into a fatal mid-city hit-and-run; narrated from the perspective of one of the most unlikely protagonists to make their Canadian crime lit debut. Jurors were unanimous in their shared delight of the twists, turns and—much to their amazement—legal logical leaps that crime readers everywhere savour. The narrative unfolds with simple straightforward language; the characters are likeable and worth cheering on from start to finish. This story is a delicious blend of suspense, sympathy, action, and well-placed humour. The ending ties up loose ends, but it’s not what the reader is expecting.
Because of its truly unique premise, “Polly Wants A Freaking Cracker” led the pack of this year’s finalists, but the jurors wish to note that all 45 of the entries were riveting reads.
Best French Language Crime Book
Sponsored by Carrick Publishing with a $500 prize
Maureen Martineau, Une nuit d’été à Littlebrook, Héliotrope
Les jurées ont choisi ce roman pour ses nombreuses qualités littéraires, notamment son originalité. Elles ont apprécié le fait que l’histoire évoque un thème très actuel : un monde rural frappé directement par les changements climatiques. Et qu’elle mette en lumière l’impact de cette crise sur les gens qui habitent ces régions.
L’autrice décrit avec beaucoup de doigté les tourments des personnages, notamment le personnage principal. Le rôle des femmes est central dans cette histoire, ce que à quoi le jury a été sensible.
L’écriture de Maureen Martineau est à la fois délicate et percutante. À travers la plume de l’autrice, on découvre un univers riche. Dialogues et narrations s’y côtoient, en un parfait équilibre. Les différentes facettes de l’histoire ; une pénurie d’eau, des cultures menacées par la sécheresse, une étrange maladie génétique, des drames familiaux, des abus sexuels, constituant un aspect important du récit, sont imbriqués de façon fluide et limpide.
Le thème de la vengeance qui mène au crime est présent, en toile de fond, dès les premières pages du roman, ce qui contribue à créer une tension dramatique que les jurées ont particulièrement aimé.
Best Juvenile / YA Crime Book
Sponsored by Superior Shores Press with a $250 prize
Charis Cotter, The Mystery of the Haunted Dance Hall, Tundra Books
The heart of The Mystery of the Haunted Dance Hall is a decades-old love story that ended in tragedy. Charis Cotter pulls in the reader with her gripping storytelling and immersive descriptions of a 1960s bird-watching camp for girls, founded by the elderly Miss Linnet, an austere figure who changes dramatically over the course of the book. The author’s strength lies in her unique characters, both major and minor. Bee, the eccentric, self-deprecating protagonist with no camp experience, meets two girls who become unlikely sidekicks, their friendship growing over time. The writing is gripping as the threesome discover that the older girls in a neighbouring cabin are being lured nightly to a haunted island in the middle of the lake by “fairy music.” The author establishes a connection between the distant past and the present in a powerful tale that engages the reader on an emotional level. A compelling mystery, sparked by a crime, unfolds through an engaging investigative process. Beautifully written, the story blends mystery and the fantastical to create a memorable and poignant novel that stays with the reader.
The Brass Knuckles Award for Best Nonfiction Crime Book
Sponsored by David Reid Simpson Law Firm (Hamilton) with a $300 prize
Julian Sher & Lisa Fitterman, Hitman: The Untold Story of Canada’s Deadliest Assassin, HarperCollins Publishers Ltd
While all the shortlisted titles masterfully explored timely aspects of Canadian crime and justice, Hitman stood out for the jurors from the first page by the quality of the writing, bringing to life characters both major and minor in memorable ways. The jurors appreciated the thorough examination of both the titular character and the law enforcement obstacles that allowed his career to continue unchecked through so many assassinations. The research was deep and broad, uncovering intimate personal moments all the way to necessary development of policing strategies and inter-force communication protocols that continue to inform gang investigations in Canada today.
Best Unpublished Crime Novel manuscript written by an unpublished author
Sponsored by ECW Press with a $500 prize
Anne Burlakoff, Val's Story
By turns introspective and action-packed, Val’s Story is a compelling, layered novel whose prose reads smoothly and whose plot unfurls dramatically. The jurors appreciated this writer’s ability to weave current issues, historicity, personal stakes and the instigating crime into a juicy narrative. The dual perspective structure sustains tension between Eve, the sixty-ish amateur investigator who wants to reveal everyone’s secrets but her own, and Tanya Clarke, the Black homicide detective who wants to crack the case—not to earn a promotion, but to justify the promotion she’s already earned. The jurors noted complex characters, believable and well-developed character motivation, intriguing historical elements, strong dialogue, a gripping opening and controlled interiority as some of the manuscript’s particular strengths. With inclusive representation on race, disability and age, Val’s Story feels modern and satisfying without shying away from some of the ugliest issues of our times.
CWC gratefully acknowledges the generous support of our sponsors
About Crime Writers of Canada
Crime Writers of Canada was founded in 1982 as a professional organization designed to raise the profile of Canadian crime writers. Our members include authors, publishers, editors, booksellers, librarians, reviewers, and literary agents as well as many developing authors. Past winners of the Awards have included such major names in Canadian crime writing as Mario Bolduc, Gail Bowen, Stevie Cameron, Howard Engel, Barbara Fradkin, Louise Penny, Peter Robinson and Eric Wright. We thank our sponsors and volunteers, and the many participating publishers, authors and jurors for their continued support.
For more information about the Awards of Excellence or to enquire about becoming an awards sponsor, contact CWC Awards Manger Ludvica Boota at awards@crimewriterscanada.com.
-end-
Supporting materials for the AGM are now available for download on the CWC website, including the following documents:
To view or download the documents, please use the following link:
Registration
The CWC Annual General Meeting will be held on June 18 at 7:00 p.m. ET via Zoom. Registration closes at 12:00 p.m. ET on June 18. After registration closes, members who have registered will receive the Zoom link by email. All CWC members in good standing may attend the AGM. To register, please use the link below:
In accordance with the CWC bylaws, a Professional Author Member (PAM) in good standing who cannot attend the virtual AGM may appoint another PAM as a proxy to vote on their behalf. If you would like to designate a voting proxy, please use the link below:
CWC 2026 AGM Proxy Voting Form
Volunteering
We are still actively seeking dedicated members to fill open vacancies on our Board of Directors and help lead our organization forward. Nominations are welcome for all Director positions, but we are specifically looking to fill Regional Director positions (open to both PAM and Associate Members) in the following areas:
If you want to contribute to the growth of the Canadian crime writing community, please submit your name using our volunteer form:
AGM Nomination and Volunteering Form
Thank you for your continued support and commitment to keeping our community thriving. We look forward to seeing you online on June 18th!
Francisca Bullock is an aspiring Canadian author with a keen interest in murder and mystery. Though she once strayed into the bubbly waters of Rom-Coms, her long murder-mystery-loving bloodline pulled her back into the shadows of the whodunit world. An accounting graduate and an international finance professional, she lives in Sherbrooke, Quebec, with her three grown sons, three furtive felines, and her most trusted accomplice: her husband.
1. Who is your favourite Canadian author (live or dead, doesn’t have to be mystery)?
It’s difficult to have a favourite! There are so many good ones! Margeret Atwood, Sheri Lapena, Louise Penny, Maureen Jennings, Mordecai Richler, and I really want to start reading Chris Hadfield’s mysteries in space. It’s why I need 32 hours in a day.
2. What is your favourite book?
The books —and I read hundreds so I may have forgotten a few— that I had a hard time putting down were: Louise Penny’s Bury Your Dead; A.J. Finn’s The Woman In The Window; Ruth Ware’s The Death of Mrs. Westaway.
3. What is your favourite movie?
When I want to escape, I watch Pirates Of the Caribbeans, or any of the recent James Bond movies, even the last one!
4. Who was the best James Bond?
Oh, well that is Daniel Craig! Those blue eyes!
5. If you could move to any province (or specific city in Canada) where would you live?
Newfoundland to watch the icebergs go by.
6. What part of the writing process do you enjoy the most?
I see editing as the dessert to an excellent four-course meal.
7. Has a real person ever inspired you to kill them (in your book)?
Oh Yes! And for that reason, I cannot name them 😉
8. On average, how long do you write in a day?
Not long enough. I need 32-hour days to get everything done.
9. Do you have any unfinished manuscripts in your drawer/computer?
No, only unpublished (for now) I usually get things done, even if it takes longer than planned.
10. What is your goal as a writer?
To be published so that my book takes the reader to another place for just a little while!
For over forty years, Crime Writers of Canada (CWC) has flourished as a vibrant, national community. Our strength lies in our membership, whose contributions to crime and mystery fiction are celebrated both here at home and on the international stage.
As we look toward the 2026-2027 term, we are seeking members with fresh perspectives and a passion for our craft to help steer the organization.
How CWC Operates
CWC is governed by a Board of Directors—a total of 12 positions—composed of Professional and Associate members. The Board meets monthly to make pivotal decisions regarding our future direction, finances, and operations.
While our day-to-day activities are managed by a dedicated team of four part-time contractors, our committees are the engines that drive our mission forward. Volunteering—whether as a director or a committee member—is a rewarding way to deepen your connection to the industry and network with fellow crime writers across the country.
Save the Date: Annual General Meeting 2026
Our AGM will be held on Zoom on June 18th, 2026, at 7 PM ET. During this meeting, Professional Author Members (PAMs) will elect the Board of Directors for the upcoming year. Following the AGM, the newly appointed Directors will meet the week of June 22–25 to elect the Board Officers:
AGM Registration & Materials
All relevant documents for the AGM, including reports and the agenda, will be available by the end of May. At that time, we will send out a membership-wide email containing the official registration link and access to all meeting materials.
Call for Nominations: Board of Directors
We are currently seeking nominations for our 12 Board positions. Current Directors may stand for re-election, but nominations are open and welcome for all:
Regional Directors:
Directors at Large:
Committee Volunteers Needed: We also need members for our various committees, including Awards, Jury Selection, Jury Chair, Marketing, Fundraising, Membership, Mentorship and Board Secretary. To learn more about these roles, please use the link below:
Take the Next Step
Thank you for being a part of this community. We look forward to seeing you—and your nominations—this June!
Writing is often a solitary pursuit, but refining your manuscript shouldn’t be. We are thrilled to officially announce the launch of the CWC Club Critique Program, a new member-exclusive initiative designed to help you sharpen your craft, find your rhythm, and get your work submission-ready.
Whether you’re writing cozy mysteries, gritty noir, true crime, or psychological thrillers, our peer-to-peer critique groups provide a safe, professional environment to receive constructive feedback and connect with fellow creators across the country.
How the Program Works
We are Looking for Leads! To make this program a success, we are looking for Group Leads (Facilitators). If you are organized and enjoy moderating discussions, consider stepping up. Leads ensure the meetings stay on track and the "Rules of Engagement" are followed. (Leads are also full participating members of their critique group).
Want to Join? If you have a work-in-progress and are ready to give and receive professional feedback, we want to hear from you.
If you are interested in joining a group or stepping up as a Lead, please email me directly at ed@crimewriterscanada.com.
Please use "Club Critique" as your subject line.
For full program details, including our Rules of Engagement, please visit our new Club Critique page on the CWC website.
In your email, please let me know:
We are excited to see the incredible work that will come out of these groups.