I’m tremendously honored to have been elected the 2019 President of the Mystery Writers of America. This organization supports and promotes thousands of working writers across the country. It presents the Edgar Awards. Being asked to serve in this position is a high point of my career.
Here’s what I said when my name was put forward for the presidency:
From the moment I became eligible to join Mystery Writers of America, I’ve been grateful to be a member. Being awarded an Edgar is one of the greatest honors of my life. That’s because MWA is one of the most significant organizations in the world dedicated to crime and mystery writing. It would be my privilege to serve as its president and support its mission: to promote recognition and respect for crime writing and those who write it, to encourage literacy, and to support aspiring writers, booksellers, librarians, publishers, editors, agents, and the wonderful community devoted to the genre.
And before I get too full of myself, I should clarify that the presidency of MWA is highly ceremonial — I’ll have the privilege of emceeing the Edgars this year, and writing some articles for the MWA magazine, and perfecting my royal wave. The day-to-day work of the organization is done by a committed group of volunteers, led by Executive Vice President Donna Andrews. They’re the ones who deserve a tip of the hat.
Though my son did ask if I’ve been given the nuclear codes. Nope; just this shiny presidential badge. Which I’m going to treasure.
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