Secret Society

Well, maybe not so secret, but certainly mysterious.

I've joined the Mystery Writers of America!

I signed up not really knowing what to expect. It looked kind of cool and I wanted to support the craft of mystery writing. Mostly I joined to mark a personal milestone by qualifying for an active membership a bit more than a year after writing my first short story. Breaking into the business through the penthouse by having my first story published by Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine gave me a leg up on the required earning threshold at MWA-approved markets, and making a second sale to Queen (along with another at Mystery Magazine) put me well across the line.

Even if all I ever do is gaze in wonder at my membership pin, it's been worth it to me -- it is another extrinsic means of encouraging myself. Plus now I can identify myself as a member of the MWA both in my bio and when submitting manuscripts.

I received email from my home chapter -- Southern California -- a day after my application, and a few days later I received an envelope in the mail. Inside was the aforementioned pin, a membership pamphlet, several loose notices, and the program from last year's Edgar Awards ceremony.

The Edgar booklet was a slick production, with a phone directory theme. If you need to call Spenser or Sherlock Holmes, the cover has got you ... eh ... covered.

Interior features celebrated the year's nominees, and also featured biographies of great writers of the past. Here are a couple of my favorite authors -- Ian Fleming and Ross Macdonald.

Supporting materials offer me mentorship opportunities, discounts on magazine subscriptions, a manuscript critique program, and more. I'll also get a newsletter and password access to features at the MWA site.

All-in-all a pleasant accomplishment and I'm proud to have joined the MWA. I'll jump into the deep end later this year when my wife and I travel to New York City In May for a vacation and to attend the 2024 Edgar Awards banquet.