By Twist Phelan
Writers are often thought of as solitary creatures, hunched over keyboards in dimly lit garrets, muttering dialogue to themselves. There’s some truth to that image (my garret actually has pretty good lighting); the craft can become isolating. That’s one of the reasons I joined RMMWA—and it’s turned out to be one of the better decisions I’ve made in my writing life.
First, there’s the camaraderie. Finding your tribe matters, and RMMWA is full of people who understand the particular joys and frustrations of writing crime fiction. The support system is genuine, the conversations are endlessly entertaining, and the collective knowledge is invaluable.
Second, there are the speakers. RMMWA consistently delivers opportunities to sharpen craft and meet sources integral to crime fiction, from cops to weapons experts to forensic specialists to legal gurus—resources that would cost a fortune (and a lot of hassle) to access elsewhere.
Finally, there’s the six-word mystery contest. How could I resist a group that celebrates the art of cramming an entire whodunit into six words? It’s the perfect outlet for my questionable pun habit. (For the record, there’s something deeply satisfying about crafting a tiny mystery that makes people groan and laugh simultaneously.)
RMMWA offers craft, community, and a place where my love of bad wordplay is encouraged rather than merely tolerated. What more could this crime writer ask for?
Read more about award-winning writer Twist Phelan at her website.