Murder in the Library

Every second year there is Murder in the Library, an opportunity for crime writers to connect with readers and encourage the enjoyment in the genre. I really love doing this, but most of all, the questions from the readers always give me pause for thought and one question in particular from last week, had me reflecting on my writing journey

Someone in the Motueka audience asked us about writing awards. I won’t speak on behalf of the other members of the panel, but my thoughts on this subject have changed over time. When I won the Ngaio award for best first novel, I thought the award was amazing and I was sure that this was my entry point in obtaining a publisher. That was not the case. I used to look at all the NZ and Australian awards and the winners with the new deals and feel quite disheartened.

When I went to the UK for the Theakstone Crime Writing Festival, established authors were keen to tell that while awards were great, they were only three or four people who thought one novel was better than another. It helped put awards into perspective and knew that I didn’t write to win awards…true writers write to be read, and awards are a medium through which this can happen. It isnt about fame or wanting to be feted.

I had a huge sense of peace when I didnt just say this, but when I truly meant it. I write because I love to tell a story and I am more desirous to be read, than to win an award. Awards are a bonus, but not to be strived for.