By Elaine Ash
Every year for last 65 years, The Mystery Writers of America has called a gathering of the crimewriting tribe and honored its own. This year was no exception except for one small difference—I was there. Take no arrogance in my comment please, what I mean is that in person I finally recognized the importance, history and lineage of the Edgars. I’m a little late to the table. Charles Ardai, the editor of Hard Case Crime writes that he attended his first Edgar ceremony at the age of 17.
There’s something about seeing the movers and shakers of the industry as well as the workhorses and faithful servants all gathered together, that strikes a chord of awe. It also gives a sense of place and belonging. Many writers feel like observers and outsiders—even within their own families. But on Edgars night, everybody who is here, belongs here. Most worked a long time to earn their place. Which brings me to the vibe of the whole affair, which is a clean, rarified energy I can still feel back home in Los Angeles. Where does it come from? My guess is that writing a novel, editing one, marketing one, takes particular persistence of effort and concentration. Having such a concentration of minds in one place lends the Edgars a unique quality. The show isn’t frenetic or charged with anxiety, the way many other entertainment industry affairs are. Edgars are imbued with the power of collective, concentrated minds. The air is light and static-free— and the impression is one of quiet confidence, that everything’s being handled efficiently, confidently, correctly.
The banquet room is glamorous and enormous. Sound and video production are crystal clear and skillfully edited. The greatest thing about attending a show starring writers is that all the speeches are short, entertaining and to-the-point. Nary an umm or an ahh, and nobody ever rambles or loses their point. It’s the way we keep hoping the Oscars will be and never, ever get there.
One of the highlights of the show was a video tribute to Sara Paretsky, honored with the Grand Master Award for consistently high quality work. Her books are published in 30 languages. Paretsky was treated to a standing ovation before and after her speech. I’ve watched actors and directors get standing ovations all my life. It’s quite a thrill watching a writer get two.
Something it’s easy to take for granted is the amount of work, devotion and love, right alongside blood, sweat and tears, that go into judging. Thousands of potential titles are winnowed down to a handful of final contenders, and each of the ten categories are overseen by exquisitely qualified Chairs, who then referee, wrangle and massage their teams into final consensus. It’s not easy. Its tremendous work and being on such a panel guarantees late nights, even sleepless nights, worrying if the right decisions are being made.
Finally, it all comes together in one glossy night, just like it has for the last 65 years, in the name of Edgar Allan Poe. If any writer out there needs inspiration, something to put fire in the belly for that long march across hundreds of blank pages, the Edgars are potent medicine. I came, I saw, I’ll never be the same.
Elaine Ash
I agree completely, Elaine. We had some fun in the first two parts of our report, but it’s time to get serious and acknowledge what the Edgars really mean.
Al, it was simply great working with you. Did I tell you how nice your new suit looked, by the way? I’ve had emails from all over about Fear and Loathing, including Margery Flax of the Mystery Writers of America, Charles Ardai of Hard Case Crime, and many attendees. Thank goodness the jokes we wrote in the dead of night translated to sober people in the light of day.
Thanks you guys.
I wanted to attend the Edgars this year, but regrettably I was unable to. Your article makes me want to focus even more on attending next year. Write on!