And the Edgar goes to...

This is not a complete listing of all the mystery writing awards given, only a guide to those that have been won by this group of writers.

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Awards

* EDGAR: The oldest and most prestigious award. The nominees and winners are chosen by a committee of published authors.

HAMMETT: Given by International Crime Writers Association. Traditionally, membership in the Crime Writers Association is extended to writers who have published three or more books.

*AGATHA: Given at the Malice Domestic Convention. Nominees are chosen by conference members and are voted on at the conference. It celebrates more traditional "Agatha Christie " mysteries. Considered to be a Fan Award.

* McCAVITY: Given by the Mystery Reader's International. It is chosen by the people who subscribe to the Mystery Readers Journal. Considered to be a fan award.

* ANTHONY: Given at the Bouchercon conference. Attendees at the conference pick the winner. Named for Anthony Boucher, a former critic for The New York Times. Considered to be a fan award.

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Organizations

SISTERS IN CRIME: A national organization for female writers and readers of mysteries. The Heart of Texas Chapter meets the first Sunday of the month at 3811 Bee Caves. Call 329-6033 for more information. Approximately one-third of the members are published authors.

AUSTIN WRITER'S LEAGUE: Provides services to aspiring and professional writers. Call
499-8914 for more into. -- A.H.