Grafton, Burke named MWA Grand Masters

For the first time since 1978, Mystery Writers of America will have two Grand Masters for 2009: James Lee Burke and Sue Grafton. From the release that went out today:

According to MWA executive vice president HarryHunsicker, the Edgar Awards -- or "Edgars," as they are commonly known-- are named after Edgar Allan Poe, whose 200th birthday will be markednext year. "One of the great pleasures of my tenure at the helm of MWAhas been informing two of the most talented writers on the planet thatthey have been selected as Grand Master. As a long-time fan of both, Icannot think of two more deserving individuals."



"News of mybeing named MWA Grand Master, along with James Lee Burke, caught metotally off-guard," said Sue Grafton, "but I'm delighted to be tappedand pleased to share the honor with a writer I so admire. I lookforward to the ceremony which will surely be a blow-out affair in thatit celebrates Edgar Allan Poe as well as the mystery genre."



Says James Lee Burke:"It is a great honor to receive the Grand Master award from the MysteryWriters of America. It's an enormous compliment to my work and to me,and I feel extremely grateful and humbled by the MWA's generosity ofspirit. The award will always remain as one of the greatest tributes mywork could receive. Thank you for all the support the MWA has given mywork over the many years.

Both Grafton and Burke will get the official honor on April 30 at the Edgar Awards Banquet. Very cool news indeed!

Read The Full Article:
http://www.sarahweinman.com/confessions/2008/11/grafton-burke-named-mwa-grand-mas
ters.html

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