Magnolia Award

Know someone who deserves recognition for their service to SEMWA? We welcome nominations each year.

The Magnolia Award is presented annually by the Southeast Regional Chapter of Mystery Writers of America (SEMWA) to recognize a member who has provided exceptional service and dedication to the chapter.

As a volunteer organization, SEMWA relies on the time, energy, and commitment of its members. The Magnolia Award honors those individuals whose contributions have strengthened the chapter and supported its mission to serve writers across the Southeast.

Candidates are nominated by the membership, and the recipient is selected by the SEMWA Board of Directors.

Past Recipients of the Magnolia Award

2023 — Robert Mangeot
2022 — Maggie Toussaint
2021 — James Weikart
2020 — J. Marshall Gordon
2019 — Lynn Chandler Willis
2018 — Joseph Terrell
2017 — Richard Helms
2016 — Kathryn R. Wall
2015 — Ross Cavins and Tim Caviness

2014— Karen McCullough
2013 — Mary Saums
2012 — Chester Campbell
2011 — Clay Stafford
2010 — Charles Todd
2009 — Beth Terrell
2008 — Margaret Maron
2007 — Chris Roerden
2006 — Gwen Hunter
2005 — Tamar Myers

Magnolia Award Guidelines

The following guidelines outline the nomination and selection process for the Magnolia Award.

Eligibility

  • The award is presented annually, beginning in 2005, to a member of the Mystery Writers of America, Southeast Regional Chapter (SEMWA), in recognition of dedication and service to the chapter.
  • The award may be given to a former member for service provided during their time as a SEMWA member.
  • Current SEMWA Board members are not eligible to receive the award.

Nomination Process

  • The SEMWA Board will seek nominations from current and past SEMWA members.
  • The call for nominations is issued by May 1, with a submission deadline of June 1.
  • Members are asked to propose a candidate and describe that individual’s contributions to the chapter.
  • Duplicate recommendations will be combined.

If additional information is needed, the awards committee chair may contact members who are familiar with the nominee’s service to the chapter.

Selection Timeline

  • Candidate names are presented to the Board by June 15.
  • The recipient is selected by July 1.
  • The Board may choose not to present the award in a given year.

Notification and Presentation

  • The chapter president notifies the recipient by July 10.
  • The award is presented at the chapter’s annual event, such as the gathering held at Killer Nashville.

Award Recognition

  • The recipient receives a one-year membership in the Mystery Writers of America (MWA), paid by the chapter.
  • When possible, the award pin is presented in person by the current SEMWA president or designee.
  • If an in-person presentation is not possible, the pin is mailed with a personal letter from the SEMWA president.