The
Horror Writers Association (
HWA) is a worldwide non-profit organization of professional writers and publishing professionals dedicated to promoting the interests of
Horror and
Dark fantasy writers. It was formed in 1985 with the help of many of the field's greats, including
Joe R. Lansdale,
Robert McCammon, and
Dean Koontz, although it was not formally incorporated until 1987, the year it first gave
Bram Stoker Awards. The group was originally called
HOWL (Horror and Occult Writers League), but quickly changed to the
Horror Writers of America when they formally organized. HWA now has members and regional chapters throughout North America, Europe, Australia, South Africa, Russia, and Asia, which led to the current name of the organization.