A Quick Note on the Elements of Crime Writing for Novice Writers by Ryker J. Phoenix

 

A Quick Note on the Elements of Crime Writing for Novice Writers

 

by Ryker J. Phoenix

 

What is Crime Writing?

 Crime fiction, detective story, murder mystery, mystery novel, and police novel are terms used to describe narratives that centre on criminal acts and especially on the investigation, either by an amateur or a professional detective, of a crime, often a murder.

There is no one formula for writing crime fiction, but there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of success. First, make sure your plot is well-constructed and suspenseful. Second, create believable and interesting characters. Third, use strong dialogue and vivid description. And fourth, make sure your pacing is right. Crime fiction can be a very exciting genre to write, but it also requires a lot of hard work and attention to detail.

 Crime fiction focus on transgressions against established order and the specific breaking of either national, social, religious or moral laws. The focus must be on ‘Elements’ and writers need to consider the elements that is needed in a crime story.

Here are some elements and things the crime writer should consider when writing crime fiction:

• the type of the crime text itself, whether it is detective fiction, a post-modern novel, a revenge tragedy, an account of a life lost to crime
• the settings that are created as backdrops for criminal action and for the pursuit of the perpetrators of crime: both places and times will be significant here
• the nature of the crimes and the criminals, the criminals’ motives and actions
• the inclusion of violence, murder, theft, betrayal
• the detection of the criminal and the investigation that leads to his or her capture or punishment
• how far there is a moral purpose and restoration of order
• guilt and remorse, confession and the desire for forgiveness
• the creation of the criminal and their nemesis, the typical detective hero
• the sense that there will be a resolution and the criminal will be punished
• the victims of crime and the inclusion of suffering
• the central motifs of love, money, danger and death
• punishment, justice, retribution, injustice, accusation, the legal system, criminal trials and courtroom dramas, imprisonment, death
• the structural patterning of the text as it moves through a series of crises to some sense of order
• the specific focus on plotting
• the way that language is used in the world that is created; there may be use of a criminal register, legal register, police register
• the way that crime writing is used to comment on society, particularly the representation of society at particular historical periods
• ultimately, how crime stories affect audiences and readers, creating suspense, repugnance, excitement and relief.

 Want to learn more about writing crime fiction?

 

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April 24 - April 27

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Also see:

• How to Write Crime Fiction: A Beginner’s Guide
• How to Write a Mystery or Crime Novel: 8 Tips for Writing Crime Fiction
• The Oxford Companion to Crime and Mystery Writing 
• The Crime Writer's Reference Guide: 1001 Tips for Writing the Perfect Murder
  

 

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Bad Writing by Stephen King | Writing Quote

 

 Bad Writing

 

by Stephen King

Bad writing is more than a matter of (expletive deleted) syntax and faulty observation; bad writing usually arises from a stubborn refusal to tell stories about what people actually do to face the fact, let us say, that murderers sometimes help old ladies cross the street.
 

-- Stephen King

 

 About the Author

Stephen Edwin King (born September 21, 1947) is an American author of horror, supernatural fiction, suspense, crime, science-fiction, and fantasy novels. Described as the "King of Horror", a play on his surname and a reference to his high standing in pop culture, his books have sold more than 350 million copies, and many have been adapted into films, television series, miniseries, and comic books. King has published 64 novels, including seven under the pen name Richard Bachman, and five non-fiction books. He has also written approximately 200 short stories, most of which have been published in book collections. Wikipedia

Stephen King Books at Amazon

 

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Writing Mantra of the Day: On Making Mistakes

 

 

Writing Mantra of the Day: On Making Mistakes

I hereby give myself permission to produce imperfect writing, and promise not to be too harsh on myself for making mistakes.

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Writing Sensory Details for Beginning Writers

 

 Writing Sensory Details for Beginning Writers

 

Sensory details use the five senses (sight, touch, sound, taste, and smell) to add depth of detail to writing. Sensory details are details that make a person's writing come alive in the mind of a reader. They enable the author to show rather than tell the reader what is happening. These details also give voice to the narrator or the speaker who is telling the story. This means that an author uses sensory details to immerse the reader into the world of the story. This matters because readers make much better connections to stories when they feel like they are part of the story themselves. The basic definition of sensory details is descriptions within writing that provide explanations that utilize the five senses.

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Narrative Elements Explained for Beginning Writers

 

Narrative Elements Explained for Beginning Writers

 

Writing is hard. In a market where publishers and editors are critical of every story or poem, understanding the seven key elements of a narrative is more important than ever before. Regardless of your chosen genre of expertise, mastering these key narrative elements will help to make you a more successful writer.

These terms include: plot, characters, point of view, setting, theme, conflict, and style. Understanding how these elements work helps us better analyze narratives and to determine meanings.

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A Quick Note On Character Types for the Novice Writer by Ryker J. Phoenix

 A Quick Note On Character Types for the Novice Writer

 

by Ryker J. Phoenix

 

There are a number of character types that can be found in writing fiction. The three most commonly used are the protagonist, the antagonist, and the foil.

• The protagonist is the main character of the story. They are usually the one who drives the plot forward, and the reader is typically meant to sympathize with them. 
• The antagonist is the character who stands in opposition to the protagonist, and they are usually the one responsible for creating the most conflict in the story. 
• The foil is a character who is used to highlight the protagonist's traits, and they are typically not as developed as the other characters in the story.

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A Quick Note On Writing Point of View (POV) for the Novice Writer by Ryker J. Phoenix

 

 A Quick Note On Writing Point of View (POV) for the Novice Writer

 

by Ryker J. Phoenix

 

One of the most important elements of fiction is point of view. POV determines how readers experience the story, and it can be used to create different effects. There are three main POVs: first person, second person, and third person.

First person POV is when the narrator is a character in the story and tells the story from their own point of view. This POV is usually limited to what the narrator knows and experiences. First person narration can be intimate and engaging, making readers feel like they are right there with the characters. However, it can also be limiting, since the reader can only see and know what the narrator knows.

Second person POV is when the narrator speaks to the reader directly, as if they are a character in the story. This POV can be used to create a more interactive experience for readers, as if they are directly involved in the story. However, it can also be confusing and difficult to follow, since it is not commonly used.

Third person POV is when the narrator is not a character in the story and tells the story from an outsider’s point of view. This POV can be used to create a more objective and impartial view of the story. However, it can also be less immersive and engaging for readers.

Each POV has its own strengths and weaknesses, and it is important to choose the right POV for your story. First person POV is best for personal stories or stories with a limited point of view. Second person POV can be used to create a more interactive experience, but it can be difficult to follow. Third person POV is best for stories with a more objective point of view.

 

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