On Wednesday it was lovely to welcome back GWC’s ex-president and local crime author, Anne Pettigrew, who provided a stimulating session on writing crime and how best to tap into this genre. Anne has written three novels: Not the Life Imagined, Not the Deaths Imagined and The Carnelian Tree. The first elevates the female experience of studying medicine during the 1960s while her novel second develops her protagonist’s story as she makes a living as a doctor in the 90s. Anne’s most recent novel takes a radical turn and is set in Oxford where academia and terrorism collide. This eclectic mix makes Anne the perfect guide into the thrilling world of crime!
Storytelling
Engaging a reader through storytelling remains a powerful way to connect people and make them think. Historically, it has allowed information to be passed from older to younger generations but one cannot deny engaging any audience with a good old-fashioned tale is more effective than simply telling. Anne emphasised the point that a good story must both entertain and amuse. But how can writers achieve this?
Things to Remember..
Anne laid out many points for us to consider but let’s try to keep in mind the following elements of a thought-provoking story;
- People like a puzzle (for example, who did it?)
- Good overcoming evil
- Series and formula (while avoiding storytelling that is formulaic, readers do enjoy comfortable repetition)
- The question of death (people are, quite simply, fascinated by this subject matter)
- Escape (readers’ involvement in the story).
Every reader and writer is different but these elements of storytelling can help elevate any message a writer is trying to present to a much richer, character-driven story with greater involvement for the reader.
Crime Sub-genres
Who knew crime had so many varieties? Anne discussed the diversity of the crime genre – there is certainly something for everyone. A few of the classic types include;
- The detective novel (with its own set of sub-genres – drunken sot, priest, nosy biddy)
- Police procedurals
- Cosy crime (‘crime for the squeamish – gory details, but all off screen)
- Tartan noir
- Gothic to modern crime (such as spies).
What Makes a Popular Crime Story?
After giving us insight into sub-genres, Anne reminded us that a popular crime story also needs some of the following;
- An empathetic hero
- Strong female
- Red herrings (more than one puzzle)
- Good backstory for the detective (but don’t put this at the beginning)
- A satisfying end
- Respect for your reader (don’t spoon feed but don’t be overly clever either).
Anne also reminded us that romance is okay in crime. A question was then raised: when does a mystery become a thriller or a horror? New member Holly offered a thoughtful response on our physiological responses – if we feel fear in this way then a reader’s experience changes and deepens, perhaps more in line with the aims of the horror genre.
The Elements of Crime
However, if ever in doubt then Anne summed up some of the finer elements of the genre which a good crime story can always benefit from;
- Murder
- Knowing who a victim is
- A unique setting and sense of place/time
- Rape
- Exploitation
- Theft
- Fraud.
Cheery stuff but it is the nature of this dark, complex and highly sought-after genre. Many thanks to Anne for a terrific and thought-provoking session! Lots to help when submitting to our first competition of the year.
Don’t Forget!
Our first competition of the year has a final deadline of Sunday 15th October. The theme is ‘Scottish Crime Story’. Through Anne’s session, we have learned how diverse crime can be so creative interpretations are welcome. Please ensure you get your submissions in!