How to write a crime novel – tips on writing |
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The first lesson on how
to write a crime novel is probably
the most obvious, and one that you may have in mind
already: You need to decide on the nature of the crime.
For many the choice will be simple, the murder mystery.
This is obviously a very popular theme in the crime
genre and is a style of novel which many people have
read. As such, inspired novel writers out there may
tend their hand towards a crime mystery with the eventual
goal being the unveiling of the killer. However the
scope of crime novel writing can encompass more than
the murder-mystery and there other story types which
can be considered:
Theft – a very popular theme in films can translate
equally well to the crime novel. These can occur anywhere
and can range from gritty urban novels which may have
theft from such locations as grocery stores and banks
to the more upmarket crime novel which may have such
locations as casino’s or museums from which classic
art pieces could be stolen. The apprehension of a master-criminal
in this style can be just as compelling as unmasking
a killer.
Fraud – in real life fraud cases can be highly
dramatic, so works as an excellent scenario on which
to base your story so can be an excellent tip on how
to write a crime novel. Often these
crimes are highly complex and imaginative, both elements
which can demand audience attention and interest.
Whichever crime you choose NewNovelist novel writing
software can help with your story structure, characters
and more – please
see our ‘overview page’ for further information.
Another consideration to make is the choice between
protagonist and anti-hero. Who will your crime story
be following? The most popular choice will be the standard
protagonist, often a detective, policeman or similar
which makes sense given the genre and fits the lot structure
very well – we can follow them through the novel
as they uncover clues. However a different, though generally
harder to write, choice can be the anti-hero, the person
who has perpetrated the crime. Definitely a character
to think about and one which can prove very interesting
to both write and ‘get inside their head.’
Characterisation takes high importance within our Novel
Writing software and can be used expressly for this
purpose if required.
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| General
Information about NewNovelist:
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Creative writing and learning how to write a novel can
be exceptionally hard. First, you have to learn the
basics, then you have to practice….and practice…and
practice. And you also have to research what makes a
successful novel. The vast majority of novels adopt
a basic formula, and we incorporate these within NewNovelist.
Whilst throughout these additional information pages
we have provided tips and “how-to” advice,
the real gold dust is in our software program (available
on CD or to download). It is based on tuition from the
leading university Creative Writing course in England
(University of East Anglia), and uses templates to provide
you with the structure you might otherwise spend years
researching. These templates can teach you the basics
to writing all different types of novel: crime, mystery,
detective, fantasy, childrens, thrillers, military and
many many more. In short, it provides you with a virtual
tutor.
In addition to the template structure, there is context
sensitive help available – advising you on timing,
tone and beat – and scores of examples drawn from
modern and classical literature. For beginners this
will be a revelation. For more experienced writers it
provides a welcome refresher.
Whatever your standard of writing, and whatever your
motivation, if you want an all-in-one writing course,
advice, tutor, editor and note taker you should buy
NewNovelist today.
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