You should write a crime novel...

[Murdermap]

Write what you know, that's what they always say. You work as a crime reporter, why don't you write a crime novel?

My immediate answer: I can't handle plot. And I hate descriptive writing. Facts, ideas, characters maybe. I like to observe people; what they say, their motives and psychology. I don't care what kind of sound the gravel makes under my foot or exactly how black the night sky is on a cold November evening. I don't want to write about weeping mothers and orphaned children and fragile wives.

On the plus side, I've heard a lot about murders and murder investigations. I've seen killers try to lie their way out of a prison sentence.

And so, like many other unpublished writers I'm obsessed with finding 'the original idea' that will open doors.

Needless to say I haven't come up with a single one.

And that, ladies and gentleman, is why I am sticking to non-fiction for now. Feel free to browse our collection of murder cases at www.murdermap.co.uk. Maybe you can find something you can use for your own writing. Good luck.