How to write a crime scene - CrimeSpace2024-03-29T23:17:15Zhttps://crimespace.ning.com/forum/topics/how-to-write-a-crime-scene?commentId=537324%3AComment%3A370906&feed=yes&xn_auth=noAs with characters, main and…tag:crimespace.ning.com,2013-07-24:537324:Comment:3751342013-07-24T18:15:29.304ZJim Courterhttps://crimespace.ning.com/profile/JimCourter
<p>As with characters, main and otherwise, provide enough detail and description to give readers a sense of orientation and perspective. But allow readers to use their imagination. Don't overdo it with extreme detail and description. Try for what a sidewalk artist does: use a few quick brushstrokes to capture the essence.</p>
<p>As with characters, main and otherwise, provide enough detail and description to give readers a sense of orientation and perspective. But allow readers to use their imagination. Don't overdo it with extreme detail and description. Try for what a sidewalk artist does: use a few quick brushstrokes to capture the essence.</p> If you're going to do it, do…tag:crimespace.ning.com,2013-07-08:537324:Comment:3742862013-07-08T02:46:10.314ZStephen Seitzhttps://crimespace.ning.com/profile/StephenSeitz
<p>If you're going to do it, do it right. Head to the local courthouse and read actual case files. Study the evidence, and how it's gathered. Attend trials. Talk to cops and lawyers. Basic leg work, in other words.</p>
<p>The problem with too many stories these days is that a lot of people just lift their stories from TV or other novels, without considering whether those writers even know what they're talking about. My new novel stars a crime reporter, something for which I have compiled years…</p>
<p>If you're going to do it, do it right. Head to the local courthouse and read actual case files. Study the evidence, and how it's gathered. Attend trials. Talk to cops and lawyers. Basic leg work, in other words.</p>
<p>The problem with too many stories these days is that a lot of people just lift their stories from TV or other novels, without considering whether those writers even know what they're talking about. My new novel stars a crime reporter, something for which I have compiled years of field experience. I have been to many crime scenes, and I've interviewed cops, prosecutors and defense attorneys many, many times.</p>
<p>Learning from other writers goes only so far. You have to get your hands dirty to get readers to believe you.</p> Excellent advice, Jack. I’ll…tag:crimespace.ning.com,2013-07-03:537324:Comment:3740242013-07-03T01:00:46.266ZCJ Forresthttps://crimespace.ning.com/profile/CJForrest349
<p>Excellent advice, Jack. I’ll have to remember this one.</p>
<p>Excellent advice, Jack. I’ll have to remember this one.</p> I totally agree. It's a KILLE…tag:crimespace.ning.com,2013-05-27:537324:Comment:3727912013-05-27T21:16:02.218ZSusanhttps://crimespace.ning.com/profile/Susan
<p>I totally agree. It's a KILLER book, great for plotting.</p>
<p>I totally agree. It's a KILLER book, great for plotting.</p> Thanks :-)tag:crimespace.ning.com,2013-04-19:537324:Comment:3709062013-04-19T22:31:17.591ZVixen Blackhttps://crimespace.ning.com/profile/VixenBlack
<p>Thanks :-)</p>
<p>Thanks :-)</p> Might want to check out Elane…tag:crimespace.ning.com,2013-04-19:537324:Comment:3709872013-04-19T22:24:34.313ZM.E. Purfieldhttps://crimespace.ning.com/profile/MEPurfield
<p>Might want to check out Elane Ferguson's forensic series. It's about a girl training to be one and the research in the book about crime scenes is amazing. Like I didn't know they use white body bags for crimes, that kind of detail.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Plus the stories are amazing as well.</p>
<p>Might want to check out Elane Ferguson's forensic series. It's about a girl training to be one and the research in the book about crime scenes is amazing. Like I didn't know they use white body bags for crimes, that kind of detail.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Plus the stories are amazing as well.</p> Lee Lofland is great and very…tag:crimespace.ning.com,2013-03-20:537324:Comment:3697952013-03-20T21:23:22.695ZI. J. Parkerhttps://crimespace.ning.com/profile/Ingpark
<p>Lee Lofland is great and very approachable. Check out his books!</p>
<p>Lee Lofland is great and very approachable. Check out his books!</p> Learn from the experts. For e…tag:crimespace.ning.com,2013-03-20:537324:Comment:3699902013-03-20T21:20:41.187ZMark Younghttps://crimespace.ning.com/profile/MarkYoung
<p>Learn from the experts. For example, one blog you might find helpful is Lee Lofland's <a href="http://www.leelofland.com/wordpress/donald-bain-the-science-behind-experiment-in-murder/" target="_blank">The Graveyard Shift.</a> He and his friends also host a police academy for writers to learn more about crime scene investigations and police procedures. Look around for experts like this you can tap for information.</p>
<p>Learn from the experts. For example, one blog you might find helpful is Lee Lofland's <a href="http://www.leelofland.com/wordpress/donald-bain-the-science-behind-experiment-in-murder/" target="_blank">The Graveyard Shift.</a> He and his friends also host a police academy for writers to learn more about crime scene investigations and police procedures. Look around for experts like this you can tap for information.</p> Thanks, Dana.tag:crimespace.ning.com,2013-03-06:537324:Comment:3685162013-03-06T15:37:52.236ZVixen Blackhttps://crimespace.ning.com/profile/VixenBlack
<p>Thanks, Dana.</p>
<p>Thanks, Dana.</p> This question came to me whil…tag:crimespace.ning.com,2013-03-06:537324:Comment:3685812013-03-06T14:51:50.097ZDana Kinghttps://crimespace.ning.com/profile/DanaKing
<p>This question came to me while watching TV last night, and commenting to The Beloved Spouse on how a crime scene was filmed. I know nothing about your style or taste, but if you're visually oriented--as I am--pick a few favorite movies or TV shows and pay attention to what the director chooses to show, and how, then think of how you would describe that scene in writing. (You may even want to freeze the film for a better look.) Try a few of those, then when you get your own crime scene in…</p>
<p>This question came to me while watching TV last night, and commenting to The Beloved Spouse on how a crime scene was filmed. I know nothing about your style or taste, but if you're visually oriented--as I am--pick a few favorite movies or TV shows and pay attention to what the director chooses to show, and how, then think of how you would describe that scene in writing. (You may even want to freeze the film for a better look.) Try a few of those, then when you get your own crime scene in your head, repeat the process. </p>
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<p>For what it's worth.</p>