Research

#Writing

Research is invaluable.

I prefer printed matter as usually peer reviewed. The internet can help but too easy for amateurs and conspiracy theorist to post. Cinema goes for entertainment (and big names): I watched “The Untouchables” again when writing “The Bootlegger of Illinois” but not factually correct, for example, the older Robert De Niro playing Al Capone, who was in his twenties at that time. But I did find some good documentaries on streaming services that gave me a pictorial flavour that helped. On my bookshelf, I have half a dozen books on mobs and Chicago, that I checked avariciously for detail. For my WIP Roman novel, I have over two dozen books on Roman history.

As fellow crime writers, let me point you to an invaluable resource. I had read the memoirs of two pathologists but neither beat Val McDermid’s book.

FORENSICS – the anatomy of crime. ISBN 978-1781251706 profilebooks.com

12 chapters on forensic techniques and their history. A fascinating read. I found it an invaluable resource when writing “The Bootlegger of Illinois” and “DCI Harry Morgan: Casebook”. My details are much more accurate thanks to Val (Queen of Crime).

I’m afraid I’m a bit of a pedant for accuracy and shout at my TV when the detectives walk into a crime scene of properly suited crime scene investigators but they resort to holding, not wearing, a glove to pick up some evidence, or poke at it with a pen. In fiction, read Jeffery Deaver’s Lincoln Rhymes novels for how to do it properly. Deaver is a man who researches and is a stickler for accuracy.

As first-time writers, you don’t want people nit-picking your errors or poor information. Check for mistakes and accuracy – don’t cut corners. Create excitement with realism.

Credits

Written by Keith Lawson
Photo by Suzy Hazelwood

Reputation & Publicity

#Writing

No one wants mistakes in their manuscript but how do we avoid them?

So you’re writing your first novel. What’s your journey in life? What is your unique selling point (USP)? Are you a retired police detective writing a novel? Have you fame in another field? Do you have thousands of followers on social media? If you look on the shelves in bookstores, you are likely to recognise celebrity names – instant appeal to potential readers – some good, some not so.

Richard Osman (TV), Bob Mortimer (Comedian), Alan Titchmarsh (TV Gardener), Nadine Dorries (Politician), Carol Kirkwood (BBC Weather forecaster), Rob Rinder (Barrister and TV), Stella Rimington (MI5).

Now well established but had their starts in other occupations:

Ian Fleming (journalism, also espionage), Gerald Seymour (journalism), Frederick Forsyth (journalism), Jeffery Archer (politics).

A double advantage in that they have backgrounds and experiences to draw on in their writing but also recognisable names for the covers of the books.

So where are you?

• How can you boost your reputation?

• Do you have a website?
• Have you made an author page on Amazon (if your novel is already published)?
• How many followers on social media (do you promise “follow back” for being followed?
• Are you a member in the right groups, there are many devoted to writing and writers?
• Is there some (legal) way you can get mentioned in the professional media?
• Do you know if your on-line publisher/retailer allows promotional deals (you cut your price for a number of days)?

• You have to attract people to you. No “Field of Dreams” strategy (If you build it, they will come).

The marketing professionals will tell you about AIDA.

A Attention. Get noticed

I Interest. Stimulate their interest in your product to creat

D Desire. They wish to buy, which converts into

A Action.. They make a purchase.

Good luck comes to those who work for it.
Keith

Credits

Author: Keith Lawson
Photo by Suzy Hazelwood

Manuscript Mistakes

#Writing

No one wants mistakes in their manuscript but how do we avoid them?

Obviously, we should use Spelling and Grammar checks to eliminate those mistypes etc. Make sure you are checking in your language, e.g. English (UK) not English (US), for your market. No excuse these days for spelling errors. Grammar is not so easy. The checker in Word does not have a good grasp of grammar, so it is down to you to know it. It doesn’t understand plural value words such as “people” which require an “are” not an “is”. It may also want you to change punctuation, commas, colons and the like. Is there someone you could trust and ask to do a check for you?

The professionals have a team behind them (see their Acknowledgements) – editors, agents – but even then mistakes get through.

The technical errors:

• The translator of Jo Nesbo’s Harry Hole had a suspect with pooh under his fingernails. Left me wondering where he’d concealed Tigger and Piglet.

• Adrian McKinty’s Sean Duffy hired a Ford but, a page later, parked a BMW.

• Ian Fleming fitted Bond with a Walther PPK automatic but added a holster for a pistol.

Checking our own work for errors is necessary but very time-consuming and tiring, yet it must be done. If you have friends and family (and I sincerely hope you do) you could ask them to check a chapter each, rather than the whole novel. That should not be too much of an ask.

Get writing. Best of luck

Keith Lawson

Credits

Photo by Suzy Hazelwood

Writing interesting characters in crime/thriller fiction.

#Writing

Add some quirks and weaknesses to your protagonist - they are human and not divine.

Try to avoid the cliches though -there are too many in modern fiction who have problems with alcohol, are divorced and have a teenage child (usually a daughter). 

It's alright to have passion for something but don't lecture the reader on it. If you, as a reader, don't like Jazz you don't want pages on the music (it happens 🙁).

It's alright for them to have self-doubts, it allows the reader to feel their concerns - they are not superhuman. 

Think about a sidekick/partner (Batman/Robin; Robin Hood/Little John; Morse/Lewis; Holmes/Watson) but maybe your hero is a lone wolf (Bond; Reacher).

How evil should you make your antagonist? Are they ruthless, psychopathic, or just bad and without a moral compass? Fleming preferred  megalomaniacs but others write characters who just see things from another perspective - loyal to their own county or people (Don Corleone).

Put your hero into a situation that seems doomed but write a realistic escape. The cavalry arriving in time but set the cavalry in motion well before the incident so they are not a total surprise. Or the hero talks out the danger (Bond/Goldfinger and the laser). I have a serious doubt that handcuffs can be unlocked with a paperclip. 

Who else is in the story? What is interesting about them? Boss (M), lover, mentor. 

Characters should have a backstory to explain their current skills and mindset. It can be experience (Armed Forces) or a trauma that moulded them. 

In my book "The Bootlegger of Illinois", my protagonist (Jesse) wants to save his farm, served in WW1 as a sniper (attending a specialist training centre - which happens to have actually existed), so he has motivation and survival skills. He can rely on Sheriff Tom Buckley to have his back and loyal workers on the farm who also want to save it.  The antagonist (Sean), in Chicago, is not immediately an antagonist but Jesse has something he wants - Jesse is distilling gin during Prohibition. Sean is not so lucky with his gang members and a negotiation goes wrong ( the central plot).  Sean is ruthless but also pragmatic and has a decent side to him, with charitable acts and faithfulness to the woman he loves. There are mini stories to present this facet of his character. 

It can help to write prompt cards to oneself, for each main character. Physical description, back story notes, habits and favourite items. That way you are unlikely to contradict yourself.

Now get writing.

Credits

Written by Keith Lawson
Photo by Suzy Hazelwood

Top tips for writing a novel

#Writing

After quite a bit of research, here are my top ten tips for writing a novel that you might find helpful:

Pick a story idea with novel potential:
Every novel begins with an idea. Whether it’s a sudden inspiration or a thought that nags at you, jot it down. A novel-worthy idea often allows you to explore character development over time and keeps tugging at your creative instincts.

Develop your main characters:
Create memorable characters with depth. Understand their motivations, fears, and desires. Characters drive your story, so invest time in shaping them.

Establish a central conflict and stakes:
What’s at stake for your characters? Conflict drives the plot. Whether it’s a personal struggle or an external challenge, make it compelling.

Write a logline or synopsis:
Summarize your novel in a concise and intriguing way. This helps you stay focused and gives potential readers a glimpse of what to expect.

Structure your plot:
Organize your story into acts or chapters. Consider the classic three-act structure or experiment with other formats. A well-structured plot keeps readers engaged.

Pick a point of view:
Decide who tells your story. First-person, third-person limited, or omniscient? Each has its advantages, so choose wisely.

Choose a setting that benefits your story:
The right setting enhances your narrative. Whether it’s a bustling city, a remote island, or a historical era, make it integral to your novel.

Establish a writing routine:
Consistency matters. Set aside dedicated writing time and create a conducive environment. Even small daily progress adds up.

Shut out your inner editor:
During the first draft, focus on getting your ideas down. Don’t worry about perfection; revisions come later.

Revise and rewrite your first draft:
Editing is where your novel truly takes shape. Polish your prose, refine dialogue, and strengthen character arcs.

Remember, writing a novel is both exhilarating and challenging. Embrace the journey, and happy writing!

Credits
Author: The Editor
Image: Photo by Andrea Piacquadio