P.M. Newton: Crime Genres – knowing the rules and knowing how to subvert them

Session description:

Provides students with a thorough analysis of the major rules and conventions of the various sub-genres of crime fiction.

Looks at how to make a piece of original writing in the crime genre work with an emphasis on balancing plot, place, people and pace.

Topics:

• The elements of the main sub genres of crime fiction:
  • cozy
  • caper
  • whodunit/mystery
  • hardboiled/noir
  • forensic/legal/medical
  • police procedural
  • social crime fiction
• The ingredients of crime fiction
• The difference between plot and story
• Place – it’s more than just scenery
• People – how to make characters come to life
• Pace – keeping up the momentum
• Workshopping – learning how to critique and edit a piece of writing in a group