|
Author: Nithya K Article source: http://www.hotlib.com/. Used with author's permission.
If your cash is running out fast and you have an incessant need to write, why not turn to crime?
No! Not committing crime, but to writing about crime. Crime is all around us, and people want to know about it. Don't believe me? Turn on the five o'clock news, Lifetime TV or USA TV Network. You'll see true crime stories run rampant across television schedules. True crime on television is the number two genre (next to romance). And guess what? Someone has to write those movie scripts--might as well be you.
Many movies are adapted from books. Again, someone has to write those books. It's legal, profitable, and downright intriguing.
You ever wonder, when you're watching the news, "How could she be so stupid?" or "Didn't they know they were living with a maniac?" I do, it's only natural. In fact, I think we feel it could never happen to us.
But, crime can happen to any one of us. That's where true crime writing comes in. It answers the questions in story form.
For instance, we have learned that kids believe 'strangers' are ugly and 'scary-looking'--like monsters. But we know that's not accurate, so we teach our kids that a stranger can be good looking, well educated, and considerate. We can tell them about Ted Bundy (without the violence) and show them a picture if we really want to make the point. Many surviving crime victims often say that the person was so nice; they never suspected he could be capable of such destruction. We know this because we were told a story either in verbal, written, or picture form.
If true crime writing interests you, begin by searching local newspapers for stories. Don't search across the country, unless you are independently wealthy! Anytime you see an article that looks interesting, clip it and put it in your 'true crime clippings' file. If there are more articles about the same crime, then you know it is intriguing enough to warrant your attention. Still... it does not mean it is enough for an entire book. To discover the answer to that question will take research.
Do you have a fascinating criminal? Is the crime random, or was the victim chosen for a reason? Is the place of action special (was it at Disneyland, for instance)? Can you write about a totally different lifestyle than what we know? Is the criminal a member of MENSA? Is she dressed up as a clown when she commits her crimes? Is the victim the first woman space rocket engineer? Perhaps the victim is a deaf child. All of these facts increase the story's public interest and can take us into a world we have never been in before.
Are there subplots in the crime (not only did he murder his best friend, he also barged into his friend's family life and became like another son, then he robbed them one night, and then...). These questions will help you decide if you have a story worth considering?
True crime writing is lucrative and actually a challenging kind of fun. It is about combining journalism with novel writing. Nonfiction with fiction. If you have what it takes -- determination, time, and a strong stomach -- you can take up this as a career and soar. About The Author
Nithya K is a India-based writer who specializes in writing fiction and has tremendous interest in writing non-fiction related to science, technology and other genre. She is also experienced in creating technical documentation. Basically a BE graduate with an MBA degree, her main focus is still writing. Nithya is also interested in Ghost writing of books and articles in the areas of business writing, technical writing, science and technology writing and fiction.
The author can be contacted at tutor19us@yahoo.com and also invites readers to visit her webpage at www.geocities.com/tutor19us/index.html
The Final Chapter
Several months ago, I read an article about a 22 year old, successful young lady who died a premature death in a plane crash. The more I read this article, the ...
Shades of Grey
A paperweight sits on my desk, etched in silver the message: Life isn't always black and white. It serves as a reminder there are few absolutes at work (or in l...
Happiness
Happiness comes from many sources and from many people into our lives. Be aware and always be ready to receive, share, and give!
STOP Parental Alienation Syndrome before It Gets a Chance to START
Parental-Alienation Syndrome is the tragic situation where a custodial parent literally brainwashes a child into fearing and hating the non-custodial parent, fo...
Web Coach Tip: The Single Most Important and CRUCIAL Element of Your Web Site
Here's the single most important part of your website: YOUR WEB COPY!
And remember: Your website isn't about YOU, it's about THEM!
Kitchen Mysteries: The Fondue Pot
Is your fondue pot collecting dust in the attic? Why not take it out and start enjoying fondue right now. This article will tell you how to get the most out o...
Declawing Your Cat
Is it really necessary?
Good Vibrations
Esoteric vibrational remedies are really hot right now, especally in Hollywood -- the next step beyond aromatherapy. In Natural Health magazine says that even J...
Freedom on the Internet
The Internet brings freedom to speak your mind, but what if you're not allowed to use it?
Sarbanes Oxley 404 Compliance - How Nov. 15, 2004 Deadline Affects You
Public companies have 90 days from the end of their fiscal year to comply with Sarbanes Oxley Section 404. For those with market capitalization of $75 million ...
Top Jingle Companies: What to Look For, What to Expect
A jingle that captures the image and personality of your company is a critical branding tool for the success of your radio or TV advertising campaign. Your deci...
Would You Rather Be Wealthy?
Would you rather be wealthy or poverty-stricken? Not a difficult question to answer, is it? How do you think your thoughts impact on your financial state? J...
Spyware Protection Software
Your personal information and computer are at risk until you get rid of spyware viruses and keep them from reinstalling themselves.
Getting Published Is Different For Everyone: Two Paths Among Many
Different reasons people may want to write, and different options for getting their writings published.
Just Jump: Moving Your Business to the Next Level, Part 1
Being stuck in a rut is a problem that many business owners find themselves when it comes to managing their business. What will help them to move to the next le...
Dont Drown Your Debts, Manage Them!
Are you among the millions of people who have found themselves unable to make even the minimum payments on credit cards and other unsecured debts? If so, there...
Debt Reduction: How Do I Do It?
The math of debt reduction is actually very simple. A sixth grader could do it. The emotions need to be handled, too...
Spouse Improvement: Influence Your Partner to Change in Just 7 Steps
Everyone has something they'd like to change in their spouse. Here is a 7-step process to create a change in your partner. The key to the success of this proces...
4 Ways to Spoil Your Dog Rotten!
Just like humans our faithful dogs also love to be spolit rotten! Here's a few ideas on how to spoil your friend!
Identity Theft - How to Protect Yourself
New ways of stealing your identity pop up frequently. "Phishing" became prominent in 2003 and 2004: well-designed emails and websites convince victims to provid...
Ego Based Businesses Are Doomed To Failure!
David had wanted all his life to be recognised as a "somebody" - and it was this sub-conscious drive which has led to him launching his own business ten years a...
Dog Training: When to Reprimand and When to Reward
There are a lot of things people have to remember when they start dog training. There are a lot of different dog training techniques to try. Some of these dog t...
Online Loans: The Easy Way to Apply
Do you know how to submit an online loan application.
Are You Addicted To Your Acne Trigger?
If a food or drink is the culprit behind your acne breakouts you may actually be addicted to your preferred culinary delight. The allergy addition could stem fr...
|
Print this page