Crime Fiction Writing Guides
Craft guides on plotting, suspense, dialogue, and character — from Phillip Strang, author of 150+ crime novels. Practical techniques from the writing desk.
The cosy mystery contract represents one of the most rigid yet rewarding frameworks in crime fiction. Readers approach these books with specific expectations about violence levels, language, sexual content, and resolution patterns, creating an unspoken agreement that authors violate at their peril.
Yet...
The leap from managing one crime series to juggling multiple ongoing storylines represents one of the most challenging transitions in genre fiction. Most authors struggle with the practical realities of keeping characters consistent across years, maintaining distinct voices between series, and managing...
Crime fiction demands a particular understanding of human darkness and institutional complexity that many writers only develop through years of professional experience. The accountant who has witnessed corporate fraud, the social worker who has seen domestic violence patterns, or the retired police officer...
Film and television adaptations can transform a crime novel from modest commercial success into a cultural phenomenon, but the path from manuscript to screen is littered with misunderstood contracts and unrealistic expectations. Most crime authors approach film and TV options with either blind enthusiasm...
Foreign rights for crime fiction represent one of the most lucrative yet misunderstood opportunities in publishing. Most crime writers focus entirely on their domestic market, missing the reality that a well-crafted thriller or police procedural can succeed across multiple languages and cultures. The...
Goodreads represents either your greatest marketing asset or your most frustrating time sink, depending entirely on whether you understand its ecosystem. Too many crime fiction authors approach the platform like a desperate carnival barker, hawking their wares to an increasingly savvy readership that...
Most crime fiction authors approach social media like suspects wandering through a crime scene—leaving fingerprints everywhere but accomplishing nothing productive. The platforms that genuinely connect crime writers with readers require strategic focus, not scattered posting across every available channel....
Podcasting has become the modern equivalent of the radio serial for crime fiction authors, offering direct access to engaged audiences hungry for authentic insights into our craft. Unlike the fleeting nature of social media or the formality of traditional interviews, podcasting creates intimate conversations...
The interview request arrives in your inbox, and suddenly you’re faced with articulating not just what happens in your latest thriller, but why it matters and how you crafted it. Crime fiction interviews demand a different approach than casual book discussions—you’re expected to navigate...
Speaking at crime fiction festivals requires a different skill set than writing compelling procedurals or crafting tight thriller plots. The intimacy of connecting with readers who’ve invested in your characters demands authenticity, while the competitive nature of festival programming means you...
Crime fiction book clubs operate differently from individual readers, and authors who ignore this distinction miss opportunities to create deeper engagement. These readers dissect motivations, debate red herrings, and argue over whether the detective’s methods were justified—they’re not just...
Collaborating with other crime writers sounds appealing in theory—shared workload, combined readerships, creative synergy. The reality is that most co-authored crime novels fail spectacularly, not because the individual writers lack talent, but because crime fiction demands a singular voice and uncompromising...