Introduction:
Fiction is one of the most liberated genres of literature. While there are many sub-genres to the fiction, there is one that is known to raise a goosebump or a few. This genre is none other than crime fiction, also known as murder mystery or crime thriller. While every story in this genre is not about murder or abhorrent dark crimes, there are quite a few questionable storylines that make this genre a bit obscure, rated, and, in short, not for the faint-hearted. Everyone can read true crime or crime fiction, but how can one come up with the best crime fiction story? Allow us to help you out with that. In this blog, we will talk about how one can create the best crime fiction story.
Steps to writing the best crime fiction:
Let us take a look at the few steps we absolutely need to follow in order to create the best story possible:
Come up with A storyline:
The first step of any storywriting is developing a compelling and niche storyline. Sure, we all know there has to be some crime involved, but there are so many different types of crimes with millions of interesting motives. Nobody likes to read crime only to read a murder mystery. If we are to write something that stands out, we have to come up with the storyline that stands out. What is the main character? Who is the villain? Why is he the villain? And what does he or she do? All of it would define your story, and you need to come up with all of it before you begin writing the story.
Create A Plot:
Now that you are finished chalking up the storyline let us talk about the plot. Plot is everything that drives and pushes the story and sells it to the reader in a way they look forward to reading the story. Your plot captivates the audience before your narration and motive do. While your plot brings the whole story together, it has to be unique and speak to the audience in the most appealing way—maybe a story they find so relatable that they see themselves in it. All in all, you need to have a rather compelling plot.
Develop A Strong Motive To Tie The Plot Together:
So, you have the plot and the storyline. How does it all come together? Why is the villain in the story a villain? What bone does he have to pick with your victim? Is he related to the victim at all? Or is he just a psychopath? All of these are the questions you must answer to ensure that your story is homogenous and comes together. The worst stories are the ones where there are loopholes, questions that get left unanswered until the end, and timing all over the place. Figure out how each event ties to the other, and you will have a perfect storyline.
Develop Characters As Per The Storyline:
Knowing what you are writing makes placing characters in the story easier. Now that you know the crime, the motive, the plot, and the storyline, you can start developing character. The villain can have a variety of different characteristics. He can be exposed at the very beginning or kept hidden until the very end. The victim is usually either aloof, naïve or meets the end at the very beginning of the story and becomes a part of the conversation only. The detective or the main character is always very inquisitive and curious, usually very forthcoming when it comes to finding out the truth. What matters is how each character is linked to the motive or the story.
Plan the Beginning, Middle, And the ending:
Now that everything is set, let us delve into another important aspect; the timing of each event. Is the victim dead on the first page or chapter? Is he or she being tracked down and fighting for their life? When do we know who the villain is? When will it all be exposed? All of these come into this section. We discussed mysteries remaining unanswered earlier in this blog, which usually happens when you do not plan the timing well. You need to know before writing when and where your story begins, how we are building the tension towards the middle, and how many easter eggs we have dropped off until the end for the reader to find out what the story was all about. It all leads us to answer the question that the reader may have and where it all comes together.
Don’t Forget To Add Your Special Touch:
While there is a method to this whole madness, there is room for authenticity and the author’s own unique style. Do you like to tell your very daunting crime fiction story in an aloof and easy-going tone? Or do you like to enforce terror into your reader’s heart with your ominous tone? All of it is a part of your own writing style, which is every author’s gift, and it sets them apart from each other. Just like Agatha Christie is known to awaken curiosity and fear in her reader’s heart, you can find your own way to tip the balance with your unique style.
Conclusion:
There you have it! Six steps you need to follow in order to write the best crime fiction story. If you adhere to these six steps, we can promise you that your book will be the one to remember.
If you are looking for an example to follow, grab Bob Kelly’s Chicago Detective Jack Fallon in the Mystery of the Egg of Chaos, the second installment of the series. Bob Kelly has done a remarkable job crafting a fast-paced storyline filled with beloved and highly-anticipated characters like Jack Fallon and his partner, Elaina Rodriguez. This time, the murder of a Chinese Consulate General and the theft of the artwork of The Egg of Chaos brings the duo together. Will they be able to solve the case? Let’s find out.
Grab your copy today.
