A short guide to writing crime [external content genre]

The crime genre has captivated readers for centuries by offering thrilling tales of intrigue, deception, and the pursuit of justice. Typically, this genre revolves around a criminal act, its investigation, and the journey toward resolution or justice. In this article, we will explore the conventions and obligatory scenes of the crime genre. We will also provide guidance on when it might be the right choice for your story.

What is the crime genre?

The crime genre includes stories that center on criminal acts, their investigation, and the eventual resolution of the case. These stories often feature detectives, law enforcement officers, criminals, and victims as central characters. They can vary from gritty, hardboiled detective stories to complex psychological thrillers or legal dramas. The crime genre is characterized by its emphasis on logic, problem-solving, and the pursuit of justice.

The crime genre is one of the external content genres, which focuses on the external conflicts and events that drive the story. Understanding the external content genre helps you develop stories that meet reader expectations and deliver a satisfying experience.

When to choose the crime genre

If your story involves a central criminal act or investigation, the crime genre may be a fitting choice. This genre offers an opportunity to explore human nature, societal issues, and the complexities of the justice system. Additionally, the crime genre allows for a diverse range of sub-genres and settings, making it an appealing choice for writers interested in crafting suspenseful, thought-provoking stories.

Conventions of the crime genre

Adhering to these conventions will help you create an effective crime story:

• Object of desire: Your protagonist must want to bring a criminal to justice – this is the central objective that motivates your protagonist forward in the story.
• A central crime: The story should revolve around a crime, usually involving violence or deceit, that sets the plot in motion.
• A compelling detective: Feature a skilled detective or investigator as the main character, who is dedicated to solving the crime.
• Clues and red herrings: Scatter clues throughout the story to engage the reader in the process of solving the crime, while also incorporating red herrings to mislead and heighten suspense.
• A complex, well-structured plot: Develop a plot with multiple twists and turns, requiring the detective to employ logic and critical thinking to unravel the mystery.
• Justice or resolution: Conclude the story with a resolution of the crime or the pursuit of justice, revealing the truth and the consequences of the criminal act.

Obligatory scenes of the crime genre

Incorporate these essential scenes to craft a successful crime story:

• The crime: Establish the central crime or incident that drives the plot, introducing the main conflict and setting the stage for the investigation.
• The investigation begins: Introduce the detective or investigator, highlighting their skills and motivations as they begin to unravel the mystery.
• The discovery of clues: Include scenes where the detective uncovers clues or follows leads, drawing the reader deeper into the investigation.
• False leads and setbacks: Incorporate false leads or setbacks that challenge the detective and increase tension, keeping readers engaged and guessing.
• The big reveal: Craft a climactic scene where the detective reveals the solution to the crime, exposing the truth and resolving the central conflict.
• The aftermath: Show the consequences of the investigation and the resolution of the crime, demonstrating how the characters' lives have been affected.

Tips for writing crime

To create a gripping crime story, consider the following:

• Research: Conduct thorough research on police procedures, legal processes, and the criminal underworld to lend authenticity to your story.
• Character development: Create well-rounded characters with distinct motivations, strengths, and weaknesses, making them relatable and engaging to readers.
• Pacing and tension: Skillfully manipulate pacing and tension to keep readers engaged and invested in the outcome of the story.
• Balance between action and introspection: Strive for a balance between action-packed scenes and moments of introspection or character development.

To write an effective crime story, you must have a deep understanding of the genre's conventions and obligatory scenes. By focusing on elements like suspense, intrigue, and the pursuit of justice, you can craft a gripping tale that will captivate readers from beginning to end. The crime genre offers endless opportunities for exploring the darker side of human nature and the complexities of the justice system, whether you're interested in writing a hardboiled detective story or a complex legal thriller.

--

References

1. Coyne, Shawn. 2015. The Story Grid. New York, NY: Black Irish Entertainment.

‍