Claim OwnershipThe Murder School
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Are you an aspiring crime writer looking to take your mystery writing skills to the next level? Look no further than the Murder School Podcast, your weekly dose of bite-sized writing tips to kickstart your week with a bang!
Each episode is packed with practical advice, real-world examples, and actionable steps you can take to elevate your writing game. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, you'll find plenty of inspiration and insight to keep you motivated and on track.
So why not make your Mondays a little more murderous? Subscribe to the Murder School Podcast today and start your week off with a deadly dose of writing inspiration. With our help, you'll be crafting page-turning mysteries in no time - no alibis required!
22 Episodes
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Today, I'm addressing something rarely discussed but vitally important: self-care for writers who regularly immerse themselves in the darker aspects of human experience.
In this episode I am tackling two essential topics for crime authors: creating a killer website and mastering the art of the locked room mystery.In the first part of the episode, I'll explore why having a strong online presence is crucial for authors in today's digital age. I'll share tips on what elements to include on your website, how to optimize it for discoverability, and whether you should consider outsourcing the design process.Then, I'll shift gears and delve into the fascinating world of locked room mysteries. As a first-time author tackling this complex sub-genre, you'll learn valuable tips for crafting an impossible crime, establishing fair play with your readers, planting clues, and developing a satisfying solution.To sign up for my October Mystery Writing challenge click here
Beyond the predictable gun or knife lies a world of creative murder weapons that can set your mystery apart. Today, let's explore how to create truly memorable murder weapons that enhance your story rather than just serve its mechanical needs.
As a self-published author, getting your book into brick-and-mortar stores can feel like a daunting task. After all, you don't have a big publishing house behind you, with sales reps and distribution channels at the ready. But with a little bit of research, preparation, and professionalism, you can absolutely get your book onto those coveted bookstore shelves.In the craft section, I'll give my best tips to help revitalize that "saggy middle" of your mystery novel.If you would like to attend one of my Fall Writing Events, please visit here my website for details on how to sign up: Events | Jackie Sharp
We've all been there—inspiration strikes while you're in the shower, driving, or just about to fall asleep. A brilliant murder scenario unfolds in your mind, but by the time you can properly write it down, the magic has faded. Today, I'm sharing my 5-minute plotting technique to capture those fleeting moments of murderous inspiration.
Today’s theme is all about the long game for your writing career. In this world of instant gratification and living in the present, making long term plans for anything sounds dull, I know. And marketing can feel like the bane of a writer's existence. We'd much rather be crafting twisty plots and compelling characters than hawking our wares on social media. But the truth is, if you want to build a sustainable career as a crime fiction author, you can't afford to ignore the business side of things. In the craft segment, I’m talking about a decision that will directly affect your marketing efforts is this: will you write standalone crime novels or a series of novels featuring the same characters?
Welcome to Midweek Murder Motivation, a bite-sized burst of inspiration for crime fiction writers. In just five minutes, we'll explore one aspect of crafting compelling murder mysteries that will keep your readers turning pages. So grab your notebook, silence your inner critic, and let's talk about the delightful art of literary homicide. This week, embracing your dark side.
It’s September again, and it doesn’t matter how old I am, I still get that “back to school” feeling. So there’s no better time to think about tweaking my plans for my author business to make sure I’m still on track for the rest of the year, and because my editor and book cover designer are busy people, I’ll be starting to plan for next year too. I plan financially, and I also plan my productivity because the number of books I write directly affects my income. So it is crucial to plan my writing time. In the craft section, I'll be looking at ways to write the perfect opening to catch your reader's attention and keep it until the very last page.
This week is about technology. In the craft section, I’ll talk about incorporating themes of technology in your fiction. But first, I’d like to talk about launching your book to local audiences, using a combination of online marketing strategies and in person events. When I launched my first cozy mystery novel, before I made it available online, I produced print copies and hosted a launch party. It was a lot of fun, and the feedback I got from those first readers really helped with my online launch.
In today's digital age, social media is unavoidable. Although it has its dark side, social media has become an essential tool for authors looking to promote their books and connect with readers. As a crime fiction writer, you know that building a strong online presence can be the key to attracting new fans, engaging with your existing audience, and ultimately driving sales of your novels. But with so many platforms and strategies to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. So, today, I’ll explore some starter tips for authors looking to use social media to promote their crime novels, with a focus on building authentic connections and creating content that resonates with your target audience.
Crafting compelling stories is only half the battle. In today's crowded book market, it's not enough to simply write a great book – you also need to make sure that your target audience knows who you are and what you stand for. This is where building your author brand comes in. Your author brand is the unique identity that sets you apart from other writers in your genre, the promise you make to your readers about the kind of stories they can expect from you. And it’s not just a logo!
So why should Hallmark have all the fun when it comes to holiday-themed stories? If you are looking for a way to attract new readers and keep them coming back for more then crafting clever whodunits that just happen to take place during the most wonderful time of the year, and other holidays can be a fun way to engage readers into your world, and turn them into loyal fans- especially if they are a bonus giveaway.
My theme for this week's episode is clues – clues for your readers. Not only within your novel – and that’s the topic of this week’s writing craft segment, but also clues to help your readers find your book in the first place. In today's digital age, getting your crime novel noticed online can feel like trying to solve a case with no leads. With millions of books vying for readers' attention, it's crucial to make sure your novel stands out from the crowd. And one of the most effective ways to do that is by choosing the right keywords and categories.
By understanding and incorporating the motives and minds of the perpetrators, authors can elevate their crime fiction to new heights, creating stories that not only entertain but also provide profound insights into human nature.I also chat about the importance of book covers and share a personal update about my own books. Show notes available on my website
Who loves writing a blurb? No, me neither. But it's essential to have a great blurb to attract readers of your fabulous story. How else will they know how great it is? So today, I'll run through a few tips to help your create something compelling to resonate with readers - and get them to buy!And in the craft section - who is telling your story? Depends on the perspective, or POV you choose. There are pros and cons for each choice, so have a listen and think carefully!As ever, notes on the website, and if you prefer to watch, please like and subscribe on my youtube channel.
In this week's episode, in the writing craft section, we'll do a deep dive into how we can leverage the location and setting in our novels to create atmosphere and suspense. Plus, how networking and attending author conferences can help us sell more books and build a support network. After all, writing can be a lonely occupation!
In Part 1 of this two part look at plot twists, we covered some classic techniques that are sure to keep your readers on the edge of their seats. But why stop there? In this instalment, we're going to delve into some more advanced strategies for crafting truly unforgettable twists and turns.To make sure you never miss an episode, sign up for the weekly email with show notes and other tips and advice. Sign up here: https://www.jackiesharpauthor.com/blog
Plot twists should leave your readers gasping in surprise.“I never saw that coming” is the reaction you should be looking for.Essentially, a plot twist is an unexpected turn of events that catches the reader off guard and changes their perception of the story. Think of it like a magician's sleight of hand – you think you know what's happening, but then BAM! The rug is pulled out from under you, and you're left reeling.Now, there are countless ways to incorporate plot twists into your crime fiction, but let's focus on a few tried-and-true techniques and next week we’ll continue.
Conflict is the beating heart of any unforgettable crime novel, the spark that ignites the imagination and keeps readers enthralled until the final page. In this deep dive into the craft of writing, we explore the psychology behind why conflict is so essential and the techniques that master crime writers use to create stories that pulse with tension and suspense.From the inner turmoil of flawed and relatable characters to the heart-pounding stakes of a deadly cat-and-mouse game, conflict takes many forms in crime fiction. We delve into the nuances of crafting internal and external conflict, and how the interplay between the two can elevate a story from merely entertaining to truly unforgettable.
When it comes to crafting a compelling crime fiction story, a lot of attention is often given to the protagonist – the detective, the investigator, or the everyday hero who cracks the case. But let's not forget about the other key player in this genre: the villain. A well-written, authentic villain can take your story from good to great, adding depth, tension, and a worthy adversary for your main character to face off against.
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