Murder Squad Gigs

What follows is a selection of possibilities:

Workshops

Writers
Can either bring completed work with them for a group reading and comment, or we can devise tasks, geared to the level of skill and experience of the group, which encourages them to experiment with their writing, and develop new strategies and skills.

Readers
We generally ask the readers to read a suggested text in advance of the session, and the writer will lead a discussion on it.

Fees
Our fees are £100 per author for a talk or panel, and £150 per author, per session for a workshop. Sessions are usually around 2 – 2.5 hours, and we also charge for travel expenses and accommodation/subsistence, where necessary.

John Baker
I welcome chances to meet with others, whether they are readers or writers, to get the immediate feedback and to be able to share some of the experiences and techniques that are usually hidden behind the production of a book. Although interests may differ, the problems of writing one kind of literary form are much the same as writing another. The development of character on the page is still important whether you are writing a novel or a biography, and the handling of narrative, the importance of a sense of place, and of the building of suspense are essential knowledge for writers of all persuasions.
Reading and talk.
A look at how character is created through contrasting readings and general talk about the act of writing with anecdotes, etc.
Writers' Workshop
A two-hour session with a workshop limited to 10 participants. We look at sample pieces from the particpants and offer constructive criticism. Focus is on beginnings. Very popular.
To book John Baker for a workshop or talk/reading, please contact him through his website at www.johnbakeronline.co.uk, or e-mail:

 

Ann Cleeves
Workshops for new or reluctant readers
The idea of running a reading or writing workshop for people who are struggling with the basics of literacy might seem crazy. An impossible demand on students and teacher. Not true.
As reader in residence on the Inside Books Project, Ann Cleeves ran reading and writing workshops in basic education classes in two prisons. She used short fiction which could be read aloud and audio books. She stimulated discussion around jacket designs and first sentences.
Now she works as reader development officer for Kirklees libraries and is developing this work. She finds that crime fiction provides excellent material for new reader sessions. The strong narrative line and flawed characters of contemporary novels engage the immediate interest of group members. Of all the genres, crime is most accessible. Even if people haven’t sufficient literacy to read the books they understand the form through TV and film. A great way to fulfil your commitment to RaW.
Brought to Book
An inter-active celebration of traditional crime fiction based around a body in a library. Lively young library assistant Joy White has been murdered, there are four suspects and the audience must work out who committed the crime.
Shetland stories
Raven Black is the first novel in a Shetland Quartet and Ann is available to give illustrated talks and readings to explain her fascination with the islands.
If you would like to book Ann for a workshop, please contact her on

 

Martin Edwards
My interactive Victorian murder mystery event has been performed to sizeable audiences in places as far apart as Cheltenham and Doncaster. It features four suspects (library or bookshop staff or local actors) and prizes are awarded for the three people who come up with the best solution to the puzzle. In addition I offer talks on:
how to investigate a murder; means of murder; motives for murder; how to get away with murder; famous murder cases; unsolved murders; fiction's great detectives and Workshops on writing crime fiction.
You can contact Martin through:

 

Margaret Murphy
Talks
1. The Police Inspector, the Crook, the Mortuary Technician and the Writer
A light-hearted look at methods of research, the advantages and the pitfalls, with examples from my own research experiences. For a general audience, incorporating short readings from my novels.
2. Crime Scene Uncovered
Insights into the real police work behind the fiction – from CSIs to computer hackers.
3. Criminal Profiling from Jack the Ripper to Hannibal Lecter: an illustrated talk.
Fictional portrayals of serial killers like Hannibal Lecter have increased public awareness of the violent sociopath in recent years. With the advent of criminal profiling the possibility of detecting these dangerous criminals has become a reality.
In a talk illustrated with short video clips and OHPs, I examine the rise in serial crime, with reference to infamous cases such as Ted Bundy and ‘The Mad Bomber’, charting the development of criminal psychology from Jack the Ripper’s profiler, Dr Thomas Bond, to the FBI’s ‘Mindhunter’ John Douglas, up to the present day. The psychology of the psychopath is discussed, as well as some modern approaches to measuring differences in the psychopathic brain.
This is a lay-person’s take on profiling, suitable for audiences of 18 years and over. 1.5 hours (requires TV, Video recorder, OHP and screen)
Writers’ workshops
1. Developing character
In this popular session, Margaret explores various ways of introducing character in the novel or short story. Using examples from fiction, and encouraging the group to experiment with their own writing, Margaret moves from the cameo through to a fully integrated piece using dialogue, action and description. This workshop is suited to both the beginner and the more experienced writer and can be applied to any genre of fiction.
Approx 2 – 3 hours
(Requires flip-chart)
2. Even Psychopaths are Human: creating credible villains in crime fiction
In this workshop we look at the villain in crime fiction and see how some authors - e.g. Elmore Leonard and Thomas Harris, manage to make their villains empathic on some levels. Writers will have the opportunity to try out their own skills to this end.
Approx. 2 - 3 hours
(Flip chart, audio tape recorder required)
3. Creating a sociopathic character . . . My illustrated talk on Criminal Profiling can be used as a springboard to creating a sociopathic character. Beginning with a visual image, the participants will discover the nuances, background and thought processes of their character, leading to the development of a credible villain. With examples from crime fiction, they will explore various methods of introducing and developing character – from the cameo to integrated description, action and dialogue. The second half of the workshop will be devoted to developing a synopsis for the completion of their stories – whether short fiction or a full length novel.
Please bring: paper, pencils, felt-tip pens, plus two photographs from magazines or newspapers of people who have made you stop and look twice.
This is a longer workshop, suited to a full day session. It requires TV, Video, Flip chart.
4. Sudden fiction – the short short story.
A more general writing workshop, suitable for experienced and beginner writers. We look at examples of short fiction, analysing certain aspects of technique. Then the writers are asked to write a 101 word story, concentrating on one specific technique, such as use of pathetic fallacy, creating mood, internal monologue, the unreliable narrator, or use of symbolism. Because the piece is very short, this is a great way for aspiring writers to learn how to avoid the pitfalls of overwriting, and to concentrate on clearly defined areas of technique. Writers will be encouraged to read their own work to the group, and to comment on their peers’ work in a constructive manner.
This workshop can be enjoyed by both beginner and intermediate level writers.
1.5 – 2 hours, (Requires flip-chart)
To book Margaret for a workshop or a talk, please email:
Or contact me through my website at: www.margaretmurphy.co.uk

 

Stuart Pawson
Stuart is available for talks to readers' groups and other organisations not necessarily of a literary nature. His talks are always (well, usually) well received, his sideways view of the world of crime and crime writing being both humorous and thought provoking. He also does a short talk entitled "DNA And All That" which goes down well with after-dinner audiences, in which he takes a humorous look at the work of Scenes of Crime Officers.
Stuart’s website: www.meanstreets.co.uk, or email me:

 

Cath Staincliffe
Workshops and Talks
The following workshops are for people who’d like a go at crime writing and they suit one session (up to 2 hours). They work for new writers and for people with some experience. Cath is happy to tailor workshops to a particular brief or for a specific group and their interests.
Writing The Detectives
Discover your very own sleuth. Build up a picture of a private eye, police inspector, legal eagle or amateur detective through a series of writing exercises. Find their foibles, flaws and physique. Start them off on their very first murder investigation.
Deadly Stories
Writing workshop using a range of stimulus to create stories with crime at the core. Discover the body, reveal the victim’s last moments and unearth the story behind the murder. Look at character, description, dialogue, and point of view.
Murder Investigation
Scene-of-crime, house-to-house, friends and acquaintances, post-mortem, prime suspects – given the facts of the crime, groups have to piece together and elaborate on the evidence and present their reports back to the Murder Squad.
Deadly Evidence
A light-hearted look at a suspected murder and the forensic evidence that may solve the crime. Involves people working in groups and developing ideas and narrative.
Writing for TV – an introduction to screenwriting
A beginner’s guide to the do’s and don’ts of writing for the small screen which includes practical exercises on scriptwriting.
Talks
Cath can talk about the process of writing and publishing crime fiction, and also about writing for television. Other talks, illustrated by reading from her own work, cover themes such as the contemporary female detective, setting in crime fiction, the police procedural, and beginnings, endings and inspiration.
You can contact Cath through