TEN STEPS TO WRITING A CRIME THRILLER

 From the desk of USA Today and Amazon Bestselling Author D.K. Hood.

Author of the Kane and Alton series of crime thrillers.

Starting out:

I know what it’s like to have a story playing in your head. It’s like an earwig demanding you stop everything and write straight away. The problem is how to tell your tale.

Step One:

Keep an ideas notebook or file. Write down any plots that come into your head. Use these to write basic a story outline. As the story progresses you will find it is easier to have a list of characters names, place names and other details in the story in an easy to read list or on a whiteboard. Some writers use a spreadsheet to keep track.

I know there are many book-plotting apps available but for me nothing can beat a whiteboard during the writing process. Being able to glance up for information rather than access a file on my computer saves me time and energy.

Step Two:

Research. Research. Research.

You can never do enough research. Always make sure you seek information from a reliable source. Where Angels Fear is a crime thriller set in Montana USA, so I had to research local law and other information about the state, including the weather, various stores and terms used in that region. Add to this the little things, like takeout cups verses go cups and other local peculiarities, which ensure the reality of the location is as correct as possible.

Step Three:

Plotter or pantser?

Or are you a little of both like me? I have a basic synopsis written before I start writing but I plot my  story five or six chapters ahead as my brain conjures twists and turns that manifest as the story unfolds in my mind.

I know authors who plot the entire story but in my case I find that a little boring.

Step Four:

Characterization and sub plots

Make your characters real by giving them life, add a mysterious past perhaps or interesting details about their lives and bring them to life in the dialogue rather than bogging down the pace with back-story.

Sub plots:

These can be simple or used as twists and turns in a thriller. Try to incorporate other interesting things happening around a character during their normal day.

Step Five :

First or third person?

This is a personal choice, for me, if I write in first person I usually end up writing chapters in third as well.

I prefer writing in third because I like to write in a number of characters point of view.  In Where Angels Fear, I use many characters to tell the story.  

Step Six:

The nitty gritty.

Showing not telling

Everyone speaks about showing and not telling a story so I’ll explain in simple terms because it can be confusing. Writing in the action is another term you will hear.

What do we mean by “showing”?

Showing is placing the character in the point of view. The aim is to show what the POV character is feeling and seeing.

The easiest way to remember how to show and not tell is to remember in a few simple sentences.

She felt hot   (Telling)

Heat flooded her cheeks. (Showing).

He felt cold. (Telling)

An icy wind seeped through his shirt. (Showing)

Step Seven:

Dialogue tags verses action tags or writing in the action:

There is no right or wrong rule to this it is a personal preference.  

I personally never use dialogue tags and find they pull me out of a story I’m reading. For example, she said, she exclaimed, she asked. I prefer to write in the action. This is because when I write the stories in The Kane and Alton Series, I want to place the reader inside my characters’ heads and paint the scene. As if, the reader is watching a movie.  When watching a movie, wouldn’t it sound strange if the characters used dialogue tags? We don’t use them in normal conversation. Allow me to explain:

Using dialogue tags:

Amy marched into the kitchen, “I hate you,” she said angrily.

“Why?” Her husband asked turning to look at her casually.

“Because you’re always late home from work, stinking of perfume,” Amy retorted. “What’s the excuse this time?”

Using action tags:

Anger rippled through Amy at the now familiar perfume wafting from her husband. She slapped one hand down on the kitchen table to get his attention. “I hate you.”

“Why?” Her husband continued to pour a glass of red then turned to give her a condescending smile.

Amy smothered the overwhelming desire to pick up the wine and throw it into his face. “Because you’re always late home from work, stinking of perfume.” She glared at him. “What’s the excuse this time?”

Remember that all dialogue must move the story forward.

Step Eight:

Ambience:

 A story is nothing without ambience. Remember only the author can really see the setting. Show the reader what you see inside your head. Use all the senses, sight, touch, smell and feel. Is it day or night? What is the weather like?

Emotions:

So important, so make sure you include what your character is feeling in each scene.

Step Nine:

Polishing and editing.

 Yay! You’ve written your story. Now if you have time, put it away for a few days, change the font then read it again and edit out all the mistakes. Don’t forget to do a spellcheck .

Step Ten:

 Now you’re ready to submit your story to a publisher/agent make sure they accept the genre you’re writing and follow the submission details to the letter.

Good luck,

D.K. Hood.

www.dkhood.com

Books:

Available in ebook, audio, print:

https://www.amazon.com/D.K.-Hood/e/B074P3Z83D