 For Authors: June 22, 2016 Issue [#7700] |
  For Authors
This week: Some Tips for Crime/Mystery Writers Edited by: Vivian  
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After following Lee Lofland's blog and writings and using his Police Procedure as a reference, I learned much about some procedures that add realism to my writing. Beware of the smell cordite, for example, is a major "no-no" in writing about a gun shot. I thought I would share a few tips I learned in my search for reality.
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Adding Realism to Crime, Mystery, Suspense, and Action Writing
Let's begin the list of tips with the smell of cordite problem: Never use smell of cordite, never. Cordite was used only in the 1800s until WWII. Lee Lofton and other experts cringe when a writer uses the reference to “the smell of cordite” after a gun is fired. The smell can be of gunpowder, of sulfur and burnt hair, or of propellant. The smell being like fireworks is a cliché; therefore, if using that comparison be sure to admit it’s a cliché.
Gun control and assault weapons headline the news constantly. As writers, we need to research any weapons we use in our works. For example, if using an AR 4, be aware that the AR 4 is simply a .22 with bells and whistles added to the appearance, nothing more. Other AR numbers are different versions of true assault weapons.
I highly recommend Lee Lofland's blog, The Graveyard Shift (http://www.leelofland.com/wordpress/), gives many facts that help in my writing. Below are three from his June 15, 2016 entry:
1. Cotton candy machines were the inspiration for a new type of bullet-resistent material. The “spinning” of assorted polymers, both natural and synthetic, produced a light and tough fabric. The goal—a lighter bulletproof vest. Those of you who’ve worn one of those clunky, hot, and heavy things know how fantastic this discovery truly is. I wonder if they’ll be available in assorted flavors …
2. Research shows that people/witnesses are able to identify criminals and other individuals by smell. Turns out that our sense of smell is aligned with our emotions, which is directly associated with the hippocampus and the amygdala, the part of the brain that processes those emotions and our memory. A controlled testing produced an accuracy rate of 70%. Okay, bad guys, no lineup today. Instead, it’s time for a “smell-up.”
3. Using pump-probe microscopy, scientists are now able to differentiate between individual particles of paint. In other words, they can now use these pump-probe microscopes to accurately pinpoint a car involved in a hit-and-run crash. Of course, they’d need a sample from the suspect car, but this could be huge. And, it’s also a means to examine priceless artwork without compromising the paintings.
Couldn't we all use a bit of that information in our writing to add detail and interest? Lee has more in his blog.
Another interesting and helpful site is http://www.evilwriters.com/. One of the columns, Ten hand to hand combat myths writers need to stop using, is found at http://www.evilwriters.com/2015/06/ten-hand-to-hand-combat-myths-writers-need-to... According to the blogger, here is one fighting myth writers need to understand:
Getting Knocked Out Is No Big Deal
We get this in fiction a lot. Batman spends so much time unconscious you have to
wonder if he just likes taking naps on the job.
Sadly, the reality is that being knocked out, whether by a blow to the head or being
drugged can easily kill you. In fact it’s far easier to accidentally kill someone while trying to
knock them out than it is to keep them reliably unconscious for more than a minute or so.
Secondly, concussions are cumulative. Have a look at boxers as they age. The
ones whose style involves getting smacked in the head a lot often develop degenerative
brain conditions such as Parkinson’s Disease and Pugilistic Dementia. Our brains are sensitive
instruments and they only shut down when they have absolutely no other choice.
I’ve been knocked cold twice. Each time when I came to I immediately felt intensely ill
and it took me several minutes before I even knew where I was. If it had happened in a street
fight I would not have been leaping to the attack at that point unless you count vomiting on
someone’s shoes an opening gambit.
I "preach" authors need to research for fiction as well as nonfiction. The previous tips are reasons why research can make fiction believable and real.
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Words from Our Readers
chord0
hello
I definitely don't agree with your statement that ebooks are poorly written, my 2 ebooks were not only edited by other writers here at Writing.com but also some of my essays from school were in them, in which I received very good grades from teachers in literature classes, some at University level. The only reason why I published them as ebooks is because it was free, and I am somewhat short of cash now. I was also very meticulous with my research on travel stories from my trip to Paris and is reflected there. In the past, I have only published poems translated from Spanish in magazines before the advent of the Internet about 25 years ago for contests there.
I am sure there are other writers out there who agree with my opinion and also take time to be good writers and edit their writing even if is only an ebook. It is always good to strive for excellence in everything we do.
Yours truly
gchord0
First of all, nothing was said about all eBooks or self-published books being poorly written, just that so many are that all are tainted by the practice. Secondly, paying for publishing is not a good practice under any circumstances. I know that well-written manuscripts are accepted by publishing companies (small, medium, and slightly larger ones) all the time. Therefore, the lack of funds isn't a good reason to go the eBook or self-publishing way. Finally, what I wrote in my last issue may have agreed with my thinking, but the information came from experts.
willy 
I have I was disappointed with this newsletter whose title promised much but gave little real advice. I couldn't help noticing the odd error eg few instead of new.
Regards john
I'm sorry you were disappointed, but I could only share some of the information. I hoped readers would be interested enough to research on their own for more. Yes, we all make errors, such as your not capitalizing your name. We happen to be human and thus fallible. Sad but true.
Quick-Quill 
Thank you for this NL. It is a good admonition to new writers or ones who think they can whip off a story and publish it because all their friends think its good. A good writing critique group will tell you the truth. It could be a good concept but poorly executed. If all you hear is "Its a good plot/concept." Don't rush out and publish it on Amazon. Good writers are always a work in progress. Even Stephen King.
I'm glad you found the NL issue helpful. Thanks.
Thank you for joining me again. If you would like more tips to help with your writing, please let me know you would and in what areas.
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