Writing true crime

What is the course about?

Get to grips with the tools needed to craft a story based on true crime, from structuring plot to developing a rich cast of real-world characters.

What will we cover?

- True crime as a genre of fiction, podcast and documentary
- Researching and interviewing subjects
- Translating real-world events into a compelling story
- The ethics of true crime.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

- Develop a concept for a true crime story
- Write a plan for researching subjects
- Better understand the components of the true crime genre.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

No formal requirements except a good standard of literacy and a love of reading.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

- Analysis of short pieces in class through group discussion.
- Short writing exercises.
- Formal instruction from the teacher combined with group discussion.

City Lit Writing endeavours to create a safe and welcoming space for all and we strongly support the use of content notes in our classes. This means that learners are encouraged to make their tutor and classmates aware in advance if any writing they wish to share contains material that may be deemed sensitive. If you are unsure about what might constitute sensitive content, please ask your tutor for further clarification and read our expectations for participating in writing courses at City Lit.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

Writing materials.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

City Lit offers a range of courses in journalism, fiction and script writing.

All students are invited to join us at Late Lines, our regular performance night for City Lit writers. Students are also encouraged to submit their work to Between the Lines, our annual anthology of creative writing. For the latest news, courses and events, stay in touch with the Department on Facebook and Twitter.