Turn Real-Life Cases into Gripping Stories at Free Writing Workshop

Could you be the next big name in crime writing? Aspiring authors and true crime enthusiasts are being invited to learn the art of transforming real-life cases into gripping stories.

The free event, Frauds, Charlatans, and Top Tips for Writing Your Own True Crime Novel takes place on Wednesday 7 October 5-6pm at The Hive in Worcester.

Tickets are limited for the workshop, which is being delivered by expert in true crime and published author Dr Charley Barnes, Course Leader for Media and Film Studies at the University of Worcester.

The event will begin with attendees examining the genre and some of the biggest titles to come from it, before moving into a writing workshop where participants will be given the opportunity to make a start on their own story under the expert guidance of Dr Barnes.

“We all spend a lot of time reading true crime these days, but we don’t necessarily think about why it’s so attractive to us,” said Dr Barnes. “Over the course of the workshop, we’ll look at extracts from Truman Capote’s In Cold Blood – believed to be the book that kickstarted the genre – and Michelle McNamara’s I’ll Be Gone in the Dark, which is a much more contemporary example of true crime writing.”

Recently named the UK’s most creative city, Worcester is home to a thriving community of writers, artists and storytellers. The workshop offers attendees the chance to develop their own creative skills with support form an experienced author and lecture.

Dr Barnes has had a number of books published and regularly delivers popular workshops that help aspiring writers develop their ideas, build their confidence and turn concepts into compelling stories.

“On the day we’ll also be tackling our own bit of true crime writing,” she said. “I’ll be giving people well-known historical cases to choose from, and then we’ll start working towards our opening for telling our own version of the story.”

She added: “There’s no expectation that you’ve written before, and it doesn’t matter whether you’re starting with a blank page or already have an idea in mind,” she said. “The workshop is designed to help people at every stage of their writing journey. We’ll explore what makes true crime so compelling and give participants practical techniques and guidance to help them begin telling their own stories.”

To book your place visit The Hive website.

For information on courses at University of Worcester visit www.worcester.ac.uk or for application enquiries telephone 01905 855111 or email admissions@worc.ac.uk