Crime Story 2014

Crime Story

We commissioned a murder; now you can solve it

Spend a weekend getting under the skin of a fictional crime with top crime writers, criminologists, lawyers, police and forensics experts.

New Writing North and Northumbria University invite crime writers (aspiring or established) and readers to Crime Story - a weekend of discussion and workshops focusing on a fictional crime and how it weaves its way through the criminal justice system from investigation to sentencing.

We have commissioned Ann Cleeves, prize-winning author of the Vera Stanhope series (now a major ITV series)and Shetland Island Quartet series, to come up with this crime scene scenario for us.

With the scenario in hand, Crime Story participants will be given an in-depth look at how the criminal investigation and trial would proceed, The weekend will consist of a mixture of panel events and practical workshops led by a combination of invited experts, writers and leading academics from Northumbria University who will help you understand the reality behind what the public sees on the page and the screen.

Highlights of Crime Story include:

• Appearances from experts including top forensics specialist Dr Kelly Sheridan who has dealt with a number of high profile cases of national concern - such as the murders of Joanna Yeates and Stephen Lawrence, leading Criminologist, Professor Mike Rowe, HH Judge Prince of Durham talking about trial and judgement and The Guardian writer and former prisoner, Erwin James telling the story from the other side of the criminal justice system, including what the prison experience would be like for the perpetrator.
• Best-selling author Ann Cleeves talking about how she works with real-life crime scene investigators
• Acclaimed novelist Louise Welsh who will discuss her latest crime novel, A Lovely Way to Burn.
• Screenwriter, Gaby Chiappe talking about how she adapts Vera and Shetland for television.

Optional workshops on other elements of the criminal investigation process will also be available, such as looking at forensic analysis in more depth, the impact of the media on investigating crime and digital forensics. There will be workshops on crime writing and the chance for participants to ask questions and network too.

Participants will be guided ably throughout the weekend by author and former crime fiction critic for The Observer Peter Guttridge.

Crime Story is an unmissable opportunity for any lover of crime fiction, whether they are an aspiring writer themselves or just want a peek behind the covers of their favourite, fictional world.

Crime Story will take place on the Northumbria University campus in the heart of Newcastle upon Tyne.

Booking fees apply to all tickets.