Writing authentic crime fiction: A Masterclass with forensic pathologists, criminal lawyers and frontline police

Learn how to craft a killer story for film, fiction or TV – an unmissable class with bestselling author Erin Kelly, Silent Witness consultant Dr Stuart Hamilton, former chief superintendent Graham Bartlett, and other experts from the world of crime

Crime fiction is one of the most popular genres around, with readers and viewers becoming increasingly discerning. Whether you want to write a crime novel, a police procedural or a TV drama to rival Silent Witness, this Masterclass will help to give your story that added edge of authenticity.

From forensic pathology to crime scene investigation, courtroom drama and detection, this fascinating seminar offers professional insights into the world of crime. Curated by bestselling author Erin Kelly, the class is packed with advice on how to carry out research, approach experts and craft a killer story for film, fiction or TV.

Content

• Erin Kelly, author of The Poison Tree and Broadchurch: The Novel, gives an overview of crime writing, research and the craft of storytelling
  
  

• Criminal lawyer and bestselling crime novelist Neil White discusses law and order, offering guidance on how to bring the drama of the courtroom to life on the page
  
  

• Former chief superintendent Graham Bartlett, advisor to bestselling author Peter James, discusses the skills of detective work, sharing tips on crafting a convincing crime story and catching fictional killers
  
  

• Forensic pathologist and Silent Witness consultant Dr Stuart Hamilton gives advice on how to plot the perfect murder, while sharing his experiences performing around 3,000 autopsies
  
  

• CSI officer DS Kate Bendelow discusses frontline policing and crime scene investigation, offering expert advice on writing crime scenes for the page or screen
  
  

Curator/host profile

Erin Kelly is best known for her novel The Poison Tree, which was a Richard & Judy Bestseller and an ITV drama. She also wrote the novelisation of the Bafta-winning Broadchurch. Erin tutors at Curtis Brown creative writing school and has lectured at Warwick, City and London Metropolitan Universities. Find out more on her website.

Speaker profiles

Neil White is the author of nine crime novels, including the number one ebook bestseller, Cold Kill. In addition to writing novels, Neil has been a criminal lawyer for over twenty years, first as a defence lawyer and then eighteen years as a Senior Crown Prosecutor. He tweets @neilwhite1965.

Graham Bartlett was a Sussex Police officer for 30 years, with the last four as the commander for Brighton and Hove. He now advises internationally bestselling author Peter James on his Roy Grace series, as well as other crime fiction and TV writers. Graham and Peter have written Death Comes Knocking, a real-life account of policing one of the UK’s most cosmopolitan cities. He tweets @GrahamBSDLM.

Kate Bendelow has worked as a crime scene investigator with Greater Manchester Police since 2002. During this time, she’s worked on a wide variety of crime scenes including rapes, murders and violent robberies. She’s also a writer and performance poet. She tweets @katiebumpz.

Dr Stuart Hamilton is deputy chief forensic pathologist for the East Midlands. He’s performed around 3,000 autopsies, ranging from sudden and unexpected deaths to complex multiple homicides. Stuart was forensic pathology advisor for the 2013 and 2014 series of BBC drama Silent Witness. Read Stuart’s article for the Guardian here, where he discusses his working week.

Full course and returns information on the Masterclasses website