Location, Location, Location

Welcome everyone to this week’s episode. From now on, the format will be a little different, but hopefully more useful to all you crime writers out there. Writing a great story is the main thing of course, but making sure your story is delivered to your readers is just as important.

Now, there are many ways to do this. Over the last twenty years, publishing has changed dramatically. When I was first scribbling stories, the only way to get published was to send a manuscript to an agent with a query letter and hope for the best. This process could be repeated many times without success of course. I don’t know how many thousands of dusty manuscripts are shoved away in drawers from those days. Certainly a few of mine.

Fast forward to the present day, and now, with the advent of the KDP program and many other platforms, self publishing has blossomed into a major player in the publishing industry.

The stigma of being a self published author has diminished as authors have learned to be more professional, to not only write great stories, but package them to a high standard, and nowadays, reader are hard pressed to know the difference between a trad or self published book.

That said, the industry continues to evolve, and there is much to learn, and many disruptive influences to confront.

Every week, as well as the writing craft section, I’ll be talking about the publishing and packaging aspect of being an author, as well as the business side.

This is my first year of being a full-time author and really treating this as a business, so I’m delighted to share everything I’m learning in real time!

Talking about learning, I attended an author’s conference last week. This is my second visit to the Self Publishing Show in London, and it was well worth the visit.

Writing is a solitary endeavour. So this week I wanted to talk about the importance of leaving your office, or your bedroom or wherever you write, and getting out there to meet your fellow writers.

As a self-published author, it's easy to feel like you're going it alone. After all, you're the one writing the words, designing the cover, and promoting your book to the world. But here's the thing – you don't have to do it all by yourself. In fact, one of the most valuable things you can do for your writing career is to connect with other authors, industry professionals, and readers. And there's no better way to do that than through networking and attending conferences.

Now, I know what you might be thinking – networking sounds like a fancy business term, and conferences can be expensive and intimidating. But hear me out. Building relationships with others in the publishing industry can open doors you never even knew existed. It can lead to new opportunities, valuable advice, and a support system that will keep you going when the writing gets tough.

Let's start with networking. At its core, networking is simply about making connections with others who share your interests and goals. For self-published authors, that might mean joining online communities like Facebook groups or Twitter chats, attending local writing workshops or book clubs, or even just striking up a conversation with someone at your local coffee shop who happens to be reading a book in your genre.

Of course, networking doesn't have to be limited to online interactions. Attending conferences and events can be a fantastic way to meet other authors, industry professionals, and readers face-to-face. And that's where the real magic happens.

I'll be honest – the thought of attending a conference can be daunting, especially if you're an introvert or if you've never been to one before. But trust me when I say that it's worth pushing past that discomfort. Writing conferences are like a concentrated dose of inspiration, education, and connection. You'll have the opportunity to learn from successful authors, attend workshops on craft and business, and pitch your book to agents and publishers.

But more than that, conferences are a chance to find your people. When you're surrounded by other writers who understand the ups and downs of the creative process, who share your passion for storytelling, and who are facing the same challenges and triumphs as you, it's like coming home. You'll make friends who will cheer you on when you hit a milestone, commiserate with you when you receive a tough review, and celebrate with you when you finally hold your published book in your hands.

And those connections you make at conferences can last a lifetime. You never know who you might meet or where those relationships might lead.

But attending conferences isn't just about making friends – it's also about learning and growing as a writer and a business owner. Most conferences offer a wide range of sessions and workshops on topics like crafting compelling characters, mastering social media marketing, and navigating the publishing landscape. By attending these sessions, you'll gain valuable knowledge and skills that you can apply to your own writing and publishing journey.

Plus, conferences often attract top industry professionals like editors, and publishers. Attending panels and pitch sessions can give you a chance to get your book in front of the right people and potentially secure a traditional publishing deal or a valuable partnership, if you feel that self publishing isn’t for you. Even if you don't come away with a contract, you'll gain insight into what these gatekeepers are looking for and how you can make your book stand out in a crowded market.

Of course, attending conferences isn't cheap. Between registration fees, travel expenses, and lodging, the costs can add up quickly. But here's the thing – investing in your professional development is never a waste of money. The knowledge, connections, and opportunities you gain from attending a conference can pay dividends for years to come.

And if you're on a tight budget, there are ways to make conferences more affordable. Many events offer scholarships or volunteer opportunities that can offset the cost of attendance. You can also look for conferences that are closer to home or that offer virtual attendance options. And if you're really strapped for cash, consider starting small by attending local writing workshops or meetups.

But no matter how you choose to network and connect with others in the industry, the most important thing is to do it consistently and authentically. Don't just show up to events with the goal of selling your book or landing an agent. Instead, focus on building genuine relationships and being a valuable member of the community. Offer to help others, share your knowledge and experiences, and be open to learning from those around you.

And remember – networking and attending conferences isn't just about furthering your career. It's also about finding joy and fulfillment in the writing life. When you surround yourself with others who share your passion and understand your struggles, it can be a powerful source of motivation and inspiration. You'll leave events feeling energized, empowered, and ready to tackle your next writing challenge.

So, if you're a self-published author who's been going it alone, I encourage you to take the leap and start connecting with others in the industry. Join that online community, attend that local workshop, or sign up for that conference you've been eyeing. You never know where those connections might lead – but I promise you, it will be somewhere amazing.

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The Power of Place: Leveraging Location and Setting in Crime Novels

When it comes to crafting a captivating crime novel, there's one element that often gets overlooked: the setting. But here's the thing – the location of your story can be just as important as your characters and plot. In fact, when done right, your setting can almost become a character in its own right, adding depth, atmosphere, and intrigue to your narrative.

Think about it – some of the most iconic crime novels are inextricably linked to their locations. Raymond Chandler's Los Angeles, with its seedy underbelly and neon-soaked streets. Ian Rankin's Edinburgh, with its winding alleys and ancient secrets. These settings aren't just backdrops; they're integral to the story, shaping the characters and the crimes they investigate.

So, how can you leverage location and setting in your own crime writing? Let's dive in and explore some strategies.

First and foremost, choose a setting that fascinates you. If you're passionate about a particular place, that enthusiasm will shine through in your writing. Maybe it's a city you've always wanted to visit, or a small town with a quirky history. Whatever it is, make sure it sparks your imagination and makes you want to explore its nooks and crannies.

Once you've settled on a location, it's time to do your research. Even if you're writing about a fictional town, grounding it in real-world details will make it feel authentic. Read up on the history, geography, and culture of your chosen setting. Look at maps, browse local news articles, and even take a virtual tour using Google Street View. The more you know about your location, the more vivid and immersive your descriptions will be.

But here's the thing – you don't want to overload your reader with information. Instead, sprinkle in details gradually, like seasoning a dish. Mention the scent of saltwater and seaweed as your detective walks along the shoreline. Describe the peeling paint and boarded-up windows of an abandoned factory. These small, sensory details will help bring your setting to life without overwhelming the narrative.

Another way to make your location feel like a character is to tie it to your protagonist's backstory and emotional journey. Maybe your detective grew up in the town they're now investigating, and their past is intertwined with its secrets. Or perhaps your amateur sleuth is an outsider, struggling to navigate an unfamiliar and hostile environment. By connecting your character's arc to the setting, you create a deeper, more resonant story.

You can also use your location to create atmosphere and mood. A foggy, gothic mansion sets a very different tone than a sun-drenched beach town. Think about how your setting can reflect the themes and emotions of your story. Is your novel about corruption and decay? A crumbling, industrial city might be the perfect backdrop. Are you exploring themes of isolation and despair? A remote, windswept island could be just the ticket.

But it's not just about aesthetics – your setting can also shape the crimes and investigations at the heart of your story. Different locations have different types of crime, different police procedures, and different cultural attitudes towards law enforcement. A murder in a tight-knit, rural community will play out very differently than one in a bustling, anonymous city. By understanding the unique challenges and opportunities of your chosen setting, you can craft a mystery that feels authentic and grounded.

Of course, there's a fine line between leveraging your location and relying on stereotypes or clichés. Not every small town is a hotbed of dark secrets, and not every big city is a neon-lit nightmare. As with any aspect of writing, it's important to put your own spin on familiar tropes and to dig deeper than surface-level assumptions. If you're writing about a real place, be respectful and do your research – there's nothing worse than a story that gets the details wrong or perpetuates harmful stereotypes.

So, how can you put these ideas into practice? Let's say you're writing a crime novel set in a fictional seaside town. You might start by creating a map of the town, sketching out its landmarks, neighborhoods, and natural features. You could invent a local legend or historical event that ties into your mystery, like a long-lost shipwreck or a cursed lighthouse. As you introduce your characters, you could show how their lives and personalities are shaped by the town's rhythm and culture – the fisherman who's always up before dawn, the gossipy shopkeeper who knows everyone's secrets.

Throughout your story, you could use the setting to create tension and atmosphere. Maybe a storm is brewing on the horizon, mirroring the rising conflict between your characters. Or perhaps the town's quaint, picture-perfect facade is starting to crack, revealing the darkness lurking beneath. By weaving your location into every aspect of your narrative, you create a rich, immersive world that readers can't help but get lost in.

But here's the thing – you don't have to limit yourself to just one location. Some of the most compelling crime novels take readers on a journey, hopping from city to city, country to country. Think of Stieg Larsson's Millennium trilogy, which spans Sweden, Australia, and the Caribbean, or Dan Brown's globetrotting thrillers. By incorporating multiple locations, you can create a sense of scale and stakes, and keep readers on their toes.

That said, there's also something to be said for the power of a single, well-realized setting. Look at Louise Penny's Three Pines series, which is set almost entirely in a small, fictional village in Quebec. By focusing on one location and exploring its secrets and eccentricities over the course of multiple books, Penny creates a world that feels as real and lived-in as any real place. Readers become invested not just in the characters, but in the town itself, with all its charms and flaws.

Ultimately, the key to leveraging location and setting in your crime writing is to approach it with curiosity, creativity, and respect. Don't just use your setting as a backdrop, but as a living, breathing entity that shapes and is shaped by your characters and story. Do your research, but also trust your imagination. And above all, have fun exploring the possibilities of place – you never know what secrets and surprises you might uncover.

So, whether you're writing about a bustling metropolis or a sleepy hamlet, a far-flung exotic locale or your own backyard, remember: location matters. It's not just where your story takes place, but how it comes to life. By making your setting a character in its own right, you'll create a crime novel that's as unforgettable as it is unputdownable.

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