In theory, it's possible to write a crime or mystery story without worrying too much about the technical details of the crime itself or the investigation that follows. However, if you make an obvious mistake, you run the risk of alienating your readers, some of whom will jump at the chance to contact you and set you straight! My blog and those of D.P. Lyle and Tom Adair , for example, have been created to help you get the essential facts right.
But how will your readers know that your book is well researched and factually accurate? What could persuade potential new readers to buy your books on this basis alone? The Washington Academy of Sciences (WAS) may have the answer.
Since June 2012, the WAS has been reviewing crime books for the accuracy of their science. So far, they have awarded their seal of approval to four books; a fifth book is under consideration.
Here is a link to an article that discusses the award and the reasoning behind it. You'll also find a list of the 'approved' books.
Seal of Approval for Crime Writers
Is it a good idea? I think it is. An awful lot of people are turned off by science at school, but love it when it is packaged in an entertaining way, such as in a crime novel or TV series. This can be a double-eged sword. The 'CSI effect' has become a much talked-about phenomenon. Many legal commentators have suggested that jurors have unrealistic expectations of forensic science as a result of watching the programme. They fear that this could prejudice the outcome of a case at trial.
Presumably, the WAS hopes that its scheme will go some way to rein in these expectations, although, in the short term, I doubt that the public's perception of forensic science will change significantly. .
However, good idea or not, let's keep it in perspective. The whole point of a crime novel or TV series is to entertain the reader or viewer. Nobody reading for pleasure or watching TV for relaxation wants a text book or a lecture. It's the way in which the (accurate) technical information is woven into the plot which will ultimately determine the writer's success.
Contact details for the WAS
Are you in favour of this scheme? Why not leave a comment at the end of this blog.
Don't forget to follow me on Twitter: @forensicswrite
My most recent tweets link to articles discussing fictional murders on TV and identifying the dead from the contents of their pockets. You'll also be the first to know when I've written a new blog post.
But how will your readers know that your book is well researched and factually accurate? What could persuade potential new readers to buy your books on this basis alone? The Washington Academy of Sciences (WAS) may have the answer.
Since June 2012, the WAS has been reviewing crime books for the accuracy of their science. So far, they have awarded their seal of approval to four books; a fifth book is under consideration.
Here is a link to an article that discusses the award and the reasoning behind it. You'll also find a list of the 'approved' books.
Seal of Approval for Crime Writers
Is it a good idea? I think it is. An awful lot of people are turned off by science at school, but love it when it is packaged in an entertaining way, such as in a crime novel or TV series. This can be a double-eged sword. The 'CSI effect' has become a much talked-about phenomenon. Many legal commentators have suggested that jurors have unrealistic expectations of forensic science as a result of watching the programme. They fear that this could prejudice the outcome of a case at trial.
Presumably, the WAS hopes that its scheme will go some way to rein in these expectations, although, in the short term, I doubt that the public's perception of forensic science will change significantly. .
However, good idea or not, let's keep it in perspective. The whole point of a crime novel or TV series is to entertain the reader or viewer. Nobody reading for pleasure or watching TV for relaxation wants a text book or a lecture. It's the way in which the (accurate) technical information is woven into the plot which will ultimately determine the writer's success.
Contact details for the WAS
Are you in favour of this scheme? Why not leave a comment at the end of this blog.
Don't forget to follow me on Twitter: @forensicswrite
My most recent tweets link to articles discussing fictional murders on TV and identifying the dead from the contents of their pockets. You'll also be the first to know when I've written a new blog post.
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