The aim of the workshop was to carry out several exercises
which would help towards the creation of a 1000 – 2000 word Crime short story.
Alex stressed how in a short story, it is even more important
that every word is made to count in terms of both quantity and quality. The apt
or appropriate word could tell the story better and with less words.
Dialogue should be crisp and match everyday conversation.
Read aloud when editing. If words are awkward to say, they may also be the
wrong word to use in that situation.
Show – not - tell. Describe sights, sounds, smells, taste,
feel and body language, rather than just using blunt adjectives.
A description of each exercise was presented together with examples.
An allocation of time was made in each case. When complete, we each read them
to the group. Alex led the comment and discussion on each offering.
The first exercise was to create a short opening sentence
which would grab the reader and get him or her wanting to read more. The title
is also important in snaring a reader.
The next was to describe a character or characters and their
emotions.
Then marry that character to a location or setting which the
reader is able to imagine or relate to. This setting may be the background
against which the crime is to take place and may contain clues needed for later
in the story.
The fourth exercise was to build up tension and atmosphere.
Lay a few red herrings or false clues. Select the most appropriate words.
Shorten the sentences and dialogue.
Create authenticity by researching any specialised areas,
techniques, linguistic styles or procedures.
We did not have time to carry out the final exercise which
would have been to outline the plot including ‘who done it’ and why. We needed
to do this at home anyway.
Thanks were expressed to Alex Gray for this relevant,
practical and hands-on workshop.
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