Explore every episode of the podcast The Murder School

It's November and some of us are feeling the absence of NaNoWriMo - but there are lots of other options! This week I take a look at writing challenges and how to use these to finish that first draft. In the craft segment, do you need to be a lawyer to write a legal procedural? Spoiler: No.

Remember when we all scrambled to learn about SEO—that mysterious art of getting Google to notice our websites and books? Well, the game is changing again, and this time it's all about something called Generative Optimization....nothing to be afraid of. Not like the Domestic Thriller genre, when the killer could be sitting beside you on the couch right now

Welcome to Midweek Murder Motivation. Today we're diving into one of the most delicate balancing acts in our genre: the art of the red herring—keeping readers guessing without leaving them feeling cheated or frustrated.

As we get nearer to Halloween, my craft segment this week is timely, given I’ll be talking about spooky mysteries, and the world of paranormal cozies.

In personal writing news, I have just received my fifth book in my cozy mystery series back from my editor, and I’m working through her comments, and revising my story. Then I’ll send it back for a second edit and then proof reading before sending it out to the world.

I have always believed copy-editing and proofing are best left to the professionals. But I do my own developmental editing, before sending my book to some trusty first readers (beta readers) for feedback. 

Today I'm addressing that perpetual challenge for writers everywhere: finding time to write when your life seems determined to fill every available moment.

Let's start by dismissing the most persistent myth about writing time—that you need long, uninterrupted hours to make meaningful progress. The reality? Most books get written in the margins of busy lives, in fragments of time that their authors deliberately carve out and fiercely protect.

Think about the last time you bought a book online. Did you read the reviews before making your purchase? I bet you did. In fact, studies show that 84% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. That's a pretty powerful statistic.

For self-published authors, reviews are even more important. Without the backing of a traditional publisher, we don't have the same marketing resources or built-in audience. We rely on word-of-mouth and organic discovery to get our books in front of readers. And that's where reviews come in.

In the craft segment, I continue my overview of crime subgenres, with cozy mysteries.

Today we're tackling that dreaded affliction known as writer's block—that paralyzing sensation when your creativity seems to vanish, leaving you staring at a blank page with mounting panic.

Let's start with an important truth: writer's block isn't a mysterious ailment or a sign that your creative well has permanently dried up. It's your brain's perfectly rational response to specific conditions—and once you understand those conditions, you can address them systematically.

Is email marketing dead? Not if you want to be a successful mystery author. This week's episode dives into the essentials of creating an email list and then engaging regularly with your readers. Then, in the craft section, the technical aspects of writing police procedurals - maintaining authenticity without drowning your readers in boring info-dumps.

Today, I'm addressing something rarely discussed but vitally important: self-care for writers who regularly immerse themselves in the darker aspects of human experience.

In this episode I am tackling two essential topics for crime authors: creating a killer website and mastering the art of the locked room mystery.

In the first part of the episode, I'll explore why having a strong online presence is crucial for authors in today's digital age. I'll share tips on what elements to include on your website, how to optimize it for discoverability, and whether you should consider outsourcing the design process.

Then, I'll shift gears and delve into the fascinating world of locked room mysteries. As a first-time author tackling this complex sub-genre, you'll learn valuable tips for crafting an impossible crime, establishing fair play with your readers, planting clues, and developing a satisfying solution.

To sign up for my October Mystery Writing challenge click here

Beyond the predictable gun or knife lies a world of creative murder weapons that can set your mystery apart. Today, let's explore how to create truly memorable murder weapons that enhance your story rather than just serve its mechanical needs.

As a self-published author, getting your book into brick-and-mortar stores can feel like a daunting task. After all, you don't have a big publishing house behind you, with sales reps and distribution channels at the ready. But with a little bit of research, preparation, and professionalism, you can absolutely get your book onto those coveted bookstore shelves.

In the craft section, I'll give my best tips to help revitalize that "saggy middle" of your mystery novel.

If you would like to attend one of my Fall Writing Events, please visit here my website for details on how to sign up: Events | Jackie Sharp

We've all been there—inspiration strikes while you're in the shower, driving, or just about to fall asleep. A brilliant murder scenario unfolds in your mind, but by the time you can properly write it down, the magic has faded. Today, I'm sharing my 5-minute plotting technique to capture those fleeting moments of murderous inspiration.

Today’s theme is all about the long game for your writing career. In this world of instant gratification and living in the present, making long term plans for anything sounds dull, I know. And marketing can feel like the bane of a writer's existence. We'd much rather be crafting twisty plots and compelling characters than hawking our wares on social media. But the truth is, if you want to build a sustainable career as a crime fiction author, you can't afford to ignore the business side of things. 

In the craft segment, I’m talking about a decision that will directly affect your marketing efforts is this: will you write standalone crime novels or a series of novels featuring the same characters?

Welcome to Midweek Murder Motivation, a bite-sized burst of inspiration for crime fiction writers. In just five minutes, we'll explore one aspect of crafting compelling murder mysteries that will keep your readers turning pages. So grab your notebook, silence your inner critic, and let's talk about the delightful art of literary homicide. This week, embracing your dark side.

It’s September again, and it doesn’t matter how old I am, I still get that “back to school” feeling. So there’s no better time to think about tweaking my plans for my author business to make sure I’m still on track for the rest of the year, and because my editor and book cover designer are busy people, I’ll be starting to plan for next year too.

I plan financially, and I also plan my productivity because the number of books I write directly affects my income. So it is crucial to plan my writing time. 

In the craft section, I'll be looking at ways to write the perfect opening to catch your reader's attention and keep it until the very last page.

This week is about technology. In the craft section, I’ll talk about incorporating themes of technology in your fiction. But first, I’d like to talk about launching your book to local audiences, using a combination of online marketing strategies and in person events.

When I launched my first cozy mystery novel, before I made it available online, I produced  print copies and hosted a launch party. It was a lot of fun, and the feedback I got from those first readers really helped with my online launch. 

In today's digital age, social media is unavoidable. Although it has its dark side, social media has become an essential tool for authors looking to promote their books and connect with readers. As a crime fiction writer, you know that building a strong online presence can be the key to attracting new fans, engaging with your existing audience, and ultimately driving sales of your novels. But with so many platforms and strategies to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. So, today, I’ll explore some starter tips for authors looking to use social media to promote their crime novels, with a focus on building authentic connections and creating content that resonates with your target audience.

Crafting compelling stories is only half the battle. In today's crowded book market, it's not enough to simply write a great book – you also need to make sure that your target audience knows who you are and what you stand for. This is where building your author brand comes in. Your author brand is the unique identity that sets you apart from other writers in your genre, the promise you make to your readers about the kind of stories they can expect from you. And it’s not just a logo!

So why should Hallmark have all the fun when it comes to holiday-themed stories? If you are looking for a way to attract new readers and keep them coming back for more then crafting clever whodunits that just happen to take place during the most wonderful time of the year, and other holidays can be a fun way to engage readers into your world, and turn them into loyal fans- especially if they are a bonus giveaway.

My theme for this week's episode is clues – clues for your readers. Not only within your novel – and that’s the topic of this week’s writing craft segment, but also clues to help your readers find your book in the first place. 

In today's digital age, getting your crime novel noticed online can feel like trying to solve a case with no leads. With millions of books vying for readers' attention, it's crucial to make sure your novel stands out from the crowd. And one of the most effective ways to do that is by choosing the right keywords and categories.

By understanding and incorporating the motives and minds of the perpetrators, authors can elevate their crime fiction to new heights, creating stories that not only entertain but also provide profound insights into human nature.

I also chat about the importance of book covers and share a personal update about my own books. Show notes available on my website

Who loves writing a blurb? No, me neither. But it's essential to have a great blurb to attract readers of your fabulous story. How else will they know how great it is? So today, I'll run through a few tips to help your create something compelling to resonate with readers - and get them to buy!

And in the craft section - who is telling your story? Depends on the perspective, or POV you choose. There are pros and cons for each choice, so have a listen and think carefully!

As ever, notes on the website, and if you prefer to watch, please like and subscribe on my youtube channel.

In this week's episode, in the writing craft section, we'll do a deep dive into how we can leverage the location and setting in our novels to create atmosphere and suspense. Plus, how networking and attending author conferences can help us sell more books and build a support network. After all, writing can be a lonely occupation!

In Part 1 of this two part look at plot twists, we covered some classic techniques that are sure to keep your readers on the edge of their seats. But why stop there? In this instalment, we're going to delve into some more advanced strategies for crafting truly unforgettable twists and turns.

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Plot twists should leave your readers gasping in surprise.

“I never saw that coming” is the reaction you should be looking for.

Essentially, a plot twist is an unexpected turn of events that catches the reader off guard and changes their perception of the story. Think of it like a magician's sleight of hand – you think you know what's happening, but then BAM! The rug is pulled out from under you, and you're left reeling.

Now, there are countless ways to incorporate plot twists into your crime fiction, but let's focus on a few tried-and-true techniques and next week we’ll continue. 

Conflict is the beating heart of any unforgettable crime novel, the spark that ignites the imagination and keeps readers enthralled until the final page. In this deep dive into the craft of writing, we explore the psychology behind why conflict is so essential and the techniques that master crime writers use to create stories that pulse with tension and suspense.

From the inner turmoil of flawed and relatable characters to the heart-pounding stakes of a deadly cat-and-mouse game, conflict takes many forms in crime fiction. We delve into the nuances of crafting internal and external conflict, and how the interplay between the two can elevate a story from merely entertaining to truly unforgettable.

When it comes to crafting a compelling crime fiction story, a lot of attention is often given to the protagonist – the detective, the investigator, or the everyday hero who cracks the case. But let's not forget about the other key player in this genre: the villain. A well-written, authentic villain can take your story from good to great, adding depth, tension, and a worthy adversary for your main character to face off against.

Some writers just start, and let the words spew out, and then deal with technical details and plot lines later – these kinds of writers are referred to as "pantsers” – writing by the seat of their pants, and others can’t start until they have planned everything, including the characters’ back story. These writers are “plotters”.

Most of us are on a spectrum between the two. I start with an idea, I flesh it out, I have an idea of where the story is going,  and then I edit, tweak and adjust as I go.

Whatever your preferred process, at some point you’ll need to make sure your story is moving along, and keeping readers engaged.

So today, let’s talk about scene structure and how understanding the technical aspects of scene writing can help your process, without killing off your creative flow. 

Hey there, crime fiction enthusiasts and aspiring mystery writers! Welcome to Episode One of the Murder School. I'm thrilled you're joining me today as we dive into those crucial decisions you need to make before typing a single word of that mystery story that's been swirling around in your mind.

Now, I know what you're thinking—"Can't I just start writing and figure it out along the way?" Well, you could, but let me tell you why a bit of prep work will save you massive headaches down the road and help you craft a story that readers can't put down