Kathryn Casey

Last week my post addressed those of you who envision yourselves writing true crime books. If I didn't dissuade you from that endeavor, let's take this a step further.

Now that you've decided you're up for the research and the seclusion of sitting at your computer day after day, the first thing you have to do is pick which case to cover. I bet that sounds easy. In a sense, unfortunately, it is. There never seems to be a dearth of sensational murders in America, perhaps the world. That's a bad thing, obviously.

Unfortunately, we can't change the reality that murders do happen. We're just reporting what's already taken place. So let's talk about how to pick Read More

9 Comments

Comments

Apr 05, 2011 3:53 PM EDT

Really enjoyed your posts on writing true crime. You are very imforitive & inspirational. Writing in any genre is not an easy task, but writing true crime must take alot out of you when you are dealing with people's real lives & tragedies. You write it in a way that brings the people to life.

- Shannon Cobb

Apr 10, 2011 6:51 PM EDT

The case I have been following doesn't seem to meet your criteria other than it's a case I care about. Sheley has a long history of substance abuse and illegal activity so he doesn't fit into the one you wouldn't expect to be a killer. Some did come out in the press expressing surprise he did these crimes (while he was on the run) such as a pastor whose church Sheley had attended in an effort to get straight (didn't work out) or family and friends who are likely druggies as well.
There are some twists and turns in the case but many of those so far have been related to court more than Sheley's actions.~sigh~ I will keep reading your True Crime writing 101....maybe an angle to proceed with will hit me as I learn more about the process.

- Kathy Fisher

Apr 11, 2011 5:26 AM EDT

What is it about the case that's drawing you to it, Kathy? Why do you care? If you can answer that question, maybe you'll have the angle for the book? Just an idea.

Thanks, Shannon. It can be very difficult at times, but also worthwhile. Good true crime should offer real insight.

- KC

May 09, 2011 10:43 AM EDT

Hi Kathryn,

Thanks for these interesting blog posts. I am an avid true crime reader and a big fan of your work. I was wondering if you had read the new Dean Smart book "Skylights and Screen Doors". It is his account of the murder of his brother Gregg Smart and the ensuing trial of his sister-in-law Pam, who was found guilty. It has been getting a lot of buzz (http://skylightsandscreendoors.com/) and I was curious about what you thought of it and if it followed some of the true crime writing tips you have written here.

- Laura

Aug 16, 2011 4:47 PM EDT

I have a handful of stories that I feel I could write. My question is, do you believe there is such a thing as being too close to the story, or caring too much about the victim?
For instance, one of my best friends from childhood who grew up in my neighborhood was later murdered as a young adult (after we had drifted apart due to some age difference). She was murdered by two guys she had recently met, one of whom she was dating, but who apparently also had this whole other life going on as a male stripper in a gay bar. In the end, this very strong, athletic girl,who was a college student with a promising future, had her topless body found by students waiting for their school bus in a neighboring county having been the victim of strangulation. Her car had been sold for drug money, and for this reason the world was robbed my friend. This is a person though, whose funeral I attended. Who, when she was missing, and suspected dead, her mother called my house to let me know before it hit the media and I was there to mourn the loss of her life with her family, who have since passed away one by one (with the exception of much older hal-siblings which I never really knew). This is just one of the possible stories I would like to tell because I would like to tell the world that she did exist, because I would like to share with them who she was and all that she could be, and also, because I would like the world to know what murderer is currently walking the streets, and which one will be when he is paroled soon. If it makes life just a bit more uncomfortable for them, it wouldn't be the worst thing. They do at least, have their lives.

So you see, my question is this, am I too close? or just close enough because I know who to interview, and where to go and what to ask. Also, I would never publish under my own name for safety reasons.

I would like to know one other thing, how do you gain access to court transcripts, and police files, etc. for cases that are already solved, with the people serving time and far into their sentence? I have others I am interested in, but am sort of nervous about getting shut down right off the bat.

- Joni

Aug 16, 2011 4:53 PM EDT

I just realized that among a few typos, I also referred to my friend in the present tense by saying what she "could be" when I meant to say "could have been". Just another reminder.

- Joni

Sep 10, 2012 12:16 AM EDT

I was so excited to read your blog and comment as I felt you were interacting with your readers. I posted something well over a year ago in hopes that you might give me your input. Sadly, you have not answered. I realize you are very busy, I just wanted you to know that I was disappointed that you never answered at all.

- Joni

Sep 14, 2012 6:41 PM EDT

Joni, I am sorry. I don't get alerts when people post, so I didn't know that you posted. I just found this now because someone else asked where to find these posts on writing true crime. I think you can do this story. You know the people, the setting, so you have an advantage. I wouldn't worry about being too close. You go to the district or county clerk's office to see transcripts, etc. I believe in all states, you're entitled to see them. Again, I'm sorry I didn't answer sooner. If you have other questions send me an email: kc@kathryncasey.com

- KC

Feb 26, 2015 5:56 AM EST

Hello, I'm really interested in writing true crime and I'd like to know about the process of collecting court and police investigation documentations. Is this just a FOIA or are there better ways to collect the information? I can find lots of cases, but no trial transcripts. Any advice, you could give me would be greatly appreciated.

- Derrick Barnsdale

True Crime Writing 101 -- Part One

March 31, 2011

Tags: true crime authors, true crime, Kathryn Casey, Matt Baker, crime author, Crime Writer, mystery author, mystery writer, writing, Crime writing

I get a lot of emails from people who want to become true crime authors. Since I've been covering sensational cases for a quarter of a century - boy does that make me sound old - I've had quite a few experiences. As you may suspect, I can't answer everyone's questions in depth individually, so I've decided to tackle the subject here.

From here on out, I have my true crime not my mystery hat on, and I'm addressing those of you who want to write true crime.

First: Let's be honest; is this what you truly want? True crime writing isn't for the most part booksignings and giving interviews. Most of it's not particularly glamorous. And it's not easy. It's not simply a matter of showing up at a trial and writing a synopsis of the events, not if you want to do it well.

Many jobs are tough, and I don't mean to minimize how hard we all work at our professions. I truly don't. But I'm under the impression that some believe true crime writing is a piece of cake. Maybe I'm a bit slow, but that's not my experience.

I do go to the trials, and that's part of it, but for each book, I interview Read More

11 Comments

Comments

Mar 31, 2011 8:35 AM EDT

My personal belief it that,some folks are readers,some are writers.I wish I could be both,and have written some very fine home studies and love research,but I just don't think I could devote the time,space and energy to write for publication.I think I'd like to be a proof reader,or editor.
In the meantime ,I will audit Crime Writing 101,with enthusiasm! Thank You!

- Scarlett Horsburgh

Mar 31, 2011 1:26 PM EDT

You're welcome, Scarlett. My sense is that many people would like to write, and I'm hoping this is helpful. By the way, I LOVE readers. Without you, why would any of us write?

- KC

Mar 31, 2011 4:07 PM EDT

Kathryn,

Thanks for sharing your expertize. Because of my keen interest in true crime(can't make this stuff up...noone would believe it)and how our judicial system works, I started a blog to cover the first murder trial of Nicholas Sheley, accused spree killer of 8 people (2 women,4 men and a 2 year old boy) in 2 states.

It will be three years in July since Sheley's week long "alleged" killing spree and arrest. The first trial(one victim killed near where I live) has yet to begin but I have been attending pre-trial hearings and a trial/conviction for attacking officers in the county jail.

I have found I very much enjoy writing and even more so researching. Many have suggested I write a book about this case. Doing so would be a huge undertaking. There will be at least 4 trials before this case is over and spans from North central IL down to St. Louis, MO.

I don't know if I will ever do a book....my head starts spinning just trying to think from what or whose perspective to write. LOL! At any rate, I'm looking forward to your second installment of Crime Writing 101.Thanks for sharing!

- Kathy Fisher

Mar 31, 2011 4:49 PM EDT

You're welcome, Kathy. Next week, I'm going to talk about how to pick cases and write a proposal. The following week, I'm not sure yet, to be honest. Maybe on what I want to see in a true crime book, the ones that set a book apart from the pack! Glad you're enjoying it!

- KC

Apr 01, 2011 12:22 PM EDT

Thank you for your insights, Kathryn. They seem very reasonable.

I particularly like the one about starting small. There's a case in Austin, Texas that has caught my interest, and my thought is to write some articles on it. If there's enough material to warrant a book, and I have the propensity for it, then so be it. If not, I've still learned something.

- Brian Combs

Apr 01, 2011 5:25 PM EDT

That's a great plan, Brian. Check next week for insight into writing a proposal!

- KC

Apr 27, 2011 9:24 AM EDT

Lots of great advice, especially about starting small. I'm working on historical true crime, and I think more current true crime would be much more difficult. Sounds like a lot of interviewing, sitting through court proceedings, etc. Truly fascinating stuff, though. Thanks!

- April Moore

May 02, 2011 7:11 PM EDT

You're welcome! Hope it helps.

- Kathryn Casey

Aug 29, 2011 9:26 AM EDT

My firt visit to your web site. The "classes" in crime writing are interesting so I will probably be back. I have an immediate need to know (doesn't everyone?) about liability if one writes about a crime. I know you are familiar with the Price Daniel, Jr. murder in about 1985 in Liberty (OOooops, another from Liberty County) and my Mom attended every day of every hearing and child custody trial as Vickie never really stood trial for the murder. I wrote a story called "The Court Reporter Wore Tennis Shoes" which recorded the events using her interest as a reason to tell the story. I was afraid to try to publish it due what the Daniel could cause me in litigation for slander, etc. All I have written was either documented somewhere in the media or I personally have knowledge of the events and people involved. I had in my possession newspapers and court records for a long time and lost them in a flood, but I had already used them. A somewhat accurate account was written by Steve Salerno called Deadly Blessing but much of the local stuff he did not know. Can you offer me some direction. Why have you not written about this case? I worked for the radio station in Liberty or the newspaper during your Fontenot-Fleming days, and know Hurley F. because I am a school teacher and locally that was the buzz.

- Patricia Hasson

May 22, 2018 2:04 AM EDT

Confused re how to do old crime-everybody dead now, also about combining required imaginary embellishments with documented facts

- Laurie

Jun 02, 2020 11:23 PM EDT

Great article! The authors commonly examine actual crimes and detail the actions of real people when creating their narratives.
Please read my blog: 3 Things Authors Need to Know About True Crime Literature
Hope this will also help, Thank you!

- Wanda Draper - The Witness

My Life Writing

October 8, 2010

Tags: Texas Rangers, true crime, Sarah Armstrong Mysteries, Crime writing, writing, Mysteries, Kathryn Casey

by Kathryn Casey

The truth is that there's always one. Whenever I have a new book out, as I do right now with Shattered, I emerge from the confines of my office, momentarily unlatched from my computer, eyes blurred from months of staring at the screen, ready to meet the world and do book signings. Now let's be honest, what I'm there for is to connect with people who enjoy reading and, I hope, sell some books. Meanwhile, what those who attend are there for varies. Some folks like to drop in just to say hi and tell me that they enjoy my books. Others come to ask questions, bringing up different aspects of the cases in my books or inquiring about the inspiration for my fictional characters.

While that's why most have come, at nearly every book signing at least one person Read More

2 Comments