Talks

1.Crime Scene Uncovered
Insights into the real police work behind the fiction – from detectives and CSIs to computer hackers, with readings from The Dispossessed and Now You See Me.

With readings from her Chester and Liverpool-based novels, Margaret illustrates the political and social influences of landscape, and how character is formed from setting.

1 hour, plus Q&A

3. The Police Inspector, the Crook, the Mortuary Technician and the Writer, which, while covering much of the same ground, is adapted for a more general audience and incorporates short readings from my own novels.

4. Criminal Profiling from Jack the Ripper to Hannibal Lecter: an illustrated talk.
Fictional portrayals of serial killers like Hannibal Lecter have increased public awareness of the violent sociopath in recent years. With the advent of criminal profiling the possibility of detecting these dangerous criminals has become a reality.

In a talk illustrated with short video clips and OHPs, I examine the rise in serial crime, with reference to infamous cases such as Ted Bundy and ‘The Mad Bomber', charting the development of criminal psychology from Jack the Ripper's profiler, Dr Thomas Bond, to the FBI's ‘Mindhunter' John Douglas, up to the present day. The psychology of the psychopath is discussed, as well as some modern approaches to measuring differences in the psychopathic brain.

This is a lay-person's take on profiling, suitable for audiences of 18 years and over. 1.5 hours (requires TV, Video recorder, OHP and screen)

Workshops

NEW!1. Learning from the Masters
Masterclasses in writing technique, using examples, advice and tips on plot, character and from the greats of literary and genre fiction. May be presented individually, or as a complete course, covering the major elements of fiction writing.

NEW!
2. Dig Deep – reading to write
Workshoppers will bring a short piece (2-3 paragraphs) of historical writing by their favourite author, together with a list of 5 facts or period details which encapsulate the period in which they want to set their writing.  Working first with the extracts, we will analyse how the research has been used imaginatively and creatively by the authors, looking at context, character, use of metaphor, atmosphere and domestic detail, touching on social and political themes, where appropriate – and how to avoid the pitfalls of overuse of research.  The participants will then be encouraged to write a few paragraphs using one or more of the facts they have researched. Feedback and advice will be given.
Approx. 2-3 hours

(Requires flip-chart)

NEW!
3. The Outsider Narrative: writing from the margins
Using characters on the margins of great historical events, we will examine the outsider as narrator. Workshoppers will be asked to decide on a character, period, or event in history which they would like to fictionalize, and do some preliminary research before the workshop.

Using examples from fiction and non-fiction, including Corrag, by Susan Fletcher (on the Glencoe Massacre), The Suspicions of Mr Whicher, by Kate Summerscale (the murder at Road Hill House), According to Queeney, by Beryl Bainbridge (Samuel Johnson), and Music and Silence, by Rose Tremain (on the court of the Danish king, Christian IV), we will discover how these highly successful writers make their chosen subject compelling to the reader. Workshoppers will be invited to choose a peripheral character from their chosen historical period and write a short passage, to be presented to the group for comment.

Approx. 2-3 hours

(Requires flip-chart)

NEW!
4. Writers on Writing
How some of the modern masters of fiction have approached their craft, including Hemingway, Elmore Leonard, Margaret Atwood, Joyce Carol Oates and Stephen King.

This can be run as either a readers’ or a writers’ workshop.

Approx 2 hours (3, if run as a writers’ workshop)

OHP or data projector and screen required, plus a flip chart.


5. Sudden fiction - the short short story
A more general writing workshop, suitable for experienced and beginner writers. We look at examples of short fiction, analysing certain aspects of technique. Then the writers are asked to write a 101 word story, concentrating on one specific technique, such as use of pathetic fallacy, creating mood, internal monologue, the unreliable narrator, or use of symbolism. Because the piece is very short, this is a great way for aspiring writers to learn how to avoid the pitfalls of overwriting, and to concentrate on clearly defined areas of technique. Writers will be encouraged to read their own work to the group, and to comment on their peers' work in a constructive manner.

This workshop can be enjoyed by both beginner and intermediate level writers.

1.5 - 2 hours, (Requires flip-chart)

6. Even Psychopaths are Human: creating credible villains in crime fiction
In this workshop we look at the villain in crime fiction and see how some authors - e.g. Elmore Leonard and Thomas Harris, manage to make their villains empathic on some levels. Writers will have the opportunity to try out their own skills to this end.
Approx. 2-3 hours

(Flip chart, audio tape recorder required)

7. Developing character
In this popular two-hour session, Margaret explores various ways of introducing character in the novel or short story. Using examples from fiction, and encouraging the group to experiment with their own writing, Margaret moves from the cameo through to a fully integrated piece using dialogue, action and description. This workshop is suited to both the beginner and the more experienced writer and can be applied to any genre of fiction.

Approx 2 - 3 hours

(Requires flip-chart)

To book Margaret for a workshop or a talk, please email: info@margaretmurphy.co.uk