Events

Detailed below are examples of the events I can offer

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

1 hour, plus Q&A
(Requires laptop, screen & data projector)

2. The Police Inspector, the Crook, the Mortuary Technician and the Writer, A light-hearted look at methods of research, the advantages and the pitfalls, with examples from my own research experiences. Suited to a general audience and incorporates short readings from my own novels.

3. 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 DVD 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 16 years and over. 1.5 hours (requires TV with DVD player)

4. Asylum - the human story... A talk with readings from The Dispossessed.
I began my research for The Dispossessed knowing only what I’d read in the papers about asylum. My research led to voluntary work as for refugee and asylum charity. In this moving and thought-provoking talk with readings, you will hear the human stories I found behind the statistics.

Approx. 1 hour, including questions.

Writers' workshops

1. 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)

2. Creating credible villains
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, CD audio player required)

3. 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)

4. Point of View
What is point of view? Why is it important? How can we use point of view to control style and tone in our writing? Taking advice from essayists and novelists, and with extracts from writers as diverse as Liz Jensen and James Joyce, we will examine the importance of point of view in fictional writing.

1.5 – 2 hours, (Requires flip-chart)

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