How to Write Your True Crime Story

Summary

The video script outlines a method for crafting true crime stories, emphasizing the distinction between journalistic and narrative non-fiction styles. It suggests focusing on the 'who, what, when, where, why, and how' of the crime. For journalistic writing, an inverted pyramid approach is recommended, prioritizing crucial information upfront. In contrast, narrative non-fiction delves deeper into character development, motives, and scene setting. The script introduces a five-box framework to organize the story's elements, from the lead to the kicker, guiding students to create engaging and impactful true crime narratives.

Takeaways

• 📝 The goal is to write a true crime story, which can be approached either journalistically or in a narrative non-fiction style.
• 🔍 Both styles aim to provide the 'five Ws and H': who, what, when, where, why, and how, but differ in their approach and language use.
• 📰 Journalistic style is more objective and fact-focused, using succinct language and following the inverted pyramid model where the most important information is upfront.
• 📚 Narrative non-fiction style delves into character development, motives, and uses more imagery and scene setting to build suspense and interest.
• 🧩 The story structure can be built using five 'boxes' to organize information: lead, nut graph, new image/detail, supporting material, and kicker.
• 📈 The 'nut graph' summarizes the story, answers why it matters, and provides the impact and timeliness of the story.
• 🔑 Different types of leads are suggested for both journalistic and narrative styles, such as straight news leads, observational leads, anecdotal leads, scene-setting leads, and zinger leads.
• 🎨 The narrative style uses descriptive language to paint a vivid picture, focusing on character and setting, while journalistic style is straightforward and fact-based.
• 🔍 Research is key, and students are encouraged to use true crime resources to gather information on their chosen crime or criminal.
• 📋 The script instructs students to bullet point their findings and organize them into the five boxes to create an instant outline for their story.
• 🔄 The next class will focus on organizing the story, deciding whether to focus more on the crime itself, the context, the community, the victims, or the perpetrator.

Q & A

What are the two main approaches to writing a true crime story mentioned in the script?

The two main approaches mentioned are a journalistic approach and a narrative non-fiction style approach.

What are the key elements that should be included in a true crime story, regardless of the writing style?

The key elements to include are the who, what, when, where, why, and how of the crime, the criminal, and the victims.

How does the language style differ between journalistic and narrative non-fiction in true crime writing?

Journalistic writing is more objective and focused on facts, being succinct and less flowery with language. Narrative non-fiction uses more imagery, character development, and scene setting to build interest and suspense.

What is the inverted pyramid model in journalistic writing, and how does it apply to true crime stories?

The inverted pyramid model places the most important information at the beginning of the story, ensuring that even if a reader stops halfway, they have received the most crucial details.

What are the five boxes used to structure a true crime story, and what information should be placed in each box?

The five boxes are: 1) Lead - initial image or detail to draw readers in, 2) Nut graph - summary of the story and its relevance, 3) New image or detail - a shift in the story that resembles the lead, 4) Supporting material - additional information to flesh out the story, and 5) Kicker - a strong closing image or emotion to leave a lasting impact.

What is a 'nut graph' in the context of writing, and why is it important?

A 'nut graph' is a section of a story that sums up the main points, answers the 'so what' question, and provides the impact and relevance of the story to the reader.

How does the script suggest developing characters in a narrative non-fiction true crime story?

Characters should be developed by focusing on who they are, what is known about them, and their motivations and actions within the context of the crime.

What is the purpose of the 'kicker' in a true crime story, and how does it differ between journalistic and narrative styles?

The 'kicker' is meant to leave a strong emotional impact or memorable image with the reader. In journalistic style, it's a factual statement, while in narrative style, it's a more detailed and evocative image or quote.

What types of leads are suggested for journalistic and narrative styles in true crime writing?

For journalistic style, straight news leads, observational leads, and anecdotal leads are suggested. For narrative style, scene-setting leads and zinger leads are more appropriate.

How should a writer research and prepare to write their own true crime story according to the script?

A writer should research their chosen crime or criminal, bullet point the who, what, when, where, why, and how, and create their own five boxes with quotes and statistics to build an outline.