There are books for budding novelists who want to write mysteries…a superarticle would be how NOT to expose yourself as a clueless newbie when you write about police investigations.

She might also talk about how the police figure that a given murder is part of a serial killer’s MO. That kind of thing would also be good to send to Writers’ Digest and other magazines about writing which have huge subscription rates.

She could write an article about the profile of a serial killer–or of any killer. What drives people to kill? HOW to create a TRUE KILLER–not just a madman or a Dr. Claw Villian but a truly frighenting character.

She could write also for mystery writers of America. If she gave a talk or two at one of their one-day conferences, she’d have a wealth of material from the questions that the attendees would ask.

Hope this helps

ROTFLMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

She could also do a profile on the forensic artist on the television show “Bones.”

How about using ‘killer’ or ‘murder’ as a key word? Do they get many hits?

A blog about your life as a forensic artist/mystery writer would be cool. Appeal to different audiences at once!

Alot of cool ideas posted already! Especially love the YouTube idea!

I say this because when I’m writing dark fiction, I always need to take time off and switch to articles or short stories with lighter elements.

A few of suggestions I would make are:

1. Make it a Murder Mystery Blog

This focuses more on the “mystery” angle rather than just the killing part.

If you do this–make sure you keep the “Serial Killer” and “Forensics” aspect clearly visible to searchers. You don’t want to hide it so that people have to dig for it: you only want to incorporate a larger range.

Simply through the use of technology, Forensic science easily takes on the science fiction bent, so why exclude all your options. science fiction is big–so grab that audience as well.

Specifically, you could showcase some of the great successful crime novels and have forums discussing their elements.

You could go a long way with the incorporation of legends–Sweeney Todd for instance. This would pull from a historical perspective which can cover geographical areas as well as time periods.

Additionally, since the writing of this kind of genre is (I believe) considerably different than other forms, it would probably help to fill an empty niche in the marketplace.

I think by doing it this way, you aren’t limiting yourself to the “mind of the killer” aspect, but you aren’t prohibiting it either. It could simply be another door on the site itself.

2. You could have a section devoted entirely to “Art”.

This would bring people who may not be interested in the murder side of things, but are interested in the creative side.

3. Write an article of forensic development (through history) in literature as it mirrors real life. As well, forensic developments in literature as it anticipates new techniques.

Blessings,
Joleena

You could be called on to one day be a consultant for TV shows in the future! It happens, as I know a writer of Western novels who had that happen to her for a History Channel series.

Good luck,
Pam

I’m still thinking about Josh’s idea–somehow the idea of a middle-aged, overweight lady wearing a serial-killer T-shirt and leaping from an alley waving a knife is…. Words fail me.

We DO tell people they can become a forensic artists even if they couldn’t draw blood with a knife….

I would want to know under what parameters forensic scientists work.

Is there more than diagnostics involved in their job? How much/any psychological training do they have and use?

And, I would want to know how accurate the TV forensic artist are portrayed.

If the novel were about someone who took a vacation to another continent, and stumbled upon the killing grounds while off exploring the sights, she could write a fictional article (short sample of her book content) on “The Lost Art of Civilization.” This article could initially start off with how having a forensic artist background alerted her to the details an every day person like myself might have missed. Using side bars, the article could highlight some basic forensic details and tips on how to increase one’s awareness of them. The main focus of the article, though, would be about a anthropological find of epic proportions–a lost civilization. In the end, the evidence will point towards a civilization that turned inwardly on their own, not a serial killer. That’s where art would play an important part–just like major digs that unearth pottery, furniture, weapons, etc…, using them to identify a certain race or period in time.

There are also fun approaches if a younger age level is going to be targeted for the novel–and especially so if the intensity is going to be more towards learning, not terror. Carrie could write an article that requires a more “hands on” approach, titled “Drawing conclusions–using only the evidence.” This article could be a contest, where the readers become participants at solving the crime. The winner would receive an autographed copy of the book. And this approach could be expanded to an in-person workshop. Many non-profit organizations would kill (couldn’t resist) to have a guest speaker come in and do a presentation, but don’t have the funds to pay someone. And I would suggest she still have a project/crime to solve for those who attend. Carrie would exchange her time and forensic artist skills for a free place to market her book. Not everyone can afford to send their children to CSI camp, but the YMCA or another local organization may be in their budget.

The novel could even revolve around an art theme. If so, Carrie could write a short story or article in which the main character in the novel stumbles upon the killing ground of a serial killer in all places–a museum. Title this article “Portrait of a Killer.” Again the basic details of forensics would apply, along with a heightened awareness of them, but this time, an understanding into the mind of a serial killer would be necessary. Each photo (or drawing, painting, etc…) in the museum would contain a hidden clue as to the true identity of the killer and the actual victims. The twist–although the artwork contains a variety of signatures, they’re really done by the same person. And trying to determine which piece of artwork represents the dominant personality of the killer would lead to the success of understanding where the other pieces fit in the picture.

Good Luck and I’ll be praying!

Hugs,
Paulette Harris
www.pauletteharris.biz

Since the article is already written you don’t need me to suggest what to write, but rather who to promote it to and how. I agree with the others that all the usual Internet connections, such as a blog, website, and YouTube are good suggestions, but what about the old fashioned printed word?

If you wrote a short article on forensic art that could be submitted to a local college newspaper you could list your books, DVD, website and blog information in the article. Be sure to mention your free SuperArticle that offers a professional insight on the science of forensic art. Since colleges teach art and police science classes they may be interested in such an article submitted by a published author.

Getting back to the Internet sources, you could submit something to www.crimemagazine.com, again promoting your books, DVD, website, etc.