Creative writing assignments #4

TASK #4:  Bringing the suspect into Custody

You can’t let the body get too cold!  It’s time for the investigation to begin.  The cops have decided to take in some suspects.  The investigator is taking matters into her own hands- the murderer has to be found… or at least uncover some clues…

Writing dialogue:  Dialogue is a matter of format; be sure the format is correct! (Marks depend on it!)  When you write dialogue you use “” and have a new line whenever a new person talks.  You can also have bits of description in your writing to help the reader understand the mood and/or attitude of the speaker…

     

Ex.:         “Alright Sylvia, it’s time to talk.”

              “I ain’t sayin’ nuttin’”, says the young Gamin in her tattered dress.

              “A pretty girl like you,” the investigator starts, leaning in, getting his face within a hair of the Gamin’s nose, then whispers “shouldn’t be so quiet.”

              “I ain’t sayin’ nuttin’”, she says again, turning her head away slightly.  But this time she smiles slightly at of the investigator’s subtle compliment.

              “TALK!”

              The Gamin jumps with the loud sound, the investigator is still only millimetres away.

              “TALK!” he barks again.

Task:  you are going to have your investigator interview one (or more) of your suspects: 

1.       choose/create an investigator (member of the police, Private Eye, a witness taking matters into his/her own hands)

2.       Choose which suspect to interview; how does that suspect act; are they belligerent, sad, do they “spill the beans” or are they asking for their lawyer?

3.       Once you have your characters- what questions will your investigator ask?  What will he/she say and what will that reveal about the plot? 

Questions to ask yourself/ things to think about:

1.          Use different speech patterns for your characters.

2.          Do you need description and dialogue so your reader understands your story?

3.          Is your format correct?  How does your suspect react to the questioning?  Do they crumble under the strain?  Are the investigators playing good cop/bad cop?

4.          How is this character involved?  Are the investigators on the trail or are they barking up the wrong tree?

5.          As you are telling a “mystery” be sure that you don’t say who did it!