Here are the next five resolutions. The most interesting are the tongue-in-cheek ones. Turning those into something possible and practical has been inspiring and I am looking forward to my writing year.
1) Invent a completely new crime genre. Create a new sub-genre of crime fiction that becomes an instant sensation (Tongue in cheek).
Crime is one of the most successful genres, in that people never tire of it. There are two conflicting issues that any crime writer has to deal with.;The first is how to satisfy readers with enough well worn tropes so that they come back for more. The second is how to keep your writing fresh and vibrant without losing readers. It can be a delicate balance. I have recently been reading several classic crime novels to help with my research. I wanted to know why some writers’ work has stood the test of time. I have noticed that fashion plays a big part in popularity.
Although I am certain that nothing is new. I have been thinking about new future series and what sub genre I should opt for. So watch this space I’m ready for a change.
Research sub-genres and classic novels to give me options for future series.
2) Attend a writing workshop. Improve your skills by attending workshops and conferences.
I would love to, but here’s the rub, they cost money. Writing can be extremely expensive if you’re not careful with your spending. More people want to write books. More people want to charge money to teach you how to write a book. If that sounds cynical, it’s not meant to be. I need to earn more money before I do something which, although helpful, is a luxury. I have already found two that interest me both close enough to my home to be feasible.
Earn enough money this year to book a workshop or conference for 2026.
3) Never use any crime cliches. Write an entire crime novel without using a common trope of cliche. (Tongue in cheek.)
I spent a long time thinking about this one. Readers like tropes, they like something familiar to guide them through your novel. So there is a danger of losing your reader. A good trick would be to turn some of the most cliched tropes on their head with good story twists. My desire for originality and distinction in my stories means I’ll postpone my new resolution.
Keep thinking through cliches and tropes in order to write more original stories. My stories for this year are all planned, so this will be one of next year’s resolutions.
4) Experiment with different POVs. Try writing from different points of view to add depth to your storytelling.
Funnily enough, I’ve been thinking a lot about this. Classic Crime novels I’ve read mostly use a third-person omniscient narrator. Modern novels use a close third-person or first-person perspective. I’m not sure I’ve got the nerve to move away from current fashion. Short stories are a good place to experiment so , you might see some short stories from me soon. I quite like the idea of a narrator. I might also give 1st person a go. I love it for short stories but have never done a full novel, so these resolutions stand exactly as written. I’m determined to experiment.
5) Find a real-life criminal mastermind to collaborate with. Co-write a novel with a notorious criminal mastermind (Tongue in Cheek)
How am I going to find a criminal mastermind? Do I already know one? Do I advertise, and if so, what would their credentials be? This brings up so many questions.
I you know of a criminal mastermind who needs someone to help tell his or her story please get in touch.
Keep my ears open for opportunities to talk to criminals and either listen to their stories or offer to work with them.
Abigail Thorne 