Do you want forensics to play a starring role in your fiction, but you find that you’re not quite sure what it’s all about? Forensic Science for Writers reveals how investigators analyze blood, DNA, fingerprints, hair, documents, ammunition, corpses, and other physical evidence. The book won the 2013 Silver Award in the Writing/Publishing division of the Independent Publisher Book Awards contest.

From the code-breaking tricks of the cyber-sleuth to the traditional procedures of the autopsy room, you’ll investigate the strengths and weaknesses of forensic science. But Forensic Science for Writers is not just about science. And it’s not just about forensic speak. You’ll learn how to use forensics to create plot twists. And you’ll see how best-selling authors successfully incorporated forensic science in their stories. You’ll also learn common misconceptions about forensic analysis that plague films and novels – the types of errors that you’ll want to avoid in your own writing.

“If you’ve been getting your forensic details from television, try this instead! It’s packed with an amazing amount of detail, and helps the reader sort out not only what can be done, but exactly who does it,” says Moira Allen, author of Starting Your Career as a Freelance Writer. “I found myself exclaiming, ‘I didn’t know THAT!’ Now I do!”

Forensic Science for Writers is based upon an online course that was offered through colleges and other organizations. More than 800 students took the course, including writers, schoolteachers, law enforcement personnel, and attorneys. Here’s what some students had to say:

“As an already successful writer, I am sure I will refer to these lessons over the coming years as I continue to write novels.”

“Thank you so much for all of the information you gave us! I feel much more confident now about the forensic aspects of my writing. I especially liked how you gave us ideas in our lessons about how evidence and the processing of that evidence could create plot twists.”

“Thanks. I needed that for the screenplay I’m working on.”

“I am a Police Officer and have found this course interesting, factual, and very informative. I will certainly use this information daily and when I pursue training in the Forensic Identification Bureau.”

Phillip Jones

Books