Hello, Any detective fiction writers here? Looking for someone I can ask questions and/or seek advice and opinions. -David B
Hey, David. I'm currently writing a murder mystery/courtroom drama. It's my first project in the genre as well as my first project which will likely turn into a full-length novel. I'm not overly experienced in the subject, but as we are both working in the same genre, I'd be glad to help out in any way I may be able to -Markey
What I write is closer to thrillers than a true detective fiction, but there's usually a mystery to solve, red herrings and an investigative process in most of my books.
My brother is a PI. The stories he tells are of long and boring days watching or waiting for something to happen. Not much of any interest has happened in the last twenty or so years that I can recall. All the coolest stories I have heard with those with first and hand experience come from people doing repo work. The tv shows have really overdone the excitement of the field of PI work. But if you want to fact check anything I would be glad to pass on any questions to him.
How does he get paid? Like....if 90% of his workday is boring, do-nothing-work....how does paying a PI hourly work? What if your brother has an apprentice or an assistant, how does he pay them?
Most of what PIs do is reposssesions, process serving , and bailiff work… the other ten percent is mostly divorce tails or investigations for insurance companies or credit agencies ( plus in the states a little bit of skip tracing for bail bondsmen) none of it is all that exciting detective fiction rather like police fiction is fiction for a reason… you have to take liberties with the realism in order not to be boring my big PI series crocodile investigations they are more like consultants who get called in by the police to solve difficult cases all over the world … that hardly ever happens for real because the police don’t need or want the help of consultants my other PI series the MC used to be an assassin and he gets called to investigate things that need to stay off the record generally killing the perpetrators … obviously realism isn’t a strong consideration
That's very like my job, though I get a steady government wage and the very, very occasional boat chase. Even when I was in my country's version of a SWAT team, it was basically driving around eating ice cream with my BFF and waiting for something to kick off. Today I'm looking at endless spreadsheets to which I have nothing useful to add and drinking so much tea that my stomach probably looks like it's lined in mahogany at this point. The media grossly exaggerates the excitement level of fighting crime.
Where does one apply for this job? It sounds very easy and if it comes with a steady paycheck, bonus!!!
I applied online, actually. It has moments that I enjoy- like channeling Sean Connery in Outland and marching into factories to face off with crooked business owners who have far too much influence in the community- but I often feel like the Sheriff of Nowhere. I've taken up maritime search and rescue on the side to keep me from withering away.
