How to write a story, pulp style
July 18, 2013 1:07 PM Subscribe
Specific story-writing method published by a '20s/'30s crime writer?
I'm looking for a short-story writing method that was referenced here before, either on the blue or the green.
It's by a '20s / '30s crime writer. He shows his method of writing a 6,500 word story that, he claimed, had never failed to get him a sale with the pulp mags of the time.
I remember it began with something like, "Start with an unusual method of murder." I think the example was a corpse with a belly full of butterfly larvae.
Another line from it was, "heap more trouble on the protagonist".
Anyway, that's about all I remember, and nothing specific enough to turn up on Google. I definitely read the entire thing (it amounts to a pamphlet) online, so it's out there somewhere.
Appreciate any help!
I'm looking for a short-story writing method that was referenced here before, either on the blue or the green.
It's by a '20s / '30s crime writer. He shows his method of writing a 6,500 word story that, he claimed, had never failed to get him a sale with the pulp mags of the time.
I remember it began with something like, "Start with an unusual method of murder." I think the example was a corpse with a belly full of butterfly larvae.
Another line from it was, "heap more trouble on the protagonist".
Anyway, that's about all I remember, and nothing specific enough to turn up on Google. I definitely read the entire thing (it amounts to a pamphlet) online, so it's out there somewhere.
Appreciate any help!
Response by poster: Exactly! Thank you, Mr. Hero.
posted by meadowlark lime at 1:14 PM on July 18, 2013
posted by meadowlark lime at 1:14 PM on July 18, 2013
Best answer: See the links in that post and also the awesome unSane technique
posted by shothotbot at 1:23 PM on July 18, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by shothotbot at 1:23 PM on July 18, 2013 [1 favorite]
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http://www.metafilter.com/110549/MURDER-METHOD-FOR-VILLAIN-TO-USE-SCORPIONS
posted by RobotHero at 1:13 PM on July 18, 2013 [4 favorites]