Episode 203: Crime
Topics discussed
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Introduction to Literary Disco and the crime genre
Todd Goldberg's shift from literary fiction to crime writing
The blurring of genre boundaries in modern media
Defining crime fiction and the appeal of criminality
Introducing Lee Laughlin, police consultant and author
Lee Laughlin's experience as a law enforcement officer
Common mistakes writers make about police procedure
The police academy experience and its impact on writers
Pet peeves and cliches in crime media
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The function of crime fiction in society and justice
Introducing Melissa and her novel 'A Tiny Upward Shove'
Melissa's background in journalism and true crime
Discussion on narrative structure and victim-forward stories
Analysis of the witch narrator and community impact
The psychology of solving crimes and sense-making
Melissa's personal history and connection to crime
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Introducing Ross and his personal crime experience
Ross recounts the video store robbery in detail
Processing trauma and the evolution of Ross's writing
The impact of real crime on fiction and empathy
Crime as an American genre and the concept of justice
The necessity of violence and happiness in storytelling
Outro and final sponsor
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