Guilty as Fiction
Guilty as Fiction
(Part 1 of 2)
(Part 1 of 2)
Alright, detectives-in-training and criminal masterminds (on paper only, of course)—welcome to your next writing challenge!
Your task is to write a crime. No, not commit one—just write one. This is Part 1 of a two-part assignment. First, you’ll craft a scene in which a crime is committed. Your crime can be as serious as murder or as ridiculously minor as jaywalking in front of a very confused squirrel. The goal is to make your crime compelling, dramatic, or even funny. Think about who is committing the crime, why they are doing it, and what the moment looks like.
However, here’s the twist—your crime will eventually lead to an interrogation. So as you write, ask yourself:
If the crime is serious, what evidence could lead to an intense questioning?
If the crime is minor, why on earth is this person being interrogated? (Is there a misunderstanding? Are they being framed? Did they get caught in a mix-up bigger than they ever imagined?)
For inspiration, we’ll be reading the murder scene from Crime and Punishment, but you don’t have to write a murder—though you certainly can! Maybe someone swipes the last donut at a police station and is accused of grand theft pastry. Maybe a kid sneaks into a theme park after hours, only to be blamed for an elaborate heist. Or maybe someone’s dog technically wasn’t on a leash, and now the authorities have questions.
Keep it engaging and creative! This is about storytelling, so have fun with the details—mood, setting, and motivation matter.
Think ahead to the interrogation. Whatever crime you write now will set up Part 2, where your criminal (or misunderstood suspect) faces questioning.
Be mindful of your audience. Certain topics—like sexual assault, pedophilia, or other deeply disturbing crimes—aren’t the right fit for this assignment. Keep things school-appropriate, creative, and, if possible, unexpected!
So, whether you're plotting a jewel heist, a case of mistaken identity, or the world’s most aggressive library fine evasion—go forth and commit (fictional) crime!