Upcoming:

+ online courses for Sisters in Crime Guppies (September 2018)

+ Masterclasse & workshop for 2018 Sisters in Crime Crime Bake in Boston, MA (November 2018)

+ workshops for 2019 RWA Conference in New York, NY (July 2019)

+ workshop for ThrillerFest 2019 (July 2019)  

 

Testimonials

"If you haven't heard Geoff Symon's class on forensics and crime scene investigation, hurry. Fascinating, weirdly fun and totally accessible. A must for crime and suspense writers."

Kristan Higgins

(New York Times bestselling author)

"Shout out to Geoff Symon, whose forensic advice is helping to make my current work in progress bloody believable."

Christopher Rice

(New York Times bestselling author)

"When I have to write forensics scenes in my stories, my go-to source to get all the details right is Geoff Symon. His first-hand experience, as well as his ability to explain the world of crime scene investigations, have been invaluable resources. It's been a mystery to me why Geoff hasn't been writing his own stories. Now, thankfully, he is."   

Ron Marz

(Green Lantern, Witchblade, Adventures of Superman)

“Only Geoff Symon could make blood spatter so damned charming!”

Amy Lane

(Fish out of Water, Keeping Promise Rock)

“I think I just figured out how to fix my wounded, sorry, mush of a manuscript. Thanks Geoff Symon!”

Dev Bentham 

(Whistle Blower, August Ice)

Recommendations

Below you'll find a list of genre fiction organizations, events, substantive books, and resources for your own forensic researches.

 

National Groups

• Horror Writers Association
  HWA is a nonprofit organization of writers and publishing professionals around the world, dedicated to promoting dark literature and the interests of those who write it. HWA was formed in the late 1980′s with the help of many of the field’s greats, including Dean Koontz, Robert McCammon, and Joe Lansdale. Today, with over 600 members around the globe, it is the oldest and most respected professional organization for the much-loved writers who have brought you the most enjoyable sleepless nights of your life.
• International Thriller Writers
  The International Thriller Writers is an honorary society of authors, both fiction and nonfiction, who write books broadly classified as “thrillers.” This would include (but isn’t limited to) such subjects as murder mystery, detective, suspense, horror, supernatural, action, espionage, true crime, war, adventure, and myriad similar subject areas.
• Mystery Writers of America
  Mystery Writers of America is the premier organization for mystery writers, professionals allied to the crime writing field, aspiring crime writers, and those who are devoted to the genre. MWA is dedicated to promoting higher regard for crime writing and recognition and respect for those who write within the genre. They provide scholarships for writers, sponsor MWA:Reads (a youth literacy program, formerly known as Kids Love A Mystery), sponsor symposia and conferences, present the Edgar® Awards, and conduct other activities to further a better appreciation and higher regard for crime writing.
• Romance Writers of America
  Romance Writers of America® (RWA) is a nonprofit trade association whose mission is to advance the professional interests of career-focused romance writers through networking and advocacy. RWA works to support the efforts of its members to earn a living, to make a full-time career out of writing romance—or a part-time one that generously supplements his/her main income.
• Sisters in Crime
  Sisters in Crime promotes the ongoing advancement, recognition and professional development of women crime writers. The organization includes 3600 members in 48 chapters world-wide, offering networking, advice and support to mystery authors. They include authors, readers, publishers, agents, booksellers and librarians bound by affection for the mystery genre and support of women who write mysteries. Sisters in Crime was founded by Sara Paretsky and a group of women at the 1986 Bouchercon in Baltimore.

 

Writers groups & chapters

• Liberty States Fiction Writers
  Liberty States Fiction Writers is a multi-genre organization dedicated to the education and support of all fiction writers. We provide workshops and networking events to aid both published and yet-to-be published writers. So, whether you’re trying to write and sell your first book of your fortieth, the Liberty States Fiction Writers can help.
• Rainbow Romance Writers
  RRW is the home of professional authors of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender romances. As an active chapter of the Romance Writers of America, RRW continues to push for research, awareness, and education in unexpected communities.
• Savvy Authors
  Savvy Authors strives to provide the best tools, classes, and networking opportunities for authors in all stages of their writing careers, from aspiring novelists to multi-published authors.  SavvyAuthors is committed to developing a community that embraces: mentoring and sharing of knowledge and expertise among our members, a strong writer’s support network, and the tools to let each of our members achieve their publication goals..

Genre fiction events

• Create Something Magical Conference
  Whether you’re trying to sell your first book or your fortieth, the road to publication is never an easy one to navigate. Let Liberty States Fiction Writers guide your way. A multi-genre organization, the Liberty States Fiction Writers is dedicated to the education and support of all fiction writers. We provide workshops, networking events and promotional opportunities to aid both published and yet-to-be published writers.
• ThrillerFest
  Thrillerfest is the premiere conference for thriller enthusiasts, bringing together famous authors and new ones along with industry professionals, agents, and fans.  It’s a vibrant hub of literary networking and social interaction.  An array of impressive names, including Clive Cussler, Lee Child, James Patterson, Sandra Brown, Harlan Coben, David Baldacci, David Morrell, Ken Follett, and R.L. Stine, linger in the halls of the Grand Hyatt every July.

 

Books

	Howdunit – Police Procedure & Investigation: A Guide For Writers by Lee Lofland
	Murder and Mayhem: A Doctor Answers Your Medical and Forensic Questions for Mystery Writers by D.P. Lyle.
	Violence: A Writer's Guide by Rory Miller
	Practical Crime Scene Analysis and Reconstruction by Ross M. Gardner
	Criminalistics: An Introduction to Forensic Science by Richard Saferstein
	Spitz and Fisher’s Medicolegal Investigation of Death by Werner Spitz
	Gunshot Wounds: Practical Aspects of Firearms, Ballistics, and Forensic Techniques by Vincent J.M. Dimaio