Welcome to another riveting episode of “Only Murders in My Mind,” a production where we delve into the world of crime writing with our hosts Carol Bissett, Liz Hedgecock, and Mike Jackson. This week’s episode is a captivating exploration of the intricate art of lying and its implications in both reality and fiction.
Shout-Out to Warrington Litfest 2024
Before diving into our main discussion, Carol and Liz excitedly shared their involvement in the Warrington Litfest 2024. This literary festival spans the entire month of June, with notable events including a local author week at the Central Library on Saturday, the 15th, and a session at Stockton Heath Library on Tuesday, the 18th. For those keen on catching them live, more information can be found through Warrington Lit Fest: https://livewirewarrington.co.uk/news
Current Writing Projects
The hosts then updated listeners on their current writing projects. Liz has been busy with the edits of her latest Nora book, which is in the final stages of beta reading and polishing. She’s also working on book five of the Booker and Fitch series, “Murder at Work,” and researching for Maisy Frobisher book five set in 1890s Paris. Carol, despite some delays due to illness and a holiday, is progressing with book four of the Warrington Detective series. Mike shared his progress on a book of drabbles (stories of exactly 100-words) and a collection of short stories, which he hopes to self-publish soon.
The Science of Lies
The central theme of this episode was “The Science of Lies.” The hosts dissected the nuances of lying, examining how it manifests in real life and fiction. Here are some key insights from their discussion:
Eye Contact and Lies
Contrary to popular belief, maintaining eye contact is not a definitive sign of truthfulness. Studies indicate that liars often maintain eye contact to gauge if their lie is being believed. On the other hand, people who look away are usually trying to recall or think about their response.
Telling Lies in Fiction
The hosts explored how lies are portrayed in crime fiction. Liz highlighted that liars tend to offer concise answers to avoid providing details that could trip them up. This strategy is prevalent in mystery writing, where characters often withhold information to mislead others.
Non-Verbal Cues
Mike pointed out that liars frequently use hand gestures to emphasize their points. This excessive gesturing is a subconscious attempt to reinforce their fabricated story. Additionally, liars may cover their mouths or fidget as physical manifestations of their deceit.
Types of Lies
The hosts categorised lies into three main types:
- Lies of Commission: Directly providing false information.
- Lies of Omission: Leaving out critical details to mislead.
- Lies of Influence: Manipulating facts to create a false impression.
Detecting Lies
An interesting technique discussed was asking liars to recount their story backwards. Since liars rehearse their tales in chronological order, reversing the sequence can cause inconsistencies and reveal deception.
Polygraphs and Gut Feelings
The reliability of polygraphs was debated, with the consensus being that while they might indicate deceit, they aren’t foolproof. The conversation veered towards the intuitive aspect of detecting lies. Liz mentioned that our subconscious often picks up on lies better than our conscious mind, suggesting that gut feelings should not be ignored.
Fictional Liars and Storytelling
In fiction, the art of lying is integral to crafting compelling narratives. Mike emphasised that crime writers must create characters who lie convincingly to drive the plot forward. Carol added that while incorporating lies in stories, it’s crucial to maintain a balance to keep the readers guessing without making the deception too obvious.
Practical Insights for Writers
For aspiring crime writers, the discussion offered practical tips. Understanding the psychology of lying and recognising common tells can enhance character development and plot authenticity. Whether it’s through detailed facial expressions or the strategic omission of facts, mastering the art of lies can significantly elevate storytelling.
Conclusion and Interactive Opportunities
The episode wrapped up with a reminder to visit the podcast’s blog on WordPress for additional content and writing prompts. The hosts encouraged listeners to participate in the weekly writing prompt and share their stories, which might be featured in future episodes. They also invited suggestions for topics to cover in upcoming podcasts, ensuring a collaborative and engaging community experience.
In conclusion, this episode of “Only Murders in My Mind” provided a fascinating exploration of lying, both in real life and fiction. From understanding non-verbal cues to crafting deceptive characters, the insights shared by Carol, Liz, and Mike offer valuable guidance for crime writers and enthusiasts alike. Tune in next Thursday at 5pm for another thrilling episode, and in the meantime, happy writing and keen observation of those subtle signs of deceit!
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