Ripped from the Headlines: Writing Fiction and Nonfiction Inspired by Real-Life Crime

How do writers transform real crimes into compelling stories, and where do they draw the line between fact, imagination, and responsibility? Join crime writers Deborah Levison, T. M. Dunn, and Wendy Whitman for a lively panel discussion at the Trumbull Library - Main Branch exploring how real-life cases inspire both fiction and nonfiction.

The panelists will discuss how writers research criminal cases, interpret public records, and shape true events into narratives that are accurate, ethical, and engaging for readers. Topics will include the creative process behind crime writing, the balance between fact and storytelling, and the responsibilities that come with writing about real people and real events. They’ll examine how true events are reshaped for narrative impact, how writers balance accuracy with storytelling, and why crime writing continues to captivate readers.

The Trumbull Library is located at 33 Quality Street in Trumbull.