True crime author Alan Warren on developing an authentic writing voice

Alan R. Warren is a Canadian bestselling true crime author, producer, and lead host of the internationally syndicated radio show and podcast House of Mystery.

A respected authority in true crime nonfiction, Alan has authored 38 books covering serial killers, cults, human trafficking, history, and memoir. His work is published by major true crime publishers including RJ Parker/Vronksy Publishing (Canada) and WildBlue Press (USA).

Author and podcast host Alan Warren

Alan has been a contributor to True Case Files Magazine since 2013 and continues to write for Serial Killer Magazine. Notable works include Beyond Suspicion: The True Story of Colonel Russell Williams, The Killing Game: Serial Killer Rodney Alcala, and Doomsday Cults: The Devil’s Hostages. In 2024, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award in Writing from Reader’s House in London, UK. Alan is frequently sought out by media outlets for expert commentary on true crime cases, serial killers, cult behavior, and criminal psychology. Alan discusses the evolution of his writing, his continual learning, developing an authentic writing voice, and parts of his editing process.

Finding a voice through craft and education

OCW: Has your writing evolved over the years? If so, how has this happened? Through writing experience? By reading a lot? From writing courses, writing communities, or something else?

AW: Yes, I’ve certainly changed my writing. When I write every single book, I discover something new—about storytelling, but also about structure, pacing, and clarity. I take some lessons from each project that I learn, and that force me to get better—even if they’re tools that I may not have concentrated on.

Alan Warren's latest nonfiction book is Peace, Love, & Murder: The Charles Manson Story.

I’ve also proactively tried to solidify the basics by taking some English and writing classes—lessons I’m sure I didn’t pay enough attention to growing up. Returning to grammar, writing style, and composition has forced me to look at my voice more critically and has given me more courage in my writing. Every book is a progression from the previous one, and that knowledge on the go has affected my writing in significant ways.

Advice on developing an authentic writing voice, and protecting it

OCW: What advice/guidance do you give to writers?

AW: The advice to potential writers: write what you truly want to say. Don’t pay any attention to the noise in your environment—everything from comments on social media to trends in your area to well-meaning critiques from your friends. You are fed with opinions from others on what you’re supposed to write, how you’re meant to write, or what sells. But come what may, your voice is where your work shines. Write the stories that matter to you. As long as you focus on improving your craft and being authentic, the rest becomes background noise.

Balancing spontaneous dialogue with disciplined revision

OCW: Do you edit as you write, or write and edit later?

AW: Sometimes I edit as I go, particularly with narrative chunks, where I want the tone and flow to feel right from the start. But other times, especially when I’m writing dialogue, I write it down on the page as naturally as it comes. In those moments, I care more about what I want the character to express than about perfection. Dialogue, to me, is essentially just speaking, capturing the voice, capturing the emotion. I’ll revisit it much later and go back to the nastiest parts and polish it up—refining the wording, adjusting the rhythm, ensuring its delivery sounds authentic. It represents a balance between creativity in the moment and discipline during revision.

OCW: Do you use social media to engage readers, writers, or publishers, and, if so, which platforms?

AW: I use social media mainly to promote what I am doing and keep readers aware of it. It’s a very handy tool for visibility and staying present in the industry. I also use it to connect with other writers and publishers, which can lead to good conversations and professional opportunities. That said, I don’t usually join groups.

Many online groups tend to develop their own personalities or dynamics, and if parts of you don’t quite fit that culture, it’s easy to feel left out. I prefer to engage more directly and authentically rather than trying to adapt to a specific group identity.

OCW: If you’ve been published, how did you find your first publisher?

AW: I met my first publisher through a connection as I was interviewing several of his authors for my radio show. Through those interviews and ongoing conversations, we got to know each other.

About a year later, he reached out and asked if I would be interested in writing a 20,000-word short book on a single true crime case. The book would be part of a planned 22-book series. That's where it all began.