Writing About: Undercover Operations

LAST STOP ON MY BLOG TOUR:

Gwen Gardener - My Favorite Ghosts

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In Seismic Crimes, my sequel to Hurricane Crimes, one of my characters goes undercover. *No spoilers here!* This scene is one of my favorites because of the suspense.

If you ever find yourself writing a mystery or thriller that requires one or more of your characters to go undercover, keep these 5 things in mind:

1. Mission

First, is your character a cop, detective, civilian operative, reporter, or someone trying to solve a mystery solo and taking matters into his/her own hands? After you answer that, make it clear why your character is going undercover. What is his/her mission? This could be anything from getting information they need, finding out who is stealing lawn ornaments from neighbors, or even taking down criminals. Make sure the purpose fits your story line and moves the plot forward.

2. Disguise

When someone goes undercover, they can’t go as him/herself. Your character will need a disguise that’ll fit the situation. If your character is going undercover as a gang member, he/she will have to dress and act the part, even adoring their body with the bandanna or color of the gang. Or maybe your character is going undercover to bust a millionaire. In that case, a bit of glam is required. A person can go undercover as anyone, so let your imagination go wild.

3. Name

A disguise isn’t the only thing your character will need to keep his/her identity safe. Your character will also need a name to complete the disguise. If your character is going undercover in a gang, think of a street name. If your character needs to pretend to be rich, use a last name that exudes wealth like Kennedy.

4. Place

Where does your character go to play his/her role? The mission will dictate where this place should be. It could be a house or business, an alley or a street corner. Wherever it is, describe it to add a bit of suspense.

See: Writing About: An Alley

5. Danger!

Whenever someone goes undercover, danger is always involved. Even if bullets don’t fly, add your character’s thoughts to show his/her fear of being caught or of the situation. Portray the people your character has to trick in a darker light. Make them intense, powerful, and even menacing. Your character could also have a gun/taser/pepper spray in case things go south.

TIP: If your character has to go undercover multiple times, make the danger and stakes higher each time.

QUESTION: Think of the main character in your current WIP...now if this character was going undercover in a gang, what street name would you give him/her?

My Answer: For Beth (Hurricane Crimes), her street name would be Steel (because she’s my heroine of steel). And Donovan’s would be Blood Heart.