What I Do #2: Megan M. Grant
True crime writer Megan M. Grant tells us about what she does.
What I Do is a weekly Explaining Crime series that features a single creator in the crime content space and their answers to a set series of questions about what they do.
I define the “crime content space” fairly broadly, including crime news, narrative nonfiction, investigative journalism, academia, advocacy, and, of course, true crime. I plan to feature a wide variety of people, including academics, crime reporters, podcasters, authors, advocates, YouTubers, and more.
The idea is to share and spread ideas about the different ways people are doing this kind of work and tips for how to do it.
This week, I’m featuring Megan M. Grant, a true crime writer.
What I Do: Megan M. Grant
Location: London, England
What do you do?
I am a true crime writer and have written several scripts for the UK True Crime podcast, articles for the Crime and Investigation website and recently, some research for a bonus episode of the British Murders podcast.
Who is your audience?
My audience is vast. On my true crime blog, I interact with people from all over the world, which helps me as I discover cases I have not heard of before. The podcasts and articles I write also have a broad audience.
What are the most useful tools in your work?
The most useful tool I use is my MacBook. I carry it everywhere in case I get any ideas when I am out.
Who or what are the most useful sources of information in your work?
I use so many different sources. I of course use Google to start my research, which expands into several different websites. I also have a collection of true crime magazines and books I use. Then there are documentaries, I get a lot of information on the backgrounds of the victim and perpetrator.
What’s your process?
I normally start by picking a country where I will then research cases. When I find an interesting case, I will do further research online and see if there are any documentaries on the case. Then the writing begins. I will make bullet points and categorize each section before I write a blog.
How do you distribute or otherwise share your work?
I mainly use Instagram, which is my personal blog MegathaChristie, but I also have a Facebook page. I always share my blog posts on LinkedIn, as this has further generated interest in my work.
What’s something you wish people understood about crime, justice, or another related topic?
I wish people would understand that those with an interest in true crime do not glamorize or sensationalize such horrific events. There may be a small number of people who do, but the majority of us want to understand the criminal mind as well as make sure we remember the victims.
Why do you do this work?
As someone with ADHD, I have always struggled to find something I can focus on. However, when I found true crime, it has kept me interested ever since.
What was your path to doing this?
I started writing many years ago and decided to pursue my interest further at university. I earned a BSc in criminology and went on to get an MSc in Criminology with forensic psychology. I still maintained my blog, and this year my work was noticed, and i have got work doing different types of writing projects.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out who wants to do what you do?
My advice would be to never give up and keep doing what you love as you never know where it can take you.
What book, podcast, documentary, or anything else would you recommend to people reading this?
I would of course recommend UK True Crime and British Murders; they cover all crimes in the United Kingdom, and many some have never heard of. Also, check out the Crime and Investigation website. They cover all types of true crime articles from cases around the world.
Who would you like to see answer these questions?
I would like to see true crime podcasters and true crime documentary presenters answer these questions.
What haven’t I asked you about that you’d like to add?
What do content producers do in our down time? As true crime writing can be very intense researching horrific cases, I dedicated my evenings to building Lego as a way to wind down.