ABOUT
Hey there, crime writer!
Is this your typewriter?! 😉
Bloody typewriters aside, you’re definitely in the right place if you want to make the forensics in your fiction book so believable your readers will think you’re a CSI!
Flowers & Forensics provides content and courses about forensic science geared specifically to fiction authors.
Accuracy is key to writing a great book that will get past those savvy armchair detectives. But… as a forensic scientist for 7 years at a state crime lab, I can tell you that real-life forensics can get pretty tedious, if not downright boring.
Your readers don’t want boring. They want excitement and intrigue and an all-around great story. (And a cute pup or kitty cat never hurt anyone!) 🐕💜🐈
So how do you use forensics in your book so it’s accurate, but not a snoozefest?
You make it BELIEVABLE.
You learn how the forensics really works and then tweak it using something I invented:
The F4: The Fabulous Forensic Fiction Filter
The F4 takes the real-world version and "filters" it by tweaking some details to make the story more exciting and fun, but still keeping it believable.
For example, you can use the F4 to get the forensic DNA results in your book faster than real life, which can take months or even years.
Flowers & Forensics dives deep into all aspects of crime fiction, so pull up a chair and stay a while! 😁🔎
Flowers & Forensics is definitely for you if you want to:
Want to Make the Forensic DNA in Your Book More Believable?
Download my FREE Forensic DNA Believability Guide for fiction authors!
Meet the Team
Hey there! I'm Melissa!
And I'm here to tell you why this picture is a lie!
I’m an editor, blogger, former forensic scientist, and the founder of Flowers & Forensics. I started this website in response to all of the questions from fiction writers about how to use forensics in their books.
How does forensics work? Am I using the terminology right? How do they collect evidence at a crime scene? Do CSIs really wear heels to crime scenes? (Nope! I'm poking fun at CSI in the photo!)
Online searches bring back information geared toward forensic professionals and law enforcement, and it’s not very helpful for writers.
Fiction writers need help with forensics from someone who understands them.
That’s where I come in.
I believe all of my past experiences—forensics, teaching, and editing—led to me a unique career where I can help authors like you.
🔎 I worked as a forensic DNA analyst at a state crime laboratory for 7 years. I did a lot of casework, but I also presented and taught workshops for lawyers, law enforcement, and nurses and testified in criminal trials.
🔬 I developed a love for teaching and decided to move overseas to teach science in China and the Marshall Islands. I taught biology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology, and microbiology.
📚 In 2017, I moved to Maui, where I combined my love of books and science and became a professional editor. I started out editing scientific content (and still do), and then added in fiction. Working with fiction authors made me realize that y'all needed help, so I started Flowers & Forensics. I've concluded that if you guys write more books, then there will be even more great stories out there for me to read! [she says, deliberately looking away from her huge TBR pile] 😊
I hope you’ll become part of my community (by joining my email list), and I look forward to creating great content and products for you!
Keep reading to see some awesome 80s hair, my first book birthday, and cute puppy photos!
- Left - age I first started reading a LOT, plus Strawberry Shortcake eyeglasses
- Center - 4th grade birthday party (woohoo Babysitters Club!)
- Right - awesome early 90s bangs and beginning of Sweet Valley High phase
Fun Facts
about Melissa
READING DURING T-STORMS ♥︎♥︎♥︎
TEA ♥︎♥︎♥︎
1980s EYEGLASSES & PERMS ♥︎♡♡
HIGH-WAISTED JEANS ♡♡♡
fave
CRAFT ACTIVITY
TIE: KNITTING & SCRAPBOOKING
dream
DESTINATION
NORTHEAST IN THE FALL
next
BOOK TO READ
CAN I SAY ALL OF THEM?
COUNTRIES I HAVE LIVED IN
Woof!
I'm Dexter the Detective Dog!
I halp my hooman write about FUR-ensics for fiction authors.
I luv polka dots and belly roobs.
I'm 14 years young and have still got some pep in my step.
I like treatos and going for short walks.
My mom shamelessly uses me to get people to look at her blog and social media channels. I've decided I'm okay with it. I have star qualities.
NAPS ♥︎♥︎♥︎
PODCASTS ♥︎♥︎♡
MASSAGES ♥︎♥︎♥︎
BATH TIME ♡♡♡
fave
BOOK
ANYTHING SNOOPY AND FRIENDS
dream
DESTINATION
MY POUF WHERE I TAKE NAPS
next
MYSTERY TO SOLVE
WHO TOOK MY TREATOS
MY AGE
Want to Make the Forensic DNA in Your Book More Believable?
Download my FREE Forensic DNA Believability Guide for fiction authors!
