Crime and Noir: From Genre Tropes to Literary Fiction,

with Francis-Adrien Morneault

 - a WordTravels Fall event

What makes a crime or noir story work? And what transforms a familiar genre story into something more literary?

In this interactive workshop, writer and novelist Francis-Adrien Morneault will explore the essential elements of crime and noir fiction, from characters (detectives, criminals, etc.), violence, mystery, suspense, and moral ambiguity to the darker atmospheres and distinctive voices associated with the genre.

The first half of the workshop will focus on identifying and discussing the conventions and tropes of crime and noir fiction. Participants will consider how these elements create compelling stories - and how writers can move beyond the familiar conventions of the genre to explore deeper questions about character, memory, morality, identity, place, and the human condition.

Using examples and discussion, Morneault will examine the difference between using genre conventions effectively and transforming those conventions into literary fiction. A story does not have to become literary to be successful: popular crime fiction can be engaging, entertaining, and worthwhile. The goal is not to reject genre conventions, but to understand what they can do and how writers can use them creatively.

The second half will be devoted to a creative writing exercise in which participants will develop their own crime or noir-inspired short piece, experimenting with the techniques discussed during the workshop. Participants may share their writing with the group, but sharing is entirely optional.

No previous experience with crime or noir fiction is required. Come ready to discuss, experiment, and write.

Bio

Francis-Adrien Morneault is a New Brunswick writer, novelist, and poet. He holds a master’s degree in literature from the Université du Québec à Rimouski and has taught literature, French, and English for nearly two decades, including at Rothesay Netherwood School, where he teaches IB French.

His debut novel, The Light of Faded Stars, is a philosophical noir set in Saint John, New Brunswick. Published in 2024, the novel has received numerous honours, including the 2026 CANREADS Adult Fiction Award, double-finalist recognition in the 2025 Next Generation Indie Book Awards (First Novel and Regional Fiction), longlist recognition for the 2026 Whistler Indie Book Awards, and finalist status in the 2025 American Book Awards (Mystery) and more. His work has also appeared in literary and cultural publications and has been featured through readings, interviews, and literary events throughout New Brunswick.

Morneault’s writing draws on the landscapes, history, and people of Atlantic Canada, while exploring themes of memory, mortality, identity, isolation, and the search for meaning. His second book, What the Hills Remember, is a collection of linked short stories and poetry rooted in the people and landscapes of New Brunswick.

He is a member of the Writer’s Federation of New Brunswick and lives and writes in the province.

The Venue

The Write Cup Cafe and Bookstore is located in Market Square, in uptown Saint John. It is a comfortable place to enjoy a coffee, buy books, participate in open mics, workshops and various other events.