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Mystery: July 13, 2022 Issue [#11459]




 This week: MY MYSTERY HISTORY
  Edited by: Carol St.Ann Author IconMail Icon
                             More Newsletters By This Editor  Open in new Window.

Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter

The Mystery is an intricate entity, easily done in by the smallest detail. Let’s investigate how it works, shall we? And while we’re at it, let’s compare battle scars and have a laugh or two at one another’s expense.


Word from our sponsor



Letter from the editor

The first mystery novel I ever read was The Secret of the Old Clock a Nancy Drew Mystery by Carolyn Keene. It was my first introduction to mysteries and, boy-Howdy, did I love that book!

Of course, as time went on my tastes in mysteries matured. But the heart of what makes a good mystery remains, and if I can’t feel that beating heart, I’ll toss that story or book like it’s a hot cinder.

What I look for in a mystery is a great opener that grabs and a plot that confounds. If I can figure out who did it, and why, in the first couple of chapters, there really isn't a reason for me to keep reading. I want to wonder who did it; I need to be led astray by those blasted red herrings! Confound, confuse, and delight me. Keep me guessing; keep me riveted until the bitter end. I can take it. Indeed, I need it!

I also look for characters to love or hate; there, I’ve said it! Good guy or bad, I want characters that I simply must know more about. Let me in on their dirty little secrets; make me part of their world. Part of what drew (yeah, it’s a pun) me to the Nancy Drew series was, of course, Nancy. She was smart and always willing to take a chance. And she never gave up! Those traits alone made her someone I knew I’d want in my budding universe as a friend or role model or mentor.

There are plenty of other things I look for, but the three biggest are always the Opener, ThePlot, and Characters that have depth. If the story doesn't have these, there is little chance it won’t be tossed.


Thank you for reading!
Carol

Oh! One Last Thing
When you read a great Mystery…
Remember to nominate great work!
SURVEY
Quill Nomination Form 2024 Open in new Window. (E)
Nominate someone for a Quill!
#2145930 by Lilli 🧿 ☕ Author IconMail Icon





Editor's Picks

If you’ve got a mystery in your head:

Try out your mystery chops here:
 
FORUM
Cross Timbers Contest Open in new Window. (18+)
Cross Timbers Contest
#2249559 by Max Griffin 🏳️‍🌈 Author IconMail Icon


Flesh it out here:
FORUM
October Novel Prep Challenge Open in new Window. (13+)
A month-long novel-planning challenge with prizes galore.
#1474311 by Brandiwyn🎶 Author IconMail Icon


Workshop it here with dedicated, in-depth reviews:
STATIC
Cross Timbers Novel Workshop On Hiatis Open in new Window. (E)
Looking for solid NOVEL feedback from other novelists? The NW is BACK & better than ever!
#2088228 by Carol St.Ann Author IconMail Icon


In the meantime, enjoy these two great short stories:
Time of the Dragon: Part One Open in new Window. (13+)
The first part of the sequel to "The Dragon Rises" - Mulligan and the Serial Killers
#741455 by Jack Goldman Author IconMail Icon

 Mystery Open in new Window. (13+)
Solving a mystery always packs a one-two punch.
#925824 by Turkey DrumStik Author IconMail Icon

 
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Word from Writing.Com

Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
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Ask & Answer

What’s your Mystery History?

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Word from our sponsor
ASIN: B01MQP5740
Amazon's Price: $ 4.99

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