\"Writing.Com
*Magnify*
SPONSORED LINKS
BY ONLINE AUTHORS
Printed from https://shop.writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/12814-Im-Thinking-of-Something--Mundane.html
Mystery: October 30, 2024 Issue [#12814]




 This week: I’m Thinking of Something … Mundane
  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

How does one write a story about seemingly mundane, everyday happenings and make it interesting enough to capture a readership? How would you create and write an original sleuth so that it’s entertaining and ultimately satisfying?


Word from our sponsor

ASIN: B01IEVJVAG
Amazon's Price: $ 9.99


Letter from the editor


I’m thinking of something . . .

I’m thinking about a character. Like Bruce Willis in moonlighting. Why was he such a smart Alec?

I’m thinking about a character. Like Peter Falk in Colombo. Why the cigar and raincoat?

Angela Lansbury in Murder, She Wrote.

And dare I leave out Tony Shalhoub’s Monk?

These were entertaining characters of substance, who could carry the story on their own. You know, without the car chases and pathetic attempts at the standard cliched male/female standoff-road-to-romance recipe from which no one seems to be able to break away.

And speaking of cliches, what about the stories! Why is every mystery drenched in murder?

What about the everyday mystery’s like:
•Who stole Mrs. Holland’s lawn statue?
•Why are so many pets disappearing from the Senior community?
•Why does a 10-mile-long traffic jam suddenly dissipate without evidence of what caused it?
•What happens to all the contractors in the middle of your remodel?
•How come you used the same recipe and ingredients, but one batch is completely different from the other?
•Why did 4 of the 7 members of the Board of Directors suddenly resign from what everyone sees as a healthy HOA?

Is all this actually sinister, or are there perfectly logical explanations for all of them?

How does one write a story about seemingly mundane, everyday happenings and make it interesting enough to capture a readership? How would you create and write an original sleuth so that it’s entertaining and ultimately satisfying?

Creative character building.
Well rounded characters with a healthy backstory (that need never be fully revealed, by the way, as long as the author makes it canon and sticks to it) are crucial to a memorable sleuth. Consider Telly Savalas’ character, Theo Kojak. Did the audience ever learn why he always had a lollypop? Did we need to? I dare suggest it wouldn’t have mattered one bit.

While each of these sleuths’ cleverly designed idiosyncratic quirks were always present, they were never the center or subject of the story. The quirk’s true role took place outside the story; in the mind of the reader.

Quirks are developed to build character recognition.

Are you up for a challenge?
Sometime between now and November 30th (2024), write a short story or poem (beginning-middle-end) with (1)an everyday mystery (2)solved by a sleuth with a memorable quirk that hasn’t been done before. And I’ll send you an MB (or 10k GPs) of your choice. (Extra surprise points if you make me laugh!)

See you next time. 🔍
Who loves ya, Baby!
•=======•=======•
One Last Thing!
Remember to nominate great mysteries!
SURVEY
Quill Nomination Form 2024 Open in new Window. (E)
Nominate someone for a Quill!
#2145930 by Lilli 🧿 ☕ Author IconMail Icon



Editor's Picks

Flesh out your mystery story here:
 
STATIC
Crosstimbers Author Consortium Open in new Window. (E)
About the Consortium
#2309058 by Max Griffin 🏳️‍🌈 Author IconMail Icon


CHECK OUT THESE GREAT READS!
 
STATIC
The House Across the Lake Open in new Window. (13+)
Contest entry. Photo prompt. What happens when an abandoned house glows?
#2329509 by D. Reed Whittaker Author IconMail Icon

 Where Has The Groundhog Gone?  Open in new Window. (13+)
A poem of mystical proportions
#2280263 by 💙 Carly - aka Joan Watson Author IconMail Icon

 
STATIC
Spirit in the Night Open in new Window. (ASR)
Cramp Entry: Roland must endure a melancholic spirt.
#2303687 by Than Pence Author IconMail Icon

 Poe's Riddle Solved Open in new Window. (E)
At least he wasn't probed...I think.
#2327928 by KS23 Author IconMail Icon

 
Submit an item for consideration in this newsletter!
https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form

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!
         https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form

Don't forget to support our sponsor!

ASIN: B083RZ37SZ
Product Type:
Amazon's Price: Price N/A
Not currently available.


Ask & Answer


*Bullet* *Bullet* *Bullet* Don't Be Shy! Write Into This Newsletter! *Bullet* *Bullet* *Bullet*

This form allows you to submit an item on Writing.Com and feedback, comments or questions to the Writing.Com Newsletter Editors. In some cases, due to the volume of submissions we receive, please understand that all feedback and submissions may not be responded to or listed in a newsletter. Thank you, in advance, for any feedback you can provide!
Writing.Com Item ID To Highlight (Optional):

Send a comment or question to the editor!
Limited to 2,500 characters.
Word from our sponsor
ASIN: B07N36MHWD
Amazon's Price: $ 7.99

Removal Instructions

To stop receiving this newsletter, click here for your newsletter subscription list. Simply uncheck the box next to any newsletter(s) you wish to cancel and then click to "Submit Changes". You can edit your subscriptions at any time.


Printed from https://shop.writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/12814-Im-Thinking-of-Something--Mundane.html