 Mystery: February 14, 2007 Issue [#1544] |
  Mystery
This week: Edited by: darkin
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1. About this Newsletter
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3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
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Welcome to the Mystery Newsletter. Why are mysteries so popular? Because mysteries make you think. You follow every clue, examine the crime scenes and remember what each suspect said, until you solve the crime. A good mystery can keep you interested until the end. A great mystery will keep you guessing until the last page...when it makes you slap your forehead in surprise!
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Spicing up Your Mystery Story
Mystery stories sometimes are a dime a dozen, often following the same basic outline: the murder, discovery of the body, clues found, and killer caught. The stories are usually told in third or first person point of view, with one character as the teller.
When you decide to write a mystery, there are many things to think about before putting words to paper. What is your story about? What are some of the things that come to mind when you think about your story? Some stories work well with a regular style of storytelling. Others will blossom if told in a more unique manner.
Once you've decided on a point of view, you should think about how you want to tell your story. Do you want to write it as a standard story, one like most mysteries? Or do you want to try some things to spice your story up and take it to a new level? Personal Written Records can be used to draw your readers into your story by letting them have a peek into the detective's or killer's mind. There are several ways to do this.
 A diary or journal - your killer or detective's diary can be a great way to show his/her personality and inner thoughts. Writing your story in diary format, with each entry dated and even letting the character have a special greeting and signature to his diary.
Letters - telling your mystery through letters written to a friend or confidant either by the detective, killer, or someone close to either one, is another wonderful plot tool. While it would be difficult for the detective and killer to write each other in this manner, having one of them writing a trusted friend wouldn't be unheard of. Also, the killer can write letters to the paper and/or the police; there are many instances of this happening in real life.
Impersonal written records are another good plot vehicle to use. The most common method of this is newspaper accounts. It takes a bit of work to write an interesting story in that format, since newspaper articles are written more for information than entertainment. Before you attempt this style, be sure to read real newspaper articles written about crimes, so you will know just what they do and don't put into an article. You will want your story to feel real for your readers.
When you are writing your story, you don't need to make your tale just journal entries, or newspaper articles. You can add these things into your story to give more insight into the character's thoughts and personalities. And to bring your characters and plot to life.
Standard short story format is a wonderful way to tell a story. But it isn't the only form you can use for your story. There are other ways you can write your mystery, if you just take the time to think outside the mystery box.
Thank you for taking the time to read. Happy Writing!
darkin
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Thank you all for the wonderful feedback on my last newsletter! I really enjoy reading your comments!!!
Darkin
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Submitted By: billwilcox
Submitted Comment:
Darkin Holmes...
I too cut my teeth on Sherlock Holmes stories. I think the way Doyle used time helped set up a lot of the suspense in his tales. It was always a matter of life and death that he solve the crime before the culprit struck again. Involving the element of Time into your stories forces the reader to rush along with you, holding their breath the whole time. Good stuff Squirrels,
-Bill
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Yes, adding the element of time, or most definitely lack of time, is another great way to add suspense to a story. The detective should always be under the gun when it comes to finding the criminal...especially when there could be more bodies if he doesn't solve the crime fast enough
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Submitted By: SHERRI GIBSON 
Submitted Comment:
I couldn't agree more, Darkin. I just love a good mystery that leaves me in complete suspense until the finale. Another excellent newsletter!
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Thank you, Sherri! I'm glad you liked the newsletter
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Submitted By: Angelica Weatherby- Bday mom15 
Submitted Comment:
I love Nancy Drew! I do think suspense is the answer to writing... just like a CSI book!
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Yes, Fishie, Nancy Drew rocks
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