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Mystery: October 17, 2007 Issue [#2013]

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Mystery


 This week:
  Edited by: darkin
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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

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!


Word from our sponsor

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Letter from the editor

** Image ID #916735 Unavailable **

Mystery Characters - The Catalyst


Every character in a mystery story has a purpose. The victim dies, the killer kills, and the detective solves the crime. Each one helps move the plot along. But there is another character the mystery writer can use to move the story along. That character is the catalyst.

A catalyst is a character who brings about change in a mystery story. He helps move the plot along, provides clues, or even hinders the investigation. He is probably the most versatile character you will use in your mystery.

How you use a catalyst character is completely up to you. He isn't confined in a set-in-stone manner of use. He can be young or old, rich or poor, it doesn't matter. But there are a few things you should consider when creating this character.

What is the character's main role in your story?
Is this character going to help or hinder the story? He can do either or both. When planning his role, think about what you want him to accomplish.

Who is the catalyst associated with?
Is he acquainted with the victim, killer, or detective? Who is his associated with will help you decide what he will do to move the plot along.

What is the catalyst's motive?
Why is he helping or hindering the investigation? You need a clear reason why he does what he does, even if you don't tell the reader that reason until the very end of the story.

What does the catalyst bring to the story?

Other than information, does the catalyst bring any resources to the story? This could be anything from money to emotional support. It's okay for the catalyst to only bring information, but having another role in the story would go a long way to making him more real and believable.

A catalyst can be a crucial member of your story's cast. He is a mover and shaker, and will help keep your story's plot going in the right direction. Even if he is doing nothing but tossing red herrings at your detective.*Wink*

Thank you for taking the time to read. Happy Writing!

darkin


Editor's Picks

Here are some items I found while traveling the highways and byways of Writing.Com!

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#1319136 by Not Available.

 The Next Victim Open in new Window. (13+)
LAPD detective rescues her friend in Tahiti from a golddigger's snare
#474785 by Joy Author IconMail Icon

 Hidden Knowledge Open in new Window. (13+)
Max finds hidden-protected knowledge mayhap ancient definitely mysterious
#1326054 by Kate - Writing & Reading Author IconMail Icon

 Fishing For the Past Open in new Window. (13+)
A victim ends up meaning more to a vacationing detective
#519135 by Joy Author IconMail Icon

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He cursed the day Betsy came into their lives.
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A poll for Halloween.
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Gag on a magician.
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Twisted Tales Contest Open in new Window. (13+)
A monthly contest for stories with a twist. Get 500 GPs for entering! Nov round open!
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Crack Kraken's Code Contest [Round Over] Open in new Window. (13+)
Follow the clues and decipher the message to win prizes!
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Write the best poem or story in 24 hours or less and win 10K GPS!
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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

Thank you for allowing me into your e-mail boxes for this week's issue. I had a wonderful time writing this issue and would love to hear what you think about it. Here is some feedback I received from my last newsletter.

darkin


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Submitted By: billwilcox
Submitted Comment:

Squirrels!
I love it when newsletter editors give links to sites that are accepting submissions. Thank you!

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I'm glad I could help, Bill.*Bigsmile*

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