Mystery: January 23, 2008 Issue [#2185]
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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

ASIN: B01DSJSURY
Amazon's Price: $ 5.99


Letter from the editor


** Image ID #916735 Unavailable **

Brainstorming, Mystery Writing Style


You have the germ of an idea, a story to write. But you aren't sure how to go about fleshing it out, how to get your hero out of your mind and onto paper, solving the mystery you've come up with.

One way to flesh out an idea is to ask yourself questions about your character and story to get a better feel for where you want to go. It's called brainstorming and it is a technique used by a lot of writers today. Here are some questions you can ask yourself about your mystery story.

1. Who dies and how? Or, if not a murder, WHAT is the focus of the mystery? You need to have a clear idea of what you want to write. A murder story is told differently than a straight mystery. If you are going to write the murder mystery, be sure you understand the crime-solving procedures of the police, how criminals act and think, and who you plan to have solved the crime. If it's a mystery, make sure you know what the goal is for your hero/heroine. Understand why they want to find/solve their mystery. Are they compelled to do so because of outside elements? Or is this a personal quest that they have no choice to do?

2. How is the body found-or what is found? How? Why? By whom? Under what circumstances? is the hero/heroine the detective, or are they an ordinary person thrown into this problem against their will?

3. What clues will you need to plant and who will find/notice them? Your detective? The reader? You'll need to keep track of the clues, what they are, where they came from, and why they are important. It's always annoying to have a clue given on page four and then never be heard from again, even at the end when the hero/heroine is explaining how they solved the crime. Or to have a seemingly important clue suddenly, without warning or reason, become unimportant. Also, be sure that your red herrings (clues that misdirect the hero/heroine from achieving their goals) make some sense and aren't just thrown in their willy nilly! They should make the main characters go in the opposite direction from the solution, even if only for a moment.

4. Scenes of interrogation: Who asks the questions? Who answers-and why or why not? Is your hero a police detective, a private detective, or just your average citizen who has a talent for solving crimes? No matter which one you choose, you must give them the abilities, and desire, to continue their quest. And, if they are an ordinary citizen, why would the person they are questioning even talk to them?

5. Scenes of confrontation: who fights? Why? What motive will this give the person(s)-and who, if anyone, overhears the confrontation? Give your characters the passion and desire to complete their task. Give them people who want to stop them, for whatever reason. Make sure these two meet, as often as you want...and make sure their confrontations move the story along. build their confrontations slowly, making both sides up the ante until the rewards for winning are the only thing that matters.

Writing a great mystery takes patience, understanding of the crime process and a desire to confound your reader until solving your mystery is the only thing on their minds.

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!

 
STATIC
Frolicking in the Darkness Open in new Window. (13+)
Paying and non-paying markets for mystery, horror, and speculative writers.
#1321828 by Fictiøn Ðiva the Wørd Weava Author IconMail Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1172857 by Not Available.

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#689728 by Not Available.

 An occupational hazard. Open in new Window. (18+)
Short mystery story relating a man's occupational hazards.
#1343070 by Tom Weston Author IconMail Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1350880 by Not Available.

STATIC
The Last Patient Open in new Window. (18+)
He cursed the day Betsy came into their lives.
#1324976 by iKïyå§ama Author IconMail Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1374725 by Not Available.

Feline Guardian Open in new Window. (18+)
A cat, once the protector, ever the guardian
#1355513 by Kate - Writing & Reading Author IconMail Icon

 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

FORUM
Crack Kraken's Code Contest [Round Over] Open in new Window. (13+)
Follow the clues and decipher the message to win prizes!
#746016 by Davy Kraken Author IconMail Icon

FORUM
Twisted Tales Contest Open in new Window. (13+)
A monthly contest for stories with a twist. Get 500 GPs for entering! Nov round open!
#1269187 by Arakun the twisted raccoon Author IconMail Icon

FORUM
The Writer's Cramp Open in new Window. (13+)
Write the best poem or story in 24 hours or less and win 10K GPS!
#333655 by Sophurky 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


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: alanscott
Submitted Comment:

Hi, Christmas Squirrel! Great newsletter this time. The items in the Editor's Pick section were great!

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Submitted By: maryelle
Submitted Comment:

I have just written the first three thoughts on what may/or may not become a mystery. This will help.

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Submitted By: Cyanvia Author Icon
Submitted Comment:

This one is great and help me a lot! Thank you!

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Submitted By: Vivian Author Icon
Submitted Comment:

As usual, Darkin, you have provided us with much to work with for our series mysteries. ~~ Viv

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