  Mystery
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"All that I see or seem is but a dream within a dream"
Edgar Alan Poe
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Welcome to this week's edition of the Mystery Newsletter. A mystery by nature is a question in search of an answer - a puzzle! And when we uncover the answer to the question, effectively solving the puzzle moments before the writer gives us the solution, follow clues tactile and cerebral, the momentary satisfaction is sublime! |
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Amazon's Price: $ 13.94
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Greetings, fellow sleuths.
We read and write a mystery because we like to find the sense in things (at least I do). We know that there is a logical solution; and by following clues and solving a mystery, we engage our senses to take control over a small portion of our world.
Mysteries are visual. We jump in with the action (a crime, perhaps theft or murder), and seek to resolve the why and who by actively finding and solving clues left at the scene until we unmask the culprit. The clues can be subtle or so obvious nobody notices but the discerning sleuth.
Some of the most engaging mysteries are visual ~ think manga (which, in Japanese, means "flowing words") and comics and even the original fairy tales of old ~ puzzles to engage the mind with a logical progression of clues which, when found and solved, lead to a believable and satisfying resolution. Yes, we can weave fantasy and adventure and even comedy into the mix, but the underlying premise of solving clues to resolve a mystery remains the focus of many comics and manga through today. The form incites tight visual writing, active and relative fast-paced, drawing readers into the story and making them want to stay until they solve the puzzle along with the ‘hero.’
Superman of films may fly from film to film, but remains true to his origins in comics, still empowered by his powers both ‘super’ and mundane to solve a crime by following clues to their logical resolution. So too did Mike Hammer (who began his ‘life’ in comics), Batman, Wolverine, Eva, “Odd.” I’ve covered centuries in a few paragraphs to show how this visual medium still yields a good mystery. And some well-crafted ‘fanfics’ based on, for example, “Naruto,” are ever an engaging journey for the nascent sleuth .
You don’t have to be a graphic artist to draw a manga or comic mystery – consider the “Ms. Tree” comics that after two decades have returned in book form (not visual comics, but visual in imagery and theme) in Max Allan Collins’ “Deadly Beloved.” And yes, “Ms. Tree” by the author’s admission speaks ‘mystery’ from the point of view of the former ‘sidekick’ or ‘assistant.’
So, intrigued in keeping the visual chain going in prose and verse? Consider perhaps some of the following being used by mystery writers (both in and outside our own WDC Community).
 Fanfics (fan fiction based on known characters in manga and comics, like “Naruto’) are engaging reads for adults as well as younger readers.
A mystery solved by a ‘traditional’ sidekick or assistant – a modern-day ‘Lois Lane’ solving a locked room mystery, perhaps and saving the day. Consider “Ms. Tree” who started her sleuthing career as a police file clerk.
Visual clues in the names of places and persons. “Ms. [Michael] Tree” (mystery) and her purported partner “Chic Steele” (an obvious sensual image (and clue) here for the sleuth ).
Begin in the middle – with a crime that gives visual clues to incite the sleuth to action and the reader to turn the pages.
Scenes that are visual with a clue to a chapter or every couple of scenes in a short story, which is solved or discarded or leads to another active clue in short succession. In other words, little back-story, perhaps kept to brief conversation that relates to the ongoing action.
Introduce the protagonist in the opening, along with at least one antagonist in short succession to give the reader a visual image based on his/her perception.
Use visual images in the names, either connecting to a fan base (fanfic) or relatively familiar image (i.e., “Redd Pennscut” as an editor cutting text from a “Ms. Anchor’s” crime beat copy?) Remember the image of "flowing words."
Whether incorporating fantasy, urban realism, magic, or police procedure, be honest with the characters (and readers). By giving them discernible, visual clues, the mystery is uncovered in logical progression and the sleuth (and reader) solves the crime at or near the same time.
If you are making any direct (or slightly-veiled indirect) reference to or use of any copyrighted characters, be sure to request permission and cite to the source.
Now, if you've a visual mystery in final or near final form, perhaps the following would interest you ~ their current reading period ends April 30 ~
I hope you’ve enjoyed this exploration into the visual and graphic side of mystery in prose and verse.
Until we next meet,
Keep Writing!
Kate
Kate - Writing & Reading
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Mysteries where right beats might ~ check out these original mysteries by members of our Community ~ some creative fanfic included ~ and share your thoughts with a review or perhaps an entry
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Check out as well our WDC Anime Group for some creative mysteries, and perhaps share one of yours
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I thank you for this interlude in your virtual home. I am curious as to your favorite type of mystery to read in prose or verse. Drop me a note, or clue me in with a sample here
Until we next meet,
Keep Writing!
Kate
Kate - Writing & Reading
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Mystery: March 11, 2009 Issue [#2933]
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