  Mystery
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Point of view.
It is generally the viewpoint from which the story is seen or related - here, I use it to illustrate that the same object or device can be so many different things, depending on the reader. What makes a tale tick is a mystery. |
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Mystery: Whenever I think of mystery it floats in this purplish grey mist, shape-shifting from puzzle, to fast paced action, to fantasy, to detective thriller, it is so distinctive at different times. Like the sea and its myriad moods, each one is an inspiration and resolution for me.
I freely use the various devices and ploys of the mystery in my non-mystery tales, the incongruity is often offset by the appeal of the unusual.
So anything that has hidden meaning, an enigmatic storyline would be sufficient to be as attractive to me as mystery. It need not necessarily be about a crime or some unknown entity, it could be hidden motive for a character’s actions that are revealed as the tale progresses. It could be a locale that is not revealed until the setting is built up, in tiny seemingly unconnected bits of jigsaw puzzle that fall into place.
I have tried to write a story in which the narrator is not revealed to be a small puppy until one is well into the middle of the read. I was once told to create a poem about an ‘unknown’ monster; most other entries were creative and made up totally freaky creatures. I had a ditty about a child’s fear of the fluttering curtain and the flickering shadow on the wall. It has been appreciated as being true to life. All these require misdirection and suspense – prerequisites for a good mystery.
The classic twist in the tale is another device I have often borrowed from mysteries, I even try to insert them into my 55 word stories; the challenge to do that in such a restrictive word limit is stimulating.
I often do things the other way around too, introduce elements of another genre into the classic mystery; I once inserted Food/Cooking into a story of an old lady who witnesses a crime. Humour creeps into almost anything I write; I don’t even try and keep that signature out.
I realise that I might form part of an extremely small sub-set of readers that like to read 'mixed' genre stories. But I always did like mixed vegetable stew. The sweet aroma of carrot that blends with the sharper one of sauteed onion, the bland filling of potato that mixes with the nutty richness of beans, the rich red of the tomato that complements the dark green of spinach - ah, a delight on many levels! 
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I picked these for the unusual mixes of genre along with the mystery:
A medical mystery with an unusual style of tale-telling:12 May, 2003 0320: Resident ambulated unassisted to the nurses’ station dressed in pajamas, also wearing an overcoat and hat. The resident carried a plastic bag filled with several clothing items. This nurse inquired where the resident was going. The resident asked, “When does the train leave? I have to get out of here fast.”
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Crime and spoof are a heady mix: "It was a rainy night, the kind of rain that beats on you like Niagara Falls, which means it slowly moves backwards…not that I’ve been to Niagara Falls, mind you, I’m just looking for a good metaphor. The flashing neon sign of the Pancake House was faulty as usual. Sometimes the ‘-ancake’ isn’t all really there"
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It's dialogue only, it's about a writer's block and a block of ice and a stumbling block!
This is a spoofer soup! Oops, sorry snooper scoop! I mean it is a super spoof! 
This sure is one mysterious and zany campfire with plenty of sparks flying around!
Do the Math and you get to the promised answer. Animals, elimination and mystery, slurrrrrp!
A great Sci-Fi Comedy Mystery: "Early on, his people, whose name roughly translated as "They Who Survive," had been invaluable as translators for the Consortium because of their unique abilities. His clan had a long history, however, serving as spies, and he now found himself on this small backwater planet following in the proud footsteps of his ancestors." |
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In my last NL, albeit a long way back, we talked of the importance of titles to the impact of a story. I was a strong 'proposer' of the notion, I asked my readers to write in. As example I gave the name of a famous detective series - "The adventures of Sherlock Holmes" and said I would have liked it better renamed. (My suggestion was: "You Know my Methods, Watson" - he never actually said 'Elementary, my dear Watson" or that would have been my pick. Both sentences are the main character's signature in a nutshell, but he's yet to make an appearance, giving one aptness and retaining suspense!)
Here's what you all said:
Your title is definitely wittier, Jyo. I'm wondering if the original title - "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes" - was to put the famous sleuth right up front, because his is the name people identify. In which case, your title would need a sub-head with his name in it.
Great newsletter, great topic of discussion!
- Sonali
THANKFUL SONALI back on Jan 4 
Was the famous sleuth already famous when that was written? It was his first book, although the stories had been printed in magazines before. I am not trying to second guess Arthur Conan Doyle; I'm just saying that, for me, Agatha Christie gets it right with both her famous detectives, when she leaves their names out and the titles are more evocative. -Jyo
I like this newsletter. Are there space or word count limits? There was more to be said here. How about a contest where a reader submits a work for naming? The items submitted have just the ID# and the brief description. Readers then review and name the work. The best name wins. Name That piece!
Quick-Quill 
I'm wondering if you mean I should have expanded upon the topic discussed? I'll take that as a compliment, meaning that you were intrigued by the discussion. Its always better to retire when they ask 'Why?'; rather than have them badger you to stop! . I that's a great idea for a contest, although there's room for expansion there too - , why not organise it yourself? I'll surely participate! - Jyo
Thanks for some good reminders!
I recently suffered through a book which assaulted me with innumerable characters all with difficult to pronounce ethnic names. The problem was that I just couldn't keep them all straight. It made reading and keeping track of their actions very difficult.
Ethnic sounding names are important to creating a believable plot but the author must keep the mental stamina of his reader in mind.
Thanks!
Verbosity 
I was actually taking more of titles, but I think your point is well taken. If this reply was to an entirely different Nl, sorry. But, in future, it would be helpful to address the editor by name or refer to the point discussed. Many of the editors come to check feedback after a gap of several weeks; responding comments are sometimes submitted a couple of weeks later, as and when readers find time to go thru' NLs. - Jyo
I enjoyed your newsletter! I agree that titles are important and can draw a reader right in! It's good to think of the title as the theme of the book or story. Thanks for the highlight of one of my stories!
Lornda 
So glad you enjoyed it, even more glad that you agree. Exactly my point. It was my pleasure to use your write as one of the 'Picks'. - Jyo
Now, I can't just leave you all with nothing to ponder for the coming weeks, so chew on this:
So, do genre ‘mixes’ work for you, or are you not into fusion? Do write in and let me know.
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Mystery: August 19, 2009 Issue [#3217]
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