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Printed from https://shop.writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/5501-The-Puzzle-is-a-Maze.html
Mystery: February 05, 2013 Issue [#5501]

Newsletter Header
Mystery


 This week: The Puzzle is a Maze
  Edited by: Kate - Writing & Reading Author IconMail Icon
                             More Newsletters By This Editor  Open in new Window.

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

** Image ID #1363681 Unavailable **

If there were no mystery left to explore
life would get rather dull, wouldn't it?

Sidney Buchman


         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! And we have fun along the way.


Word from our sponsor

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Letter from the editor

         The Mystery Writer, I believe, has a unique opportunity to create a story, novel, poem that for a brief moment in time inspires the reader to want to read every page in order to not miss a relevant clue. The clues are in the scenes, conversations and actions of believable characters. A microcosm of life and living, but one that the writer controls by taking pen or keyboard in hand and designing a world of solvable riddles and clues.

         Mysteries appear today in many guises and are often blended with other traditional genres, i.e., historical, action/adventure, drama, romance, as well as the familiar standard “who-done-its” and police procedurals. Michael Connelly, for example, effectively blends mystery and thriller for exciting and page turning reads. Dean Koontz has created a genre of his own, blending mystery, horror, fantasy, science into a believable story with an ending unexpected with (Odd Thomas), for example I also keep turning just one more page written by Jeffery Deaver, Ian Rankin, or Peter Robinson, and another, and another, until I realize the alarm says wake up and I have yet to sleep.

         What these writers (and others) offer me as a reader is first and foremost a good plot. This is a lesson I was also taught in writing class, but actually reading it makes it relevant and immediate. (CLUE here, “read like a writer”*Wink*) A plot is, by definition, also called a “storyline, the plan, scheme, or main story of a literary or dramatic work, as a play, novel, or short story.” (thesaurus.com) It has a beginning, middle, and end/resolution.

         A “good plot” is composed of scenes that drive the plot and, in a Mystery, provide clues to the discerning reader which are resolved as the plot unfolds, propelling the story forward to its unexpected, yet believable, resolution. Mysteries also immerse me in places peopled by the protagonist, antagonist(s), and ancillary characters with little back-story, only a short scene or chapter if immediately relevant to the plot itself. That doesn’t mean they have no life or depth ~ just the opposite, by their actions, demeanor, appearance and, yes, flaws, each is an integral active participant, engaging all his/her senses (along with mine)!

         My favorite mysteries are not linear, but have a twist and turn or two, akin to real life, and the ending is not one I expected or anticipated in the midst of reading, perhaps having been lead astray by a red herring, but believable and logical by the time I reach the end.

         A short story mystery or poetic mystery is written even tighter - where a scene would be akin to a chapter in a book, and the writing precise, nearly each word carrying relevance to the plot, every scene propelling the story forward (or maybe sideways once or twice), and clues resolved within the next several scenes with a minimal number of red herrings*Rolleyes*.


Editor's Picks

I invite you to read some intriguing mysteries penned by members of our Community for your reading - and reviewing *Smile* - pleasure; do let them know how you found your way thru the maze each wove, to solve the puzzle; then weave your mystery with a twist or two*Wink*.

 Outmaneuvered,Chapter one,The Abduction Open in new Window. (13+)
A crime is committed and a mystery unfolds in this first chapter.
#1916128 by Cherry Mac Author IconMail Icon


Alas, He's Fiction Open in new Window. (13+)
Flash fiction with opening line prompt - 500 words: Mystery
#1914909 by Highmage - D.H. Aire Author IconMail Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1914398 by Not Available.


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1913927 by Not Available.


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1771821 by Not Available.


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1873251 by Not Available.


 Static Fuzz Open in new Window. (E)
A man regains consciousness to brutal surprise. Enjoy.
#1914825 by iQuill Author IconMail Icon


 Victory. Chapter 1 Open in new Window. (18+)
The first chapter of a spellbinding SF cum whodunit mystery.
#1902228 by Jeff Eladin Author IconMail Icon


 Murder in the Manor Open in new Window. (13+)
A murder mystery told in second person set in the 1900's
#1886705 by Mikaylee- Rae Johnson Author IconMail Icon


 Who Would Want To? Open in new Window. (E)
Who would want all the answers?
#1255351 by jhnnyag 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


 
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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

         Check out some responses to our previous exploration into the 'why' of mysteries, and do visit with the writers, enter and let them know if you figured out the 'why' *Wink*

From: Quick-Quill Author Icon
          When the story opens with the criminal caught BUT...It draws the reader into into the story for the WHY, self defense? abuse? random act that leads to past crimes? The stories are limitless....

Thanks for some intriguing story possibilites as to the 'Why' of a mystery. Great story starters*Cool*

* * *


From: Budroe Author Icon

         Good job with this newsletter, my friend. Keep the puzzles lively! :)

Thank you for your constant encouragement. I look forward to trying to reason thru some of the 'puzzles' in your portfolio*Smile*

* * *


         Wishing you each a fun ride as you build your own maze and weave your own 'puzzling' mysteries ~ all the questions may not be answered, but the puzzle is yours to plot and play out*Smile*

Write On*Paw*
Kate
Kate - Writing & Reading Author Icon


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