\"Writing.Com
*Magnify*
SPONSORED LINKS
BY ONLINE AUTHORS
Printed from https://shop.writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/7730-I-need-to-ask-you-a-few-questions.html
Mystery: July 06, 2016 Issue [#7730]

Newsletter Header
Mystery


 This week: I need to ask you a few questions
  Edited by: Arakun the twisted raccoon 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

Quote for the week: "The truth can create as thick a smoke screen as deceit."
~ DCI Tom Barnaby in "Midsomer Murders"


Word from our sponsor

ASIN: B01IEVJVAG
Amazon's Price: $ 9.99


Letter from the editor

Since a mystery is a puzzle, mystery stories are full of questions. Here are a few types of questions that are part of any mystery story:

Questions investigators ask suspects and witnesses

"Where were you the night of the murder?"

"Did you get along with the victim?"

"Did the victim have any enemies?"

"What time did you hear the shot?"

"Who might benefit from the victim's death?"

These are just a few examples police might ask in order to put together a picture of events surrounding a crime. A good interrogator will learn as much from the way the questions are answered as they do from the answers themselves. Is the witness nervous, frightened, or defiant? Is he unwilling to give information or overly helpful?

If a detective asks a suspect outright whether or not he committed the crime, he probably does not expect him to answer truthfully if he is guilty. Instead he is looking for the suspect's reaction to the question.

Sometimes the investigator's attitude or tone when asking questions will determine whether the subject will open up to him or go silent. A skillful investigator will not use the same tone or mannerisms with everyone. He will evaluate each person and determine which tactic will work best.

Questions characters ask each other

Questions detectives ask each other as they investigate will help the reader follow the story. Conversations between characters are a great place to hide clues. A suspect might reveal that he was present at the crime scene by knowing details that were kept from the public.

Questions from reporters might also be important to the plot. Police will need to decide what they can tell the reporter and what they need to keep quiet about as the investigation progresses. A reporter might carry out her own investigation, and either get in the way or actually solve the case.

Questions characters ask themselves

Maybe your investigators second guess themselves, and wonder if they have arrested the right person. These internal questions might not be shared with other characters, but might give the reader a clue of what is to come.

Questions readers ask as they try to solve the puzzle

As you write the story, think of questions the readers might ask as they read. Ask reviewers to give you a list of questions they had as they went through the story. Their questions will tell you if you have accidentally withheld important information from readers. It will also tell you if the solution is too obvious.

Something to try: Write a mystery story that is made up of nothing but dialogue with questions and answers.


Editor's Picks

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1952219 by Not Available.


Image Protector
STATIC
At the Edge of the Woods Open in new Window. (13+)
What in the world happened to Carlos Delgado
#1919561 by Eric Wharton Author IconMail Icon


Image Protector
STATIC
The Woman Open in new Window. (13+)
Sometimes the past comes back to haunt you.
#1892876 by FrosTIGGY the Snowman Author IconMail Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1930217 by Not Available.


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#2069010 by Not Available.

 
Submit an item for consideration in this newsletter!
https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form

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!
         https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form

Don't forget to support our sponsor!

ASIN: B01IEVJVAG
Amazon's Price: $ 9.99


Ask & Answer

Question for next time:

*Bullet* *Bullet* *Bullet* Don't Be Shy! Write Into This Newsletter! *Bullet* *Bullet* *Bullet*

This form allows you to submit an item on Writing.Com and feedback, comments or questions to the Writing.Com Newsletter Editors. In some cases, due to the volume of submissions we receive, please understand that all feedback and submissions may not be responded to or listed in a newsletter. Thank you, in advance, for any feedback you can provide!
Writing.Com Item ID To Highlight (Optional):

Send a comment or question to the editor!
Limited to 2,500 characters.
Word from our sponsor
ASIN: 0910355479
Amazon's Price: $ 13.99

Removal Instructions

To stop receiving this newsletter, click here for your newsletter subscription list. Simply uncheck the box next to any newsletter(s) you wish to cancel and then click to "Submit Changes". You can edit your subscriptions at any time.


Printed from https://shop.writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/7730-I-need-to-ask-you-a-few-questions.html