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Printed from https://writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/1074-.html
Mystery: June 07, 2006 Issue [#1074]

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Mystery


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  Edited by: angel2blue Author IconMail Icon
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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

Hi,

My name is Angel2blue and I am a new editor for the "Mystery" newsletter. First I want to thank the StoryMistress for giving me this opportunity. Secondly I would love for you to suggest future topics for the newsletter. Please just email me at angel2blue@writing.com.


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Letter from the editor

Mystery vs. Suspense


Often times we use the terms “mystery” and “suspense” to mean the same thing. The only problem in doing this is that the terms do not mean the same thing. A mystery has action that is more mental than physical. In a mystery, usually an event has occurred such as a murder and the protagonist’s job is to find out who committed the crime and why the crime was committed. In suspense, however, the reader is left waiting to see what significant action will occur. In suspense, the job of the protagonist is to prevent the speeding bus from exploding or other such actions.

There are fifteen identifiable differences between a mystery and suspense. These differences were taken from Trish MacDonald Skillmans’ Writing the Thriller.

1. A mystery concerns itself with a puzzle. Suspense presents the reader with a nightmare.

2. A mystery is a power fantasy; we identify with the detective. Suspense is a victim fantasy; we identify with someone at the mercy of others.

3. A mystery can be likened to a myth. Suspense is more like a fairy tale.

4. In a mystery the hero or heroine already has the skills he or she needs to solve the puzzle. In suspense, he or she must learn new skills to survive.

5. In a mystery, thinking is paramount. In suspense, feeling is paramount.

6. The most important action in a mystery takes place offstage. In suspense, the important action happens onstage.

7. A mystery usually takes place within a small circle of friends. The hero or heroine of a suspense novel often finds him or herself thrust into a larger world.

8. Readers of mysteries are looking for clues. Readers of suspense are expecting surprises.

9. In a mystery, information is withheld. In suspense novels, information is provided.

10. The ideal reader of mysteries remains one step behind the hero or heroine. Those who read suspense should be one step ahead of the hero or heroine.

11. Mystery readers expect a series. Those who read suspense know a book can be a one shot.

12. The hero or heroine in a mystery is looking for suspects. The hero or heroine in suspense looks for betrayers.

13. A mystery hero or heroine must confront a series of red herrings. The suspense novel hero or heroine faces a cycle of distrust.

14. Mystery endings must be intellectually satisfying. Suspense endings must provide emotional satisfaction.

15. Mysteries are usually three hundred manuscript pages. Suspense novels can be longer.

Mystery
Janet Evanovich
John Sandford
Jonathan Kellerman
Sue Grafton

Suspense/Thriller
Mary Higgins Clark
James Patterson
Dean Koontz
John Saul



Editor's Picks

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by A Guest Visitor


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by A Guest Visitor


 The Midnight Mystery Trash Can Incident Open in new Window. [18+]
A true story of a bizarre and slightly unsettling little encounter.
by Alice in Limbo Author Icon


 "Find My Killer" Open in new Window. [13+]
A PI is told by a wealthy socialite that her supposedly-dead husband is trying to kill her
by Fraught-With-Safety Author Icon


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by A Guest Visitor


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by A Guest Visitor


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by A Guest Visitor


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by A Guest Visitor

 
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Ask & Answer

Since I am new to the Writing.com Mystery Newsletter, I am going to need some help. What better way to get help then to ask my readers. I need suggestions for future newsletter topics, contests and other activites you would like seen in the newsletter. Please email me your suggestions to: angel2blue@writing.com.

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