\"Writing.Com
*Magnify*
SPONSORED LINKS
BY ONLINE AUTHORS
Printed from https://writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/11298-To-plan-or-not-to-plan.html
Mystery: April 06, 2022 Issue [#11298]




 This week: To plan or not to plan
  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 job of the artist is always to deepen the mystery."

Francis Bacon


Word from our sponsor

ASIN: B083RZJVJ8
Product Type:
Amazon's Price: Price N/A
Not currently available.


Letter from the editor

When you write a mystery story, do you know how it will end in advance or do you discover the ending as you write?

Some writers plan every detail before they even start to write, while others might start writing with only a vague idea of what is coming. Neither method is better than the other, but there are some advantages to each one.

I am one of those writers who plan every detail before writing a single word. I think planning the story is the fun part of writing, and it helps to avoid plot holes. I make a list of characters, their backgrounds and relationships, and possible motives of all suspects. The planning process also involves research into any settings or story elements that aren't familiar to me. I don't want to start writing a story only to discover that some important point wouldn't be possible or realistic.

Some writers begin writing with only a vague idea of a situation or character. They flesh out the characters and story line as they write. They may not know the identity of the killer or guilty party until they reach the final stages of writing. Writers who use this method say they like to be surprised in the same way their readers will be surprised. One of my favorite writers says she doesn't need to do much research because she only writes about situations and settings that she knows. Not having a rigid plan allows the writer's imagine to run wild and possibly think of better story possibilities.

Planning a story doesn't mean you can't make changes as you write the story. Sometimes a character demands to go in a different direction no matter what the writer has planned for them. I don't even begin writing until the events of the story have been edited at least five times in my head, and I still make lots of changes later.

Something to try: If you struggle with the writing process, try changing the amount of planning you do. If you normally make a rigid plan, try being a little more spontaneous. If you normally write by the seat of your pants, try doing a little more planning.




Editor's Picks

Image Protector
STATIC
Harry and Winnie  Open in new Window. (E)
Just the Facts! April 2020 = 2nd Place Winner
#2220531 by QueenNormaJean maybesnow?! Author IconMail Icon


Image Protector
STATIC
In the swish of a tail  Open in new Window. (13+)
Three sleuths do more than chew on sushi. Gangsters are dumping goods in the black waters.
#2266392 by Kåre เลียม Enga Author IconMail Icon


Image Protector
STATIC
A Matter of Appearances Open in new Window. (18+)
"My life would be over if people even suspected. I couldn’t let that happen."
#2204433 by Bikerider Author IconMail Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#2268649 by Not Available.


Image Protector
STATIC
The Circus of Thieves Open in new Window. (13+)
A tongue-in-cheek murder mystery staring Bob, the private investigator
#992994 by W.D.Wilcox Author IconMail Icon

 
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: What subjects would you like to see in future mystery newsletters?

*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: B085272J6B
Product Type: Kindle Store
Amazon's Price: $ 9.99

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://writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/11298-To-plan-or-not-to-plan.html