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Printed from https://writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/11872
Mystery: March 22, 2023 Issue [#11872]




 This week: Recipe for a Thriller
  Edited by: Carol St.Ann 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

“If a thriller doesn't thrill, it's not doing its job.” — James Patterson


Word from our sponsor



Letter from the editor



Earlier this month, I outlined the primary differences between the mystery, thriller, and suspense stories.

The focus of the mystery is the how and why of what has already happened. The main focus of the thriller is what can, or is likely to, happen.

We’ll tackle mystery next NL, but for now, let’s examine the main elements - the recipe, if you will, of a riveting thriller.

•A crime or developing crimes readers are aware of, but the characters often have no idea of until well into the story.

•A victim who may or may not know they are in grave danger.

•A master antagonist devoid of reason, due to a mental or emotional issue or trauma that has developed into anger, obsession, derangement, revenge, or irrational hatred.

•Clues & red herrings: We all know what these are. Use them sparingly and strategically. Just be sure they work.

•A conversation in praise of the villain’s cleverness or brilliance typically by detectives stalking the case, or the unwitting victim.

•Antagonist’s object of desire: The real or imagined reason for the antagonist’s obsessive behavior. (A romantic obsession or in some real masterpieces the object gets the title: The Ring, The Maltese Falcon, Mysery)

•A shapeshifter: The antagonist can easily fool other characters and sometimes the reader by morphing into (faking) whatever s/he has to be to manipulate and bend them at will to accomplish his/her goal.

•More than one life at stake: As the stakes rise, characters who are getting too close to the answers are, themselves, in danger of becoming the next victim.

•The ticking clock: (Something) has to happen within a specified time frame, or else.

•A false ending: Once the antagonist is revealed and all seems well, readers take a deep breath and relax only to find it’s not over yet! Something still lurks, unresolved.

Thank you for reading!
Think of your favorite thriller. Can you spot all these elements?

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One Last Thing!
Remember to nominate great mysteries!
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SURVEY
Quill Nomination Form 2024 Open in new Window. (E)
Nominate someone for a Quill!
#2145930 by Lilli 🧿 ☕ Author IconMail Icon




Editor's Picks

If you’ve got a mystery in your head:

Try out your mystery chops here:
 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#2281662 by Not Available.


Flesh out your mystery story here:
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October Novel Prep Challenge Open in new Window. (13+)
A month-long novel-planning challenge with prizes galore.
#1474311 by Brandiwyn🎶 Author IconMail Icon


or here (coming soon):
 
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The Thriller Short Story BULLETIN Open in new Window. (18+)
A Brief Description of the Course (FOR ADULTS 18+)
#2225991 by Beacon's Anchor Author IconMail Icon


Workshop it here with dedicated, in-depth reviews:
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Cross Timbers Novel Workshop On Hiatis Open in new Window. (E)
Looking for solid NOVEL feedback from other novelists? The NW is BACK & better than ever!
#2088228 by Carol St.Ann Author IconMail Icon


Enjoy these great reads and consider sharing your thriller with this newsletter!

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The White Rose Open in new Window. (13+)
Probably not what it first appears, maybe not even the second. An opening chapter.
#2254801 by Adherennium - Maybe Writing? Author IconMail Icon

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102 Minutes Open in new Window. (GC)
A police officer's shift on a fateful day. QUILL WINNER 2022!
#2279043 by Olivia: it's NaNo-Time 36580 Author IconMail Icon

 Wolves Open in new Window. (E)
A young man is followed home by a pack of wolves. Or is he?
#2273286 by Vampyr14 Author IconMail Icon



 
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Ask & Answer


What was the best thriller you’ve ever read? Share its best moment.

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