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Printed from https://writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/1786-.html
Mystery: June 20, 2007 Issue [#1786]

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Mystery


 This week:
  Edited by: darkin
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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


Welcome to the Mystery Newsletter. Why are mysteries so popular? Because mysteries make you think. You follow every clue, examine the crime scenes and remember what each suspect said, until you solve the crime. A good mystery can keep you interested until the end. A great mystery will keep you guessing until the last page...when it makes you slap your forehead in surprise!


Word from our sponsor

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Letter from the editor


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Rules of Mystery Writing


Mystery stories are a special type of writing. Fast paced and complex, they are a problem solving person's idea of a great read. Though you can have almost any combination of genre in one, there are certain rules you must follow for the tale to be considered a mystery.

1. Plot - Mysteries are plot-driven tales. They go beyond the standard victim's killed - detective searches for clues - killer's caught plotlines. Good mysteries have all that. Great mysteries have twists, turns and enough red herrings to keep the reader guessing until the moment the killer is revealed. A mystery story's plot must be plausible or the story will fall flat on its covers.

2. Crime - The crime should be introduced as early as possible, preferable in the firs chapter. Not many readers will be willing to read hundreds of pages without a victim. Most would not be willing to read past the first chapter. The crime should be believable, something the reader can see happening.

3. Main Characters - Introduce your detective and villain early on. Your detective is the hero of the story and your reader wants to see him in action from the get go. Your villain can be shown early, but if you want to keep your reader guessing, then keep your villain in the shadows until his unmasking.

4. Take your time - Keep your villain a secret until the last possible moment. If you show the reader who he is too soon, they might lose interest in the rest of the story. Be sure you reveal the clues as your detective uncovers them so your reader has a chance to solve the crime first.

5. Research - Make sure you read up on the type of crime, police procedures, and forensic information to make your story come to life. Also, make sure you know your story's setting inside and out. Nothing ruins a story faster than a writer who doesn't understand their own setting and makes errors the reader can see.

Mystery stories tend to follow more standard rules than other genres. Following those rules will help you write the kind of mystery your readers are looking for.

Thank you for taking the time to read. Happy Writing!

darkin


Editor's Picks


Here are some items I found while traveling the highways and byways of Writing.Com!

 Unfortunate Luck Open in new Window. (13+)
A short story about an unlucky ten dollar bill.
#1174664 by Societs.Victim. Author IconMail Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1276346 by Not Available.

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1271686 by Not Available.

Dead End Open in new Window. (ASR)
The investigator for defense has amorous hopes concerning the pretty defendant.
#504839 by Joy Author IconMail Icon

 Finding the Ring Open in new Window. (ASR)
How far would you go to find a lost engagement ring?
#615514 by Diane Author IconMail Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#603075 by Not Available.

 The Case of the Missing Cheerleader Open in new Window. (13+)
Can a lesson be learned from a horrible experience?
#965306 by Vivian Author IconMail Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1205659 by Not Available.

 
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Fear Not the Dark Open in new Window. (18+)
Things aren't always what they seem.
#1271338 by Sharon Author IconMail Icon

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Crack Kraken's Code Contest [Round Over] Open in new Window. (13+)
Follow the clues and decipher the message to win prizes!
#746016 by Kraken through the Snow Author IconMail Icon

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FORUM
The Writer's Cramp Open in new Window. (13+)
Write the best poem or story in 24 hours or less and win 10K GPS!
#333655 by Sophurky Author IconMail Icon

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Twisted Tales Contest Open in new Window. (13+)
A monthly contest for stories with a twist. Get 500 GPs for entering! Dec 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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Don't forget to support our sponsor!

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Ask & Answer


Thank you for allowing me into your e-mail boxes for this week's issue. I had a wonderful time writing this issue and would love to hear what you think about it. Here is some feedback I received from my last newsletter.

darkin

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Submitted By: likenion
Submitted Comment:

Superb newsletter! I like weapons and you did a phenomical job! Thanks you!

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Submitted By: Angelica Weatherby-Star on top Author Icon
Submitted Comment:

This is a very helpful newsletter to me and I've learned something new: researching the topic. *Bigsmile*

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Submitted By: Vivian Author Icon
Submitted Comment:

Darkin, your newsletters have added so much information to my mystery files. Thank you for all the usable info. ~~ Viv

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