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Printed from https://writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/4792-5-Tips-for-Writing-Mystery-Stories.html
Mystery: December 27, 2011 Issue [#4792]

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Mystery


 This week: 5 Tips for Writing Mystery Stories
  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

Suspense, thrills, and the unwavering desire to solve the crime and bring the criminal to justice. That is what a true mystery is to me.

My name is darkin and I am your guest editor for this week's Mystery Newsletter.


Word from our sponsor

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Letter from the editor

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5 Tips for Writing Mystery Stories


Mystery stories are a special type of writing. Fast paced and complex, they are a problem solving person's idea of a great read. Good mysteries keep a reader wondering while solving the crime. Great mysteries keep a reader in the dark until the very end.

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, and create the kind of suspenseful storyline that will have your readers turning the page until the very ending.

darkin


Editor's Picks

Some reading material...

Feline Guardian Open in new Window. (18+)
A cat, once the protector, ever the guardian
#1355513 by Kate - Writing & Reading Author IconMail Icon

 The Real Perpetrators Open in new Window. (13+)
If the missing fiancé is found. . . For Wannabe's mystery contest
#475625 by Joy Author IconMail Icon

The Cat (2nd. Twisted Tales Contest) Open in new Window. (13+)
Cats are creatures of the night; omens of misfortune and bad luck - but what about Meeka?
#1707727 by ChrisDaltro-Chasing Moonbeams Author IconMail Icon

 Secret WdC Survivor - Disconnections Open in new Window. (13+)
One of the secret last round Survivor Entries. Ooooh, the mystery! We tied!
#1788028 by Fyn Author IconMail Icon

The O'Leary Decision Open in new Window. (ASR)
The Honorable Judge Zebbediah Prescot Miller had a mystery to solve ... or did he?
#1826387 by 🌕 HuntersMoon Author IconMail Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1813392 by Not Available.

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1805101 by Not Available.

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The Island Open in new Window. (13+)
A young couple desperately tries to cling to their fraying sanity and delusions.
#1059879 by iKïyå§ama Author IconMail Icon


And a contest for you...

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FORUM
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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Ask & Answer

Thank you for taking the time to read my newsletter. If you have any comments, please feel free to send them. I look forward to hearing from you!

darkin

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