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Mystery: August 12, 2015 Issue [#7152]

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Mystery


 This week: Untying the knots
  Edited by: Arakun the twisted raccoon 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

Quote for the week:
We learn the rope of life by untying its knots.

~ Jean Toomer



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Letter from the editor

The denouement of a story is the part near the end where the plot is resolved and the readers' questions are answered. The word "denouement" actually means untying a knot, because this is the point of the story where the twisted plot threads are untangled. It is especially important in a mystery story, because half the fun of reading a mystery is trying to guess the solution before the characters do. A weak or improbable explanation will leave the readers confused and dissatisfied even if they enjoyed the rest of the story. If your story starts with a bang, don't end it with a whimper.

Be sure your explanation is logical and that you left clues that would make it possible (but not too easy) for the reader to guess the ending. Now is not the time to introduce a new character or an aspect of an established character's personality that was not hinted at earlier in the story. The readers will not only want to know what happened but why and how. Make sure your explanation is clear but don't get bogged down in unnecessary details. Have a friend or trusted reviewing partner read your story and explain the ending back to you. If they get much of it wrong or have to read it several times for clarification, you will probably want to make revisions.

The manner in which you resolve your plot will depend on your story, but remember that a few mystery plot resolution types have been used so often that they have become clichés. In many classic mystery stories, the detective called everyone together to announce his conclusions and accuse the guilty party. Detectives in stories with this type of ending are usually eccentric geniuses like Sherlock Holmes or Dr. Gideon Fell who can get away with seeming to pull a solution out of the air because that is part of their charm.

In many other stories, the killer reveals the details himself, either to the police after being caught, or to someone he intends to kill. While it is true that some criminals love to brag about their exploits, make sure that explanations to an intended victim don't go on for too long. If that happens, the reader will sense that you are just marking time for the police to get there or for the victim to figure out an escape.

The best way to reveal the details of your story's puzzle might be to let the readers figure out as much information as they can along with the characters. You can incorporate some important details in an explanation by detectives or other characters at the end, but make sure you leave clues for the readers to pick up on it themselves. Of course, a mystery always has room for a plot twist. Maybe your characters will only think they have solved the case until the last chapter, and then...!

Something to try: Write a story by writing the ending first and then making up a story to go with it.


Editor's Picks

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#574379 by Not Available.


 
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IS THIS FOR REAL? Open in new Window. (E)
What say we sit around and - chew the fat?
#1491811 by Oldwarrior Author IconMail Icon


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


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Imprints Open in new Window. (13+)
A psychic detective helps solve a case. A tale told in dialogue only.
#706404 by FÐ Spread the Christmas Joys Author IconMail Icon


Sisters Open in new Window. (ASR)
A girl finds out that her best friend isn’t what she appeared to be.
#2032416 by Graham B. Author IconMail Icon

 
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Ask & Answer

Question for next time: What do you think is the hardest part of writing mysteries?

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