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Writing.Com Newsletter Archives: Mystery

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#12529:	May 01, 2024	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
That would make a good story Getting ideas for mysteries What will happen in my story?

#12521:	April 24, 2024	by Happy Adore♥
April Showers Bring Margery Allingham This April newsletter will showcase the celebrated mystery author and the 4th "Queen of Crime" Margery Allingham Margery Allingham is considered the fourth Queen of Crime. Can you name the other three Queen's of Crime?

#12507:	April 17, 2024	by Annette
The Mystery of Selling Books Radio, TV, the internet, and apps are said to harm book sales. Who still buys books? Who buys Mystery books?

#12489:	April 03, 2024	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
It’s still a mystery Unsolved cases They never solved it

#12480:	March 27, 2024	by Happy Adore♥
March right into mystery and intrigue This month's newsletter will discuss the life and work of Baroness Ruth Rendell Who did Rendell learn Swedish and Danish from as a child? When was Rendell given the title of "Baroness" in her life?

#12467:	March 20, 2024	by Gaby ~ Just tired
What Year Is It? It's one thing researching a place, another when you have to research a time or era. Are crimes today the same as 20, 30, or even 50 years ago?

#12457:	March 13, 2024	by Gaby ~ Just tired
Tone Of Voice Words misinterpreted only because you wrote them, can have different impact than when you speak them. You read in your tone of voice. How often do you put too much thought into something that's meant in a different way?

#12448:	March 06, 2024	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Secret messages Secret messages in mystery stories What does it mean?

#12437:	February 28, 2024	by Happy Adore♥
Bye Bye February Mystery Newsletter This month's mystery newsletter will discuss the life and work of Scottish mystery author Ian Rankin What horrified Ian Rankin's parents when they heard this about their son?

#12429:	February 21, 2024	by 🌷 Carol St.Ann 🌷
Eytomology, Anyone? I am fascinated with words, and because I like to know stuff, I especially enjoy etymology. What do you do when you don't know the meaning of the word? Do you pass over it, look it up, pretend you do know?

#12413:	February 14, 2024	by Gaby ~ Just tired
Do The Time For Your Crime Criminals should serve a sentence even in books yet they are rarely included in stories unless genre specific. How often do you use the rules of law as part of your story?

#12399:	February 07, 2024	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Why did they do it? Motive in mystery stories Why did they do it?

#12388:	January 31, 2024	by Happy Adore♥
A Visit to Mexico Mystery newsletter This month's February mystery newsletter looks at the works of Mexican mystery authors Which author was nominated for the Bram Stocker award for their story?

#12378:	January 24, 2024	by 🌷 Carol St.Ann 🌷
What’s my motivation? Before you can create a mystery, you must know the why. What do you do when reviewers state your villain is flat?

#12358:	January 17, 2024	by Gaby ~ Just tired
Wrong Place, Wrong Time = Junk Sometimes we throw in things into our stories just to keep it going. It might help to fill up the page but don't do it! How often have you added something to a story knowing it doesn't fit there?

#12360:	January 10, 2024	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Chasing information Research in mystery stories Find out everything you can

#12346:	January 03, 2024	by Happy Adore♥
New Year's Eve Mysteries newsletter The January edition of the Mystery Newsletter with a focus on the New Year's Eve stories, all from a different angle Which of the authors won awards for their work?

#12338:	December 27, 2023	by 🌷 Carol St.Ann 🌷
Christmystery I’m writing about the mystery of Christmas. (But not what you think.) What’s the deal with all the Baubles, Bangles, & Beads?

#12316:	December 13, 2023	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
The people have a right to know News stories in mysteries Can you give me a quote for tomorrow's paper?

#12302:	December 06, 2023	by Happy Adore♥
The Mysterious World of Pierre Magnan The December mystery newsletter is about the mysterious world and works of Pierre Magnan What are the places Magnan mentions in his story in Italy?

#12299:	November 29, 2023	by 🌷 Carol St.Ann 🌷
Reviewing the Mystery All reviews should be honest, helpful, and encouraging. But a helpful review for a mystery should go a bit further. Do you avoid reading mysteries? Why or why not?

#12261:	November 22, 2023	by THANKFUL SONALI Now What?
When Priorities Clash It's not about good or bad, it's about different priorities. Could you have turned the fight into a friendly debate?

#12275:	November 15, 2023	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Hiding evidence They won't find it here. Is there anything that might make them suspect me?

#12266:	November 08, 2023	by Happy Adore♥
November Cozy Mystery newsletter The November Mystery newsletter will again feature cozy mysteries from bestselling authors Which author has a story that takes places in a town called cotton and wood? Or just plain cottonwood?

#12249:	November 01, 2023	by 🌷 Carol St.Ann 🌷
The Never Explained Those pesky little daily mysteries that threaten to drive us crazy are just inspiration in disguise. Ever experience a “huh?” Moment you couldn’t explain?

#12240:	October 25, 2023	by Gaby ~ Just tired
Out Of The Fog Writing isn't just a passion, it is a job. Working isn't always fun. It also has to inspire. Where do your ideas come from? Is it random or do you have to search for inspiration at times?

#12223:	October 18, 2023	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Secret rooms and hidden passages Hidden places in mystery stories Wasn't there a door here a minute ago?

#12216:	October 11, 2023	by Happy Adore♥
October Cozy Mystery newsletter The October Mystery newsletter will have the cozy mysteries featured from best selling authors How many cozy mystery authors are included in this month's newsletter?

#12205:	October 04, 2023	by 🌷 Carol St.Ann 🌷
A Little Odd, Wouldn't You Agree? Oddball Characters Who is your favorite quirky character? Why?

#12194:	September 27, 2023	by Gaby ~ Just tired
Good Ideas Gone South We're not all capable of writing the best seller the first time we start writing. Neitheri s the best seller. Do you ever re-read your old writing and think you could have done so much better? Share it with us!

#12183:	September 20, 2023	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Is it believable? Researching for mystery stories Would it really happen that way?

#12170:	September 13, 2023	by Happy Adore♥
Sept Mystery newsletter Robert B Parker This month's newsletter will discuss the life and work of Robert B Parker What type of dog was always included in the Spenser novels? What dog name was always used?

#12163:	September 06, 2023	by 🌷 Carol St.Ann 🌷
Rules. Why Bother? “Everything we do (or don’t do) today, dictates how our tomorrow will go.” Why oh why do activities and contests have rules? Ugh. They’re such a bother.

#12149:	August 30, 2023	by Gaby ~ Just tired
Celebrating Writers Writing.com's Birthday is right around the corner. 23 years of writing, struggling, sweat and tears. A site for writers! What's your favorite part of WdC? Sharing your writing? Or the friendships you've made? What made you stick around?

#12139:	August 23, 2023	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Back to the scene Return to the scene of the crime Can they stay away?

#12128:	August 16, 2023	by Happy Adore♥
Unraveling the Mystery of Thomas Harris The August mystery newsletter will look at the life and work of bestselling author, Thomas Harris Who was close to Thomas Harris with a name that rhymes with Molly?

#12113:	August 09, 2023	by 🌷 Carol St.Ann 🌷
Watch Your Tone It's all in the delivery... Lets talk about tone. Can you hear a character’s tone?

#12079:	August 02, 2023	by Lilli 🧿 ☕
Unsolved Mysteries A look at some unsolved mysteries to inspire a story or two. Have you ever written a story that was based on an unsolved mystery? If so, please share it here.

#12087:	July 26, 2023	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Hiding places Hiding things in mystery stories Where can it be?

#12075:	July 19, 2023	by Happy Adore♥
The Life and Work of John Connolly The July mystery newsletter will discuss the life and works of author John Connolly How many Charlie Parker books did John Connolly write in this series?

#12074:	July 19, 2023	by Happy Adore♥
The Life and Work of John Connolly The July mystery newsletter will discuss the life and works of author John Connolly How many Charlie Parker books did John Connolly write in this series?

#12062:	July 12, 2023	by 🌷 Carol St.Ann 🌷
The Canon and the Bible Continuity. Ya gotta love it. Have you ever made a mistake in a story because you’d simply mixed up the facts?

#12050:	July 05, 2023	by Gaby ~ Just tired
Supporting Character(s) Supporting characters aren't always necessary but are a welcoming addition. No one solves anything alone, or do they? Well, do they? Is a lone character able to solve everything all on its own?

#12041:	June 28, 2023	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Mystery calling Strange phone calls Who is calling please?

#12026:	June 21, 2023	by Happy Adore♥
Delve into Mystery with Kjell Ola Dahl This month's newsletter for the month of June will look at the works of prolific mystery fiction writer Kjell Ola Dahl Just how many of Dahl's stories were translated into English?

#12017:	June 14, 2023	by 🌷 Carol St.Ann 🌷
Did You See That? What is peripheral activity, and how would you use it in writing a mystery or thriller? Is it possible that every single reviewer can completely miss your point?

#11966:	June 07, 2023	by Gaby ~ Just tired
What's in a mystery? Mystery is an exciting genre that can go in many directions. Sometimes, that can create a problem. What part of mystery writing do you have the most problems with?

#11992:	May 31, 2023	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Who wrote the Circleville letters? A real life poison pen writer Who sent this?

#11980:	May 24, 2023	by Happy Adore♥
May Mystery newsletter - Stieg Larsson This month's newsletter is about Swedish journalist and bestselling author, Stieg Larsson. What type of tattoo did the girl in Stieg Larsson's novel have?

#11972:	May 17, 2023	by 🌷 Carol St.Ann 🌷
Steps. Why’d it have to be Steps? Deep diving steps of suspense. How do you build suspense into your story?

#11926:	May 10, 2023	by Gaby ~ Just tired
Kidnapped! Inspired by true events, I hope that we can solve this mystery together! When a friend tells you about their upcoming weekend, but then you don't hear from them ever again. What do you do?

#11943:	May 03, 2023	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Masters of disguise Disguises in mystery stories Who is behind the mask?

#11930:	April 26, 2023	by Happy Adore♥
April Mystery newsletter: Jo Nesbo This newsletter will discuss the works of acclaimed Norwegian author Jo Nesbo What four jobs did Jo Nesbo do prior to his mystery writing career?

#11921:	April 19, 2023	by 🌷 Carol St.Ann 🌷
Recipe for Suspense The most intensive type of mystery, suspense can be difficult to craft. What’s your favorite suspense novel or movie. Why?

#11901:	April 12, 2023	by Jayne
Dynamic Storytelling with In Media Res If you're dropping your reader into the middle of a story, give them a parachute instead of an empty backpack. I "nope" out of conversations all the time. Have you ever walked into a conversation and walked right back out?

#11893:	April 05, 2023	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Not like TV CSI effect and Perry Mason Syndrome “Why didn’t they dust the lawn for fingerprints?”

#11883:	March 29, 2023	by Happy Adore♥
A bit of Irish Mystery newsletter The newsletter will discuss two Irish mystery authors, Carlene O'Sullivan and Father Andrew Greeley for March Which of the two authors came from a large Irish Catholic family but never visited Ireland?

#11872:	March 22, 2023	by 🌷 Carol St.Ann 🌷
Recipe for a Thriller Yes, Virginia, there is a formula to the thriller. Share your favorite thriller and what made it great.

#11847:	March 08, 2023	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
I didn’t do it! Wrongful convictions If they didn’t do it, who did?

#11837:	March 01, 2023	by Happy Adore♥
March Mystery newsletter This newsletter is about Mystery writer Patricia Highsmith Who was the person who gave a recommendation for Patricia Highsmith to an artist retreat? What was the retreat called?

#11826:	February 22, 2023	by 🌷 Carol St.Ann 🌷
Is It Mystery, Thriller, or Suspense? Uht oh! My WIP falls into more than these three genre categories. Is this possible? Lets talk about it. Genre matters. What if your novel or short story falls in more than two genres? How do you classify it for marketing?

#11809:	February 15, 2023	by Lilli 🧿 ☕
The Mystery of Mysteries! Tips for writing a mystery story that may help you pull your plot together. When you write a mystery, how much pre-planning goes into it?

#11798:	February 08, 2023	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Seeing through the lies Finding the truth in mystery stories Who is telling the truth?

#11786:	February 01, 2023	by Happy Adore♥
February Mystery newsletter This newsletter is a Valentine cozy mystery themed newsletter What notorious murders were committed on Valentine's day in 1929?

#11782:	January 25, 2023	by 🌷 Carol St.Ann 🌷
Reviewing the Mystery Real Reviewers are heroes! Link your most in-depth review in the comments for a well deserved MB REWARD. Do you review the intricate engineering of a story, or is that too nitpicky?

#11752:	January 11, 2023	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Caught on video Surveillance tapes and other video in mystery stories Can you play that back again?

#11739:	January 04, 2023	by Happy Adore♥
January newsletter - New Years Murder A collection of New Years themed mysteries How many famous deaths are mentioned in this month's newsletter?

#11729:	December 28, 2022	by 🌷 Carol St.Ann 🌷
Strategic Scene Building Making your reader the witness to the deed without their knowing it. If the wheels fall off your mystery when you get to the middle, where would you look for the defective part?

#11709:	December 21, 2022	by Lilli 🧿 ☕
A Holiday Mystery Using the holidays as a backdrop for your next mystery story! Which holiday do you prefer as the backdrop for a mystery story?

#11703:	December 14, 2022	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
You have the right to remain silent When defendants don't talk "What do you have to say for yourself?"

#11693:	December 07, 2022	by Happy Adore♥
December Mystery Christmas Mysteries The last newsletter of the year, December Mystery newsletter Christmas mysteries edition How many mysteries were included in the newsletter?

#11683:	November 30, 2022	by 🌷 Carol St.Ann 🌷
The Art of Character Design There are four specific aspects to creating a character we’d know anywhere. Let’s talk about Columbo How would you make your character unforgettable?

#11674:	November 23, 2022	by eyestar~*
Ann Cleeves a short bio on the crime author of Vera and Shetland! n/a

#11659:	November 16, 2022	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
The strange case of Clarita Villanueva Attacked by an invisible enemy What was biting Clarita?

#11651:	November 09, 2022	by Happy Adore♥
Thankful for a good mystery month This month we look at mysteries where the bad guy doesn't get caught, and they remain free What feeling does the month of November bring us?

#11642:	November 02, 2022	by 🌷 Carol St.Ann 🌷
A Real Character! Any similarity to a real person, living or dead is purely intentional. Tell me about a mysterious person you know.

#11613:	October 26, 2022	by Annette
Secrets in Nature Science takes the fun out of natural mysteries. Which natural mystery was ruined for you by science?

#11617:	October 19, 2022	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Who put Bella in the wych elm? Strange real life case Who is she, and how did she get inside that tree?

#11605:	October 12, 2022	by Happy Adore♥
Cozy Mystery Writers Halloween edition This month's newsletter will take a look at 10 mystery book selections for a cozy Halloween How many cozy Halloween mystery books were mentioned?

#11594:	October 05, 2022	by 🌷 Carol St.Ann 🌷
A Writer’s Toolbox: Terminology Story writing terminology; it matters. Introduction, Preface, or Prologue; which is right for your story?

#11533:	September 28, 2022	by Annette
Numbers Prime numbers, palindromes, symbolism. Do you have a number that means something specific to you? Which number is it? What does it mean?

#11571:	September 21, 2022	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Laying a trail of bread crumbs Hiding clues for your readers What is important?

#11557:	September 14, 2022	by Happy Adore♥
Journey to Iceland: Arnaldur Indridason This issue will take us far to the country of Iceland where we meet Crime Fiction author Arnaldur Indridason. How many out of 50, 000 Icelanders produce a crime fiction novel each year?

#11550:	September 07, 2022	by 🌷 Carol St.Ann 🌷
Mystery for Sale or Lease Mystery exists everywhere. What kind of mystery gets your pulse racing? What mysterious event ruffled your feathers this week? Have you solved the puzzle yet? (NO politics, please.)

#11537:	August 31, 2022	by eyestar~*
Mysterious settings Mysteries of nature as settings. n/a

#11528:	August 24, 2022	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
The Black Dahlia One of America’s most famous unsolved cases Who killed Elizabeth Short?

#11511:	August 17, 2022	by Happy Adore♥
The Celebrated Cases of Judge Dee This is a gentle exploration into the world of Chinese detectives (Dee Goog An) through the cases of Judge Dee How many people was the Judge portraying in his role as the one who brings the justice?

#11502:	August 10, 2022	by 🌷 Carol St.Ann 🌷
All the World’s A Mystery! Every mystery does not revolve around a murder most foul. What happened to you today that you'd never have anticipated?

#11481:	July 27, 2022	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Who really killed the Wolf family? A mysterious true life case Did they convict the wrong man?

#11467:	July 20, 2022	by Happy Adore♥
A Visit to Asian Mystery First Visit Going to visit the writers of Asian mystery from Asia and beyond Who created the first known Asian mystery or crime detective in print writing?

#11459:	July 13, 2022	by 🌷 Carol St.Ann 🌷
MY MYSTERY HISTORY How I became a Mystery snob. What made you fall in love with mysteries? What’s your mystery history?

#11429:	July 06, 2022	by Lilli 🧿 ☕
Solving the Unsolvable Have you ever considered writing about an unsolved mystery and drawing your own conclusions? Is there an unsolved mystery that you find fascinating?

#11436:	June 29, 2022	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Where is Brandon Swanson? An unsolved disappearance What happened to Brandon Swanson?

#11424:	June 22, 2022	by Happy Adore♥
Mystery All Around Us This newsletter will discuss the real life "mysteries" in the world, the mysteries all around each one of us Does your town have a mysterious past?

#11408:	June 15, 2022	by 🌷 Carol St.Ann 🌷
The Butler Did It Ever wonder where the expression, “The butler did it” came from? Why is the Butler always the primary suspect?

#11388:	June 01, 2022	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Mysterious places Places made for mystery Why is this place so strange?

#11376:	May 25, 2022	by Happy Adore♥
Mystery Newsletter - John D. MacDonald This newsletter discusses the life and work of Grand Master Mystery writer, John D. MacDonald Who indirectly initiated John D. MacDonald into writing stories as a career?

#11366:	May 18, 2022	by 🌷 Carol St.Ann 🌷
The Mystery Develops My favorite tips for crafting the mystery through character development. What do you do when your mystery falls apart mid story?

#11343:	May 04, 2022	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Destroying evidence Investigating without evidence What happens when evidence is destroyed?

#11322:	April 20, 2022	by 🌷 Carol St.Ann 🌷
In Plain Sight The invisible red herring Have you ever reached the conclusion to a mystery and been stunned when you realized the answer was in plain sight the entire time?

#11302:	April 13, 2022	by Lilli 🧿 ☕
What's in a name? Names can add dimension and mystery to your characters. How much thought goes into naming your characters?

#11298:	April 06, 2022	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
To plan or not to plan Developing mysteries When do you know whodunit?

#11269:	March 23, 2022	by 🌷 Carol St.Ann 🌷
Building a Conspiracy What does it take to construct the unsolvable conspiracy? Have you ever witnessed or been involved in a conspiracy?

#11226:	March 16, 2022	by Lilli 🧿 ☕
So, you wanna write a mystery? Well, let's get familiar with 4 of the sub-genres! What sub-genre of mystery do you prefer to read?

#11249:	March 09, 2022	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
When you hate the main character Creating characters who won't annoy your readers so much that they stop reading How flawed is too flawed?

#11235:	March 02, 2022	by Nixie
Cozy up to a Fur Baby with a Cozie Exploration of a mystery sub-genre, known as a Cozy, with an added twist. What character traits would you choose for your pet in a mystery?

#11218:	February 16, 2022	by Happy Adore♥
Mystery Writer: Dame Ngaio Marsh This issue will discuss the writings from Dame Ngaio Marsh - the "Queen of Crime" Who was known as the Queen of Crime?

#11204:	February 09, 2022	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Inspiration for mystery Getting ideas for mystery stories Where do you get your story ideas?

#11184:	January 26, 2022	by Happy Adore♥
Mystery Writer: John Buchan The father of the man on the run and other stories of self sacrifice What essay prize did John Buchan win while attending Oxford?

#11171:	January 19, 2022	by eyestar~*
Medieval Mystery A peek at Ellis Peters and Mary Frazer's Medieval Mysteries Do you have a favorite medieval mystery?

#11167:	January 12, 2022	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Liars and lie detectors Polygraphs in mystery stories Are you lying to me?

#11131:	December 22, 2021	by eyestar~*
Crime Writer of Bones! About crime writer Kathy Reichs? How much of you or your crime stories show up in your mystery works?

#11119:	December 15, 2021	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Stop thief! Stolen items in mysteries Who could have taken it?

#11110:	December 08, 2021	by Happy Adore♥
Mystery Writer: Lawrence Sanders The First Deadly Sin and others... who's counting? What's your favorite deadly sin to write about?

#11101:	December 01, 2021	by Happy Adore♥
Mystery Writer: Robert Travers Anatomy of a Lawyer, or of a fly fisher? Investigation will help recover the truth Did Robert Travers like fly fishing or flying?

#11068:	November 24, 2021	by Lilli 🧿 ☕
Plot Twist!!! Plot twists, when done well, are a superb addition to the suspense in your story. What's a 'plot twist' that you've never been able to forget?

#11079:	November 17, 2021	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
But that wouldn’t happen in real life Keeping mysteries real Could they really do that?

#11056:	November 03, 2021	by Happy Adore♥
Mystery Story Writer: Agatha Christie A look at the Queen of Mystery - Dame Agatha Christie Can you guess who once was the biggest author in the genre?

#11044:	October 27, 2021	by THANKFUL SONALI Now What?
Solver on a Salver Because only the 'detective' must solve it! What do you do with the supporting cast?

#11036:	October 20, 2021	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
When the trail grows cold Solving cold cases But it was so long ago

#11025:	October 13, 2021	by Jayne
The Need to Know The legacies of unsolved mysteries and what they can tell us about endings. Have you ever read a book where you questioned if you truly understood the ending?

#11011:	October 06, 2021	by Annette
Darkness The cover of darkness is perfect for mysterious events. Do you fear darkness or do you live in darkness?

#11000:	September 29, 2021	by Happy Adore♥
A Look at What Makes a Good Mystery Mystery newsletter all about Mystery writing Just what bait do I need to keep my reader baited?

#10990:	September 22, 2021	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
The perfect hiding place Finding the perfect hiding place Where can I hide?

#10981:	September 15, 2021	by Jayne
Subverting Tropes Upending tropes to help create unique work What's the most unique story/book you've read?

#10929:	September 08, 2021	by Lilli 🧿 ☕
Hiding Clues Twists and misdirection. Tips on hiding clues in a story. Do you enjoy a good scavenger hunt?

#10956:	September 01, 2021	by Lilli 🧿 ☕
Full of Surprises! Celebrating 21 Years or Writing.Com! Has anyone ever thrown a surprise party for you?

#10947:	August 25, 2021	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
The bad guys Mystery villains Why did they do it?

#10938:	August 18, 2021	by Jayne
Are You Up for a Little...Murder? WdC's annual murder mystery Masquerade Party arrives September 1st! Have you been to a live dinner-theatre style murder mystery?

#10907:	August 11, 2021	by Annette
Gripping Tales Write as if you are the reader. What would you do to keep yourself on the edge of your seat while writing?

#10897:	July 28, 2021	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Running an obstacle course Creating obstacles for your characters What's in the way now?

#10883:	July 21, 2021	by Jayne
The Meddling Kids Are Useless It's no mystery why not all tropes work in all places. Can you think of a main character who had no impact on the outcome of a story?

#10834:	July 14, 2021	by Annette
Etiology Everything has an origin. Origin mysteries make good stories. Is there a natural mystery that is more fun to explain with fiction than science?

#10859:	July 07, 2021	by Lilli 🧿 ☕
Mysterious Sub-genres Exploring popular mystery sub-genres. Do you have a favorite mystery sub-genre that you enjoy reading?

#10853:	June 30, 2021	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
How not to write a mystery story Avoiding common mistakes in mystery stories What makes a good mystery story?

#10838:	June 23, 2021	by Jayne
Honkaku: Testing Your Logic A quick overview of Japanese mystery fiction known as honkaku Have you read any honkaku?

#10807:	June 16, 2021	by Lilli 🧿 ☕
Mystery/Crime Thriller Plot Outlines An outline idea to help you write your next mystery. Do you write outlines for your stories/novels?

#10767:	June 09, 2021	by Lilli 🧿 ☕
How To Not Get Caught Some realistic ways your characters can avoid getting caught. Do you prefer reading stories where the bad guy gets caught or remains elusive?

#10797:	June 02, 2021	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Mysteries of old stuff Old photos, letters, and forgotten treasures What is in that old box?

#10788:	May 26, 2021	by Jayne
Weapons of Convenience Not every whodunnit has a criminal mastermind. What weapon details do authors frequently get wrong?

#10780:	May 19, 2021	by Jayne
Hey, Look Over There! Are you writing red herrings or a kettle of fish? What's your favourite way to throw your readers off the trail?

#10761:	May 12, 2021	by Annette
Cunning & Cozy Make your mystery stories engaging and thrilling. Where do you hide the clues?

#10750:	May 05, 2021	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Private eyes are watching you Private detectives in mystery stories Will you take my case?

#10737:	April 28, 2021	by Jayne
Horrified by Thrills, Thrilled by Horror The difference between the psychological thriller and psychological horror genre. Do you prefer a thrilling horror or a horrifying thriller? What's your favourite psychological genre book or movie?

#10710:	April 14, 2021	by Lilli 🧿 ☕
Murder Mysteries: Crime or Suspense What’s the difference, anyway? Do you have a favorite mystery author?

#10701:	April 07, 2021	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Spring mysteries Mysteries of the changing seasons What was hidden under the snow?

#10637:	March 31, 2021	by Jayne
The Mystery of Mysteries Disentangling the subgenres of mystery. Do you think subgenres have become too niche?

#10664:	March 17, 2021	by Annette
Vernal Equinox Spring begins on March 20, 2021 at 9:37 a.m. in London, UK. What does the beginning of spring mean to you?

#10655:	March 10, 2021	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
It all comes down to motive Motive in mystery stories Why did you do it?

#10634:	March 03, 2021	by Jayne
Are You Sure It's A Mystery? The blurry lines between mystery, thriller, and crime stories. Has an author ever disappointed you by promising a certain genre of book but delivering something different?

#10629:	February 24, 2021	by Annette
Stonehenge Not Set In Stone Archeologists have solved a mystery. At least that's their story. Who moved Stonehenge and why?

#10610:	February 10, 2021	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Just a little mystery Short mystery stories How quickly can you figure out who did it?

#10589:	February 03, 2021	by eyestar~*
Mystery of First Lines! What does a first line need to hook a reader? What is a first line of a mystery story that hooked you?

#10586:	January 27, 2021	by eyestar~*
More To Mystery! A few things to ponder on the Mysterious. Have you ever written a mystery outside of the genre of crime/detective stories?

#10562:	January 13, 2021	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Let’s split up and search for clues! Gathering evidence Is this a clue?

#10545:	January 06, 2021	by Lilli 🧿 ☕
Armed and Dangerous Foreshadowing can be a difficult element to pick up but very effective in mystery writing especially. If you know what will happen in a novel, does it make reading more or less enjoyable?

#10517:	December 16, 2020	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Just a peaceful small town Small town mysteries Nothing ever happens in this town (or does it?)

#10503:	December 09, 2020	by amy-Has a great future ahead
Mystery-Personification This issue will highlight the different things that can be personified in writing and give the reader some good reads. What mystery writer's resonate with you most?

#10474:	November 18, 2020	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Mysteries of 2020 The insanity of 2020 in mysteries Who was that masked man?

#10458:	November 11, 2020	by eyestar~*
Did you say "squirrel"? It's all about distraction...yep...red herrings! Do you have a favourite "red herring" example that kept you going til the end in a mystery story?

#10427:	October 21, 2020	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Novel or short story? Too long, too short, or just right How long should your mystery be?

#10411:	October 14, 2020	by Annette
Fascinating Mummies Ancient cultures talk to us from the grave. What can go wrong if 59 mummies get unearthed in October 2020?

#10377:	September 23, 2020	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Piece by piece Putting together the jigsaw puzzle of a mystery Where does this piece fit?

#10369:	September 16, 2020	by ~Minja~
Great Mystery Jack the Ripper mystery is 130 years old and this is probably the main reason why it is so intimidating. In your opinion, what makes a murder mystery great?

#10338:	August 26, 2020	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
It’s all a matter of perspective Character perspective in mysteries How is the view from over there?

#10323:	August 19, 2020	by eyestar~*
Sir Arthur or Dame Agatha? a few facts about these classic crime writers: Arthur Conan Doyle and Agatha Christie! Which would you choose? Arthur Conan Doyle or Agatha Christie? Who do you prefer?

#10294:	July 29, 2020	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
I'll be watching you Stalkers in mystery stories Who sent this note?

#10280:	July 22, 2020	by eyestar~*
Murder is the Word! Defining murder. n/a

#10249:	July 01, 2020	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Mystery takes a vacation Summer mysteries What did your characters do last summer?

#10206:	June 03, 2020	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Eye of the beholder Perspective in mysteries Who is holding the camera?

#10197:	May 27, 2020	by ~Minja~
Mysterious Cases in Art Studying paintings sharpen senses and improves critical thinking skills. How ART you today? (The best artistic answer gets an artistic MB)

#10170:	May 13, 2020	by Gaby ~ Just tired
Small Town Mysteries Small towns are affected differently when it comes to a murder. Death, murder, or disappearance?

#10160:	May 06, 2020	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
I saw the whole thing Witnesses to a crime What did you see?

#10142:	April 29, 2020	by eyestar~*
Medical Thrillers a peek at the genre of Medical Mysteries. Do you read Medical Thrillers? Why or Why not?

#10124:	April 15, 2020	by Gaby ~ Just tired
Suspicious Readers Writing for the reader who questions everything you write about can be quite tricky. As a reader, do you prefer the more complex books or an easy read? Or does it depend on your mood?

#10110:	April 08, 2020	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
I didn’t see that coming! Stories with a twist Did you expect that?

#10103:	April 01, 2020	by ~Minja~
When a Small-Town Mystery Get Lynched Twin Peaks- the only mystery that doesn't need to be solved. What is your all-time favorite small-town mystery? Why?

#10076:	March 18, 2020	by Gaby ~ Just tired
Toilet Paper Mysteries Vol. 1 Wildfires can be contained if you react in time. From a writer’s perspective only, what’s the most important thing in a crisis?

#10065:	March 11, 2020	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
I did it because... Establishing motivation Why did they do it?

#10055:	March 04, 2020	by Gaby ~ Just tired
Character Selection Deciding on the character/s for your story can be tricky at times. How do you select the right characters for your story?

#10024:	February 19, 2020	by eyestar~*
Mystery Lady Lilian Jackson Braun Lillian Jackson Braun and her Cosy mysteries. What is your favourite "Cosy" Mystery?

#10015:	February 12, 2020	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Finding and hiding clues Let’s split up and search for clues! What does it mean?

#9999:	February 05, 2020	by Storm Machine
Withholding Information n/a

#9973:	January 22, 2020	by Annette
Tintin is a Reporter Reporters make great detectives. Why don't we ever see one of Tintin's adventures reproduced in article format?

#9964:	January 15, 2020	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Mysterious people Developing mystery characters Can these people be trusted?

#9956:	January 08, 2020	by ~Minja~
Detective Quirks Quirks make the main character memorable. Who is your favorite fictional detective?

#9932:	December 25, 2019	by Kate - Writing & Reading
Unwrapping Clues Solving the puzzle often requires navigating a maze of clues often despite the clues Do you have more fun solving the puzzle or hiding/planting the clues?

#9919:	December 18, 2019	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Dark tribute Blackmail in mysteries How much would your character pay?

#9905:	December 11, 2019	by eyestar~*
Christmas Mysteries? a peek at mysteries set at Christmas...finding a gift. What is your favourite mystery set in the Christmas season? Any suggestions as Christmas gifts?

#9903:	December 04, 2019	by Sara♥Jean
Online Writing Tools Mysteries sometimes lose their flavor halfway through as they focus on the mystery. Here's some ways to avoid that. Do you have any other online tools to share with your fellow writers?

#9877:	November 20, 2019	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Wrapping up your mystery Revealing the solution How does your story end?

#9848:	November 13, 2019	by amy-Has a great future ahead
Deciding Where Everything Goes This newsletter will give reader insight into how to organize for writing. How realistic do you like the novels you read to be?

#9855:	November 06, 2019	by Sara♥Jean
Can Gaming and Character Creation Mix? Connecting game character sheets and characters in your longer stories. Have you ever created a 'character sheet', of sorts, for your characters? How can this help you when actually writing?

#9838:	October 30, 2019	by Kate - Writing & Reading
Plotting a Puzzle that's Dark Clues planted where they flicker just past the corner of the eye, among whispers of fear Planting clues is the dark places of the mind ~ does the mystery rule or does fear take over?

#9824:	October 23, 2019	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Tampering with evidence Don't let unreliable evidence fool your characters Can this evidence be trusted?

#9816:	October 16, 2019	by Warped Sanity
Uncovering the Evidence (or Hiding it) Ways mystery writers write in the clues, without giving the conclusion away. How do you uncover the evidence in your mystery writing without making the conclusion apparent too early in the story?

#9788:	October 02, 2019	by Warped Sanity
Timeless Mystery Classic Children's mystery: why they are important for young people to read today and why they remain popular. What makes classic children's mysteries so memorable?

#9773:	September 25, 2019	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Autumn mysteries Mysteries set in the fall What is buried in that pile of leaves?

#9764:	September 18, 2019	by Annette
The TV Show Formula There is a method to mystery writing - you can use it if you want to. How can you tell who dun it right away?

#9739:	September 04, 2019	by Annette
Forest Forests hold many mysteries and secrets for us to discover. Do you really want to know what's on the other side of that tree?

#9728:	August 28, 2019	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Mistaken identity Mistaken identity in mystery stories Who are you?

#9713:	August 21, 2019	by ~Minja~
Invitation to a Murder Amusement, friendly interaction, plot twists, unusual characters are all it takes for a great murder mystery. Jack tells Jill, "This isn't the $5 bill you left on the table. I found it between pages 15 and 16 of Harry Potter." Jill retorts, "You're lying and I can prove it." How did Jill know?

#9691:	August 07, 2019	by Annette
The Open Window Giving a misleading clue. How did they get out?

#9680:	July 31, 2019	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
I found it! Searching for lost or hidden articles... What unique spots can you think of for lost items?

#9660:	July 24, 2019	by Annette
You Hide, They Seek A good mystery writer gives clues that can be found. Do you have to give clues to find clues?

#9650:	July 10, 2019	by amy-Has a great future ahead
Starting Slowly In this newsletter be prepared to get insight about how to ease into a new genre you are just trying to write in. What are your three favorite fictional detectives?

#9633:	July 03, 2019	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
I’ll never tell Secrets in mystery stories Do you want to know a secret?

#9612:	June 26, 2019	by THANKFUL SONALI Now What?
The Mystery of Coincidence This happened twelve years ago. It probably wasn't coincidence. Does anything happen by coincidence?

#9613:	June 19, 2019	by Sara♥Jean
Wake Me Up! Appropriate pacing in stories will keep your reader interested, awake, and wanting more. How do you do that in mystery? A mystery has some unique elements that some other books may not be able to take advantage of. What are they?

#9593:	June 12, 2019	by Kate - Writing & Reading
What Grows in the Garden Attending to what grows or lies fallow in your story or poem. Planting seeds vs. planting clues - do you harvest clues or do you uncover seeds?

#9579:	June 05, 2019	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Mysterious gifts Strange packages What could it be?

#9566:	May 29, 2019	by THANKFUL SONALI Now What?
Miniature Mysteries - Riddles in Rhyme Exploring the use of poetic puzzles to create little mysteries for readers and characters to solve. You must confess -- did you guess? Did the lines of poetry -- help you solve the mystery?

#9564:	May 22, 2019	by Sara♥Jean
"Ideanary" for Mystery My favorite Writing.Com Tool, for my favorite Writing.Com Genre What is your favorite tool to help with your writing?

#9546:	May 15, 2019	by eyestar~*
Mystery poems? looking for mystery authors who write poems and Mystery poems! How would you define mystery poems?

#9533:	May 08, 2019	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Treasure in the attic One man’s junk is another man’s treasure This is just old junk, isn’t it?

#9479:	May 01, 2019	by Annette
Seven Tools to Write Mystery Stories There is a road map for writing suspenseful stories. You want to crack the mystery code? Enter here.

#9513:	April 24, 2019	by Sara♥Jean
The World Through Your Character's Eyes A lot of us shy away from drama in mystery, but drama can add realism. Embrace it. How can you add some drama to your mysteries without being overdramatic?

#9464:	April 17, 2019	by Annette
Push and Pull The push and pull of question and answer. Why should you add more questions?

#9485:	April 10, 2019	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Secret roots of the family tree Searching for family ties Where did you come from?

#9467:	April 03, 2019	by eyestar~*
Mystery for Kids! Mystery Suggestions for children Do you remember your favourite mystery as a kid?

#9465:	March 27, 2019	by Sara♥Jean
Can Preconceptions be a Hindrance? Have you ever read the back jacket of a book, been excited, and then been incredibly disappointed by what's inside? What is some additional advice for making sure your mystery items catch the correct readers?

#9424:	March 20, 2019	by Annette
Mystery vs. Evidence Evidence can help to shed light on some aspects of mysteries. Whom do we believe?

#9429:	March 13, 2019	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
This is how it really happened Getting the truth... In your writing, how do you get to the bottom of who is telling the truth?

#9409:	February 27, 2019	by Sara♥Jean
Don't Forget the Supporting Characters The main characters keep your story moving, but sometimes those supporting characters are my absolute favorites! Who is your favorite supporting character, and what book are they from?

#9364:	February 20, 2019	by amy-Has a great future ahead
The Toys Which Helped Me Be Creative I love mystery and hope this issue gives you insight about me and some fantastic mystery pieces to enjoy. What is better: Old mystery movies or more modern ones?

#9380:	February 13, 2019	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Nobody’s perfect Realistic mystery characters Would they really do that?

#9363:	February 06, 2019	by eyestar~*
By Any Other Name a peek at Mysterious Subgenres n/a

#9362:	January 30, 2019	by Sara♥Jean
Greetings and Salutations! This is my first Mystery Newsletter as a regular mystery newsletter editor, so here's a little introduction. What is your favorite aspect of the Mystery Newsletter, so I can make sure to incorporate it?

#9345:	January 23, 2019	by Kate - Writing & Reading
Hidden in Plain Sight How to miss a clue right in front of your eyes. When multi-tasking, is either task fully engaged, or perceived? Do you multi-task?

#9328:	January 16, 2019	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Line them up! Police lineups, witnesses and their importance in criminal cases. Could you answer the question "Have you seen any of these people before?"

#9321:	January 09, 2019	by Jeff
Finale My last issue as a regular Mystery Newsletter editor. I'll probably volunteer for newsletter guest editor slots from time to time. Which newsletter should I focus on?

#9269:	January 02, 2019	by Max Griffin 🏳️‍🌈
Mystery or Suspense The difference between mystery and suspense. Hitchcock said that "mystery" and "suspense" were "miles apart." What do you think?

#9284:	December 19, 2018	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Leaving some mystery Don’t overexplain How much explanation is too much?

#9275:	December 12, 2018	by Jeff
True Crime How a nonfiction genre can help fiction writers. Are you a fan of true crime stories? If so, which one is your favorite?

#9257:	December 05, 2018	by THANKFUL SONALI Now What?
The Past Is Mystery A different perspective mystery -- of it being something someone does not know. What's white ink?

#9254:	November 28, 2018	by Sara♥Jean
The Key to Avoiding Loose Ends Mysteries are amazing! But they can be confusing if there are loose ends left untied. This is one way to avoid them. How do you make sure all of your loose ends are tied up? Share with the readers if you have a different strategy.

#9233:	November 21, 2018	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
The evidence suggests... Gathering evidence Can you prove it?

#9225:	November 14, 2018	by Jeff
You're A Villain To Someone A thought exercise that encourages you to see villains in a new way. Who are you a villain to?

#9214:	November 07, 2018	by Annette
Time is of the Essence Nobody knows why time exists. What can you do with time?

#9181:	October 31, 2018	by Annette
Missing Anything can go missing. Where did they go?

#9190:	October 24, 2018	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Lost! Finding lost characters and items Where did they go?

#9178:	October 17, 2018	by Jeff
Authenticity It's important to make sure your reader believes the events that occur in your story. What's the least authentic story (book, movie, TV show, etc.) you've ever read or watched? What made it so inauthentic?

#9164:	October 10, 2018	by Gaby ~ Just tired
Unknown When things in life decide to take a different turn, present you with a new and exciting yet scary challenge, go for it! What was the biggest change you've experienced in life?

#9139:	September 26, 2018	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
It's all part of a plot! Plotting a mystery How do you plan your stories?

#9133:	September 19, 2018	by Jeff
The Same But Different The pros and cons of writing in a genre with very specific expectations. Are you a writer who finds comfort or confinement in the idea of writing the same basic story over and over again?

#9119:	September 12, 2018	by Gaby ~ Just tired
Staging the mystery crew The characters we weave into the story are as important as the crime itself. What's the most important part to you when reading a mystery novel?

#9103:	September 05, 2018	by Annette
The Stranger Fascination with the exotic. What makes strangers mysterious?

#9092:	August 29, 2018	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Building character relationships Character dynamics in mysteries Who loves or hates who?

#9068:	August 22, 2018	by Jeff
Sensible Villainy Why villains' motives need to make sense. What's one of the most nonsensical villain schemes you've heard of?

#9052:	August 15, 2018	by Gaby ~ Just tired
The Traveler Describing the different places your characters visit or stay at should be enjoyable for both you and the reader. What's your favorite place you love to write about?

#9029:	August 01, 2018	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Behind a mask Masks and disguises in mystery stories Who was that mysterious masked man?

#9021:	July 25, 2018	by Jeff
Cultural Differences How cultural differences can inspire mystery stories. Have you ever traveled someplace where the cultural differences really made you feel out of place?

#9010:	July 18, 2018	by Gaby ~ Just tired
Female Power Showing the fearless side of a female and how far you can push it. What qualities do you think a strong female character should have?

#8999:	July 11, 2018	by Kate - Writing & Reading
Plant and Harvest a Gardening Mystery What grows - or what lies fallow - in the garden What would you do if you found some bones while digging in your garden?

#8985:	July 04, 2018	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Mysteries of the ordinary Mysteries involving ordinary objects There is nothing out of the ordinary here--or is there?

#8977:	June 27, 2018	by Jeff
Dangerous Locales How some locations have become larger than life. Which location do you think is the most dangerous based on the number of fictional crises that have been inflicted upon it?

#8963:	June 20, 2018	by Gaby ~ Just tired
Finding Your Voice Write what you know is not always the best advice. Sometimes you have to dig deeper to find what works for you. Has your perspective of genre writing changed over the years or do you still stick with what you know best?

#8945:	June 13, 2018	by amy-Has a great future ahead
Writng From Experience A look at writing from the experiences that you have had. Do you enjoy classic mystery fiction, like Agatha Christie, or newer mystery authors?

#8938:	June 06, 2018	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Blinded me with science! Mysteries based on science What does your experiment show?

#8931:	May 30, 2018	by Jeff
Illogic The decisions we make don't always make rational sense. What's one time where you definitely acted against your own self-interest and why?

#8916:	May 23, 2018	by Gaby ~ Just tired
Child’s Play Observing children’s behavior can be quite entertaining. What was the worst thing you did as a child?

#8899:	May 16, 2018	by eyestar~*
Clues to Reviewing Mystery What to look for when you review mystery genre! What clues do you use when you review...MYSTERY?

#8889:	May 09, 2018	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Who, what, when, where, why, how? Important questions for investigators Who, what, when, where, why, how?

#8883:	May 02, 2018	by Jeff
The Tone of the Crime How tone can make a difference in the type of crime story you tell. What's your favorite crime story tone? Do you like grim and realistic, or do prefer funny and lighthearted instead?

#8855:	April 18, 2018	by eyestar~*
The OUTBACK as setting! A peek at why Australian Outback makes a good setting for mystery. n/a

#8844:	April 11, 2018	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Book within a book Mysterious texts Who can resist a strange old book?

#8840:	April 04, 2018	by Jeff
Villainous Familiarity A look at villains who have a history with the protagonist. Who is your favorite former friend/colleague/mentor turned villain?

#8822:	March 28, 2018	by Gaby ~ Just tired
Change is Imminent Sometimes we don't need questions to find answers. Is it possible for a person to change only because they want to?

#8799:	March 14, 2018	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Partners in Crime When villains work together Are two evil heads better than one?

#8795:	March 07, 2018	by Jeff
Procedural Fatigue What to do when you've read or watched one too many procedurals. How many procedurals can you read or watch in a row before you start to get bored?

#8781:	February 28, 2018	by Gaby ~ Just tired
Different paths Finding your purpose in writing. Do you look at your writing with optimism or realizm?

#8755:	February 14, 2018	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Don't be a lazy mystery writer! Avoiding lazy writing Have you done your homework?

#8749:	February 07, 2018	by Jeff
Bankrolling Your Vigilante How do unsanctioned operatives find the resources to do their job? If you were an unsanctioned operative, how would you obtain the resources you need to carry out your mission?

#8735:	January 31, 2018	by Gaby ~ Just tired
How to be Original Striving to come up with stories which are rare isn't an easy accomplishment What's the best story you've read or have written that felt very original?

#8721:	January 24, 2018	by Kate - Writing & Reading
Mysteries~Puzzling Pyramids A mystery is a pyramid, layer upon layer of stone (clue) Do you prefer to build a mystery clue by clue or solve it by uncovering possibilities?

#8706:	January 17, 2018	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Best supporting characters Secondary characters in mysteries Do all your characters add to the story?

#8699:	January 10, 2018	by Jeff
Know When To Fold 'Em Revealing important information: when to keep teasing it and when to let it go What book or movie made you roll your eyes at how long it took to reveal information that you figured out early on?

#8686:	January 03, 2018	by Gaby ~ Just tired
New year, new crimes Sometimes the best thing to do is surprise yourself! Can you write without a plan?

#8672:	December 27, 2017	by eyestar~*
History of Mystery A peek at how the genre began! n/a

#8663:	December 20, 2017	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Christmas mysteries Mysteries with a holiday theme What's in the box?

#8652:	December 13, 2017	by Jeff
Under The Sea The unexplored depths of our world's oceans. Does sea exploration interest you?

#8633:	December 06, 2017	by Gaby ~ Just tired
Inner Demons Dealing with your character's inner conflicts. How did you overcome your biggest inner conflict?

#8611:	November 22, 2017	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Medical mysteries Including medical information in mystery stories How are your characters feeling today?

#8605:	November 15, 2017	by Jeff
On Location The importance of location in your stories. Do you care about the setting in your stories, or does it not really matter much to you?

#8591:	November 08, 2017	by Gaby ~ Just tired
Cozy Mysteries It's that time of the year where reading can bring comfort. What's your favorite mystery novel?

#8577:	November 01, 2017	by Kate - Writing & Reading
Play it Fair Whether planting clues or mis-cues, keep it real Is it fair to plant a clue (or mis-clue) in plain sight?

#8563:	October 25, 2017	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Under cover of darkness Darkness in mystery stories Who turned out the lights?

#8558:	October 18, 2017	by Jeff
Unsolved Mysteries The upside and downside of writing stories where the mystery remains unsolved at the end. Do you like unsolved mysteries, or do you prefer stories that answer all questions raised?

#8544:	October 11, 2017	by Gaby ~ Just tired
Battle of the Sexes The characters we choose and how we portray them tells a story on its own. Who is your favorite superhero and why?

#8520:	September 27, 2017	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Don't make assumptions! Assumptions can lead your characters astray What if things aren't predictable?

#8514:	September 20, 2017	by Jeff
The Relative Position of the Reader The pros and cons of a reader who knows more, less, or just as much as the characters in the story. As a reader, do you prefer being ahead of or behind what the characters know?

#8499:	September 13, 2017	by Gaby ~ Just tired
Luck Is On Your Side! The complexity of characters is important. Nothing is ever as it seems. How lucky do your characters consider themselves for surviving your gruesome stories?

#8478:	September 06, 2017	by Gaby ~ Just tired
A Genre Newbie We never stop learning. If we do, then we stop growing. Human nature is curiosity first and foremost. Work with it! What has inspired your passion for writing?

#8468:	August 30, 2017	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Means, motive, and opportunity Three ingredients of a crime Could they have done it, how did they do it, and why did they do it?

#8464:	August 23, 2017	by Jeff
Lone Wolves or Team Efforts The pros and cons of characters who operate solo and characters who operate as part of a team. Do you prefer to write characters who operate alone, or do you prefer characters who are part of a team?

#8444:	August 16, 2017	by Gaby ~ Just tired
Characters may surprise us Learning more besides the obvious about your characters may not be as necessary as you think, or is it? How well do you know your characters?

#8432:	August 09, 2017	by Gaby ~ Just tired
Add some romance to it! Don't frown. Mixing mystery with romance can be quite a good read. Try it. Who's your favorite romance/mystery writer?

#8420:	August 02, 2017	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Preserving the chain of custody Don't mishandle evidence I found evidence of a crime! Now what do I do with it?

#8413:	July 26, 2017	by Jeff
Long-Term Impact A look at how your characters and the events of your books play into the larger narrative. Which fictional character, if they were real, do you think would have the most impact on the world as we know it?

#8396:	July 19, 2017	by Gaby ~ Just tired
Poker Face Reading people and what they're all about can be very hard at times. Do you have a poker face?

#8386:	July 12, 2017	by Kate - Writing & Reading
Where the Mystery Takes Place Regional Mysteries incorporate the place where the mystery occurs as integral to the puzzle Would Miss Marple be a different person were she in southern California; what of Philip Marlowe if he lived in England?

#8374:	July 05, 2017	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
The devil (and angels) in the details Keeping your story straight Help! I've written myself into a corner. How do I get out?

#8367:	June 28, 2017	by Jeff
Fictional Nations A look at the practice of inventing whole countries for use in fiction. Carpathia, East Timor, Moldova, Swaziland <--- Can you spot the fictional country from this list?

#8349:	June 21, 2017	by Gaby ~ Just tired
Hidden In Plain Sight When the clues are present yet invisible, and only revealed at the end, is the impact more powerful. What is your favorite mystery book and why?

#8337:	June 14, 2017	by Andy~hating university
The Consulting Detective Solving crimes is often a three pipe problem Have you ever solved a mystery before the solution was revealed?

#8323:	June 07, 2017	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
It's still a mystery! Unsolved mysteries Who did it?

#8316:	May 31, 2017	by Jeff
Everyman vs. Exceptional Man A look at two very different types of protagonists. Do you prefer to read stories about every day people or exceptional people?

#8305:	May 24, 2017	by Gaby ~ Just tired
Presenting The Evidence Study up on investigations before you decide to dive into that sort of writing! What type of crime are you most interested in writing?

#8277:	May 10, 2017	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Caught you! Apprehending the villain Caught in the act!

#8271:	May 03, 2017	by Jeff
B & C Stories Besides the crime itself, what else is your mystery story about? What are your favorite types of B Stories and C Stories?

#8258:	April 26, 2017	by Gaby ~ Just tired
Make It Personal You may not be a murderer but you have to wear those dirty shoes in order to write about it in detail. Who is your favorite villain and why?

#8244:	April 19, 2017	by Kate - Writing & Reading
How Did We Miss That? Sometimes the obvious clue is the right one Without looking, what's the color of your seatmate's eyes?

#8228:	April 12, 2017	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
I figured it out! Solving the puzzle What does it mean?

#8221:	April 05, 2017	by Jeff
Genre Expansion A look and genres and their potential to be expanded in new and exciting ways. Which genre do you think has branched out the most from where it's started?

#8204:	March 29, 2017	by Gaby ~ Just tired
Catchy Titles Hooking the reader before they get to the first page. How difficult is it for you to create a title for your story that you think would grab the reader?

#8192:	March 22, 2017	by Gaby ~ Just tired
Government Types While it may not always play a big role, the type of government we include in our writing can have a large impact. What type of government rules your writing realm?

#8179:	March 15, 2017	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
In a flash! Flashbacks and forward flashes Giving your readers flashes of insight

#8174:	March 08, 2017	by Jeff
Esoteric Crimes Digging a little deeper and finding less common crimes to write about. Are you more interested in reading about unusual crimes, or common/familiar crimes with unusual circumstances?

#8155:	March 01, 2017	by Gaby ~ Just tired
Freshen it up! We're all tired of the same old when it comes to writing. Creating new twists can be quite challenging sometimes. Do you ever search for the right plot to your story?

#8130:	February 15, 2017	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
I can't remember Characters with amnesia What would it be like to forget everything?

#8123:	February 08, 2017	by Jeff
Mystery Statistics A look at some useful numbers and statistics in the mystery genre. Do you find it helpful to your writing to analyze data and trends before starting a new project?

#8109:	February 01, 2017	by Gaby ~ Just tired
Who, why, but most of all, how? Mystery is more than just figuring out who's done the deed. What's the best medical mystery you can come up with?

#8097:	January 25, 2017	by Gaby ~ Just tired
Importance Of A Good Dialogue The conversation between two or more characters in your story and the way it is written is very vital to your writing Ever heard a conversation where you thought that would be a good dialogue to write?

#8082:	January 18, 2017	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Books within a book Mysterious books Who can resist a mysterious book?

#8077:	January 11, 2017	by Jeff
Renewal Renewal What areas of your life would you like to improve this year?

#8064:	January 04, 2017	by Gaby ~ Just tired
Emotional Stress Finding ways to emphasize the emotional drama in mystery What type of emotional stress have you experienced which had an effect on your writing?

#8049:	December 28, 2016	by Kate - Writing & Reading
Quick! Who Done It? Mysteries tight yet complete Can a short mystery be complex enough to challenge the mind of the sleuth and reader?

#8036:	December 21, 2016	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
You have the right to remain silent The Miranda warning Do you know your characters' rights?

#8029:	December 14, 2016	by Jeff
Character Over Plot (Even In Mysteries) Why character is the most important aspect of a story, even in a plot-driven mystery. Which three mystery fiction characters are the most memorable to you?

#8016:	December 07, 2016	by Marci Missing Everyone
Different Ways to Tell Your Story How can you create an unexpected twist when writing a story? Show me the twist!

#8000:	November 30, 2016	by Marci Missing Everyone
To Be or Not To Be - A State of Being Active writing vs. Passive writing - a discussion of using state of being verbs Fix the example paragraph in your own words

#7989:	November 23, 2016	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Chasing clues Sifting through evidence Is it a clue or a red herring?

#7979:	November 16, 2016	by Jeff
Staying Motivated How to stay motivated when faced with real world troubles. How often do you find yourself having difficulty focusing on your writing because of real life concerns?

#7966:	November 09, 2016	by Gaby ~ Just tired
On The Edge The most important part each story needs is for the reader to want to know more at all times. What is the best cliffhanger you've read so far?

#7935:	October 26, 2016	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
We've been robbed! Stolen! Is anything missing?

#7926:	October 19, 2016	by Jeff
Stagnation: Part 2 A follow-up to last month's newsletter. Do these reasons make you more or less likely to read the same genre?

#7903:	October 12, 2016	by Gaby ~ Just tired
Hearing Voices Getting to know your characters better through their own voice. Do you ever converse with your characters?

#7890:	October 05, 2016	by Annette
Trivial Things Your life - no matter how dull to you - can be a treasure trove for others to find out about. Is it possible to tell engaging stories about trivial things that happen in life?

#7880:	September 28, 2016	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
An illusion or a lie Creating illusions without lying You aren't lying to me, are you?

#7875:	September 21, 2016	by Jeff
Stagnation: Part 1 What do you do when your mystery plots become stagnant? Do you ever feel like stories in the mystery genre become stagnant or unoriginal?

#7857:	September 14, 2016	by Gaby ~ Just tired
Get The Job Done Figuring out what works best for you and your schedule What has been your best excuse for not writing?

#7845:	September 07, 2016	by Elle - on hiatus
Life's true mysteries What secrets and mysteries dwell in the shadows of your family's history? Have you ever considered unearthing the skeletons in the closet and finding out just what happened to them?

#7828:	August 31, 2016	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Mystery calling! Phone calls in mystery stories Hello..Hello...Who's there?

#7825:	August 24, 2016	by Jeff
Mystery-Solving Team-Ups The benefits of solving a mystery with the help of multiple characters. What's your favorite team-up in mystery fiction?

#7808:	August 17, 2016	by Gaby ~ Just tired
What Publishers Are Looking For Knowing what an editor/publisher expects may save you precious time Have you submitted your work to an editor yet? If so, what was their reaction to your writing?

#7793:	August 10, 2016	by Gaby ~ Just tired
Location - It Matters! Figuring out the best location for your story and characters. Which place do you love writing about?

#7780:	August 03, 2016	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
The things we do for love Mysteries of the heart What would you do for love?

#7776:	July 27, 2016	by Jeff
Nature's Mysteries Mysteries offered by the natural world. Which of the undiscovered parts of the world do you find the most intriguing?

#7758:	July 20, 2016	by Gaby ~ Just tired
Doing the Deed Crossing the line should not be an option and a way to become a published author Do you have to cross the line and commit a crime in order to be able to write something interesting?

#7746:	July 13, 2016	by Marci Missing Everyone
Hide your laptops! How many ways can you commit murder... in your stories? What are some great ways you've killed off your characters?

#7730:	July 06, 2016	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
I need to ask you a few questions Questioning suspects and witnesses Where were you June 25, 2013 at 5 pm?

#7725:	June 29, 2016	by Jeff
Inside Amazon's Mystery Section A look under the hood of Amazon's large Mystery, Thriller & Suspense section. What specific subgenre of the Mystery, Thriller & Suspense genre do you like to read most.

#7706:	June 22, 2016	by Gaby ~ Just tired
What's your pleasure? Following your gut - instinct! Do you have to figure out who the bad guy is or do you like to be told?

#7694:	June 15, 2016	by Marci Missing Everyone
Pacing a Suspenseful Scene How word choices and sentence lengths help to make a scene more suspenseful. What tricks do you use to intensify suspense?

#7681:	June 08, 2016	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
But everybody knows that... Common misconceptions in mystery stories Is everything we "know" really true?

#7673:	June 01, 2016	by Jeff
Memorial Day The significance of Memorial Day to us and to our characters. Do you do anything in particular to honor veterans and active servicemen/women on Memorial Day?

#7659:	May 25, 2016	by Gaby ~ Just tired
The Cube Each action has a different reaction, even in writing How often do you change your story outline?

#7636:	May 11, 2016	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Beware the femme fatale Dangerous women in mystery stories How can a beautiful woman be evil?

#7618:	May 04, 2016	by Jeff
Writer vs. Storyteller vs. ? The job title we give ourselves says a lot about how we view the work we create. What job title best describes the creative work you do? Are you a "writer," or are you something else?

#7609:	April 27, 2016	by Gaby ~ Just tired
History The past is full of secrets which are waiting to be uncovered. What environmental disaster did you live through?

#7596:	April 20, 2016	by Gaby ~ Just tired
The Writer's Mind Inspired by another writer and how it influences you If you could sit down and talk with anyone famous, dead or alive, whom would you pick?

#7586:	April 13, 2016	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Everything is a mystery Mystery in other genres How does mystery fit in to other genres?

#7576:	April 06, 2016	by Jeff
Standing Out Advice on how to make sure your work stands out above the competition. Do you think about how to make your work stand apart from competition? What are some of your techniques for doing that?

#7560:	March 30, 2016	by Gaby ~ Just tired
Undecided Trying to find the genre which best fits you What do you consider the biggest mystery of all?

#7543:	March 23, 2016	by Nixie
Listen to their Lies The genre of mysteries has 18 sub-genres. This Newsletter looks into a "Cozy" mystery with an emphasis on lying suspects What crafty lies can you think of for your suspects?

#7534:	March 16, 2016	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Beware the Ides of March! Cryptic communications and mysterious messages What does it mean?

#7526:	March 09, 2016	by Jeff
The Unfamiliar The mystery potential inherent in things that are unfamiliar. What kinds of unfamiliar people, places, or things do you find the most mysterious?

#7514:	March 02, 2016	by Gaby ~ Just tired
Antagonist Getting to know the bad guy. How detailed is your antagonist?

#7497:	February 24, 2016	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
A mystery doesn't have to be a crime Mysteries without an apparent crime Why does a mystery have to involve a crime?

#7484:	February 17, 2016	by Kate - Writing & Reading
Clue in the Characters Characters supply both clues and possible solutions to the puzzle that is the mystery Which came first, the clue or the character ?

#7474:	February 10, 2016	by Jeff
Pros/Cons of Law Enforcement vs. Private The advantages and disadvantages of solving a crime as an official investigator or a private citizen. If you were a mystery series protagonist, would you want to be an law enforcement professional or a private sleuth?

#7454:	February 03, 2016	by Gaby ~ Just tired
Perfection Nothing in life is perfect. Neither is your story. How long does it take you to finish writing a book? Be honest!

#7442:	January 27, 2016	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Smoke and mirrors Setting up illusions Did I just see what I thought I saw?

#7428:	January 20, 2016	by Gaby ~ Just tired
Criminal Intent What we've learned from television shows, movies, and books. How to incorporate what we know into our own writing What's the name of the Agency your character would love to work at?

#7422:	January 13, 2016	by Jeff
A Fresh Start When to and what's involved in taking your character in a new direction. Have you ever written a character for so long you needed to evolve him or her? How did you do it?

#7406:	January 06, 2016	by Gaby ~ Just tired
The Prophecy Throwing a mysterious twist called the myth into your story What future predictions, if any, do you believe in?

#7395:	December 30, 2015	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Solving mysteries of the past Puzzles from the past How do you solve a mystery from long ago?

#7377:	December 16, 2015	by Jeff
Constructive Criticism A reaction to the disheartening news of writers thinking they should give up after bad reviews. How do you handle mean, unhelpful, or just plain bad feedback to your work?

#7358:	December 09, 2015	by Gaby ~ Just tired
The Unknown When there's a story to be told, but you can't figure out what it actually is Do your characters give you sleepless nights?

#7349:	December 02, 2015	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
The long and short of it Novel or short story? How long should your story be?

#7336:	November 25, 2015	by blue jellybaby
Setting the Stage Foreshadowing is an important element of novel writing. Do you struggle with foreshadowing?

#7330:	November 18, 2015	by Jeff
Thrillers as a Primary Genre Categorizing thrillers as their own genre rather than a subset of another genre like action or mystery. Do you think thrillers are their own primary genre, or are they a subset of other genres like action or mystery?

#7312:	November 11, 2015	by Gaby ~ Just tired
Age Is Just A Number While in real life, time does fly, our characters become timeless and sometimes, ageless. Why is your character that particular age?

#7304:	November 04, 2015	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
On the lam! Criminals and/or victims on the run You can't catch me! Can you?

#7288:	October 28, 2015	by blue jellybaby
Noir Mystery Tropes of Noir in Literature Could you be a hardboiled detective?

#7282:	October 21, 2015	by Jeff
Agencies & Organizations Should you use a real agency/organization already in existence, or create your own? Do you prefer stories with real agencies and organizations in them, or stories that make up their own?

#7268:	October 14, 2015	by Gaby ~ Just tired
The Wolf Gift When everything in life becomes a question itself Do you believe in the supernatural and magic?

#7253:	October 07, 2015	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Creating backstory What happened before page one? How did your characters get into this mess?

#7238:	September 30, 2015	by Dawn Embers
Clue and Other Mystery Games A look at some board games and the mystery elements they involve. Did you play any mystery games as a kid or even as an adult?

#7231:	September 23, 2015	by Jeff
Understanding Your Mystery Market Not all mystery markets are looking for the same kind of mystery stories. What mystery market do you want to write for? Do your stories match the needs of that market?

#7183:	September 16, 2015	by Gaby ~ Just tired
Generation X The world we live in and how it affects people The world has changed - but have we as writers changed?

#7202:	September 09, 2015	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Don't believe everything you read Unreliable narrators Are you lying to me?

#7188:	September 02, 2015	by Cinn
How NOT to Annoy Whodunit Readers Avoiding irksome conclusions that will frustrate your audience Will readers accept the 'who' in your whodunit mystery?

#7181:	August 26, 2015	by Jeff
Unrestrained Writing Writing for the market is important if you're pursuing publication, but don't forget to take time to write for yourself. When was the last time you wrote something without limitations (e.g. market conditions, contest requirements, etc.)?

#7148:	August 19, 2015	by Gaby ~ Just tired
Traveling Down A Winding Road Everything comes in its own time - don't force it Do you laugh when you go back to your old writing? The then and now, how different are they?

#7152:	August 12, 2015	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Untying the knots Explaining it all How do you resolve your story without writing another whole book?

#7138:	August 05, 2015	by Kate - Writing & Reading
A Series of Puzzles for the Sleuth The next puzzle, and the next, creating a series of mysteries for the sleuth. How do we make our readers want the sleuth succeed, over and over again?

#7130:	July 29, 2015	by Jeff
Real Flaws Creating characters whose flaws have an impact on the story. What's your favorite character flaw from fiction, movies, or television?

#7116:	July 22, 2015	by Gaby ~ Just tired
Female Power Sometimes, you're just tired of having the guy be the hero of the story. What would your female character do to save the day and the world?

#7101:	July 15, 2015	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Treasure maps for the modern age How modern technology affects mystery stories How do you make a treasure map with GIS?

#7091:	July 08, 2015	by Gaby ~ Just tired
Bad Writing How to deal with low ratings while the reviews are actually decent. Ever been told your story is really good but the rating doesn't reflect the comment?

#7079:	July 01, 2015	by Jeff
What To Do With Writing Advice The importance of knowing what works for you when everyone has their own opinion on how to write. What's the best piece writing advice you've ever received, and who gave it?

#7059:	June 24, 2015	by Gaby ~ Just tired
Mystery Blogger What to do when you have a small portfolio but your writing requires a whole lot of space How often do you write a story/poem in a blog instead of an actual item and why?

#7048:	June 17, 2015	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Missing! Vanished without a trace How do you find what is lost?

#7041:	June 10, 2015	by Gaby ~ Just tired
Heart of a Child We're all children at heart - but eventually that child retreats When did you stop being a child and became an adult? How does it affect your writing?

#7030:	June 03, 2015	by Jeff
Finding Your Niche How focusing on a specific type of mystery writing can help you more easily find an audience. Do you prefer straightforward mysteries, or ones within a secondary genre or set of themes?

#7010:	May 27, 2015	by Gaby ~ Just tired
Limitations Finding a way out in order to find yourself What do you do to organize your time better in order to write?

#6995:	May 20, 2015	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Open season on plot bunnies Beware the dreaded plot bunny! What's furry and lives in a plot hole?

#6982:	May 13, 2015	by Gaby ~ Just tired
Puzzles And Riddles What do you do to uncover the truth? n/a

#6975:	May 06, 2015	by Jeff
Everyone Has One Special Thing What one special thing does your writing have that no one else's does? n/a

#6959:	April 29, 2015	by Gaby ~ Just tired
Murky Waters When you can't put your finger on who the guilty party actually is... Torture! n/a

#6945:	April 22, 2015	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Suspicious characters Making the innocent appear guilty n/a

#6931:	April 15, 2015	by Gaby ~ Just tired
Taboos And Sheltered Lives What kind of effect did your life have on your writing and why? n/a

#6921:	April 08, 2015	by Jeff
Motives Every suspect should have a motive equally as compelling as the real one. n/a

#6908:	April 01, 2015	by Gaby ~ Just tired
Sharpening Your Skills What secrets do you have when it comes to writing? n/a

#6894:	March 25, 2015	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Masters of disguise Characters who change their appearance n/a

#6885:	March 18, 2015	by Kate - Writing & Reading
Young Adults ~ edgy and sharp Not quite adult but no longer kids n/a

#6874:	March 11, 2015	by Jeff
Citizen's Arrest What you need to know about citizen's arrests. n/a

#6858:	March 04, 2015	by Gaby ~ Just tired
The Fly On The Wall How much do we know about third person narration? n/a

#6844:	February 25, 2015	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Putting yourself into your stories Characters based on yourself n/a

#6832:	February 18, 2015	by A Non-Existent User
The Bumbling Detective How the past few weeks have taught me so much about human nature. n/a

#6825:	February 11, 2015	by Jeff
Thrillers & Suspense Trying to categorize a hard-to-define genre. n/a

#6776:	February 04, 2015	by Gaby ~ Just tired
Literary Rejections What can we learn from our writing being rejected? n/a

#6795:	January 28, 2015	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Characters who aren't there When the most important character in your story is not actually present n/a

#6786:	January 21, 2015	by Lonewolf
Writing the Paranormal Mystery Paranormal mysteries are much of the same like a regular mystery, but with a few different rules to think about. n/a

#6764:	January 14, 2015	by Jeff
What's in a Name? Why it's important to put some thought into the names you give your characters. n/a

#6757:	January 07, 2015	by Gaby ~ Just tired
The Media Effect How honest is the media in reality? n/a

#6741:	December 31, 2014	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Plugging plot holes Don't let plot holes sink your story n/a

#6733:	December 24, 2014	by A Non-Existent User
The Mother of the Detective Novel A look at Anna Katharine Green n/a

#6723:	December 17, 2014	by Jeff
Magic And Other Criminal Enterprises How magic (and other skill sets) can be used to commit crimes. n/a

#6660:	December 10, 2014	by Gaby ~ Just tired
Rest Uneasy The crimes of today n/a

#6693:	December 03, 2014	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Top down or bottom up? Inductive and deductive reasoning in mystery stories n/a

#6674:	November 26, 2014	by A Non-Existent User
Two Outlines for the Price of a Mystery A look at why you might want two outlines or at least a good writing program when writing Mysteries. n/a

#6673:	November 19, 2014	by Jeff
When to Quit Knowing when to keep going and when to throw in the towel. n/a

#6657:	November 12, 2014	by Gaby ~ Just tired
Learning the trade Hi, everyone! I'm Gaby and I'm your editor for this issue of the Mystery Newsletter. n/a

#6641:	November 05, 2014	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Let's write a mystery together Using campfire creatives to write mysteries n/a

#6625:	October 29, 2014	by A Non-Existent User
Be Predictable, but not too predictable A look at how to draw in your readers with your plot and clue execution.. n/a

#6621:	October 22, 2014	by Jeff
Predictable Procedurals With all the mystery and crime stories out there, what makes yours unique? n/a

#6601:	October 15, 2014	by Gaby ~ Just tired
Character Traits How different character types make for more interesting stories n/a

#6586:	October 08, 2014	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Case reopened Are you sure you know who did it? n/a

#6582:	October 01, 2014	by Kate - Writing & Reading
Mysteries driven by clockworks and steam Some of our favorite classic mysteries were borne upon cogs and airships centuries ago, and today, and tomorrow n/a

#6569:	September 24, 2014	by Jeff
On Trial for Murder My experiences as a juror for a murder trial, and how it affected my writing. n/a

#6556:	September 17, 2014	by Gaby ~ Just tired
Trying something new Why not switch from the everyday to something more unique? n/a

#6537:	September 10, 2014	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Shh! It's a secret! Secrets in mystery stories n/a

#6525:	September 03, 2014	by A Non-Existent User
The Red Herring where does the term come from and why should we use it? n/a

#6521:	August 27, 2014	by Jeff
Where's The Humanity? On the importance of character in a plot-driven genre. n/a

#6507:	August 20, 2014	by Gaby ~ Just tired
Character Actions How different situations affect different characters n/a

#6484:	August 13, 2014	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
"I confess! I did it!" False confessions n/a

#6468:	August 06, 2014	by A Non-Existent User
Knitting up a plot How yarn craft is a perfect physical representation of plot development n/a

#6463:	July 30, 2014	by Jeff
Liars Everyone's a liar. The real question is; why are they lying and who are they lying to? n/a

#6446:	July 23, 2014	by Gaby ~ Just tired
Back to the Future What have you been missing? n/a

#6430:	July 16, 2014	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Where were you the night of the murder? Alibis for your characters n/a

#6420:	July 09, 2014	by Kate - Writing & Reading
Young Adults are Mysterious Characters Young adults ~ not quite adults, but definitely not kids - they are real characters n/a

#6413:	July 02, 2014	by Jeff
Mystery As A Sub-Genre Mystery as a sub-genre rather than its own standalone genre. n/a

#6395:	June 25, 2014	by Dawn Embers
The Elusive Unique Mystery Idea Some aspects are expected in a mystery, but you can still have unique elements to catch the reader's attention. n/a

#6380:	June 18, 2014	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Horses or zebras? What do you think of when you hear hoofbeats? n/a

#6369:	June 11, 2014	by Kate - Writing & Reading
Kids Love a Puzzle On a thundery rainy summer day ~ kids can have fun reading - and solving - a mystery ^_^ n/a

#6360:	June 04, 2014	by Jeff
Evolve Your Writing On the importance of keeping current with your genre reading and writing. n/a

#6345:	May 28, 2014	by Gaby ~ Just tired
Characters Are People, Too! Why is it that we want to make characters come alive? n/a

#6326:	May 21, 2014	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
When Characters Take Over Dealing with characters who have minds of their own n/a

#6319:	May 14, 2014	by Gaby ~ Just tired
What's it to you? How important is your writing to you? n/a

#6310:	May 07, 2014	by Jeff
Your Precious Words The importance of not placing too much importance on your words. n/a

#6277:	April 30, 2014	by Gaby ~ Just tired
The Great Storyteller Do you always do what you're told? Are others right? n/a

#6278:	April 23, 2014	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Breaking and Entering Getting your characters in and out of places where they are not supposed to be n/a

#6261:	April 16, 2014	by Gaby ~ Just tired
The Good Guy Always Wins Is predictability welcomed or overrated, or are we afraid to think outside the box? n/a

#6256:	April 09, 2014	by Jeff
The Armed Forces A look at the different branches of the Armed Forces. n/a

#6242:	April 02, 2014	by Gaby ~ Just tired
Flashbacks When is it appropriate to use flashbacks in your story? n/a

#6225:	March 26, 2014	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Hanging over the edge Cliffhanger endings n/a

#6219:	March 19, 2014	by Annette
Interview With the Pre-teen How hidden can those clues really be to be a satisfying read? n/a

#6207:	March 12, 2014	by Jeff
Alphabet Soup A smorgasbord of government agencies dealing with a wide variety of issues. n/a

#6193:	March 05, 2014	by Gaby ~ Just tired
Deception The difference between deceiving your characters and deceiving your reader n/a

#6176:	February 26, 2014	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Connecting the Dots Weaving a coherent story from several subplots n/a

#6164:	February 19, 2014	by A Non-Existent User
God is in the Details Timing is everything. n/a

#6157:	February 12, 2014	by Jeff
Police, State Police, or Sheriff? Key differences between local police departments, state police departments, and county sheriffs. n/a

#6134:	February 05, 2014	by A Non-Existent User
The Mystery Is... What happens when you Google the word Mystery. n/a

#6125:	January 29, 2014	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
X marks the spot! Searching for hidden treasure n/a

#6114:	January 22, 2014	by Gaby ~ Just tired
Dissecting The Norm Is mystery still a mystery without removing a body or two from your story? n/a

#6102:	January 15, 2014	by Jeff
Occam's Razor The simplest solution may usually be the correct one... but how many of us actually believe that? n/a

#6091:	January 08, 2014	by Dawn Embers
Detectives, Demons, and Elves... Oh My When the Mystery genre intermixes with others, the results can equal a great story. n/a

#6073:	January 01, 2014	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Oh what a tangled web! Mystery stories for the internet age n/a

#6066:	December 25, 2013	by Lonewolf
Rules of Mystery A mystery purveys the element of shock and awe. n/a

#6052:	December 18, 2013	by Jeff
Consequences It's important to understand the prices we pay for the choices we make. n/a

#6026:	December 04, 2013	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
I saw it with my own eyes! Eyewitness accounts are not always trustworthy n/a

#6000:	November 27, 2013	by Annette
Critical Thinking Writing and reading mystery stories is a perfect way to develop and nurture critical thinking. n/a

#6008:	November 20, 2013	by Jeff
Damsels, The Bechdel Test & Female Roles How realistic are your female characters? Can your stories pass a simple three-question test? n/a

#5994:	November 13, 2013	by Annette
Leave Enough Clues Sometimes, there is no such thing as too much information. In mysteries at least. n/a

#5978:	November 06, 2013	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Why don't they just go to the police? When your characters should (and shouldn't ) solve the crime alone n/a

#5970:	October 30, 2013	by Gaby ~ Just tired
Mapping it out Writing a novel isn't easy, but with a little bit of planning you may get to where you want to be. n/a

#5956:	October 23, 2013	by Jeff
The Final Frontier? Space may be the final frontier hundreds of years from now, but what unexplored frontiers exist now? n/a

#5947:	October 16, 2013	by Gaby ~ Just tired
The Odd Simplicity Even the simplest of characters have a story to tell n/a

#5930:	October 09, 2013	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Nature's Mysterious Places Natural settings for mysteries n/a

#5901:	October 02, 2013	by A Non-Existent User
The Father of The Modern Mystery Do you know who it is? If you thought Arthur Conan Dole you would be wrong. n/a

#5912:	September 25, 2013	by Jeff
Price Tags About the importance of understanding the value and cost of things. n/a

#5875:	September 11, 2013	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Why did they do it? Motive in mystery stories n/a

#5852:	September 04, 2013	by Gaby ~ Just tired
A Dash Of Mystery Within The Misery The realization of how much a title really matters n/a

#5856:	August 28, 2013	by Jeff
How Stuff Works Using websites like HowStuffWorks.Com as a writing resource. n/a

#5832:	August 14, 2013	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
One thing out of place "Upside down" mysteries n/a

#5826:	August 07, 2013	by Kit
The Mystery of the Criminal Mind Does the mystery of how the criminal mind works explain part of the reason we love the Mystery genre? n/a

#5807:	July 31, 2013	by Jeff
Don't Ruin The Suspense The importance of holding off as long as possible on your reveals. n/a

#5780:	July 17, 2013	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Midsummer Night's Scream Summertime mysteries n/a

#5773:	July 10, 2013	by Lonewolf
Effective Clue Dropping It can be hard to try and leave a clue which is covert enough to be picked up by the the discerning reader. n/a

#5762:	July 03, 2013	by Jeff
Setups & Payoffs The important relationship between setting things up and paying them off. n/a

#5747:	June 26, 2013	by Kate - Writing & Reading
Kids Love to Solve the Puzzle Kids Love being the first, the main character, to uncover clues and solve a mystery. n/a

#5735:	June 19, 2013	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Beware of Essie! Don't let this character ruin your story n/a

#5729:	June 12, 2013	by Lonewolf
Writing a Private Investigator Mystery The police and the legal system are unable to find or punish the guilty so the Private Eye is hired to set things right. n/a

#5712:	June 05, 2013	by Jeff
The Catacombs of Paris Exploring the ossuary that runs underneath the streets of Paris. n/a

#5698:	May 29, 2013	by Kate - Writing & Reading
Plant and Harvest a Gardening Mystery Cultivate clues, planted in your gardening mystery ~ and do compost the herrings n/a

#5681:	May 22, 2013	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Ronald Knox's Rules for Mystery Stories "Ten Commandments" from the Golden Age of Mysteries n/a

#5673:	May 15, 2013	by Kit
The Benefits of Authenticity When you know where you are going and what you are on about, the details you add help create a feeling of authenticity. n/a

#5664:	May 08, 2013	by Jeff
Opposing Forces Is your antagonist an obstacle or an opposite force of nature? n/a

#5648:	May 01, 2013	by Kate - Writing & Reading
In Plain Sight ~ How'd We Miss That?? Some clues are so obvious, so 'easy' to find, one can't help but miss them n/a

#5633:	April 24, 2013	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Secret rooms and hidden passages Secret hiding places in mystery stories n/a

#5617:	April 10, 2013	by Jeff
The Mysteries of Human Behavior Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs explains a lot... or does it? n/a

#5599:	April 03, 2013	by Kate - Writing & Reading
Muddling Through The Middle Mix It Up or Keep it Straight ~ It's Your Puzzle n/a

#5587:	March 27, 2013	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Elementary (School) My Dear Watson! Mysteries for kids and young adults n/a

#5579:	March 20, 2013	by Lonewolf
The Importance of Backstory Backstory shapes our characters' current actions and helps us understand why they behave in a particular way. n/a

#5565:	March 13, 2013	by Jeff
Kryptos The mysteries of one of the world's most famous modern sculptures. n/a

#5552:	March 06, 2013	by Kate - Writing & Reading
Clue Me In ~or Out ~ of the Puzzle Following clues does not always lead to solving the mystery - distill and the obvious and subtle. n/a

#5533:	February 26, 2013	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
John Dickson Carr's Recipe for Mystery Three ingredients in a successful mystery story n/a

#5525:	February 19, 2013	by Annette
Red Herring and Chekhov's Gun Not a fish and not a gun either. n/a

#5516:	February 12, 2013	by Jeff
Secret Doors & Passageways About the inherent awesomeness of secret doors and passageways n/a

#5501:	February 05, 2013	by Kate - Writing & Reading
The Puzzle is a Maze A plot, whether or not outlined, is the maze between the start of the puzzle and the finish line creating the Puzzle n/a

#5491:	January 29, 2013	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Police Line: Do Not Cross! Finding the body n/a

#5469:	January 15, 2013	by Jeff
A Universe Full of Possibilities The mysterious potential of our vast universe. n/a

#5454:	January 08, 2013	by Kate - Writing & Reading
Where's the Crime? A Mystery story or poem is a puzzle, asking questions, finding clues, to solve the puzzle n/a

#5440:	January 01, 2013	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Whodunit to who? Mystery stories with an unknown victim n/a

#5434:	December 25, 2012	by Lonewolf
Three Types of Clues Clues serve two distinct functions. They enlighten readers and confuse them. n/a

#5422:	December 18, 2012	by Jeff
Urban Exploration The hidden mysteries of a city. n/a

#5407:	December 11, 2012	by Kate - Writing & Reading
Under the Radar ~ Private Investigators The Private Investigator works under the radar ~ seeking questions that lead to the answer n/a

#5393:	December 04, 2012	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Clue me in! Chasing the elusive clue n/a

#5379:	November 20, 2012	by Jeff
"Magic" A look at illusionists and stage magic. n/a

#5360:	November 13, 2012	by Kate - Writing & Reading
Puzzling the 'Why' of a Mystery In a mystery of suspense, we ask the question "why" craft a puzzle explore the reasons for the act n/a

#5348:	November 06, 2012	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
All warm and cozy Cozy mysteries n/a

#5324:	October 31, 2012	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
The most mysterious night of the year Mysteries with a Halloween setting n/a

#5332:	October 24, 2012	by Jeff
Publishing: Copies Sold & Money Made A look at how trade publishing numbers work for authors. n/a

#5315:	October 17, 2012	by Kate - Writing & Reading
Mystery & Thriller~What's the Difference Mystery and Thriller - though sometimes referred to as the 'same thing', each unique with readers who know it n/a

#5288:	October 10, 2012	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
The Twisted Ladder of Life DNA in mystery stories n/a

#5276:	September 26, 2012	by Jeff
Mystery Spots Mysterious places around the world and various theories about them. n/a

#5264:	September 19, 2012	by Kate - Writing & Reading
Sleuths - Where Do We Find them? Question #2 asked of a mystery writer = where does your sleuth come from, and the bad guy, and the others in the puzzle? n/a

#5253:	September 12, 2012	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Riddle me this Riddles in mystery stories n/a

#5236:	August 29, 2012	by Jeff
Setting the Stage The importance of choosing where to set your story. n/a

#5224:	August 22, 2012	by Kate - Writing & Reading
Write What You Learn To Know You can learn to know more than you think you know ~ Then write what you now know ^_^ n/a

#5201:	August 15, 2012	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
The end is near How does your story end? n/a

#5187:	August 01, 2012	by Jeff
MacGuffins What are MacGuffins and how are they used? n/a

#5172:	July 25, 2012	by Kate - Writing & Reading
Young Adults ~ Not Just Kids Anymore Getting Young Adults Hooked on Reading ~ Challenge and entertain them with an edgy mystery n/a

#5158:	July 18, 2012	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Chekhov's Gun An important item for your writing arsenal n/a

#5152:	July 11, 2012	by Jeff
Serialized Storytelling The appeal of writing continuous narratives that build upon past events. n/a

#5137:	July 04, 2012	by Jeff
Stranger Than Fiction Why some real things would never work in fiction. n/a

#5115:	June 27, 2012	by Kate - Writing & Reading
Another puzzle for the sleuth Mystery series' evolve with the characters, not aged but refreshed n/a

#5104:	June 20, 2012	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Behind Locked Doors The most puzzling of puzzles, the locked room mystery. n/a

#5099:	June 13, 2012	by Lonewolf
Mixing Mystery With Romance A look at how to mix the two genres n/a

#5087:	June 06, 2012	by Jeff
The Winchester Mystery House Background about one of the world's most interesting homes. n/a

#5070:	May 30, 2012	by Kate - Writing & Reading
The science of a mystery = solving clues Both Mystery and Science Fiction are based on clues, and the act of solving them to yield a probable solution n/a

#5055:	May 23, 2012	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
The Perfect Bad Guy Finding the right villain n/a

#5048:	May 16, 2012	by Kit
Considering the Basics First person or third? Past or present tense? Tone, language... all these need to be considered when writing a story. n/a

#5038:	May 09, 2012	by Jeff
Searching for Answers The human need for explanation. n/a

#5021:	May 02, 2012	by Kate - Writing & Reading
Short and 'sweet' ? Consider one clue ~ one or more possible result = mystery to solve n/a

#5002:	April 25, 2012	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Pass the red herring! Every mystery writer's favorite fish n/a

#4986:	April 11, 2012	by Jeff
Technological Mysteries The mysteries that come with new technology n/a

#4971:	April 04, 2012	by Kate - Writing & Reading
Puzzling possibilities Mysteries and science fiction each pose a puzzle to solve, a mystery where solving clues yields results n/a

#4939:	March 28, 2012	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
So what? An important question for every author n/a

#4951:	March 21, 2012	by A Non-Existent User
A Writer's Guide to Murder Weapons Every murder needs a weapon, either man-made or naturally found. n/a

#4936:	March 14, 2012	by Jeff
Enduring Mysteries What makes some mysteries endure for months, years, or even decades? n/a

#4918:	March 07, 2012	by Kate - Writing & Reading
Find The Question to Solve the Answer Mysteries begin with the answer (crime or event) and seek to find and solve clues in order to uncover the question ^_^ n/a

#4917:	March 07, 2012	by Kate - Writing & Reading
Find The Question to Solve the Answer Mysteries begin with the answer (crime or event) and seek to find and solve clues in order to uncover the question ^_^ n/a

#4900:	February 29, 2012	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
What If? A game to help you find inspiration n/a

#4895:	February 22, 2012	by Sara♥Jean
Reviewing an "Unfinished" Mystery Many of the works on Writing.Com are works in progress. When it comes to mystery, how can you rate that? n/a

#4881:	February 15, 2012	by Jeff
In Pursuit of Criminals The different types of people who track down criminals and solve crimes. n/a

#4864:	February 08, 2012	by Kate - Writing & Reading
Mystery of Romantic Persuasion Where more obvious - and elusive - a mystery than puzzling engagements present and of time gone by yet present then n/a

#4824:	February 01, 2012	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Let's do the twist! Plot twists and surprise endings n/a

#4833:	January 18, 2012	by Jeff
Mundane Conspiracies Not all conspiracies involve governments, world superpowers, and epic power struggles. n/a

#4815:	January 11, 2012	by Kate - Writing & Reading
Walk in their shoes~there you find clues Clues abound in the characteristics, mannerisms, and challenges faced by the players in your puzzle n/a

#4798:	January 04, 2012	by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
"Cold Cases" Mysteries in a winter setting n/a

#4792:	December 27, 2011	by A Non-Existent User
5 Tips for Writing Mystery Stories Mystery stories are a special type of writing. n/a

#4780:	December 20, 2011	by Jeff
The Mysterious Ways of Santa Possible explanations for the mysteries surrounding Santa Claus. n/a

#4767:	December 13, 2011	by Kate - Writing & Reading
Kids Love a Puzzle ! Kids love to explore, question, discover ~ a mystery story engages imagination to explore and solve a puzzle n/a

#4745:	November 29, 2011	by fyn
The Mystery of the Orange Why DO folks get an orange in their stocking? Do you know? n/a

#4733:	November 22, 2011	by Jeff
Mystery Sub-Genres Different mystery sub-genres and how they can inspire. n/a

#4714:	November 15, 2011	by Kate - Writing & Reading
Character-izing Clues Sometimes the best clues (and herrings) are discovered through interaction with characters your sleith encounters n/a

#4695:	November 02, 2011	by fyn
Silence is Golden Sometimes you just need to listen! n/a

#4687:	October 26, 2011	by Jeff
High-Interest Hooks Making the opening of your story memorable. n/a

#4673:	October 19, 2011	by Kate - Writing & Reading
Puzzling Dark Mysteries Mystery with a touch (or more) of horror can ignite an intriguing (and ghoulish ~ but Not really gross) puzzle n/a

#4662:	October 12, 2011	by fyn
America's First Female Mystery Writer The Leavenworth Case - 1878 - American's 1st published Female Mystery writer breaks new writing ground! n/a

#4648:	October 05, 2011	by fyn
Mystery at Eilean Mor Unsolved for over a hundred years, yet the mystery still lurks about the cliffs where the waves wash away all. n/a

#4637:	September 28, 2011	by Jeff
Whydunits and Howdunits The lesser known relatives of the Whodunit. n/a

#4577:	September 21, 2011	by Kate - Writing & Reading
Pets uncover the darndest clues Pets uncover the darndest clues n/a

#4616:	September 14, 2011	by A Non-Existent User
Writing a Different Kind of Mystery Not all mystery stories need to be about murder alone. n/a

#4603:	September 07, 2011	by Kit
Mystery Writers, Don't Follow Bad Trends Some trends are exciting, others could ruin what a good mystery novel is all about. n/a

#4593:	August 31, 2011	by Jeff
Commonly Confused Crimes The subtle differences between similar criminal acts. n/a

#4562:	August 24, 2011	by Kate - Writing & Reading
Clue in Educators Clue in the professor, teacher, librarian n/a

#4561:	August 17, 2011	by Sara♥Jean
Looking Back This newsletter was the very first I edited as a Moderator. This will be a look back into some things I've shared. n/a

#4550:	August 10, 2011	by Jeff
Revisionist History The whole truth is often hidden, even when it comes to history. n/a

#4536:	August 03, 2011	by Jeff
Wanderlust & Double Lives On the appeal of travel and leading a double life. n/a

#4520:	July 27, 2011	by Kate - Writing & Reading
Cultivating a Mystery Dig through the compost to plant and cultivate a splendid garden mystery n/a

#4490:	July 06, 2011	by Jeff
The Only Thing To Fear How fear and phobias can help you create better characters. n/a

#4441:	June 08, 2011	by Jeff
Flawed Characters Who ever wanted to be perfect, anyway? n/a

#4426:	June 01, 2011	by Kate - Writing & Reading
Clues and Mis-Cues ~ Play Fair Clues ~ observed, inferred, uncovered, discarded engage your sleuth and reader in the puzzle n/a

#4418:	May 25, 2011	by Lonewolf
Just the bare essentials Just the bare essentials in what I like about the Mystery genre n/a

#4385:	May 11, 2011	by Jeff
Photographic Memory General memory, perfect recall, and the shades in between. n/a

#4368:	May 04, 2011	by Kate - Writing & Reading
Beyond the chalk outline Your victim had a life ~ and knowing something of it can help your sleuth and readers solve the crime n/a

#4358:	April 27, 2011	by Sara♥Jean
Technical Difficulties This newsletter is a perfect example - I'll explain in a bit - of why we should always keep backup copies of our work. n/a

#4342:	April 13, 2011	by Jeff
Villainous Villainy How compelling is your villain's motive? n/a

#4326:	April 06, 2011	by Kate - Writing & Reading
Clue in the Bit Players Bit parts add depth to your puzzle, clue in the extras n/a

#4311:	March 30, 2011	by Sara♥Jean
Conquering Writer's Block with Art When you have writer's block, have you ever considered sketching out your scenes? n/a

#4293:	March 23, 2011	by The Milkman
Fingerprints III The third and last installment to Fingerprints n/a

#4290:	March 16, 2011	by Jeff
Logic & Plausibility Does your mystery make sense? n/a

#4274:	March 09, 2011	by Kate - Writing & Reading
Murder or suicide ~ how can you tell? It could be murder, or suicide, or maybe an accident ~ give your sleuth the tools to help him decide n/a

#4268:	March 02, 2011	by fyn
A-HA! Moments Celebrating the times when it all comes together! n/a

#4246:	February 23, 2011	by The Milkman
Leaving your mark.... (Fingerprints) This is part two of my 3 part series on fingerprints. n/a

#4243:	February 16, 2011	by Jeff
Romantic Mysteries What's love got to do... with mysteries? n/a

#4229:	February 09, 2011	by Kate - Writing & Reading
Sleight of heart for passion or love Valentine's Day ~ crimes of passion, slight of heart, sleight of hand ~ sweet fodder for a mystery n/a

#4216:	February 02, 2011	by Sara♥Jean
Is Your Mystery Still A Mystery? Have you ever read those mysteries that leave so many unanswered questions at the end, it is unsatisfying? n/a

#4202:	January 26, 2011	by The Milkman
Fingerprints through time You're probably not even thinking about what your reading can determine about you. n/a

#4193:	January 19, 2011	by Jeff
New Year, New Mysteries What mysterious things does the New Year bring? n/a

#4175:	January 12, 2011	by Kate - Writing & Reading
The Sleuth has a Tail - or Not The puzzle need not be limited to the six senses - sometimes clues are elements of myth or imagination n/a

#4153:	December 28, 2010	by The Milkman
Whereabouts What happens to a Mystery editor when he goes MIA n/a

#4142:	December 21, 2010	by Jeff
Holiday Mysteries 'Tis the season... for mystery? n/a

#4129:	December 14, 2010	by Kate - Writing & Reading
Clues in Character~or~Elfs Rule!! Your sleuth can't do it alone ~ both friend and foe direct (and misdirect) the puzzle-solver n/a

#4117:	December 07, 2010	by Past Member 'shaara'
The Mysterious Confession What do you have with lots of clues but no crime? Can there be a case? Can a mystery exist? n/a

#4092:	November 23, 2010	by Jeff
Beginnings, Middles & Ends The importance of middles and endings when planning a mystery story. n/a

#4077:	November 16, 2010	by Kate - Writing & Reading
There's a time and place for crime Real or fictional, setting the time and place for your crime n/a

#4068:	November 09, 2010	by Past Member 'shaara'
Planting the Seeds of Error In a mystery story, one has to sprinkle hints about who is possibly guilty. What fun! n/a

#4051:	November 03, 2010	by The Milkman
Bending the rules of Mystery Writing II Welcome back for the second part of my two-part editorial on Bending the rules... n/a

#4042:	October 27, 2010	by Jeff
Happy Hauntings Halloween and mysteries go hand in hand. n/a

#4014:	October 20, 2010	by Kate - Writing & Reading
Puzzling the story behind the story In a mystery we have no 50-minute hour - adding psychological depth to lead and mislead sleuths n/a

#4016:	October 13, 2010	by Past Member 'shaara'
Halloween as a Theme for Murder Why is that there are so few mysteries using Halloween as a setting? Aren't costumes the ideal cover for a murderer? n/a

#3997:	October 06, 2010	by The Milkman
Bending the rules of Mystery Writing Helping you to keep your keyboard out jail... n/a

#3989:	September 29, 2010	by Jeff
Mystery As A Flexible Genre Mystery elements can be found in almost any other genre, in various degrees. n/a

#3964:	September 22, 2010	by Kate - Writing & Reading
Romancing the Mystery Mystery woven with a thread of romance can be a soft- or hard-boiled puzzler n/a

#3965:	September 15, 2010	by Past Member 'shaara'
Instruments of Death How does DEATH occur? In today's issue, I ponder a variety of methods and some that are even stranger. n/a

#3955:	September 08, 2010	by The Milkman
Finding inspiration. The Phoenix is a mythological bird that rises from ashes. The Milkman is the editor who keeps coming back. Coincedence? n/a

#3943:	September 01, 2010	by Jeff
Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine A publishing opportunity for unpublished mystery short story writers. n/a

#3917:	August 25, 2010	by Kate - Writing & Reading
The Craft(ing) of Detection Revealing detectives in their myriad dis-guises n/a

#3919:	August 18, 2010	by Jeff
Life's Little Mysteries Sometimes, a mystery can be a simple, everyday experience rather than a large-scale, violent, or criminal investigation. n/a

#3897:	August 11, 2010	by Past Member 'shaara'
Breaking the Rules in Writing Mysteries This is a glance into a few oddball mysteries you might not have yet read. n/a

#3889:	August 04, 2010	by Jeff
Amateur Detectives Mystery protagonists who aren't crime-solvers by trade. n/a

#3879:	July 28, 2010	by Kate - Writing & Reading
Exploring a variety of inverted pyramids Cozy mysteries flow naturally from the inverted pyramid of a mystery puzzle ~ cook or knit or paint one open n/a

#3864:	July 21, 2010	by Jeff
The Female Crime-Solver The recent popularity of female protagonists in mystery stories. n/a

#3855:	July 14, 2010	by Sara♥Jean
Oldies, but Goodies Part II A continuation of the previous "Oldies, but Goodies" newsletter. n/a

#3840:	July 07, 2010	by Jeff
The Past Unanswered questions from the past can often prompt modern-day mysteries. n/a

#3828:	June 30, 2010	by Kate - Writing & Reading
Mysteries~puzzling pyramids perchance? What shape do you envision for an answer in search of a question? Perhaps a pyramid ~ inverted? n/a

#3813:	June 23, 2010	by Sara♥Jean
Oldies, but Goodies Who are some of your favorite authors of older mysteries? n/a

#3800:	June 16, 2010	by Sara♥Jean
Villians How to be sure your villains are evil, yet subtle. n/a

#3784:	June 09, 2010	by Jeff
Noir Elements of the noir genre. n/a

#3771:	June 02, 2010	by Kate - Writing & Reading
Mysteries as visual & graphic puzzles Mystery readers want to engage in the hunt for clues, see in the very characters' names possible solutions to the puzzle n/a

#3763:	May 26, 2010	by Jeff
Crime & Effect Different types of crimes and what they mean for the characters who commit them, as well as the audience. n/a

#3744:	May 19, 2010	by Lonewolf
The Rules of Writing a Mystery The basics of what does and does not make a good mystery. n/a

#3724:	May 12, 2010	by Sara♥Jean
To Foreshadow or not to Foreshadow Foreshadowing is necessary in mystery, but is there a right or wrong way to do it? n/a

#3707:	May 05, 2010	by Kate - Writing & Reading


#3702:	April 28, 2010	by Jeff
The Grand Finale Elements of a good mystery ending. n/a

#3686:	April 21, 2010	by Jeff
Red Herrings What makes a good false lead? n/a

#3668:	April 14, 2010	by Vivian


#3604:	April 07, 2010	by Kate - Writing & Reading


#3625:	March 24, 2010	by esprit
A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words Picture prompts are often recommended for coming up with ideas for a story. n/a

#3612:	March 17, 2010	by Vivian


#3515:	March 10, 2010	by Kate - Writing & Reading


#3587:	March 03, 2010	by Annette


#3571:	February 24, 2010	by Annette


#3550:	February 17, 2010	by Vivian


#3503:	February 10, 2010	by Kate - Writing & Reading


#3529:	February 03, 2010	by esprit
duplicate 10,000 Hour Theory n/a

#3530:	February 03, 2010	by esprit
The 10,000 Hour Theory Writing it your way is fun, but the hours won't make you a better writer unless you are learning the craft inside out. n/a

#3493:	January 27, 2010	by esprit
Quirks and Personality Disorders Quirks are odd behavior habits that we all have. Personality based, not to be confused with traits or plain oddities n/a

#3511:	January 20, 2010	by Vivian


#3471:	January 13, 2010	by Kate - Writing & Reading


#3472:	January 06, 2010	by esprit
What's in a Name? Everything. The first of many possible stumbling blocks is the stumbling block of odd names. n/a

#3467:	December 30, 2009	by Kate - Writing & Reading


#3452:	December 23, 2009	by Vivian


#3448:	December 16, 2009	by Kate - Writing & Reading


#3429:	December 09, 2009	by esprit
Comments on Crafty Cozies Writers are able to write about anything, and I'm a firm believer in writing about what you know. Hobby/Skills n/a

#3410:	December 02, 2009	by SHERRI GIBSON


#3397:	November 25, 2009	by Vivian


#3392:	November 18, 2009	by Kate - Writing & Reading


#3355:	November 04, 2009	by SHERRI GIBSON


#3361:	October 28, 2009	by Vivian


#3348:	October 21, 2009	by Kate - Writing & Reading


#3308:	October 14, 2009	by esprit
Crafty Cozy Mysteries What in the world is a Cozy Mystery? Mysteries themed on YOUR hobbies, skills, or real life jobs. Write what you know. n/a

#3306:	October 07, 2009	by SHERRI GIBSON


#3294:	September 30, 2009	by Vivian


#3290:	September 23, 2009	by Kate - Writing & Reading


#3271:	September 16, 2009	by spidey


#3259:	September 09, 2009	by SHERRI GIBSON


#3256:	September 02, 2009	by Vivian


#3242:	August 26, 2009	by Kate - Writing & Reading


#3217:	August 19, 2009	by Just an Ordinary Boo!


#3210:	August 12, 2009	by SHERRI GIBSON


#3197:	August 05, 2009	by Vivian


#3189:	July 29, 2009	by Kate - Writing & Reading


#3158:	July 15, 2009	by SHERRI GIBSON


#3148:	July 08, 2009	by Vivian


#3142:	July 01, 2009	by Kate - Writing & Reading


#3111:	June 17, 2009	by SHERRI GIBSON


#3095:	June 10, 2009	by Vivian


#3087:	June 03, 2009	by Kate - Writing & Reading


#3077:	May 27, 2009	by THANKFUL SONALI Now What?
A Wacky Look A wacky look at the mystery story What if you want to try your hand at writing a mystery story?

#3046:	May 13, 2009	by Vivian


#3041:	May 06, 2009	by Kate - Writing & Reading


#2971:	April 29, 2009	by Just an Ordinary Boo!


#3005:	April 22, 2009	by SHERRI GIBSON


#2991:	April 08, 2009	by Kate - Writing & Reading


#2977:	April 01, 2009	by Vivian


#2957:	March 25, 2009	by SHERRI GIBSON


#2939:	March 18, 2009	by Vivian


#2933:	March 11, 2009	by Kate - Writing & Reading


#2900:	February 25, 2009	by SHERRI GIBSON


#2896:	February 18, 2009	by Vivian


#2885:	February 11, 2009	by Kate - Writing & Reading


#2865:	February 04, 2009	by Vivian


#2846:	January 28, 2009	by SHERRI GIBSON


#2837:	January 21, 2009	by Vivian


#2831:	January 14, 2009	by Kate - Writing & Reading


#2801:	January 07, 2009	by Vivian


#2795:	December 31, 2008	by SHERRI GIBSON


#2794:	December 24, 2008	by NanoWriMo2018 Into the Earth


#2771:	December 17, 2008	by Vivian


#2764:	December 10, 2008	by Kate - Writing & Reading


#2745:	December 03, 2008	by SHERRI GIBSON


#2730:	November 26, 2008	by Vivian


#2723:	November 19, 2008	by Legerdemain


#2711:	November 12, 2008	by Kate - Writing & Reading


#2693:	November 05, 2008	by SHERRI GIBSON


#2679:	October 29, 2008	by The Milkman


#2660:	October 15, 2008	by Kate - Writing & Reading


#2642:	October 08, 2008	by SHERRI GIBSON


#2613:	September 17, 2008	by Kate - Writing & Reading


#2603:	September 10, 2008	by SHERRI GIBSON


#2594:	September 03, 2008	by NanoWriMo2018 Into the Earth


#2583:	August 27, 2008	by Joy


#2564:	August 20, 2008	by Kate - Writing & Reading


#2548:	August 13, 2008	by SHERRI GIBSON


#2544:	August 06, 2008	by Nikola~Living the Dog Mom Life


#2519:	July 23, 2008	by Kate - Writing & Reading


#2501:	July 16, 2008	by SHERRI GIBSON


#2488:	July 09, 2008	by The Milkman


#2465:	June 25, 2008	by Kate - Writing & Reading


#2449:	June 18, 2008	by SHERRI GIBSON


#2436:	June 11, 2008	by Vivian


#2430:	June 04, 2008	by Tehanu


#2417:	May 28, 2008	by Kate - Writing & Reading


#2402:	May 21, 2008	by SHERRI GIBSON


#2391:	May 14, 2008	by fyn


#2365:	April 30, 2008	by Kate - Writing & Reading


#2347:	April 23, 2008	by SHERRI GIBSON


#2334:	April 16, 2008	by The Milkman


#2330:	April 09, 2008	by Tehanu


#2311:	April 02, 2008	by Kate - Writing & Reading


#2294:	March 26, 2008	by SHERRI GIBSON


#2281:	March 19, 2008	by Vivian


#2279:	March 12, 2008	by Vivian


#2259:	March 05, 2008	by Kate - Writing & Reading


#2240:	February 27, 2008	by SHERRI GIBSON


#2233:	February 20, 2008	by A Non-Existent User


#2225:	February 13, 2008	by Tehanu


#2206:	February 06, 2008	by Kate - Writing & Reading


#2193:	January 30, 2008	by SHERRI GIBSON


#2185:	January 23, 2008	by A Non-Existent User


#2177:	January 16, 2008	by Tehanu


#2163:	January 09, 2008	by Kate - Writing & Reading


#2154:	January 02, 2008	by A Non-Existent User


#2137:	December 26, 2007	by SHERRI GIBSON


#2127:	December 19, 2007	by Kate - Writing & Reading


#2115:	December 12, 2007	by A Non-Existent User


#2103:	December 05, 2007	by Tehanu


#2082:	November 28, 2007	by SHERRI GIBSON


#2079:	November 21, 2007	by Kate - Writing & Reading


#2065:	November 14, 2007	by A Non-Existent User


#2055:	November 07, 2007	by Tehanu


#2029:	October 31, 2007	by SHERRI GIBSON


#2026:	October 24, 2007	by Kate - Writing & Reading


#2013:	October 17, 2007	by A Non-Existent User


#2001:	October 10, 2007	by Tehanu


#1977:	October 03, 2007	by SHERRI GIBSON


#1963:	September 26, 2007	by Kate - Writing & Reading


#1954:	September 19, 2007	by A Non-Existent User


#1949:	September 12, 2007	by Tehanu


#1915:	August 29, 2007	by Kate - Writing & Reading


#1901:	August 22, 2007	by A Non-Existent User


#1893:	August 15, 2007	by Tehanu


#1866:	August 08, 2007	by esprit
The Game of Red Herrings If your reader knows who, how, why and where by the middle of the book, you haven't done your job. n/a

#1857:	August 01, 2007	by fyn


#1850:	July 25, 2007	by A Non-Existent User


#1839:	July 18, 2007	by Tehanu


#1802:	July 11, 2007	by The Milkman


#1806:	July 04, 2007	by Vivian


#1800:	June 27, 2007	by Vivian


#1786:	June 20, 2007	by A Non-Existent User


#1766:	June 13, 2007	by A Non-Existent User


#1753:	June 06, 2007	by Kate - Writing & Reading


#1744:	May 30, 2007	by Tehanu


#1677:	May 23, 2007	by The Milkman


#1713:	May 16, 2007	by A Non-Existent User


#1704:	May 09, 2007	by A Non-Existent User


#1690:	May 02, 2007	by Tehanu


#1675:	April 25, 2007	by The Milkman


#1662:	April 18, 2007	by A Non-Existent User


#1643:	April 04, 2007	by Tehanu


#1618:	March 28, 2007	by The Milkman


#1614:	March 21, 2007	by A Non-Existent User


#1598:	March 14, 2007	by Tehanu


#1590:	March 07, 2007	by Tehanu


#1567:	February 28, 2007	by The Milkman


#1562:	February 21, 2007	by A Non-Existent User


#1544:	February 14, 2007	by A Non-Existent User


#1534:	February 07, 2007	by Tehanu


#1520:	January 31, 2007	by A Non-Existent User


#1505:	January 24, 2007	by A Non-Existent User


#1493:	January 17, 2007	by Tehanu


#1485:	January 10, 2007	by Tehanu


#1455:	December 27, 2006	by A Non-Existent User


#1436:	December 20, 2006	by The Milkman


#1426:	December 13, 2006	by A Non-Existent User


#1421:	December 06, 2006	by Tehanu


#1409:	November 29, 2006	by A Non-Existent User


#1391:	November 22, 2006	by The Milkman


#1375:	November 15, 2006	by A Non-Existent User


#1369:	November 08, 2006	by Tehanu


#1341:	November 01, 2006	by A Non-Existent User


#1345:	October 25, 2006	by Tehanu


#1323:	October 18, 2006	by A Non-Existent User


#1304:	October 11, 2006	by The Milkman


#1301:	October 04, 2006	by A Non-Existent User


#1290:	September 27, 2006	by A Non-Existent User


#1274:	September 20, 2006	by A Non-Existent User


#1264:	September 13, 2006	by Tehanu


#1249:	September 06, 2006	by A Non-Existent User


#1232:	August 30, 2006	by The Milkman


#1220:	August 23, 2006	by A Non-Existent User


#1215:	August 16, 2006	by Tehanu


#1198:	August 09, 2006	by A Non-Existent User


#1190:	August 02, 2006	by A Non-Existent User


#1164:	July 26, 2006	by A Non-Existent User


#1154:	July 19, 2006	by MaryLou


#1145:	July 12, 2006	by A Non-Existent User


#1126:	July 05, 2006	by angel2blue


#1116:	June 28, 2006	by A Non-Existent User


#1110:	June 21, 2006	by MaryLou


#1094:	June 14, 2006	by A Non-Existent User


#1074:	June 07, 2006	by angel2blue


#1066:	May 31, 2006	by A Non-Existent User


#1055:	May 24, 2006	by MaryLou


#1044:	May 17, 2006	by A Non-Existent User


#1010:	May 03, 2006	by A Non-Existent User


#1003:	April 26, 2006	by MaryLou


#987:	April 19, 2006	by A Non-Existent User


#959:	April 05, 2006	by A Non-Existent User


#950:	March 29, 2006	by MaryLou


#939:	March 22, 2006	by A Non-Existent User


#913:	March 08, 2006	by A Non-Existent User


#896:	February 22, 2006	by A Non-Existent User


#866:	February 08, 2006	by A Non-Existent User


#859:	February 01, 2006	by MaryLou


#849:	January 25, 2006	by A Non-Existent User


#839:	January 18, 2006	by InkyShadows


#818:	January 11, 2006	by A Non-Existent User


#807:	January 04, 2006	by MaryLou


#792:	December 28, 2005	by A Non-Existent User


#783:	December 21, 2005	by MaryLou


#751:	December 07, 2005	by A Non-Existent User


#745:	November 30, 2005	by A Non-Existent User


#736:	November 23, 2005	by MaryLou


#722:	November 16, 2005	by InkyShadows


#699:	November 09, 2005	by A Non-Existent User


#688:	November 02, 2005	by A Non-Existent User


#684:	October 26, 2005	by MaryLou


#672:	October 19, 2005	by InkyShadows


#652:	October 12, 2005	by A Non-Existent User


#647:	October 05, 2005	by A Non-Existent User


#638:	September 28, 2005	by MaryLou


#626:	September 21, 2005	by InkyShadows


#607:	September 14, 2005	by A Non-Existent User


#599:	September 07, 2005	by A Non-Existent User


#587:	August 31, 2005	by MaryLou


#573:	August 24, 2005	by InkyShadows


#558:	August 17, 2005	by A Non-Existent User


#549:	August 10, 2005	by A Non-Existent User


#538:	August 03, 2005	by MaryLou


#514:	July 27, 2005	by InkyShadows


#503:	July 20, 2005	by A Non-Existent User

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