  Mystery
This week: Mystery Writers, Don't Follow Bad Trends Edited by: Kit of House Lannister  
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Some trends are good. They can inspire and can help an author invent a new and exciting twist. Other trends are just plain awful and can easily ruin what a good novel is supposed to be all about.
This week's Mystery Newsletter is all about trends and assumptions - some good, some bad, and one that should definitely be avoided.
Your guest editor:
kittiara |
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Imagine picking up a mystery novel. You open it and start to read it, ready to go on a great adventure. You’ll get to know new and interesting characters, or reacquaint yourselves with familiar ones if it’s the next book in a series. You’ll be figuring out the clues along the way, pleased when you’re right, even more pleased if there’s an excellent twist and you didn’t see it coming. That’s the joy of a well-written story. It promises several hours of reading pleasure, hopefully so memorable that you’ll return to it at some point in the future.
Imagine expecting all that, and instead you find undeveloped characters carrying out random acts. There’s been some sort of crime, but you’re not sure what it is. You may find out who did it, but you don’t know why! Instead of a decent story, all you’re offered are snippets and flashbacks, and the whole thing reads like something written by someone who may have heard about the genre, but who hasn’t got a clue. You’d probably wonder why the author even bothered.
That’s what happened to a television series I used to enjoy, and it’s not alone. From news channels to Hollywood, whoever is running the show appears to think that what the public wants is a product that’s over the top, flashy, easily digestible and entirely devoid of any meaningful content. It’s a horrifying trend and I fear that sooner or later it will make its way into written fiction. If scriptwriters have abandoned the idea of the original and unique, instead relying on a rehash of the old and trusted, but with added explosions and flashy gimmicks, then who’s to say that novel writers won’t follow?
Fair enough, those gimmicks would be difficult for an author to use, but there’s a line of thought in the above that points at the assumption that what people want is instant gratification and constant thrills. If you want their attention you’d better make it quick because they’ll soon move on to the next thing! It’s already sneaking into news websites, with writers told that it’s best to keep an article to 500 – 800 words, because otherwise the reader will get bored. Too long, didn’t read is the term, I think.
Why did I drag this rant into the Mystery Newsletter? I wouldn’t blame you for wondering. The reason is that the mystery genre works because it’s based on an assumption of intelligence. Mystery writers know that their readers love to figure out clues, and you can’t be too obvious or the novel will appear dull. They demand strong characters, an intriguing storyline, and to hold their attention you have to be good, as they’ll see right through lazy shortcuts.
The mystery genre proves the media wrong. A reader knows the clichés, and would roll their eyes at yet another rehash. Content has to be unique and fresh. That’s why I’d like to appeal to all you authors out there.
Please don’t underestimate your readers. They’ll reward you in turn. They’ll always expect your very best, and that’s a lot of pressure, but it’s also an interesting challenge. They might keep you on your toes, but you can get back at them by writing excellent novels full of interesting surprises.
Writing a novel is often seen as a solitary journey, but it isn’t. Whilst it’s important to write something you love, it helps to keep your audience in mind. How would you respond to a scene, a puzzle, or a certain twist? Would it fill you with delight, or would it make a reader close the book, never to return?
To assume that a reader isn’t on your level is to lose the plot, and eventually your audience. You’re on this adventure together, but you don’t have to hold their hand all the way. Allow them to explore and enjoy the experience. Be creative and have fun, as this will shine through.
Some of the world’s most beloved characters were developed in this genre. I hope there will be many more to come. A daunting task? Sure! But to create something memorable, you shouldn’t just believe in your readers, you should also believe in yourself. If that sounds patronizing, it isn’t meant to be. Expect the best all around, and you can’t go far wrong. Good luck!
kittiara
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First of all, I'd like to highlight some new items in the mystery genre  .
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#1807751 by Not Available. |
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#1807290 by Not Available. |
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I'd also like to highlight some wonderful Birthday activities and contests:
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#1806059 by Not Available. |
Shameless Plug:
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#1805999 by Not Available. |
And if you do decide to take part in any Birthday related writing contests, please don't forget to check out this:
| |  | Birthday Raffle (E)
Win a Membership! The more you write, the greater your chance to win!
#1590254 by Diane  |
Hope you'll enjoy them!
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Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form
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As I am merely a guest editor for this week's newsletter, I don't have any questions, suggestions, thoughts or feedback to highlight and respond to. However, newsletter editors always love feedback, so please don't hesitate to write in!
Wishing you a week filled with inspiration,
The Mystery Newsletter Team:
Kate - Writing & Reading  , Jaeff | KBtW of the Free Folk  , and your guest editor kittiara
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Mystery: September 07, 2011 Issue [#4603]
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