  Mystery
This week: The Elusive Unique Mystery Idea Edited by: Dawn Embers  
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An Elf (written) Mystery Newsletter
The idea for a story is a great spark and we want to protect it, but ideas aren't quite as protectable or unique in many ways. This newsletter we look at some different ways to create a unique story after you get that great idea. |
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What makes your mystery idea different?
Every now and then I get asked by someone how they can protect their idea, to keep others from taking it. Or something very similar. And this goes for every genre because it’s not an easy task to create a story and have that unique factor that people look for in the industry. Each genre has a slight variations, so let’s consider the struggle of what makes your mystery story different.
There are many factors that some mystery novels have in common, and those are part of what makes a story qualify for the genre. There has to be a mystery of some type to solve. Sort of a given considering the title. The type will vary, but chances are, as the saying goes, that idea has been done before. But the idea isn’t the key point. Since ideas are just a starting point and can’t be copyrighted, there isn’t really a concern about idea theft. The bigger issue is execution. There are many different ways in a novel or even in a short story that you can use to create something to catch a readers attention.
First, remember that it's okay to have an idea that has been done before because it's unavoidable. But there are many story elements that can be changed, tweaked to create the overall story, which is why I say don't focus on that "unique idea" and instead focus on an engaging story. Write and you'll figure out what is special about the story. Here are some suggestions to consider though, in particular if you are more of a planner or later in rewrites if you don't plan at all.
Characters: This is what catches my attention in a story. The characters, main point of view in particular, are a big influence on the story and its originality. Personalities, quarks, personal conflicts, and all of that will mold the idea into something more and different. Granted, there are archetypes and such, but different elements combined will add to making the reader want to keep reading to find out the mystery.
Setting: Another method is where you set the story. Some are expected like the mansion with the secrets, or the other places that I’ve read in Nancy Drew but can’t remember. Where you set the story has to make sense with the mystery and character, but it’s another option that can add a level of difference.
Mystery: The aspects that make it a mystery are others ways you can add a little flair to your story. While some are known and even expected in the genre, sometimes it’s the little points and uses of the expected done in different ways that will stand out.
Combining the different puzzles with characters, setting and other story factors, it is quite possible to get a story that is different enough to catch a reader attention and make them keep reading in order to find out the common questions readers of great books have. “What happens next?”
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What makes a mystery unique? Do you struggle to step out of the norm when coming up with mystery ideas?
Last time I wrote for this newsletter, I discussed how one can combine different genres with Mystery in order to make an interesting story. Here are the comments readers sent in:
Marci Missing Everyone 
I thought your suggestion about mixing genre's was wonderful. Many people already do that, but don't really think about it and develop this talent. Thank you for the article!
- Thanks. I'm glad it was helpful.
Quick-Quill 
I think you can have a little romance in any book. I just finished my novel. I have some romance and since it isn't a romance novel, the relationship is minor to the story. The two meet and they have a common goal which they spend a lot of time together, much to the anger of a certain Sheriff. The MC gets beaten up by the Sheriffs posse which puts the MC in the hospital where they find the last clue to their search. They get married in the epilogue.
- True, romance intermixes well with pretty much any genre.
Arakun the Twisted Raccoon 
I love mystery mixed with other genres! Mystery is a great addition to any story.
- True, mystery is a great addition to different stories. I've got one I'm working on that's combined with fantasy and it's fun to develop.
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Mystery: June 25, 2014 Issue [#6395]
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