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Printed from https://www.writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/9728-Mistaken-identity.html
Mystery: August 28, 2019 Issue [#9728]




 This week: Mistaken identity
  Edited by: Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
                             More Newsletters By This Editor  

Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter

Quote for the week: "We all belong to an ancient identity. Stories are the rivers that take us there."
~Frank Delaney


Word from our sponsor

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Letter from the editor

Mistaken identity is an important part of many mysteries, both in real life and in stories. If the police only have a visual description of a perpetrator to work from, chances are that many people might fit that description. If an innocent person who resembles the guilty party is in the wrong place at the wrong time, there is a possibility he might be accused of a crime he did not commit. Likewise, a guilty person might go free if he is able to prove that other people who resemble him were in the vicinity of the crime at the same time.

Police are careful about relying on eyewitness testimony alone, because people's memories are often unreliable, especially when recalling stressful situations. For example, if a person stood over me with a gun, I might remember him as being taller or bigger than he actually was.

Other cases of mistaken identity might happen if characters are searching for a missing person. If a loved one were missing, you might imagine you see them everywhere. When a missing person case is known to the public there are often thousands of reported sightings of the person. Even more sightings tend to be reported if a reward is offered. Most reported sightings have to be checked out, because if even one is an actual lead it will be worth it. However, a huge volume of reported sightings can slow an investigation down and actually get in the way of the police finding the missing person.

In extreme cases of mistaken identity, a person can actually have their identity stolen by someone else. Real life cases of identity theft can sometimes take years to straighten out, and the victim may never recover everything that was stolen. Imagine if the identity thief commits a murder or other crime, leaving the victim to take the blame.

Something to try: Write a mystery story that involves identity theft.



Editor's Picks

This is one of my favorite activities on WDC. Play the part of your favorite character, solve a mystery, and win prizes! Starts September 1, but you can check it out and choose your character before then.
FORUM
Wdc 19th Birthday Masquerade Party  (13+)
A role-playing party where you can be whoever you want and win prizes! Join us!
#2195747 by Brooklyn


STATIC
The Seer  (E)
Sure you want to know?
#2196242 by Solace.Bring


 The Wall  (13+)
There is a noise coming from the wall. What is it?
#2153046 by amy-Has a great future ahead


STATIC
Secrets  (18+)
Contest entry. Started out as a romance but I ran out of words. It devolved into a mystery
#2193701 by D. Reed Whittaker


One By One   (E)
A ride for those not ready to depart, yet eager to arrive at their unknown destination.
#2125290 by KassCatS

 
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Word from Writing.Com

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Ask & Answer

Question for next time: What subjects would you like to see in future mystery newsletters?

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