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Writing.Com Newsletter Archives: Mystery
Newsletter Archives Home
To view an
Mystery
newsletter, click an issue date:
#10629:
February 24, 2021
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
Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Just a little mystery
Short mystery stories
How quickly can you figure out who did it?
#10589:
February 03, 2021
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
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
Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Let’s split up and search for clues!
Gathering evidence
Is this a clue?
#10545:
January 06, 2021
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
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
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
Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Mysteries of 2020
The insanity of 2020 in mysteries
Who was that masked man?
#10458:
November 11, 2020
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
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
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
Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Piece by piece
Putting together the jigsaw puzzle of a mystery
Where does this piece fit?
#10369:
September 16, 2020
~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
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
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
Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
I'll be watching you
Stalkers in mystery stories
Who sent this note?
#10280:
July 22, 2020
eyestar~
Murder is the Word!
Defining murder.
n/a
#10249:
July 01, 2020
Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Mystery takes a vacation
Summer mysteries
What did your characters do last summer?
#10206:
June 03, 2020
Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Eye of the beholder
Perspective in mysteries
Who is holding the camera?
#10197:
May 27, 2020
~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
Gaby
Small Town Mysteries
Small towns are affected differently when it comes to a murder.
Death, murder, or disappearance?
#10160:
May 06, 2020
Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
I saw the whole thing
Witnesses to a crime
What did you see?
#10142:
April 29, 2020
eyestar~
Medical Thrillers
a peek at the genre of Medical Mysteries.
Do you read Medical Thrillers? Why or Why not?
#10124:
April 15, 2020
Gaby
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
Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
I didn’t see that coming!
Stories with a twist
Did you expect that?
#10103:
April 01, 2020
~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
Gaby
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
Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
I did it because...
Establishing motivation
Why did they do it?
#10055:
March 04, 2020
Gaby
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
eyestar~
Mystery Lady Lilian Jackson Braun
Lillian Jackson Braun and her Cosy mysteries.
What is your favourite "Cosy" Mystery?
#10015:
February 12, 2020
Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Finding and hiding clues
Let’s split up and search for clues!
What does it mean?
#9999:
February 05, 2020
Lt. Storm Machine
Withholding Information
n/a
#9973:
January 22, 2020
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
Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Mysterious people
Developing mystery characters
Can these people be trusted?
#9956:
January 08, 2020
~Minja~
Detective Quirks
Quirks make the main character memorable.
Who is your favorite fictional detective?
#9932:
December 25, 2019
Kate - Happy Valentine's Day
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
Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Dark tribute
Blackmail in mysteries
How much would your character pay?
#9905:
December 11, 2019
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
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
Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Wrapping up your mystery
Revealing the solution
How does your story end?
#9848:
November 13, 2019
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
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
Kate - Happy Valentine's Day
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
Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Tampering with evidence
Don't let unreliable evidence fool your characters
Can this evidence be trusted?
#9816:
October 16, 2019
warpedsanity
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
warpedsanity
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
Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Autumn mysteries
Mysteries set in the fall
What is buried in that pile of leaves?
#9764:
September 18, 2019
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
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
Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Mistaken identity
Mistaken identity in mystery stories
Who are you?
#9713:
August 21, 2019
~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
Annette
The Open Window
Giving a misleading clue.
How did they get out?
#9680:
July 31, 2019
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
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
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
Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
I’ll never tell
Secrets in mystery stories
Do you want to know a secret?
#9612:
June 26, 2019
Thankful Sonali I AM WRITING!
The Mystery of Coincidence
This happened twelve years ago. It probably wasn't coincidence.
Does anything happen by coincidence?
#9613:
June 19, 2019
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
Kate - Happy Valentine's Day
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
Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Mysterious gifts
Strange packages
What could it be?
#9566:
May 29, 2019
Thankful Sonali I AM WRITING!
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
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
eyestar~
Mystery poems?
looking for mystery authors who write poems and Mystery poems!
How would you define mystery poems?
#9533:
May 08, 2019
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
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
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
Annette
Push and Pull
The push and pull of question and answer.
Why should you add more questions?
#9485:
April 10, 2019
Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Secret roots of the family tree
Searching for family ties
Where did you come from?
#9467:
April 03, 2019
eyestar~
Mystery for Kids!
Mystery Suggestions for children
Do you remember your favourite mystery as a kid?
#9465:
March 27, 2019
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
Annette
Mystery vs. Evidence
Evidence can help to shed light on some aspects of mysteries.
Whom do we believe?
#9429:
March 13, 2019
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
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
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
Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Nobody’s perfect
Realistic mystery characters
Would they really do that?
#9363:
February 06, 2019
eyestar~
By Any Other Name
a peek at Mysterious Subgenres
n/a
#9362:
January 30, 2019
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
Kate - Happy Valentine's Day
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
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
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
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
Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Leaving some mystery
Don’t overexplain
How much explanation is too much?
#9275:
December 12, 2018
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
Thankful Sonali I AM WRITING!
The Past Is Mystery
A different perspective mystery -- of it being something someone does not know.
What's white ink?
#9254:
November 28, 2018
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
Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
The evidence suggests...
Gathering evidence
Can you prove it?
#9225:
November 14, 2018
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
Annette
Time is of the Essence
Nobody knows why time exists.
What can you do with time?
#9181:
October 31, 2018
Annette
Missing
Anything can go missing.
Where did they go?
#9190:
October 24, 2018
Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Lost!
Finding lost characters and items
Where did they go?
#9178:
October 17, 2018
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
Gaby
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
Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
It's all part of a plot!
Plotting a mystery
How do you plan your stories?
#9133:
September 19, 2018
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
Gaby
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
Annette
The Stranger
Fascination with the exotic.
What makes strangers mysterious?
#9092:
August 29, 2018
Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Building character relationships
Character dynamics in mysteries
Who loves or hates who?
#9068:
August 22, 2018
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
Gaby
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
Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Behind a mask
Masks and disguises in mystery stories
Who was that mysterious masked man?
#9021:
July 25, 2018
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
Gaby
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
Kate - Happy Valentine's Day
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
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
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
Gaby
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
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
Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Blinded me with science!
Mysteries based on science
What does your experiment show?
#8931:
May 30, 2018
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
Gaby
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
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
Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Who, what, when, where, why, how?
Important questions for investigators
Who, what, when, where, why, how?
#8883:
May 02, 2018
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
eyestar~
The OUTBACK as setting!
A peek at why Australian Outback makes a good setting for mystery.
n/a
#8844:
April 11, 2018
Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Book within a book
Mysterious texts
Who can resist a strange old book?
#8840:
April 04, 2018
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
Gaby
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
Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Partners in Crime
When villains work together
Are two evil heads better than one?
#8795:
March 07, 2018
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
Gaby
Different paths
Finding your purpose in writing.
Do you look at your writing with optimism or realizm?
#8755:
February 14, 2018
Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Don't be a lazy mystery writer!
Avoiding lazy writing
Have you done your homework?
#8749:
February 07, 2018
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
Gaby
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
Kate - Happy Valentine's Day
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
Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Best supporting characters
Secondary characters in mysteries
Do all your characters add to the story?
#8699:
January 10, 2018
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
Gaby
New year, new crimes
Sometimes the best thing to do is surprise yourself!
Can you write without a plan?
#8672:
December 27, 2017
eyestar~
History of Mystery
A peek at how the genre began!
n/a
#8663:
December 20, 2017
Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Christmas mysteries
Mysteries with a holiday theme
What's in the box?
#8652:
December 13, 2017
Jeff
Under The Sea
The unexplored depths of our world's oceans.
Does sea exploration interest you?
#8633:
December 06, 2017
Gaby
Inner Demons
Dealing with your character's inner conflicts.
How did you overcome your biggest inner conflict?
#8611:
November 22, 2017
Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Medical mysteries
Including medical information in mystery stories
How are your characters feeling today?
#8605:
November 15, 2017
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
Gaby
Cozy Mysteries
It's that time of the year where reading can bring comfort.
What's your favorite mystery novel?
#8577:
November 01, 2017
Kate - Happy Valentine's Day
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
Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Under cover of darkness
Darkness in mystery stories
Who turned out the lights?
#8558:
October 18, 2017
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
Gaby
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
Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Don't make assumptions!
Assumptions can lead your characters astray
What if things aren't predictable?
#8514:
September 20, 2017
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
Gaby
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
Gaby
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
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
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
Gaby
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
Gaby
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
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
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
Gaby
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
Kate - Happy Valentine's Day
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
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
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
Gaby
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
Andy~2021 has to be better
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
Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
It's still a mystery!
Unsolved mysteries
Who did it?
#8316:
May 31, 2017
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
Gaby
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
Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Caught you!
Apprehending the villain
Caught in the act!
#8271:
May 03, 2017
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
Gaby
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
Kate - Happy Valentine's Day
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
Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
I figured it out!
Solving the puzzle
What does it mean?
#8221:
April 05, 2017
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
Gaby
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
Gaby
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
Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
In a flash!
Flashbacks and forward flashes
Giving your readers flashes of insight
#8174:
March 08, 2017
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
Gaby
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
Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
I can't remember
Characters with amnesia
What would it be like to forget everything?
#8123:
February 08, 2017
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
Gaby
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
Gaby
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
Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Books within a book
Mysterious books
Who can resist a mysterious book?
#8077:
January 11, 2017
Jeff
Renewal
Renewal
What areas of your life would you like to improve this year?
#8064:
January 04, 2017
Gaby
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
Kate - Happy Valentine's Day
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
Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
You have the right to remain silent
The Miranda warning
Do you know your characters' rights?
#8029:
December 14, 2016
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
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
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
Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Chasing clues
Sifting through evidence
Is it a clue or a red herring?
#7979:
November 16, 2016
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
Gaby
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
Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
We've been robbed!
Stolen!
Is anything missing?
#7926:
October 19, 2016
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
Gaby
Hearing Voices
Getting to know your characters better through their own voice.
Do you ever converse with your characters?
#7890:
October 05, 2016
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
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
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
Gaby
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
Elle
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
Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
Mystery calling!
Phone calls in mystery stories
Hello..Hello...Who's there?
#7825:
August 24, 2016
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
Gaby
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
Gaby
Location - It Matters!
Figuring out the best location for your story and characters.
Which place do you love writing about?
#7780:
August 03, 2016
Arakun the Twisted Raccoon
The things we do for love
Mysteries of the heart
What would you do for love?
#7776:
July 27, 2016