Monday, October 11, 2010

ARTICLE: Elements of Writing a Mystery Novel #MMM

For writers that visit our blog, I want to provide at least once a week a great article to teach and show great writing.

Hopefully we can push one out every week and if you'd like to guest blog for us and have content to share, please email me at motownwriters@yahoo.com


Elements of Writing a Mystery Novel


Like anything, a mystery novel is composed of different parts, which are referred to as elements. Each are critical in capturing the readers interest. If your story is researched and well written, it is sure to be a winner. By now, you are probably wondering what the elements are. They are the science, plot, characters with settings and writing technique.

First is the science. This needs to be accurate due to the fact several mystery novel readers are welled versed in forensic techniques. They can see through phony stuff in an instant, and you want to avoid that. If you can write a good story and have correct science then your book just went from decent to great.

Next is the development of the plot. This will make or break your story. It is crucial to have a plot that makes sense, is intriguing, and has many twists and turns to keep the reader not knowing what is going to happen next. The more they do not know what is coming the more suspense you will create and of course in a mystery novel, suspense is everything! If there was a part to really focus on, it would be the plot!

Following is creating the characters with stories settings. It is important to really develop them and make them something authentic. You want to have the audience relate them. This will increase the connection with the reader and makes it easier for you to write the rest of the novel. The more you know about your character, the easier it is for you to write about them. After the characters, the setting is extremely important to set the atmosphere for the story.

Lastly, the element of writing technique is significant when constructing your mystery novels. This is simply because this is part of what creates the emotion within the reader. It is good to include literary elements such as similes, personification, and metaphors. It is good to also include more advanced techniques such as suspense and foreshadowing. These are big keys when writing a mystery story. What is even more important is what is called red herrings. These will make reader think the story is going one way when it is actually the other. Incorporating these will enhance your story and make for a better read.

If you can have all these elements intertwined into your story, you are on the right track to write a great mystery novel!


Learn how to write your own mystery novel at http://www.writeamysterynovel.com

Plotting and Writing Suspense FictionHow to Write Killer Fiction: The Funhouse of Mystery & the Roller Coaster of Suspense

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