Friday, October 29, 2010

ARTICLE: How to Get Started Writing a Mystery Novel #MMM

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The Michigan Murder & Mayhem is trying to give articles for writers of this genre to help them. If you'd like to guest post, please email me at: motownwriters@yahoo.com

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




Many like to read novels, and will read them again and again, but have the desire to do much more, such as write a story themselves. The place where many get stuck is at the very beginning, where do I start? There are about five different ways to help yourself brainstorm and get your ideas down on paper before any actual story writing takes place. This allows you to organize your thoughts, and acknowledge all the possibilities to maximize the chances of getting your story off the ground. The techniques are not all separate though. They can be used in order to help you through the creation process.

The first method that can be used is what is commonly known as free writing. This can be done one of two ways. You can allow yourself as much time as you want to just let any ideas that come to mind to be jotted down on the paper, or you can time yourself. You can take five to ten minutes, and everything that comes to mind that would fit into your story gets written down on your paper. Do not worry if it does not make sense that is not the point of the exercise. The point is to get the creative juices flowing, and giving you the opportunity to branch off any idea you may have put down. Many of the comments you write down will not be used at all in the story, but the more you have the more chances you have of inspiration, and an idea you can work with. It is a great exercise, and it may also help if you run into a writer's block. This may get your ideas on paper, but the next part is choosing and organizing the ideas you want to include in your story.

Which brings us to the next technique, mind mapping or the old-fashioned cluster. It starts out with a circle in the middle of the paper. If you know what you want your story to be based around or at least have somewhat of an idea from your free writing exercise then you can use that in the middle of the circle. After that is all done it is time to start branching out. You can draw a line from the middle circle connecting it to another one that is located towards the outside of the paper. In this one who can put an idea that deals with the main story, such as the main plot, or perhaps character introductions, anything really that relates directly with the main idea. You can make as many as you want connecting to the middle circle! Now you can also branch off the secondary ideas, and just keep going, this will give you a rough representation of how your story will weave together, and how it is all interconnected. This works great for very visual people!

The third approach to preparing you ideas for a story is to create the characters. Identify and write down all the personality traits, interest, to really make them something genuine! Do not be afraid to get too in detail, the more you know the characters the easier it is to write about them, or even to create the dialogue of the story. You can make them a profile, which includes likes, dislikes, hobbies, and lifestyle. Another important factor with this system is to know the relationships of each character to the others and how they intertwine. One last part of this method to remember is the perspective! There will be a main character, maybe one, maybe two, but is always good to establish how you want the story to be told. It helps if you imagine the story from all different viewpoints, to really expose yourself and get a better understanding of what you really want.

Next is a plot line. Every story has background information, an introduction, rising action, climax, the falling action, and finally the resolution. It is great to vaguely plot out these sections, so that you have a basic understanding of where the story is going. Of course the events can change, with fiction writing nothing is set in stone, but it definitely helps keep your thoughts on track, and progressively going towards your goal. Getting a little bit detailed can benefit you when you start the writing. A paragraph or two should suffice though.

Finally the last part is creating an outline. It significantly helps if before you go on to a full on book to try writing a few short stories to help get you familiar with the process, and to enhance your writing ability. You can start with the intro and then go into chapters if you want. They do not have to be ten paged chapters, but for a short story they can be about two to three paragraphs long and just bullet the important items you want within that section. You can go about doing this for the whole story, and voila! You have a very basic rough draft of what you want your story to look like. Now all that is left is putting words around it and details!

Since this process can vary from person to person, you may want to add your own personal flavor to it or perhaps you feel comfortable skipping a step, it is simply your choice. Do not forget though to use the resources that you have, such as a dictionary, and thesaurus. If these techniques are applied to the creation process, you will be well on your way to writing a mystery novel.


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



Monday, October 25, 2010

ARTICLE: Mix Mystery With Romance For Astonishing Success

Novels that mixed romance with suspense or mystery began about 60 years ago with the publishing of Phyllis Whitney's Modern Gothic romances. A twist on the classic old Gothic romance, which has the heroine so helpless that it would be unbelievable and possibly offensive today, the modern romance/suspense novel is populated with a more capable heroine who makes choices similar to that of the modern female reader. She is someone the reader can identify with easily. She is likely to have skills and resources and the ability to make her own way in the world rather than be dependent upon a male lead, like a kindly uncle or father. Women's liberation has made some rather large changes in how we are able to accept female characters, even in romantic fiction and to make your story appealing, you need to stay current if not a bit beyond the current fashion, right into what the public will want in the future.

The mystery romance genre will likely require your main character to be a bit of a detective as well as a romantic heroine. She is placed in a mysterious situation that she needs to figure out before she can give her heart away. Is the killer her love interest? Is she unsure? He seems so perfect for her, but where was he on the night that the murder took place? You see how it can add a level of intrigue and complexity to your novel that may allow it to cross over to another hungry group of readers, the mystery fans. It seems like a good idea to reach as many readers as you can, and crossing the genre of romance with the mystery story is a great way to approach the craft of story as well as increase your fan base substantially.

These types of novels are popular enough that the famous publishing house of Harlequin, which I am sure you have heard of, has created a subcategory of books under the Harlequin Intrigue imprint which exists only to serve this market of readers. But many "mainstream" authors you will find have created a romance with a mystery mixed in and it makes the bestseller list. You may even find your novel becoming optioned for a movie. The main thing you need to concern yourself with as an author of this type of genre is if the two plots or story lines serve each other and come together to create one massive, coherent tale. They can dip in and out of each other, drifting apart and then meeting, but in the end they must come together to make sense and move the final theme forward, that of our heroine finally finding her one true love against all obstacles.


Fortuna Fassbinder is a pen name of an award winning romance novelist in the historical romance genre. She would love to share with you her method of changing your life by breaking into the lucrative romance novel business. Visit her at http://www.howtowritearomancenovel.com and receive a free information packed mini-course, "10 Tips to a Bestselling Romance."

Friday, October 22, 2010

EVENT Reminder: Mysterious Murder Masquerade Ball OCT 30TH

Mysterious Murder Masquerade Ball

Saturday, October 30, 2010 from 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM (ET)

Clinton Township, 

Mysterious Murder Masquerade

PURCHASE YOUR TICKET AT: http://mysteriousmurdermasquerade.eventbrite.com/



Join us for a night of Mystery and Murder filled with lots of laughter and dancing to live music.   On October 30, 2010 at Fern Hill Country Club starting at 6PM
 It's October 30, 1925 .Cruella and Scarletta Slink, known for their extravagant parties, are throwing the event of the year...

The socially prominent guests who will be attending are busily preparing their extravagant costumes for an unforgettable night of mingling, martinis and....“murder." Everyone who is anyone is on the guest list and those who are not…are pretending to “have other plans."


Guests will enjoy dinner dancing and the sounds of the live Swing Band.
Cash bar available

We invite you to try to solve one of the most fascinating crimes in the history of the “Stardust” Ballroom. A rare and valuable diamond necklace will be stolen from the swan-like neck of one of the socially prominent guests attending the Masquerade Ball. If this is not bad enough, the plot thickens when one of the suspects…is murdered!  


Whodunit? Where is the necklace hidden? Who will die? Who did it? How will this brazen crime be committed? What's the motive? Join our cast of suspicious characters for a night of masquerade, mystery, martinis and...Murder!
Save money,  Order tickets for $40  Directly from Fern Hill Country Club and pay by phone Call 586-286-4700 
Pick up at Fern Hill or "Will Call" orders only.
1920’s attire requested.   Mention this event and receive ten percent off your costume at Suttons Costumes
4500 Dixie Highway
Waterford, MI 48329
                                                            Phone: 248•673•2320  
                                                       https:/www.suttonscostumes.com




PURCHASE YOUR TICKET AT: http://mysteriousmurdermasquerade.eventbrite.com/
 

Monday, October 18, 2010

ARTICLE: Writing Murder Mystery Books - How to Hook the Reader From the Very First Page #MMM

There Is No Sense of Danger Until Somebody Dies

Kill somebody fast. Maybe even on page one. In mystery novels, at least one character has to die. And it's not until the murder that your story feels dangerous.

Before, your characters might have lived in a quiet, peaceful town. But now, there is a murderer on the loose. Nobody is safe. Now we have suspense. And mystery.

How to Lose the Reader in the First Chapter

Which of these opening scenes would be more likely to get the reader to stick around?

- A long, detailed description of the exterior of Sally Sleutherton's lovely old home. Then, taking the reader inside to find our hero, Sally, sitting at the table with her dear friends, having a cup of tea, casually discussing the new church organist. This goes on and on for a full chapter. The murder does not occur until Chapter Three.

- OR -

- A wealthy gentleman is sitting in his favorite chair, reading a book while the stereo plays softly. Someone slips into the house through an unlocked kitchen window. The intruder quietly opens a drawer and takes out a butcher knife. The gentleman, oblivious to the intruder, takes another sip of his Cognac as he continues to enjoy his book. The intruder slowly sneaks up behind the gentleman and slits his throat. The killer steps around in front of the man to watch him die. The man's last words are, "Why?" The killer smiles.

Give the Reader a Hint or Two

Consider giving the reader hints about who the murderer is. Or perhaps the victim could say something to the killer right before dying. The hint could even be a "red herring"--a fake clue that makes the reader suspect the wrong person. Or it could be a legitimate clue that is not helpful until right before the identity of the murderer is revealed. The reader would want to know the meaning of that clue. And, hopefully, keep reading your book to find it.

Write for Short Attention Spans

These days, people want everything now. Right now. Particularly in genre fiction. You can either deliver or get passed over. Hopefully, I held your attention long enough to finish this article.


Robert Burton Robinson has written several murder mystery books: Bicycle Shop Murder, Hideaway Hospital Murders, Illusion of Luck, Fly the Rain, and Sweet Ginger Poison. His books are available from Amazon.com and other retailers.
Robert Burton Robinson - EzineArticles Expert Author

Friday, October 15, 2010

EVENT: Mysterious Murder Masquerade Ball OCT 30TH


Mysterious Murder Masquerade Ball

Saturday, October 30, 2010 from 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM (ET)

Clinton Township, 

Mysterious Murder Masquerade

PURCHASE YOUR TICKET AT: http://mysteriousmurdermasquerade.eventbrite.com/

 

 

Join us for a night of Mystery and Murder filled with lots of laughter and dancing to live music.   On October 30, 2010 at Fern Hill Country Club starting at 6PM

 It's October 30, 1925 .Cruella and Scarletta Slink, known for their extravagant parties, are throwing the event of the year...

The socially prominent guests who will be attending are busily preparing their extravagant costumes for an unforgettable night of mingling, martinis and...."murder." Everyone who is anyone is on the guest list and those who are not…are pretending to "have other plans."


Guests will enjoy dinner dancing and the sounds of the live Swing Band.
Cash bar available

We invite you to try to solve one of the most fascinating crimes in the history of the "Stardust" Ballroom. A rare and valuable diamond necklace will be stolen from the swan-like neck of one of the socially prominent guests attending the Masquerade Ball. If this is not bad enough, the plot thickens when one of the suspects…is murdered!  


Whodunit? Where is the necklace hidden? Who will die? Who did it? How will this brazen crime be committed? What's the motive? Join our cast of suspicious characters for a night of masquerade, mystery, martinis and...Murder!

Save money,  Order tickets for $40  Directly from Fern Hill Country Club and pay by phone Call 586-286-4700 

Pick up at Fern Hill or "Will Call" orders only.

For show information go http://www.doubleexposureinc.com/dinnertheater.html

1920's attire requested.   Mention this event and receive ten percent off your costume at Suttons Costumes
4500 Dixie Highway
Waterford, MI 48329

                                                            Phone: 248•673•2320  

                                                       https:/www.suttonscostumes.com



PURCHASE YOUR TICKET AT: http://mysteriousmurdermasquerade.eventbrite.com/

 



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

email motownwriters@Yahoo.com if you would like to be a blogger here. email to list books in our amazon store