Keys to writing a mystery novel for dummies
How to write a mystery novel outline
Make it an exciting read. When the case is solved at the end, if the investigator knows something, the reader should too. Play fair "Remember to make sure all the clues to solving the murder are in your story somewhere, even if they are cunningly tucked away. You can do better. A good story should start with an earthquake and be followed by rising tension. I start Ghost Maven with the heroine in deep water and in danger when a kayaking trip in Monterey Bay goes terribly wrong. What happens at this peak moment leads to the novel's ending. The suspense drives the narrative and keeps your reader interested.If there's policework involved, make sure you know the real procedures. Whatever form of celebratory debauchery fits your style. Craft a strong hook All novels need effective hooks: the reader should be interested to uncover more from the first page or even betterthe first line.
Create an unusual detective "It doesn't always have to be a police detective in a murder mystery - it can be a psychologist, journalist, lawyer or teacher, say, instead. Tension should he held within the novel and there should be no longuers of boring interrogation.
Some authors pants their way through a mystery, fueled by the tortured screams of their imaginary friends. The answer to the mystery needs to feel like realization, not revelation.
This makes it more shocking.
Suspense in a mystery novel is key. Put in the hours at the library.
Sometimes they overlap. The first page sells that book.