I write mysteries, crime fiction and fiction. My writing is mainly focused on the mystery/crime end of things.

Who else on here writes mysteries? Let's talk! :) 

Hello To All;

I have been writing mysteries stories for many years and never got my stories published. I have about six cds full of complete and not complete stories. Some are very good and some are really awful. That is why I am going back to school to upgrade my English and hoping to have enough nerve to send one of my stories to someone someday. Today for some unknown reason, I decided to go in my local bookstore and pick up the latest issure of The Writer's Guide to Fiction and it grabbed my attention; I don't know. I guess something is telling me that I should. Now I am very glad that I did. There is a lot of information how to send and receive some positive and negative things about writers. I live in Southeastern Ontario. There is not a lot of things to do on a winter days now. I guess I will be doing more writing and now that I got a new computer for my birthday last October. I am just hoping someone gives me some good advice on some of my stories. I feel I am not alone on this subject.

JCL.

Hey all,

 I'm working on my first mystery novel right now. I've never written mystery but love reading it. However, I feel I am having some trouble building suspense. Any tips?? Thanks!

What kind of wedding do you like for your characters?

JCL

I'm writing a cozy and am having some problems with point of view. Hope to have it figured out soon.

Anndy 

Hi I'm a mystery writer and reader as well.  I'm working on my first Mystery Novel, and I actively market my short fiction.

Calggal

I've written one mystery and have started a second. I'm envious of those who write historical mysteries, and am researching now to delve into it.  *shivers with nervousness*

Mysteries are a hoot for me because the plot has a purpose.  Segments in the beginning have a purpose in the end.  Not to mention I enjoy trying to figure whudunit.

Chandler wrote:

My problem is this. I have the ending to my next novel (using the same characters), but I'm not sure of how to GET there! I've not come across this particular problem before. In the past I started out with introducing my characters then the mystery, then the romance falls into place as they solve the mystery. NOW, I think I want to start with the previous romance coming together and the action (mystery) taking place as they plan the wedding. I don't want to add too many characters, yet, if she and her daughter are planning the wedding, it is almost a forgone conclusion that there will be a LOT of characters. Too many characters get in the way, as far as I'm concerned. Maybe the wedding idea isn't where I want to go. I don't know. The mystery part isn't going to be a murder; I prefer to let others do the mayhem thing. The crime of the day is a major burglary. Any ideas on the wedding thing?

I've run into a similar 'block' and after studying some of the pro's and reading an article on Character by Michael Connelly in 'Mystery Writing' which was edited by Sue Grafton among others I just sat down and started writing somewhat mundane occurances in my main characters life.  The advice Connelly gave was to have your character always trying to get something or needing something.  A conflict for each page.  I've sort of taken this to heart and just started writing.  There is what I think is a fairly boring passage describing my main characters apartment.....but it got me thinking about other things and before I knew it I was 2,000 words past that somewhat boring moment and really 'feeling' it.  So while that 'mundane' scene will get axed or more likely edited heavily it did lead me into the rest of the story and right now things are really unfolding quite nicely.  I'm not quite sure 'who done it' but I'll figure it out right along side the main character at a comfortable pace of about 1000 words a day!  Remember the first draft is for you most of all. 

Hope that helps a bit.