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69 reviews for:
How to Write a Mystery: A Handbook from Mystery Writers of America
Lee Child, Laurie R. King
3.89 AVERAGE
69 reviews for:
How to Write a Mystery: A Handbook from Mystery Writers of America
Lee Child, Laurie R. King
3.89 AVERAGE
informative
medium-paced
You can in fact read this as a guide for (aspiring) writers since it touches on countless subjects ranging from plot and protagonist to copyright and the correct ways of using social media. What I did, though, was read it as a kind of oral history of mystery writing, a sort of testimonial from inside the genre, from the people who make thrilling literature happen. And it was fun through and through.
Not your typical "how to write" book. It's a series of essays by crime writers on various aspects of writing. For that, this book is a must-read for writers and readers alike. It gives interesting insights to all parts of the novel-construction process.
I found this collection of advice from mystery writers in America to be very enjoyable. There were plenty of useful tidbits that I will take with me in my future writing.
An excellent resource for writers. I think writers of any genre could find some insight here. Of particular interest to me was the chapter regarding legal matters (as in copyright). I will absolutely rec this book to my editing clients and put it on the Resources for Writers page on my website. I imagine I will be referring back to it quite often.
A big thanks to the authors, publisher, and net galley for a copy of the ARC.
A big thanks to the authors, publisher, and net galley for a copy of the ARC.
Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
How to Write a Mystery is an interesting and information rich style/technique guide by the MWA and full of takeaways from some of the biggest names in mystery (who, generally speaking, know their stuff). Due out 27th April 2021 from Simon & Schuster on their Scribner imprint, it's 336 pages and will be available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats.
Although this is a collection of workshop type instructional writing shorts, I found it lots of good background information here which will inform and enrich my mystery *reading* going forward. Some examples: why are so many mystery protagonists so flawed? What does that bring to the writing of a mystery, for example a police procedural or a PI novel. Why are some loners and some definitely team players? What special considerations are there in writing graphic novels? Children's or YA mysteries? Supernatural elements/talking animals/etc? How do supporting characters help (or hinder) the main character(s)?
The editors did a really stellar job of choosing collaborators to answer particularly relevant questions for them. If the question is on writing with characters who aren't original to your work, finding a writer particularly (probably uniquely) qualified to answer the question is a master-stroke. Max Allan Collins is a very fine writer in his own right, of course (and in collaboration with his wife), but his channeling of Mickey Spillane on the Mike Hammer books both from Spillane's extant notes and on his own are nothing short of amazing. Getting Caroline & Charles Todd to talk about collaborative writing, Charlaine Harris on mixing genres, Tess Gerritsen on medical mysteries, every single one of these short essays is from a top shelf writer talking about the stuff they really know.
Summing up, this is not strictly speaking a "how to write a book" tutorial guide. It is a very well curated selection of digestible essays on particular considerations when tackling mystery writing. I would recommend it to readers of the genre, to writers of any genre, to teachers, and other book related professionals. Five stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
How to Write a Mystery is an interesting and information rich style/technique guide by the MWA and full of takeaways from some of the biggest names in mystery (who, generally speaking, know their stuff). Due out 27th April 2021 from Simon & Schuster on their Scribner imprint, it's 336 pages and will be available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats.
Although this is a collection of workshop type instructional writing shorts, I found it lots of good background information here which will inform and enrich my mystery *reading* going forward. Some examples: why are so many mystery protagonists so flawed? What does that bring to the writing of a mystery, for example a police procedural or a PI novel. Why are some loners and some definitely team players? What special considerations are there in writing graphic novels? Children's or YA mysteries? Supernatural elements/talking animals/etc? How do supporting characters help (or hinder) the main character(s)?
The editors did a really stellar job of choosing collaborators to answer particularly relevant questions for them. If the question is on writing with characters who aren't original to your work, finding a writer particularly (probably uniquely) qualified to answer the question is a master-stroke. Max Allan Collins is a very fine writer in his own right, of course (and in collaboration with his wife), but his channeling of Mickey Spillane on the Mike Hammer books both from Spillane's extant notes and on his own are nothing short of amazing. Getting Caroline & Charles Todd to talk about collaborative writing, Charlaine Harris on mixing genres, Tess Gerritsen on medical mysteries, every single one of these short essays is from a top shelf writer talking about the stuff they really know.
Summing up, this is not strictly speaking a "how to write a book" tutorial guide. It is a very well curated selection of digestible essays on particular considerations when tackling mystery writing. I would recommend it to readers of the genre, to writers of any genre, to teachers, and other book related professionals. Five stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
informative
medium-paced
This is a great resource for any writer, whether taking on mysteries or not.
informative
medium-paced
I picked up this book out of curiosity, hoping to gain some insight into the secrets of writing a mystery. What I found was a treasure of excellent advice not only for putting together a mystery story but for basic story development, self-publishing, and marketing in general. I recommend this book to anyone serious about the writing process. I jotted down pages of notes, and hopefully my writing efforts will improve as I put to use the advice offered in this book. Many successful authors contributed their opinions and learning to this book, each one addressing a particular topic. It was interesting that some of the contributing authors gave advice that conflicted with that of other contributing authors. It goes to show you that there is not one road to success. Preferences, personalities, and perseverance play a large part in how one approaches the task of writing a book. Again, there is a wealth of helpful information here for anyone serious about professional writing.
This was a really good book. The knowledge contained herein isn't just for mystery writers. Yes, It's catered toward mystery writers, but I think it's useful advice for all writers.
This book is the first time that I've read a collection of Essay's and enjoyed Every moment. There aren't any boring essay's. They're all good easy reads.
I love how the book gives you a feeling of community. These are your people, other writers just like you. Except they're well known and published and such. They welcome you in with open arms and share their advice.
However, if you're looking for a step by step guide on how to write a mystery. If you want someone to tell you start here and then do this, then this is not the book for you. They're are tips and guidance, but no one gives you a roadmap, of how to successfully write a mystery. So if that's what you're looking for then this isn't the book for you.
Definitely a recommended read for all writers.
This book is the first time that I've read a collection of Essay's and enjoyed Every moment. There aren't any boring essay's. They're all good easy reads.
I love how the book gives you a feeling of community. These are your people, other writers just like you. Except they're well known and published and such. They welcome you in with open arms and share their advice.
However, if you're looking for a step by step guide on how to write a mystery. If you want someone to tell you start here and then do this, then this is not the book for you. They're are tips and guidance, but no one gives you a roadmap, of how to successfully write a mystery. So if that's what you're looking for then this isn't the book for you.
Definitely a recommended read for all writers.