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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
Since I am currently working on a mystery/thriller, when this came through at the library I decided to check it out. I came away from the book with mixed results. A lot of what is covered (characters, plot, setting, outlining, publishing, author platform, etc) isn't specific to mysteries and could be read by any writer. Some of what is covered (true crime, suspense, detectives, etc) is more specific to genre writers. A lot of what's included here is what you'll encounter in other writing books, but it always helps to hammer home advice you've received previously.
As this book is a collection by a variety of writers, it was interesting to see how both sides of different topics were included (ex. a pantser and a plotter both had essays). There are sections that helpfully break the subject matter into categories, in case you don't want to read front to back like I did, and between most of the longer essays there are quick little blurbs/half page tidbits. I think, more than anything, it's just refreshing to read about the experiences other authors have and some of the strategies they use; when I feel stuck in my story I pick up a how-to-write book less for tips on how to write but more for motivation. The part that actually stuck with me the most from this book was reading how authors who are so popular now started where I'm starting, i.e. kind of from nowhere. They had no one show up to book signings, they had people turn down their manuscripts, etc. In addition to humanizing the craft, this book also humanizes some of the large and daunting names in the genre, making it feel a little more accessible to the newer writers.
As this book is a collection by a variety of writers, it was interesting to see how both sides of different topics were included (ex. a pantser and a plotter both had essays). There are sections that helpfully break the subject matter into categories, in case you don't want to read front to back like I did, and between most of the longer essays there are quick little blurbs/half page tidbits. I think, more than anything, it's just refreshing to read about the experiences other authors have and some of the strategies they use; when I feel stuck in my story I pick up a how-to-write book less for tips on how to write but more for motivation. The part that actually stuck with me the most from this book was reading how authors who are so popular now started where I'm starting, i.e. kind of from nowhere. They had no one show up to book signings, they had people turn down their manuscripts, etc. In addition to humanizing the craft, this book also humanizes some of the large and daunting names in the genre, making it feel a little more accessible to the newer writers.
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
informative
inspiring
mysterious
slow-paced
This excellent, up-to-date guide to writing mysteries includes essays from various bestselling and lesser-known mystery writers, interspersed with short and inspiring quotes from other writers. Even though the book is quite long, it's a quick, easy read with lots of momentum. The essays are often fairly short, and the longer ones are well-organized and succinct, packing in a lot of information without rambling.
The book addresses lots of different subsets of crime fiction, from cozies to medical thrillers, and I still enjoyed reading the essays that didn't apply to my personal reading or writing interests, because they enhanced my appreciation for mystery fiction and can help with reader's advisory at the library. I really enjoyed the essay about writing for children, and there's an essay about graphic novels as well. The book also includes insight into the publishing process, marketing, maintaining an online presence, etc. This is a fantastic, thorough guide that will be an industry standard for years to come.
The book addresses lots of different subsets of crime fiction, from cozies to medical thrillers, and I still enjoyed reading the essays that didn't apply to my personal reading or writing interests, because they enhanced my appreciation for mystery fiction and can help with reader's advisory at the library. I really enjoyed the essay about writing for children, and there's an essay about graphic novels as well. The book also includes insight into the publishing process, marketing, maintaining an online presence, etc. This is a fantastic, thorough guide that will be an industry standard for years to come.
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
N/A
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
informative
This will be a must-buy for my 800s collection. Many of the great names in mystery today collaborate here to explain and highlight different attributes of writing the mystery. Crime fiction is so varied and complex, which I learned from my time on the board of Sisters in Crime. I like that each essay is focused on a different topic, so readers looking for specific guidance can flip directly to the essay in question. I was particularly inspired by those from Rachel Howzell Hall, Frankie Y. Bailey, Catriona McPherson, and Liliana Hart. It's not all craft: some of the essays are about marketing and publishing, and some very important issues of diversity and intersectionality are covered (though I felt one of the essays was a bit flip about the topic - written by a white man, natch). Apart from that issue, this is definitely a book I will refer to again and again.
A collection of brief essays best suited for beginning writers unfamiliar or uncomfortable with the narrative concepts of character, plotting, or setting. Of the essays I read, "The Mindset of Darkness: Writing Noir" by Alex Segura was most interesting, but because I'm getting a little obsessed with noir and hardboiled detective fiction, in general.
LOVED THIS BOOK!! it's very helpful.
i like the "Pantser VS Outliner" part! it's refreshing and not dismissive to either types of authors.
i like the "Pantser VS Outliner" part! it's refreshing and not dismissive to either types of authors.