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cnorbury 's review for:
How to Write a Mystery: A Handbook by Mystery Writers of America
by Mystery Writers of America
Great advice overall from dozens of the top MWA writers. Useful for novices who have yet to write a mystery or experienced writers who need some refreshers and reminders about what works and what doesn't and are maybe looking for a spark of information that finally clicks with their creativity.
The best essay for me was by Liliana Hart on self-publishing. She reconfirmed my theory (developed over almost 15 years of being a self-taught, self-published writer) that an author who wants to make a career (and a profit) as an author should write three GOOD books before publishing even one of them. If you can't release at least three in a timely manner (such as yearly) you'll annoy your readers who want to read the next book and they may forget about you completely and move on to other authors and books. Oh, how I wish I had known that back in 2008!
Most of the other essays were equally informative and well-reasoned. Aspiring mystery writers especially should read this book.
The best essay for me was by Liliana Hart on self-publishing. She reconfirmed my theory (developed over almost 15 years of being a self-taught, self-published writer) that an author who wants to make a career (and a profit) as an author should write three GOOD books before publishing even one of them. If you can't release at least three in a timely manner (such as yearly) you'll annoy your readers who want to read the next book and they may forget about you completely and move on to other authors and books. Oh, how I wish I had known that back in 2008!
Most of the other essays were equally informative and well-reasoned. Aspiring mystery writers especially should read this book.