Has anyone ever written a mystery?

Question

Of course, I know there are mysteries out there, but i meant you yahoo.answers people. When you wrote it did you ever find that the killer changed on you? Also, any other tips you want to give would be useful. Thanks

Answer 1

Yes, I've written a murder mystery called "the herrincroft case" and it was accepted for publishing. What do you mean that by "the killer changed you" ?

Answer 2

my former housemate did.

she actually originally did not intend for it to be a mystery; the first dradfts were all from the future killer's point of view - it was actually more of an historical bodice-ripper. But she decided it wasn't working, and rewrote it as a mystery, and it's on the shelves (A Game of Patience by Susanne Alleyn - plug, plug). She has a second of a series with the same detective due out next year!

So I would say, really flesh out your murderer and his/her story, motives, -- everything. Ditto for your red herring characters. The more research, the more real it becomes to you, the better a story you will write.

As far as changing murderers, it sounds like your story is plot-driven rather than character-driven (My assumption, if suspected murderers are interchangeable). Ideally, it should be both if you are going to engage readers. (I'm a writer, too)

Good luck!

Answer 3

Glad you clarified your question. I was going to say something sarcastic.

Answer 4

mmmm maybe....