Anyone want to give me some pointers? Is there anything that I should definitely have in the story? What would you like to read more about etc? Anything would be helpful. Thanks.
2006-12-12 07:39:10 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities ➔ Books & Authors
One thing that I recommend if you are probably writing for the first time is to get good recommended books on writing novels. These I think will help a lot, since when I was interested in writing (and still may try again in the future)I found in them all sorts of good tips, and especially the mistakes a writer writing a novel would want to watch out for. A whole lot of good ideas to be found in these books, even for experienced writers. For my opinion what I think should be in the story, here is what I think should NOT be in it: too much sex. Some writers think adding that kind of stuff makes a story titillating to read, but I can't tell you how many times I've skimmed over it to get to the end. I'm not a prude, but sometimes it seems to me that the only reason a female is put in a story is to end up sleeping with the hero. You see it a lot in action movies, it gets pretty predictable. It also makes it harder for me to care about that character if she is supposed to be some sort of good guy. Now if she is an evil/bad person, that is different. What I would like to read more about: I think a mystery involving stuff about people who design robots in universities would be interesting, and about the robots themselves. I think robots can be pretty creepy, especially the ones that are coming out now.
2006-12-12 10:00:49 · answer #1 · answered by Lydia B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't read mystery books while writing one. That is the best and most important thing I can tell you. It will drain ideas, and smother your voice.
I'm assuming you know how to write well, if not, and even if you do, you may want to look at some writing help books (found at any Barnes and Noble reference section!) and get ideas, and pointers from there.
If you don't get too involved in them, you can try watching tense movies. Anything to help you see how the directors make the scenes tense, and put them into words.
You need to plot it out first, so that you can foreshadow while telling your tale to add more suspense and mystery and make sure surprising plot twists are in abundance.
As for ideas... I won't tell you what to write, as I feel that needs to come directly from you, but I will tell you that what ever it is, need s to be original. You need to do some major thinking on this one. Remember, your imagination is your best friend.
2006-12-12 14:55:08 · answer #2 · answered by amor fati 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes I would suggest getting the book "The Crime Writer's Reference Guide" by Martin Roth. Also I would suggest making sure your story is something unique. Great mystery writers like Poe and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle showed people things they hadn't seen before. Poe writing about the horrors that exist within the human heart. And Sir Arthur Conan Doyle showed a character who was not only the perfect detective but he was flawed like the rest of us.
On a more encouraging note. It is important to remember that Agatha Christie who wrote over 80 novels and short stories and 12 plays would tell her husband before each one that she had no Ideas left she was done writing and she would never do it again.
2006-12-12 07:58:15 · answer #3 · answered by K. Rhen Hunt 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First, read different mystery novels, so you have a clear idea for the genre. Next, develop character sheets. Very helpful. Next, devise setting, plot and the like. Lastly, as a English teacher or school librarian to make sure it's good.
2006-12-12 07:42:20 · answer #4 · answered by sarmotithunder 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I enjoy mysteries with likeable and believeable main characters. I hate it when the detective is a goody-two-shoes or sanctimonious. A few really good mystery series went downhill in later volumes, in my opinion, because the detective got to be too self-righteous.....
Also, giving enough hints to keep the reader guessing is good...
2006-12-12 08:57:29 · answer #5 · answered by Ms. Switch 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Before you start writing, have a brainstorming session. In this session, you should develop a strong plot line, characters, settings, character motives, moods/themes that you what to accomplish. Good Luck!
2006-12-12 07:45:24 · answer #6 · answered by jojot001 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Characters
setting
problem & soulotion
um... Make it intersting and well told and maybe make it a bit scary
2006-12-12 07:42:07 · answer #7 · answered by Ha:D 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I just recomend using irony... like alot... unexpected things you know?
2006-12-12 08:11:29 · answer #8 · answered by Amanda L 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋