Pursue your passion: mystery writer

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Becoming a published author can be a mystery – especially when you are clueless about where to start. Writing a book can take anywhere from months to years to complete. However, having the right tools and networks in place can help you work through the challenges that may arise. Although writing a mystery novel is no easy task, this article you will help you find many resources that can be of value. As they say, a trail isn’t much help if you don’t have footprints to follow.

Your First Clue

The first step on the path to becoming a published mystery author is to have a story idea. For some novice writers the task is simple and easy. For others, there may be some self doubt and anxiety. There are many techniques to developing your story. Some writers work from an outline. Mystery writer Jerrilyn Farmer, author of the popular Madeline Bean series, told an interviewer how she works:

“I write at an immoderate pace. I spend several months investigating story ideas, doing research, gathering my thoughts, creating characters, and then I start. Once I'm in the writing phase, I write every day. I take my boys to school and then get to it. I usually write a chapter a day, every day, until I finish the rough draft. My husband is a terrific guy, and he takes care of the boys on the weekends when this heavy-duty writing phase is in full gear. I work like this until I have a finished draft, and then I do revisions and rewrites, which can go on for a considerable amount of time. For months, there are no birthdays celebrated, no volunteer work in the school library, no lunch dates, no parties, no guests, nothing social at all. I admire those who can write an hour or two every day of the year and maintain a real life, but I simply can't,” said Farmer.
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A Community Can Help Solve a Mystery

If you are someone who needs an extra push or help, you should consider joining a community of mystery writers. The great part about some of these communities is that they are technology based. Meaning, if you work a job from 9-5 and you don’t have time in your day to attend an actual meeting, these sites offer you the chance to work around your schedule. One such site is www.mysterywriters.org. This website offers a broad range of resources. Also, the site offers you a chance to find out about the latest news, connect with people in your region, read about the latest mystery authors, read tips to becoming published, etc.

 Another place to find out what is going in the world of publishing is Booklist Online blog.booklistonline.com/, which has a great blog entitled, Likely Stories, prepared by Keir Graff and editors from Booklist’s adult and youth departments.

Want something more local? Try searching for mystery communities in your region. Southern California has a society of mystery writers that post online meeting times, directories, etc. If you are having some trouble searching for a community in your area, go to your local library for help in finding resources.

Now, if you are someone who prefers a face-to-face interaction with writers like yourself, ask your local librarian about different workshops or classes that may be coming up. Usually these workshops feature published authors who offer their past experience and tricks of the trade. Sometimes universities or local colleges will offer workshops or master classes hosted by published authors who can offer you insight into the market.

Go back to school.

Author Farmer, who has published the following titles, Desperately Seeking Sushi, Dim Sum Dead, The Flaming Luau of Death, Immaculate Reception, Killer Wedding, Mumbo Gumbo, Perfect Sax, and Sympathy for the Devil recently co-authored a book with Joan Rivers, entitled, Murder at the Academy Awards(Simon & Schuster) and is  a teacher at the UCLA Extension Writers Program. Here is what she tells prospective students about the value of her mystery writing class: “Learning how to get a novel out of your head and onto the page is often a glorious and soul-satisfying journey, but it isn't always a snap. Sometimes the process could use outside help to provide focus, inspiration, and a gentle push. I know. I spent years thinking about, wishing to, avoiding, and ultimately doubting my own need to be a writer. Then, I did something about it. I studied, took the right class, learned how to get unstuck, and poisoned someone in print. Now you can find me hanging out in Barnes & Noble, grinning at the mystery section where my newest book is sitting sweet as a chocolate donut on the shelf…"

“There are tricks to shutting off the super critic inside and then watching in amazement as your story reveals itself in all its devilish colors. There are methods behind the madness of tackling a long-form project…The mystery scene is thriving and book contracts are still to be had by the first-time author. In our workshop, you'll receive invigorating commentary on your in-progress mystery in a safe environment that won't stifle your last ounce of creativity. You'll find out what's working and what's not, but gently. Hey, people who write about murder need love, too.”

A Community Not Your Thing?

Well, you’ve come to the right place. There are a plethora of books and videos out there that will help you. Authors from all over the world have written books and made videos on the art of writing a mystery novel. Consider Patricia Highsmith, the award-winning writer of psychological thrillers such as Strangers on a Train who has had two dozen film adaptations of her novels. In 1990 she published a book entitled, Plotting and Writing Suspense Fiction. The book offers an insight into the process she went through when writing her novels. She also discusses different questions and problems that may arise when first beginning or developing a mystery novel.

Remember, any person has the ability to write a mystery novel if they take the time to solve each problem or question that may arise; a community of writers is available to help you if you search it out, and there are plenty of books and videos that your local librarian can help you find that meet your needs. Good luck and know that slow and steady does win the race. I hope these clues help lead you to writing a successful novel…one that perhaps can lead you to the top of the best-selling list over time.

If you need inspiration, read what Jerrilyn Farmer told an interviewer about the inner satisfaction she received when she finished her first manuscript:

“Finish your first draft. It's the greatest high I know. You will never get published if you don't complete the manuscript. My second bit of advice is, learn to love revising and rewriting. This is the crafting part, the part where you can fix it and polish it like a gem. If you hate revising and avoid it, you are not learning and improving and your work will certainly suffer” she said.

Recommended Resources

Plotting and Writing Suspense
Patricia Highsmith
Highsmith offers her insight on the many failures that lead to success in her career. Highsmith also focuses her attention on discussions about growing ideas, story development, plotting, first and second drafts and the art of revisions.

Writing Mysteries
Kevin Robinson
Mystery writer Kevin Robinson discusses the tremendous odds and the unlikelihood of getting published, the importance of finding a mentor, learning to take advice and the importance of being edited.

How to Write a Damn Good Mystery: A Practical Step-by-Step Guide from Inspiration to Finished Manuscript
James N. Frey
Frey focuses on the art of how to write a good mystery novel from start to finish. He urges his writers to aim high when writing their novel through character development and plot. “Frey then shows, in his well-known, entertaining, accessible (and often humorous) style, how the characters - the entire ensemble, including the murderer, the detective, the authorities, the victims, the suspects, the witnesses, and the bystanders - create a complete and coherent world.”—Book Jacket.

Books by Jerrilyn Farmer at Harper Collins

Interview with Jerrilyn Farmer

Internet Resources

Connecting with a local writers' group is key to getting your work seen, critiqued, and ultimately published. These sites should help get you started:

Mystery.net

Squidoo.com

List of mystery web sites and resources:

Southern California Chapter: Mystery Writers of America 

A Sampling of Mystery Writers Organizations

Mystery Writers of America