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You Can Write a Mystery
 
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You Can Write a Mystery [Paperback]

Gillian Roberts (Author)
4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)

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Product Description

From Booklist

Roberts, author of the Amanda Pepper mystery series, delivers a solid overview of the genre for aspiring crime writers. Unlike many authors of how-to-write guides, she largely avoids aphorisms, sticking instead to concrete details. She is particularly good on how to structure a crime story ("What has to happen before the rest can happen?") and how to build a plot through false leads. Her discussion of character development is also helpful, particularly her tips on creating a history for the people in your story: "A character can do anything you like, if he has a reason and the reason comes out of his history." Along with analysis of the literary aspects of mystery writing, Roberts also surveys such practical matters as grammar, punctuation, and how to submit the manuscript. If character and setting are what distinguish the best mysteries, failed plot mechanics are invariably what derail the worst. Roberts' basic but too-often-overlooked advice will help keep your story on track. Ilene Cooper

Product Description

Have you ever thought about writing a mystery, and gave up the idea because you weren't sure how to start it? Well now is your chance to go out and write that mystery you have always dreamed of. You Can Write a Mystery, written by Gillian Roberts, author of the Anthony Award-winning Amanda Pepper Series, will help you start your mystery and guide you through to the end.





"The 'rules' that govern the mystery are the rules that govern all fiction. Every novel needs suspense and drama," says Roberts. With this book you'll learn how to build your story from the grave up. Roberts focuses on what she calls the "Seven C's", why you need them and how they help your story. She offers examples and exercises that will help you complete your story filled with cliffhangers, intriguing characters and hooks. This book also offers practical suggestions for handling problems likely to arise during the writing process. Along the way, Robert's will teach you:





  • The 15 commandments for mystery

  • How to design your sleuth

  • The Seven Cs your book can't do without - characters, conflict, causality, complications, change, crisis and closure

  • How to hide clue, and exploit red-herrings

  • Research techniques

  • How to develop a style, find a tone and construct a killer plot




You Can Write a Mystery, offers practical guidance for the first-time writer. Its easy-to-understand format will help the most amateur to become a mystery writer. In addition to the practical writing advice supplied, Roberts also offers expert advice for editing, revising and submitting a top-notch manuscript.
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Customer Reviews

7 Reviews
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Average Customer Review
4.7 out of 5 stars (7 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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5.0 out of 5 stars Great Starter Book, April 7 2004
This review is from: You Can Write a Mystery (Paperback)
Gillian Roberts puts together an excellent resource for any writer pursuing publication in the mystery genre. Her lessons are hard-boiled and practical. For example, her first chapter launches the reader into a series of commandments "for mystery writers who want to be published." These include, among others: think like a professional, overcome writer's block, don't wait for the muse, and don't self-edit prior to completing the first draft.

After reading Roberts' book, I managed to re-work my book "Abby and the Bicycle Caper (ISBN: 0595305652), and plan to use her advice on my future works. Read this book if you are serious about writing mysteries. I also read a similar book by Sue Grafton, but found it a bit unapproachable, which is entirely my opinion, as Grafton is a recognized authority in her field.

This book also served as a great motivator to me, which I believe it will also do for you.

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4.0 out of 5 stars I'M AT A LOSS FOR WORDS, Jan 9 2001
This review is from: You Can Write a Mystery (Paperback)
As an aspiring writer, I frequently read technical writing books to improve my style. I am currently enrolled in a correspondence writing course and for my last assignment, I chose to really (yes, this time it's the one!) start a novel.

Oh, I had stumbled with a few "false starts" in the last two years, since I began my courageous adventure. However, they were all lacking in many elements that is so desparately needed for a novel to succeed.

I stumbled on this assignment -- to write the first "official" chapter of a novel, reviewed and critiqued by a professional in the field.

I read a number of chapters in this book, in an effort to hone in on the techniques of mystery writing and WOW! (I couldn't sit and read it from cover to cover due to time constraints on my deadline.) I completed my chapter and sealed the envelope in sheer writer's ecstasy!

I have since completed the book in my "down time" and feel that the information included between the covers is just what everyone needs. It fits into that "comfortable zone" in the endeavors to complete a novel.

LATE BREAKING NEWS! I received my critique yesterday from my instructor and because of the knowledge provided in this book, she was very pleased with my work. I'll quote her, so you can get an idea how a professional in the writing field responded to such useful information:

"Now, I liked this a lot. Great emotion, intriguing suspense, characters that feel real and interest me. This definitely has a lot going for it. Of course, how you play out the remaining chapters will determine how strong the overall book will be and what sort of marketing potential it has, but you've made an excellent start."

Wow! I did it! And I owe it all to this book. It's definitely a must read!

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5.0 out of 5 stars You Can Write A Mystery...Review, Aug 16 2000
This review is from: You Can Write a Mystery (Paperback)
This little gem not only gives aspiring novelists a wealth of information but also provides book reviewers with a guide from which books can be critiqued. I was immediately attracted to this book by the title and was not disappointed as I scanned the contents. It explains many important issues that must be addressed if a story is to be successful but are mostly not considered on a conscious level by the reader. The point of view,or the vantage point from which the reader sees the story; building the plot and using false leads; transition and the order of scenes etc. You get the idea.

Anyway, I think this book will help me when I'm reviewing a book and will add to my enjoyment while reading. Mysteries will be read from a broader and deeper perspective and the admiration for writers and their skill has increased.

Thanks in advance for a vote if this review was helpful.

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