Yearn to Learn

I yearn to learn

My mystery novel plot

I have always been a proponent of lifelong learning. As an educator, this meant keeping up with current best practices and research in everything related to my then-current role or position, from how children learn best to educational leadership and educational change theory. Now, as a writer, it seems a natural place to go when I want to share in the opinions and thoughts of professional authors and teachers of writing. Taking courses and completing a Certificate in Writing through the University of Toronto was a natural outcome of this yearn to learn. And now, with my first book, 21 Smithfield Drive, published, I am into learning more about writing a mystery novel. I always enjoy reading mystery novels and have quite a long list of favourite authors and series. I know what I like and what I want to write. As I mentioned in my last Gates Open blog, I am becoming a more organized novel “planner”, which is in opposition to my preferred short story “pantser” writing life. It’s coming along slowly. I am not slowing down due to a lack of desire or effort, but life happens. I broke my foot, my kids came to visit, out-of-town doctors’ appointments, and more. I know life happens to all writers, but age seems to make it a slower “recovery time”. I submitted my next newspaper story for Writing on the Senior Side. It’s called The only direction is forward. I will write this mystery, and I will finish it. I will keep learning about mystery writing. The only direction in life and in a writer’s life is forward.

Here is where I am now with my plot planning. I have decided to plan the first section in scenes, and then write those scenes and then repeat this procedure with each section. So far, so good, but time will tell.

When I was a student, I loved working at the library researching information for school projects and essays. I still miss going to the library to do this, but I also welcome the wealth of newfound knowledge on the internet. I read and read some more, and then I pick and choose what I want to apply to my writing.  So, my adventure into the plot for a mystery novel has been extensive, sometimes repetitive, sometimes a waste of time and many times worthwhile and interesting. Here is one I would like to share with you (and sharing solidifies my learning lol ). I do not share or care about AI stuff. I want the original authors and to give them credit due.

https://writershelpingwriters.net/2013/11/mystery-writing-basics-characters-plot/

Author: Staci Troilo is here with the basics of what plot and character elements a successful mystery novel needs. 

Plot Elements in a Mystery

Misdirection - The most important part of writing mysteries is misdirecting the reader. All the clues need to be given, but in a way so that the reader may not notice them until the time is right. A great way to do that is to list several items found on a bookcase or desk, and bury the important one in the middle of the list before moving on to a different part of the room. The clue has been given, but neither the sleuth nor the reader has realized the significance yet.

Significance - We’ve all heard of Chekhov’s gun. Nowhere is it more poignant than in mysteries. If something is called attention to in the beginning of the book, it’s a significant clue. Make use of it by the end.

Timing- Clues introduced right before action scenes might be missed by the reader. That’s a good way to bury something you want the reader to know but temporarily forget. They’ll be so caught up in the action that they might not remember the clue you’ve introduced.

Reveal and Recap- Clues need to be spaced out throughout the novel. If they all came at the beginning, there would be no novel to read. The sleuth would solve it immediately. If they all came at the end, what would the sleuth do for 300+ pages? Space the clues out, and have the sleuth recap his knowledge once and a while (definitely before the villain is revealed) so the reader can regroup with him.

***

Book News: Marketing?

My original thought for my book was not to do any marketing.  21 Smithfield Drive was intended, first and foremost, for my children, grandchildren and as yet unborn great-grandchildren. Of course, even though I didn’t expect it, there was a part of me that hoped others would read it and like it, and somehow word would get out, and it would sell. I have given copies of the book to some of my cousins and some good friends. I gave a copy to everyone who came to my book launch. I have had feedback from a few of these people, and they have blown me away with comments such as “great book”, “I devoured it,” and “I loved it.” I have had many more say nothing. So what to do? Is there a niche of people who will love it? Are there enough people to make it worthwhile to do some marketing? I don’t know, and I can’t decide.

As I mentioned previously, there have been scammers who want to promote my book.  These continue every week. I will not be scammed. I think it’s unethical to pay someone to write a review. I’m stuck, oh…, I guess I need to do more research to find out more about reputable companies, etc. My publisher, Friesen Press, sent me an invitation to have my book highlighted in their catalogue. $169.00 for a half page. Is this a good idea?

Amazon seems to be doing a little marketing for me. My son was visiting and looking up a book, and when it came up, below it were several other books, including mine, under the caption, “You may also like these.” I thought that was neat:) Today I checked my paperback on Amazon.ca, and it said “only 4 left in stock, more on the way”. It sounds promising, I think….

I will come back to this next time. I would appreciate some input, but it seems this blog doesn’t work that way:) If you have any ideas or suggestions, you could email me at steltergail@gmail.com

That’s it for this time.

Thank you for reading, and wishing a happy and productive writing life.

gail