Writing Mysteries

I just read Sue Grafton's book, "Writing Mysteries." Grafton edited the book and chapters are by many great, current mystery writers. As a writer, the book was a pure pleasure of learning about writing craft. Definitely not just for mystery writers. Think of all those classes you paid for and attended on specific writing subjects you were very interested in, and then someone else in the class asks a question at the begining "like how do I get an agent," and the teacher spends the class time discussing getting an agent. You leave frustrated and annoyed because that's not why you attended and you just wasted your time and money. Or the times you've attended an advanced class, only to have the teacher have to explain beginner things, because some people are in the wrong class. This is a pet peeve for me. Reading "Writing Mysteries" is like taking those classes without the veering off topic you find in classes. It's table of contents follows a nice progression from beginning to end of the book writing process. Yes, it does respond to "How do I get an agent," but only at the end in it's own chapter where it belongs. I highly recommend this book for fellow writers.

So far I've written a female coming-of-age novel, a retelling of Romeo and Juliet, a time-travel book...and those are all in the same series. What's next? I think a murder mystery is on the horizon, and as a newcomer to this genre, I needed to get back to basics.Writing Mysteries is a solid book for any new writer, though I ended up skimming certain sections that either didn't apply to me as an experience writer or didn't apply to me because I'm won't be writing, say, a medical mystery or true crime novel. Note also that this book was released in 2002, so plenty of the seasoned veterans contributing chapters make frequent mentions of typewriters and that new-fangled Internet (I might exaggerate a bit, there). Despite the dated technology and submission issues, the writing advice is fairly solid, and I do recommend this as a basic craft book to new writers who know they'll be specializing in the mystery genre.In conclusion: I got the basics I came for, I did a good bit of highlighting, and I certainly have a much better idea of some of the dos and don'ts for this new journey I'm undertaking.

Helped to finish my written piece. Good advice. Wish classes by author were nearby.

Really thought this might be the same old thing but, it has a wide variety of authors and many great writing tips. Each author brings something different to the table.

Good solid compendium of professional advice for the genre. HIghly recommended.

I wanted a book I could pick up and read periodically that would keep me learning and thinking about my writing when i was relaxing. This is just that kind of book. It is a compilation of accomplished authors' articles on writing. When you are at home in the bathroom or waiting for someone, it teaches you something and passes the time quickly.

Easy to read advise makes you think there is a book in everyone. this book i plan to read a few timesi think it will be my sounding board for greatness.

This book seems to cover all the topics you need to know when writing a mystery. Each chapter is a different topic and each is written by an accomplished mystery writer. The book not only gives you tips on what to do but also on what not to do.

This book contains chapters by some of the finest contemporary authors of crime fiction: Sue Grafton (the editor), Linda Fairstein, Sara Paretzky, Lawrence Block, Faye Kellerman, Jonathan Kellerman, John Lutz, Tony Hillerman, Barry Zeman, Nancy Pickard, Jan Burke, Margeret Maron, Loren D. Estleman, Laurie R. King. Each tackles a different topic.This should produce an outstanding book. Alas, it's only ok. The advice these great authors give is often vague and generic. I had hoped to learn 'trade secrets' from great thriller/mystery authors. Instead, I got the same basic how-to-write advice found in every other writing book and free on many sites online. And little about these contributions is specific to the mystery genre, and very little is in depth.The book would be suitable for someone currently taking first steps in fiction writing, perhaps trying to write a novel for the first time, and who has an interest in Mystery as a possible genre to explore. For someone who is serious about writing in the Mystery genre, or who already knows how to craft a novel, this book has little to offer.

A number of highly successful mystery writers, plus others involved in the process of getting works published, write tips laden articles, laced together for a mystery writer's roadmap. The credentials of the contributors are embellished not only with mini-bios, but also with their own picks of major contributors over the years to the genre. The main limitation is that the volume hasn't been updated since 2002, which affects some perspectives' applicability to our age.

Für alle Krimifans eine lohnende Lektüre. Bekannte Krimi- und Thrillerautoren schreiben über verschiedene Punkte und Themen des Genres und wie eine gute Story entsteht. Es gibt ein Kapitel über den Villain, eins über Anfang und Ende, eins über Setting etc.Auch wenn man nicht selber schreiben möchte, ist es interessant.