Writing the Mystery: Second Edition - Softcover

Hayden, G. Miki

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1890768634 ISBN 13: 9781890768638

Publisher: Intrigue Press, 2004

Synopsis

An authoritative guide to creating a compelling and commercially viable mystery. Features a thorough exploration of the genre and a step-by-step writing process that explains such findamentals as plot and character development; effective dialogue; atmosphere and setting; and maintaining pace. Also includes sections on outlining, revision, acquiring an agent, submitting to publishers, marketing and promotion, and in-depth exercises. Writing the Mystery wraps up with a special collection of interviews with mystery major leaguers.

About this title

About the Author:

G. Miki Hayden, the author of the new underground classic, Pacific Empire, and the psychiatric mystery, By Reason of Insanity, has published a steady stream of mystery and science fiction stories over the years. A member of the board of Mystery Writers of America and president of the Short Mystery Fiction Society, Miki is known for her essays in writers' and mystery magazines-from Murderous Intent to Writer's Journal. She is considered an authority on mystery markets and how to sell to them. Miki teaches fiction writing both at Painted Rock and Writer's Digest online.

From Library Journal:

In this breezy but well-written manual, Hayden, an author of mysteries (By Reason of Insanity), sf, and essays on writing, offers advice on how to write a mystery that sells in today's saturated market. She starts with a rundown of the genre and then goes on to explore outlines, openings, chapter length, climaxes, and plot devices most often used in mysteries. Then she discusses character development, dialog, and setting. A section is devoted to violence in the genre, and a brief chapter on writing short-story mysteries is included. The rest of the how-to section is devoted to general writing advice and submission guidelines. Hayden concludes with short, informative interviews with such well-known mystery writers as Elmore Leonard, Laura Lippman, and Rick Riordan. This fun, exercise-laden manual is recommended where writing books are popular. Lisa J. Cihlar, Monroe P.L., WI
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Intrigue Press
• Publication date: 2004
• ISBN 10: 1890768634
• ISBN 13: 9781890768638
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 255