8 Do’s and Don’ts for Your Mystery Writing Journey
Farid BAHRI
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Mysteries are great
Writing a mystery novel is an exciting endeavor that challenges your creativity and analytical skills.
As a beginner in the mystery genre, it’s essential to grasp the elements that make a compelling whodunit.
Here are eight do’s and don’ts, each accompanied by practical examples to help you craft an engaging mystery that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
When you finished this article if you're not sure where to start, list 12 classic mysteries.
Outline them as Characters, Setting, Clues, Event and re-write them.
You can write today.
Do’s
1. Do Familiarize Yourself with the Genre
Focus on what readers need.
Things are missing from popular stories in this setting.
Add them. Give readers what they need.
Reading widely within the mystery genre helps you understand its conventions, tropes, and variations.
Explore various mystery novels to identify common themes and narrative techniques.
Take notes on how different authors build suspense and develop their plots, then apply these techniques to your own writing.
2. Do Create Intriguing Characters
Your protagonist, often a detective, should be contrasted and relatable.
It should have skills in :
Develop a protagonist who has a unique background, such as a former detective turned private investigator with a personal stake in solving a case.
Work their motivations, fears, and relationships to make them engaging.
Ideally, write them in mirror with their Nemesis.
3. Do Draw Your Plot
Mysteries thrive on intricate plotting.
Outline your story by mapping out key events, including the crime, major clues, and plot twists.
Use a visual tool like a storyboard or flowchart to ensure that all elements connect logically and maintain suspense throughout the narrative.
4. Do Build Suspense Gradually
Pacing is everything in mystery writing.
You are bound by time.
Which is why you should start with the smallest scale possible.
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Introduce small clues early in the story that seem insignificant but will later play a crucial role in solving the mystery.
Gradually increase tension by revealing new information at strategic moments, keeping readers eager to discover what happens next.
Don’ts
5. Don’t Reveal Too Much Too Soon
One of the biggest pitfalls in mystery writing is over-explaining or revealing key information early on.
Display critical information about the main suspect discretely.
Make it obvious only later in the story.
Instead of revealing their motives upfront, drop subtle hints that lead readers to question their innocence without giving everything away.
6. Don’t Rely on Clichés
While certain tropes are common in mysteries, relying too heavily on clichés can make your story predictable.
Instead of using the classic “mysterious stranger” trope, create an unexpected character—a local librarian with a hidden past who becomes an unlikely ally in solving the crime.
This adds depth and originality to your narrative.
Always try to balance familiarity and surprise.
7. Don’t Neglect Setting
The setting can play a crucial role in creating atmosphere and tension in a mystery novel.
Choose a setting that enhances the mood of your story, such as a foggy coastal town where secrets are buried beneath the surface.
Use vivid descriptions to immerse readers in this world, making them feel the tension as they read.
Location is a matter of thematic?: don’t hesitate to change it if it doesn’t fit your themes.
Your mystery does not need to happen in Europe.
8. Don’t Forget to Revise
Mystery writing requires precision; every detail matters.
After completing your first draft, take a break before revising to gain fresh perspective.
During revision, carefully check for plot holes or inconsistencies in clues and character behavior, ensuring everything aligns for a satisfying conclusion.
Conclusion : Make it Yours
Crafting a mystery novel is challenging and rewarding.
By following these do’s and don’ts, along with practical examples, you’ll be better equipped to create an engaging narrative that captivates your audience from start to finish.
Remember, every great mystery writer started as a beginner—embrace the journey, hone your craft, and enjoy the secrets within your story.
You can write your story.