How to Write a Mystery Story

How to Write a Mystery Story

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Have you ever wanted to write a good mystery story, but you didn't know where to start? These few steps should help you build the basic you need to write a good mystery story, if you're willing to take the time.



Steps



1. Read some mystery stories in the genre you want to write in. Some good stories are Sherlock Holmes, those written by Agatha Christie, and the short mysteries written by Isaac Asimov.



2. Brainstorm. Start paying attention to details--conversations, normal, everyday events--and try to think of a plot developed along those lines. If necessary, do some / research about the time or place that you plan to set your story.



3. Think of some good main characters. You don't need a lot of characters--sometimes just two or three works well. Try to develop distinct personalities.



4. Include a red herring. This is when you make it appear that one of your suspects is the criminal when it was actually somebody else. You must also make your readers believe it was the red herring who did it, until it has been made clear who the real criminal was.



5. Write out the plot of your story. If you have more than one plot at first, don't worry about it. Choose one you like the best and go with it. You can put the others aside for later.



6. Write the first draft. Don't try to get everything right the first time. The first draft is just to get all of your thoughts in an orderly place and put some structure into your mystery.



7. Edit the first draft. If you want, you can have someone else read the draft and give you ideas.



8. Write the second draft, and this time, be sure to get someone else to read it. Consider the advice that your 'test reader(s') give. Consider if it will work well with your story, or if it's good advice or not.



9. Keep writing and editing until you think your work is polished and just fine the way it is.



10. Make the ending believable and don't leave any loose ends. Your readers will not be happy with an unfinished story, unless it is a cliffhanger and you intend to create a sequel.





Tips



* There are a lot of different mystery styles. Going with a 'stereotypical' mystery plot isn't such a bad thing. It's not so much the type of plot you use, but how you use it. There are the 'locked room' mysteries, 'unidentifiable poison' mysteries, and 'impossible clue' mysteries. Work with whatever you like, or invent a whole new plot.



* The ending must "snap." A long explanation of causes and effects is to be preceded by the "Eureka!" moment every time. Otherwise, it would be boring. Always surprise the reader, who is trying to solve the mystery before you reveal it.



* Don't worry if it takes a long time to edit your story until it's just right. Don't forget to take breaks in between editing and writing to give your brain a rest, and to develop the plot further in your mind.



* Try to make your characters realistic; some good advice is to base the characters a bit on characters from real life. They don't have to be exact copies of your friends and family, in fact, they can be the exact opposite. Just be sure to be consistent with your characters.



* Don't worry if someone is a little harsh in their criticism. Don't take things personally if someone doesn't like a main point of your mystery. You don't have to change the story if you don't want to. But try to get as much criticism as possible. Tell people to be perfectly honest and steel yourself. Don't take yourself too seriously.



* Have fun. Don't try to write just because you 'have' to. It's all right to put a story down for a couple of days or weeks, just as long as you get it done.



* You don't have to publish your story if you don't want to--you can just file it for your own enjoyment. But if you do want to publish it, be sure to research the options (unless you're writing for a specific thing, like a school paper or mystery magazine). It's also a good idea to research the publication you choose to make sure you know what style they publish, etc



* Make sure you proofread your work.



Warnings



* There is a chance that you'll get your feelings hurt when you ask someone to give criticism in your story.



* If you decide to write a mystery from real life, be sure you get your facts straight, and ask the people involved if it's all right to do so, especially if you plan on publishing the story.



* Think carefully on what you want to write, because it might be a mistake.



* If you use people from real life for a fictional mystery, be sure to get their permission, or at least try not to offend them.