13 Mystery-Writing Tricks Used by Acclaimed Novelists

By holding back essential information, we arouse the reader’s curiosity and keep them reading; this is the function of plot.

· ASSIGNMENT: Pay attention in class or in professional networking situations to see how authors, screenwriters, and aspiring writers present themselves and their writing. Who stands out? Who presents an intriguing sense of the kind of writing that they do? Who sparkles? Who makes you want to know more? Are there ways that you can communicate your

give us a great scene that fulfills the EXPERIENCE your reader is hoping for when they pick up your book. · ASSIGNMENT: Make a list! What are some of your favorite setpieces and locations in films or books? Come across any good ones lately? Or how about brainstorming a list of locations you’ve always thought would make a great setpiece scene in a f

Here are just a few dozen examples to get you started brainstorming types of stories: · Caper/Heist/Con (Inception, Topkapi, Ocean’s 11, Armageddon) · Mythic Journey or Hero’s Journey (The Wizard of Oz, Lord of the Rings, Star Wars) · Mentor story (Karate Kid, Good Will Hunting, Dirty Dancing, The Silence of The Lambs, An Officer and a Gentleman, T