Most Helpful Customer Reviews
15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The clearest, most practical How-To, December 12, 2001
This review is from: Writing the Mystery: A Start to Finish Guide for Both Novice and Professional (Paperback)
G. Miki Hayden, a master of the mystery novel herself, has written what I considered the clearest and most practical guide for those writers who wish to create mystery novels that work, e.g., novels that someone would wish to read. The point here is to save the writer time: one can learn all of this by writing six, seven, twelve mystery novels. But following along with Hayden's text means shortcutting the learning time. And the logical sequence of issues and chapters makes this an ideal curriculum guide or text for anyone wishing to teach a university level course in mystery writing. Hayden begins with analyzing the central aspects of plot, including indespensable moves up and down a storyline must take to keep a reader reading. She goes on to character and character-driven stories, and then shows, does not tell, how somethings work and some do not, and what to avoid, and why. She ends with interviews of leading mystery writers who answer well tuned quetions about their craft. Clearly, Hayden is a natural teacher, and this book is without a doubt an indespensable text.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great overview of the mystery craft, September 28, 2001
This review is from: Writing the Mystery: A Start to Finish Guide for Both Novice and Professional (Paperback)
It's hard not to love a book with your name on the cover. No, I'm not talking about one of my own mystery novels, I'm talking about G. Miki Hayden's "Writing the Mystery" (Intrigue Press, Trade Paper, retail $18.95). I almost forgot I gave Hayden an interview, so I was surprised to see my name listed on the cover, along with such mystery notables as Elmore Leonard, S. J. Rozan, Laura Lippman, Sujata Massey and Rick Riordan. These (and several more) author interviews are included in Hayden's book, which is just one of the elements that combine to make this a rather unique book for aspiring mystery authors or people who are just interested in learning more about the business and craft of mysteries. Hayden writes a regular column for the Mystery Writers of America newsletter, and her book provides a comprehensive overview of mysteries. It talks about the business of mysteries, the craft of mystery writing, realistic advice on marketing and obtaining an agent, and even tips on writing mystery short stories. Plus the author interviews provide a range of advice, including some advice that clashes with Hayden's! With this scope, no one area is examined in depth, but I consider this book an excellent overview of the entire mystery field. After reading it, you can find other books on writing or writing mysteries that will help you drill down on particular subjects. Without reading Hayden's book, some beginning mystery authors might not even know what topics to pursue. I constantly read books on the craft of writing and writing mysteries. I've found that no one book can teach you everything. Since I continue to invest in my skills by buying books on writing, despite winning several awards and being on bestseller lists, it should be evident that I feel it's important for any author to make an investment in themselves by buying books on writing. For the aspiring mystery author, Hayden's book is the logical first investment because it introduces you to the full scope of the mystery world. - Dale Furutani
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
Big Disappointment, June 22, 2006
This review is from: Writing the Mystery: A Start to Finish Guide for Both Novice and Professional (Paperback)
I have been trying to help a friend critique her mystery novel and get it ready to publish and thought that a published author would be able to help. Unfortunately, this is not the right book for it. I passed up other lesser known 'How-To' authors in favor of this one, and I regret it. You know you are in trouble when the first page is a FOREWARD (instead of a FOREWORD) and the guy who writes it spends all but the last sentence of it talking about himself instead of about Hayden's book.
The first 80 or so pages are not bad. They are very general, but there is some good advice there. Then from there on, the author spends the next 40 pages giving trite and yawn-worthy grammar and usage advice. The final 30 pages before all the author interviews are general commentary about contracts, mystery groups, and writing a series, but again, it is all so general as not to be very helpful at all.
From page 152 on through the interviews, we are treated to some interesting stuff from various midlist to famous authors, but none of it helps reach the goal of the title, Writing the Mystery: A Start to Finish Guide for Both Novice and Professional.
Lastly the FAQ and Index are both rather weak. This book is not detailed enough to help a novice, and it is so general that a professional would only sit there saying, "yes, I knew that, yes, I knew that, duh, nothing new there, etc." The writer is cogent, and her delivery sound, but this sure doesn't help anyone much if it is not always really on-topic in a way to help write a novel. A good editor could have cut half the blather and inserted another 100 pages of helpful details and advice. The book just does not go anywhere, and I am sorry I bought it instead of one of the other mystery crafting novels. Back to the drawing board.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
|
