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You Can Write a Mystery (Paperback)

by Gillian Roberts (Author)
4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (18 customer reviews)

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You Can Write a Mystery + Writing Mysteries + Don't Murder Your Mystery [Agatha Award for Best Nonfiction Book]
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  • This item: You Can Write a Mystery by Gillian Roberts

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  • Don't Murder Your Mystery [Agatha Award for Best Nonfiction Book] by Chris Roerden

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Editorial Reviews

From Booklist
Roberts, author of the Amanda Pepper mystery series, delivers a solid overview of the genre for aspiring crime writers. Unlike many authors of how-to-write guides, she largely avoids aphorisms, sticking instead to concrete details. She is particularly good on how to structure a crime story ("What has to happen before the rest can happen?") and how to build a plot through false leads. Her discussion of character development is also helpful, particularly her tips on creating a history for the people in your story: "A character can do anything you like, if he has a reason and the reason comes out of his history." Along with analysis of the literary aspects of mystery writing, Roberts also surveys such practical matters as grammar, punctuation, and how to submit the manuscript. If character and setting are what distinguish the best mysteries, failed plot mechanics are invariably what derail the worst. Roberts' basic but too-often-overlooked advice will help keep your story on track. Ilene Cooper

Product Description
Have you ever thought about writing a mystery, and gave up the idea because you weren't sure how to start it? Well now is your chance to go out and write that mystery you have always dreamed of. You Can Write A Mystery, written by Gillian Roberts, author of the Anthony Award-winning Amanda Pepper Series, will help you start your mystery and guide you through to the end.

"The 'rules' that govern the mystery are the rules that govern all fiction. Every novel needs suspense and drama," says Roberts. With this book you'll learn how to build your story from the grave up. Roberts focuses on what she calls the "SEVEN C'S", why you need them and how they help your story. She offers examples and exercises that will help you complete your story filled with cliffhangers, intriguing characters and hooks. This book also offers practical suggestions for handling problems likely to arise during the writing process. Along the way, Robert's will teach you:

- The 15 commandments for mystery
- How to design your sleuth
- The Seven Cs your book can't do without - characters, conflict, causality, complications, change, crisis and closure
- How to hide clue, and exploit red-herrings
- Research techniques
- How to develop a style, find a tone and construct a killer plot

You Can Write A Mystery, offers practical guidance for the first-time writer. Its easy-to-understand format will help the most amateur to become a mystery writer. In addition to the practical writing advice supplied, Roberts also offers expert advice for editing, revising and submitting a top-notch manuscript.

See all Editorial Reviews


Product Details

  • Paperback: 128 pages
  • Publisher: Writers Digest Books; 1st edition (August 15, 1999)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0898798639
  • ISBN-13: 978-0898798630
  • Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.4 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 7.7 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
  • Amazon.com Sales Rank: #268,243 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

    Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

    #3 in  Books > Mystery & Thrillers > Authors, A-Z > ( R ) > Roberts, Gillian
    #19 in  Books > Mystery & Thrillers > Mystery
    #73 in  Books > Reference > Writing > Genre Fiction

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Customer Reviews

18 Reviews
5 star:
 (13)
4 star:
 (4)
3 star:    (0)
2 star:    (0)
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Average Customer Review
4.6 out of 5 stars (18 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

 
51 of 52 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars You Can Write A Mystery...Review, August 16, 2000
By Tim Smith (Fresno, CA United States) - See all my reviews
This little gem not only gives aspiring novelists a wealth of information but also provides book reviewers with a guide from which books can be critiqued. I was immediately attracted to this book by the title and was not disappointed as I scanned the contents. It explains many important issues that must be addressed if a story is to be successful but are mostly not considered on a conscious level by the reader. The point of view,or the vantage point from which the reader sees the story; building the plot and using false leads; transition and the order of scenes etc. You get the idea.

Anyway, I think this book will help me when I'm reviewing a book and will add to my enjoyment while reading. Mysteries will be read from a broader and deeper perspective and the admiration for writers and their skill has increased.

Thanks in advance for a vote if this review was helpful.

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24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars Fundamental writing with some insider's tips thrown in, July 6, 2000
By yarden "yarden" (portland, or) - See all my reviews
YOU CAN WRITE A MYSTERY is, at the core, a fiction-writing basics book that applies to any subject. Author Gillian Roberts includes tips that apply specifically to mystery writing, but that would enrich any story.

This book is excellent for those who wish to begin writing and need a place to start. The book includes enough information to get you well on your way to writing a mystery (or any fiction you want to supercharge with a little suspense). The tone is clear and concise, and the author conveys her experience in both writing and reading mysteries, giving formulas and "sleight of hand" tricks for muddling your readers.

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24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars a gifted teacher, January 12, 2000
By John Casey (St. Louis) - See all my reviews
As a former English teacher, I began Roberts' guide with some reservation thinking I'd heard it all before. Surprise! Roberts mission is to share her well-honed knowledge of structure with her expertise as a published writer. I particularly liked the fresh way she explains fundamentals with her final chapter: Finding your voice:the microedit. I went right out and bought the hardcopy of Timeline just to see how a current best seller follows her advice. Her work is inspirational.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Resource for Mystery Writers!
If you are looking for the nuts and bolts of how to construct and write a mystery of any genre, this is the how-to book for you. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Barbara J. Scott

5.0 out of 5 stars You Can Write a Mystery
This book came to me in excellent condition. The author is great, I'm gleaning a lot from the book. I'm starting now to write a sequil to a book that has just been published and... Read more
Published 5 months ago by Francis Johnson

4.0 out of 5 stars A good companion
This is a practical guide to the process of writing a mystery novel. It can be a guide for begginers, it turns very useful if you already have a plot or an idea to develop. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Salvatore Maldera

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome Crime Writer's Reference
This book is very well written. I really enjoyed reading this, and the information in the end of this book is priceless!!! Read more
Published 9 months ago by Reclusive Knight

5.0 out of 5 stars The goodest writors' book out their,
You Can Write a Mystery is not as valuable to me as a writer as, say, Funk and White's Elements of Style. It does however, have it's place in a writer's toolbox. Read more
Published 17 months ago by Russell G. Moore

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Support for Mystery Writers
This book is a wonderful collection of mystery writing dos and don'ts. If you're even considering authoring a mystery book, then this book will give you great tips and hints at... Read more
Published 21 months ago by L. Sherman

5.0 out of 5 stars Concise, yet packed with great information
I purchased this book for a seminar. It pleased me to find this slender work contains so much information. Read more
Published 21 months ago by cmm@chocolatesleuth.com

5.0 out of 5 stars Compact and Inspiring
I did not know Gillian Roberts as an author but had the fortunate encounter with her few months back. Read more
Published 22 months ago by Prakash V. kulkarni

4.0 out of 5 stars A must have for aspiring mystery writers
This book is a great, pragmatic approach to mystery writing. The reader is encouraged to go through the book whilst simultaneously writing a mystery novel. Read more
Published 23 months ago by Dangerous

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Little Book That Covers Everything You Need to Write a Mystery
I first purchased this book a few years ago and read it through. Recently, I wanted to look at it again, but couldn't find it. That's why I purchased it a second time. Read more
Published on April 2, 2006 by Pete Bullock

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