June 1, 2007
Malice Domestic was an incredible experience. It was a fun, fabulous weekend, surrounded by hundreds of mystery fans who can't get enough of the genre. But it was also a priceless opportunity to learn and to delve into the who, what, when, where, and how a mystery works. Here are a few writing tips I gleaned from the mystery authors who spoke at Malice.
Reading is Fundamental. To be a better writer, you need to be a reader. You learn style and technique from authors (and have a good time in the process). Carolyn Hart, winner of the Malice Lifetime Achievement award and author of the Death on Demand series and countless other titles, explained that she loved the way Agatha Christie always opens her mysteries with a series of vignettes that will set the stage for the rest of the book. It was a technique that she's adapted for her own mysteries. You'll learn best by reading and re-reading a wide variety of authors.
Learning is a Lifetime Journey. Continue to study the craft even after completing your first - or fiftieth - book. Like the lesson offered by Nancy Pickard, no matter how accomplished you are, you can always improve your craft.
Share Your Writing. While you need to listen to your inner muse, you also will benefit from having someone else read your work and critique it. You must choose your outside readers carefully. Family and friends may not be your best choice. You want someone who understands and loves mysteries, and can kindly, but honestly critique your work. Having your own writers group gives you a fresh set of eyes. Sometimes we're too close to our own work to see the problems or missteps.
Sign Up for a Mystery Convention! Malice Domestic was a delight, but there are many conferences across the country. The supportive atmosphere and networking opportunities at mystery conventions are incredibly valuable. Plus mystery lovers are party animals, so be ready to have fun.
