Murder Off the Books is written in the third person and has multiple points of view (pov). It means that as a reader, you are seeing the action through the eyes of different characters. In our book, especially in the opening chapters, we wanted you to witness the dual action that takes place when the two protagonists, Mac Sullivan and Rachel Brenner, have yet to meet. It also means that we could write scenes where neither Mac nor Rachel is present (although sometimes, Whiskey the dog was there!).

But there's another way to write which you might want to consider. That's in the first person. Our short story, I Try Not to Drive Past Cemeteries, is written in the first person. Brianna Sullivan, a wacky psychic detective, recounts the adventure. Sue Grafton and Anne George have also both written their mysteries in the first person.

There is a difference between writing in the first person and writing with a single point of view. If you are writing in the first person, it's as if your hero were chatting directly with the reader. He uses the words, "I, my, me." But the downside is that you only see what the hero sees. No action can take place without him - or unless someone recaps it for him. The reader can only pick up the clues to solve the mystery as the hero does. But the advantage is that it gives the reader an up-close, personal connection to the story.

If you choose to write your mystery in the first person,here are some pointers.

1. Simplify Your Life. Choosing to write in the first person, especially for your first mystery, has an important advantage. It's probably the easiest way to get into character. First person is the way each of us thinks.

2. Look Who's Talking. While it's always important to make sure that you create different speech patterns for each of your characters, it's even more important when writing in the first person. You need to make the voice of your hero distinct so that it's clear he's in command of the story.

3. Too Much Talking. Even when writing in the first person, make sure your character's actions tell the story, not just his words. Remember, the cardinal rule for writing is "show, not tell."

4. No Man Is An Island. Even though your story is written from the first person pov, make sure that you create a full-bodied, multi-dimensional supporting cast of characters - your story will be richer for it.

We have been blessed to have each of you on this wonderful journey that began with the publication of Murder Off the Books. May the new year bring you good health and much joy.

Happy Holidays!

Evelyn David