Writing mysteries is a “flexible” process and as an author I must be tuned-in and willing to make changes . . . often serious changes. Throw out chapters, throw out characters, add new locations, scenes. Pump up the senses: add fragrances, colors, cacophonous sounds.
I often reach a sticking point around the middle of the novel, which leads me to inject a “turn of events” into the story. This turn of events is often not planned, but gives the story a much-needed jolt.
In my current book, there are two NYPD homicide detectives, one in the past and one in the present. Both are following leads in a murder case (as detectives are wont to do.) Each lead spins off other leads, but in the end, the leads peter out (as my brain does) and they are left, frustrated, and wondering what the next step might be.
When this happens to me, I simply just murder someone. What? you say. It’s as simple as that. Murder someone.
Now, this “someone” absolutely must have relevance to the story. Please don’t bring in your next-door neighbor unless they’ve had a role in the story already. In addition, there must be a darn good reason to kill this someone off. If it’s your neighbor, the old “fence dispute” doesn’t cut it.
Yes, a fresh murder can get the readers’ (and writer’s) mind spinning in new directions. What did I miss? Why didn’t I see that coming? If X is now dead, she couldn’t have been the culprit.
A mid-novel murder is always good to keep readers on their toes, working to figure out the mystery. That’s the point. I write mysteries. The longer I can keep my readers baffled and confounded about what’s really going on, the more enjoyable the read.
Ideas welcome.
Great idea! But, if you’re writing a romance, don’t kill off the hero and heroine—the reader won’t like it. Also, having more than one evil character after the same target is nice to keep the reader guessing. I write criminal romance and love to have a few bad guys/gals in the mix.
Thanks, Cynthia. You are also taking a chance if you kill off a cat or dog. Readers are sensitive to that!
Sandra didn’t have the legs, yes she had nice legs, but not to carry the story. I could have not used her, but I was three knuckles deep into the murder. I could have written her out. Instead, I add two new love interests. Now the reader has to wonder – who’ll he pick?
Good one, Robert!
Killing off a person can be fun, think of House of Cards. I like to make the evil peson suffer. I sleep better!
Killing off a person can be fun, think of House of Cards. I like to make the evil peson suffer. I sleep better!
I agree. Thanks!
Lynne, What a good idea. It had never occurred to me. Why not? You saved the book for me.
Glad you like!