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How To Write a Mystery

A Handbook from Mystery Writers of America

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How To Write a Mystery

By: Mystery Writers of America, Lee Child - editor, Laurie R. King - editor
Narrated by: Cary Hite, Caroline McLaughlin, Nigel Patterson, Fred Sanders, Jackie Sanders, Machelle Williams
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About this listen

 From 70 of the most successful mystery writers in the business, an invaluable guide to crafting mysteries—from character development and plot to procedurals and thrillers—“this is a writing guide that readers and writers will turn to again and again” (Booklist, starred review).

Mystery Writers of America (MWA) is known for providing unparalleled resources on the craft, art, and business of storytelling, helping writers of all levels improve their skills for nearly a century. Now, this handbook helps authors navigate the ever-shifting publishing landscape—from pacing, plotting, the business side of publishing, to the current demand for diversity and inclusivity across all genres, and more.

Featuring essays by a new generation of bestselling experts on various elements of the craft and shorter pieces of crowd-sourced wisdom from the MWA membership as a whole, the topics covered can be categorized as follows:
—Before Writing (rules; genres; setting; character; research; etc.)
—While Writing (outlining; the plot; dialogue; mood; etc.)
—After Writing (agents; editors; self-pub; etc.)
—Other than Novels (short stories; true crime; etc.)
—Other Considerations (diverse characters; legal questions; criticism)

Also included is a collection of essays from MWA published authors—including Jeffery Deaver, Tess Gerritsen, and Charlaine Harris—selected by bestselling authors Lee Child and Laurie King and arranged thematically answering, “What piece of writing advice do you wish you’d had at the beginning of your career?”

“Everything you wanted to know about how to plan, draft, write, revise, publish, and market a mystery” (Kirkus Reviews), this inclusive manual provides practical, current, easily digestible advice for new and established authors alike. Fiction Mystery Words, Language & Grammar Writing & Publishing Career
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Great range of views and experiences in writing across ages, styles, platforms and more. Helpful for not only for mystery/crime genre novels, but for novels of any genre. One of the best compilation of many authors thoughts and experiences writing and publishing that I have come across. Great to listen to in the car and inspirational for the aspiring writer. Would listen again!

Fantastic Compilation from Numerous Authors

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Concrete advice from people who know what they're talking about. I love the "worked examples" where they provide close readings and detailed analysis. This is incredibly helpful. So was the variety of perspectives on, for example, plotting versus pantsing. The format was great, with longer essays and short snippets. I'm going to buy the text version of this book as well. If MWA bring out a second volume I will buy that also.

A real craft book. Thanks -- brilliant!

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I’ve listened to this twice now and have learnt something new each time. Such a diverse collection of every aspect of writing by some amazing authors.

I’m an Australian writer and co-host a writing retreat and believe almost everything (except copyright and some legal information) is relevant to any writer and or published author around the world.

If your a writer you NEED to listen to this.

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