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Why Every Author Should Try Writing a Mystery at Least Once

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Manage episode 524483931 series 2623038
Content provided by Thomas Umstattd Jr.. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Thomas Umstattd Jr. or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

Mystery isn't just a genre. It's a storytelling skill that every author can use to keep readers turning pages, no matter what they write.

In this month’s episode, USA Today bestselling mystery author Sara Rosett reveals how writers of any genre can use elements from the mystery genre to keep readers hooked.

Whether you write mystery, fantasy, romance, or nonfiction, this conversation will change the way you think about story structure and reader engagement.

You’ll discover:

  • Which genres benefit from using elements of mystery writing
  • How to hide clues and red herrings in a way that feels natural but surprising
  • Common mistakes new mystery writers make and how to avoid them

If you want to build stories that feel more immersive, compelling, and satisfying, listen in or read the blog version and make your next story un-put-down-able.

Support the show

  continue reading

Chapters

1. Introduction (00:00:00)

2. How do you get inside your reader's mind? (00:03:39)

3. How does curiosity keep readers engaged? (00:05:26)

4. How do you work mystery into other genres? (00:11:05)

5. Are mysteries re-readable? (00:14:07)

6. What do you need to know to outline a mystery? (00:16:37)

7. How do you use clues and red herrings effectively? (00:22:29)

8. What are some techniques for hiding clues? (00:25:30)

9. How do you know how much violence or suspense to include? (00:31:48)

10. How do you foreshadow without giving away the ending too early? (00:33:47)

11. What common mistakes do new mystery writers make? (00:46:14)

12. What should writers read to learn mystery techniques? (00:48:06)

230 episodes

Artwork
iconShare
 
Manage episode 524483931 series 2623038
Content provided by Thomas Umstattd Jr.. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Thomas Umstattd Jr. or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

Mystery isn't just a genre. It's a storytelling skill that every author can use to keep readers turning pages, no matter what they write.

In this month’s episode, USA Today bestselling mystery author Sara Rosett reveals how writers of any genre can use elements from the mystery genre to keep readers hooked.

Whether you write mystery, fantasy, romance, or nonfiction, this conversation will change the way you think about story structure and reader engagement.

You’ll discover:

  • Which genres benefit from using elements of mystery writing
  • How to hide clues and red herrings in a way that feels natural but surprising
  • Common mistakes new mystery writers make and how to avoid them

If you want to build stories that feel more immersive, compelling, and satisfying, listen in or read the blog version and make your next story un-put-down-able.

Support the show

  continue reading

Chapters

1. Introduction (00:00:00)

2. How do you get inside your reader's mind? (00:03:39)

3. How does curiosity keep readers engaged? (00:05:26)

4. How do you work mystery into other genres? (00:11:05)

5. Are mysteries re-readable? (00:14:07)

6. What do you need to know to outline a mystery? (00:16:37)

7. How do you use clues and red herrings effectively? (00:22:29)

8. What are some techniques for hiding clues? (00:25:30)

9. How do you know how much violence or suspense to include? (00:31:48)

10. How do you foreshadow without giving away the ending too early? (00:33:47)

11. What common mistakes do new mystery writers make? (00:46:14)

12. What should writers read to learn mystery techniques? (00:48:06)

230 episodes

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