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A review by whatandreawrote
Writing and Selling Your Mystery Novel: How to Knock 'em Dead with Style by Hallie Ephron
5.0
I borrowed this from the library. Halfway through, I ordered my own used copy so I could mark it up to hell and back.
This is an OUTSTANDING resource for me as I embark on writing my first mystery novel. The book goes from absolute start (conception, ideas, shaping your main character and plot) to complete finish (querying and publishing). I found the tips and tough love really useful. E.G. I really needed to someone to tell me: "Andrea, we love ya, but no one wants to read 19 pages of backstory or pointless exhibition. And for god's sake, show don't tell."
Most of the examples are drawn from modern, action-heavy thriller mysteries, and a lot of the pointers are written assuming that you're writing one too. But I think there's a lot of valuable stuff in here regarding pacing, avoiding stereotypes and cliches, dialogue, EDITING (oh god editing). I think I will be referring to this book again and again while I write. Terrific!
This is an OUTSTANDING resource for me as I embark on writing my first mystery novel. The book goes from absolute start (conception, ideas, shaping your main character and plot) to complete finish (querying and publishing). I found the tips and tough love really useful. E.G. I really needed to someone to tell me: "Andrea, we love ya, but no one wants to read 19 pages of backstory or pointless exhibition. And for god's sake, show don't tell."
Most of the examples are drawn from modern, action-heavy thriller mysteries, and a lot of the pointers are written assuming that you're writing one too. But I think there's a lot of valuable stuff in here regarding pacing, avoiding stereotypes and cliches, dialogue, EDITING (oh god editing). I think I will be referring to this book again and again while I write. Terrific!