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Plot

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Writing Craft | Plot

Map Out Mayhem: How Planning Speeds Up Writing Your Mystery

ByZara Altair July 18, 2023July 18, 2023

Get your mystery novel written faster by doing the necessary planning upfront.  Outlining major plot points, character profiles, and setting details acts as a roadmap as you write, keeping you on course toward a satisfying conclusion.

Read More Map Out Mayhem: How Planning Speeds Up Writing Your MysteryContinue

4 pillars in Barcelona illustrating the four-act structure for mystery writers
Plot | Story Structure

Four-Act Structure: The Mystery Writer’s Tool to Create and Solve the Story Puzzle

ByZara Altair November 11, 2022November 11, 2022

How to use the four-act structure to lead your reader through your mystery novel.

Read More Four-Act Structure: The Mystery Writer’s Tool to Create and Solve the Story PuzzleContinue

Author Interview | Plot | Research | Story Structure | Writing Craft

How to Plan Historical Fiction with Plottr

ByZara Altair August 16, 2021

How I set up and use Plottr to combine historical research with planning the storyline for a mystery.

Read More How to Plan Historical Fiction with PlottrContinue

drawing of girl and boy balancing on seesaw
Mystery writing | Creating Characters | Plot

How To Balance Character and Plot in a Mystery Novel

ByZara Altair October 19, 2020November 11, 2022

Techniques for balancing plot and character by planning and then writing scene-by-scene.

Read More How To Balance Character and Plot in a Mystery NovelContinue

confused woman on the street
Mystery writing | Plot

After the Midpoint Avoid the Muddle

ByZara Altair August 31, 2020October 26, 2021

Tips to add excitement and mystery after the novel midpoint. How to focus on each section instead of rushing to the end.

Read More After the Midpoint Avoid the MuddleContinue

man peering through magnifying glass
Creating Characters | Mystery writing | Plot

Wants and Needs: Why Readers Love Your Sleuth

ByZara Altair July 13, 2020

External wants and internal needs combine to enrich your character and drive a strong story.

Read More Wants and Needs: Why Readers Love Your SleuthContinue

two vintage Volkswagens in a field
Author Learning | Backstory | Creating Characters | Mystery writing | Plot | Point Of View | Story Structure

Plot or Characters? What Drives Your Mystery?

ByZara Altair July 7, 2020October 26, 2021

Story development on plot and characters enriches reader engagement and helps you write faster.

Read More Plot or Characters? What Drives Your Mystery?Continue

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Recent Posts

  • Create Your Stand-out Detective: A Guide for Mystery Writers
  • The Sleuth’s Eye: How Self-Editing Improves Your Mystery Writing
  • From Idea to Icon: Create Your Standout Mystery Detective
  • Character Chemistry: How Supporting Characters Fuel Your Mystery Narrative
  • The Mystery Novel Ending: Wrap-Up After the Big Reveal

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