Tension drives your reader to want more. Learn how to build tension scene by scene. Use a tension-building formula to build curiosity and momentum in your mystery novel.
Write Time Blog
Get to Know Your Author Voice
Your author voice connects your reader to your story through vocabulary, syntax, tone, and point of view that make your phrases, sentences, and paragraphs flow.
How to Control Narrative Pacing in Your Novel
Four elements to help you control narrative pacing in your novel — language, conflict, stakes, alternating scenes.
How to Choose Your Story Point of View
How to choose the right point of view for your story and which choices work best in a mystery.
How To Work Twists, Turns, and Reveals in Your Mystery
Control information for your reader. Be intentional about organizing how and when clues, information, and contradictory information appear,
Who’s On First In Your Story?
Tips to master your story’s beginning. Character, setting, voice, action, and the first sentence all work together to draw your reader into your story.
Good Flaws Connect Readers with Your Hero
Create believable character flaws for your hero that fit the character and the story. Your readers will connect with a believable character and your story.
Telling Time in Your Story
Why you need to include time as part of setting and how to include time passage in your story for smooth story progression.
The Mystery’s Magic Character Triangle
Your mystery balances on the character triangle of victim, villain, and sleuth. Each must be equally strong for your story to work.
When Characters Run Wild with Your Story
What to do when a character starts taking over your story.