Unlike other novels, the mystery’s villain must stay hidden until the final reveal. Here’s how to keep them secret until the end.
Write Time Blog
How to Build Story in the Middle – Part 2
A reversal at the midpoint points toward narrowing the focus in the second half of the middle.
How to Build Story in the Middle – Part 1
How to develop Act 2 in the four-act structure to expand your story and get readers invested in the story.
How To Balance Character and Plot in a Mystery Novel
Techniques for balancing plot and character by planning and then writing scene-by-scene.
Are You Missing the Fun of Story Writing?
Three proven ways to kickstart each writing session so you don’t waste time staring at a blank page.
Use Moral Choices to Deepen Your Story
How to build tension and heighten reader engagement with moral choices.
Is Your Mystery a Mystery?
The genre differences between mystery, suspense, and thriller. Plus ten mystery elements you need to include in your mystery novel.
How To End Your Mystery
Why mystery readers don’t want more after the puzzle is solved.
Scene Dynamics
The three components of every scene in your story. How to check you scene if it doesn’t feel right.
How To Make Dialogue Come Alive
Learn the techniques of character goals and feelings to write dialogue unique to each character that creates tension in your mystery.