Setting is the Key to Gothic Atmosphere
In a new blog post, DeAnna Knippling says that setting is the key to creating a good gothic story.
"In order for a gothic to...
Writing Thrillers: Make a Promise to Your Reader
Every story needs a sense of suspense to keep readers engaged and turning pages, so every writer can learn something from the art of...
Learning to Create Tension from The Comfort of Strangers
One of the key elements of great suspense or psychological thriller stories is a sense of disorientation. When a protagonist doesn't know if they...
Sherlock’s Violin: Humanize Your Sleuth With Hobbies
We all have hobbies and interests, so why shouldn't your fictional detective? Hardboiled crime fiction is rife with private eyes who like booze and...
Psychological Thrillers Start Close to Home
In a post on CrimeReads, author Nicci French - a pseudonym for the writing partnership of Nicci Gerrard and Sean French - say that...
Why are the Crazy Ones Always So Hot?
From Lucifer on down, we are culturally attracted to beautiful killers. The list is lengthy, but for many, it starts and ends with serial...
Here’s to Better Sex in Crime Fiction
In writing, as in life, there's nothing like great sex. Unfortunately, after we're done, we often have to admit...that was nothing like great sex. This...
Mystery Writers: Be Disciplined, Meticulous, and Ruthless
In an article for Writer's Digest, Stephanie Kane says that she learned a lot about writing mysteries from studying the work of Frances Glessner...
Create a Character Arc by Deconstructing Your Sleuth
In a new blog post, mystery writer Zara Altair says that while your mystery sleuth may not have a traditional character arc - need...
Conflict Drives Your Mystery Novel
In a new blog post, mystery writer Zara Altair suggests ways to create conflict in your mystery novel. Unlike the heroes of thrillers or...
