Writing the Cozy Mystery (4 page)
Read Writing the Cozy Mystery Online
Authors: Nancy J. Cohen
How can you remember story details?
For a quick visual reference, I use a Storyboard or plotting chart. Divide a large white poster board into twenty blocks, or however many chapters will appear in your novel. Then write down all the story incidents or plot points that come to mind on sticky notes. Put these around the board in some sort of order. This gives you a general guideline for writing the synopsis.
When the book is finished, remove the sticky notes and write each scene in colored inks directly on the poster. For example, I use black ink for the storyline progression. Red ink is to identify loose ends. When these points are tied up, I’ll underline the questions on the poster so I can see at a glance that I’ve answered each one. Green ink is for clues leading directly to the murderer, and blue ink is for when a new character is introduced. Keeping track of dates is trickier. Write in the month, day of the week, and time of day on the board.
If you take the time for this step, you’ll have a permanent visual reference that can prove valuable later on. Likely you can find computer programs that simulate this process if you’re technologically inclined.
The
Plotting Notebook is another means by which you can keep track of all the elements. You’ll need a notebook for each separate title with colored tab dividers. Or, you can create files online including this same material and put them into a folder labeled with your book title.
Characters
The Sleuth
Recurrent Characters
Cast of Suspects
Life Space of Protagonist
Interview with your Sleuth
Confession by the Killer
Photos, biographies, character development charts, and other pertinent materials related to characters in your story.
Plot
Notes on the storyline to add or fix as you go along.
Synopsis
Your typed, double-spaced narrative in present tense describing the story
Proper Names
Pets, places, cars, housing developments, restaurants, and any other such names or titles
Timelines
Character ages and children’s grades in school
Family Tree
Days of the week and time progression
Sequels
Synopsis of your sequel if you have one
Notes on plot elements, characterization, or personal threads ongoing from prior book
Titles of next books in the series
Series and story blurbs
Contacts
People who have helped you with research so you can include them in acknowledgments
Queries sent to editors and agents
Research
Notes taken when you interview experts or scout a locale
Copies of articles and photos relevant to your story
List of Online Resources with or without printouts
Brochures, menus, tourist pamphlets, and other printed matter
Tip: Use clear sheet protectors to hold items you don’t want to get damaged
Promotion
Promotional Campaign Plan for this title including niche marketing targets
Advertising blurbs, back cover copy, tag lines
Endorsements and Reviews
Book Trailer Text and Photo Sources
Copies of your printed materials, i.e. bookmarks, postcards, brochures, business cards
Swag ideas, i.e. door hangers, coasters, candy, pens, note pads, tee shirts, magnets
Receipts for all advertising and promotional efforts
Writing a Whodunit is a complex task. You’ll find that much of the story will sprout from your subconscious once you start mulling over the bits and pieces you’ve gathered. Somehow, the puzzle fits together in the end. Your challenge is to create an appealing sleuth, surround her with an engaging supporting cast, and then develop your suspects. Victim, crime, and villain will soon fall into place. Mix in your clues, figure out how to reveal them to your sleuth, and you’re on your way toward the grand finale. Satisfaction will come when a reader writes to you and says, “Your story kept me guessing until the end.”
Bouchercon
:
Crime Scene Writer
:
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/crimescenewriter/
Florida Chapter of MWA
:
Independent Mystery Booksellers Association
:
http://www.mysterybooksellers.com
In Reference to Murder
:
http://www.inreferencetomurder.com/
International Thriller Writers:
Killer Nashville
:
http://www.killernashville.com/
Kiss of Death
:
http://www.rwamysterysuspense.org
Lee Lofland, Veteran Police Investigator
:
http://www.leelofland.com/wordpress/
Left Coast Crime
:
Malice Domestic
:
Murder Must Advertise
:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MurderMustAdvertise/
Mystery Writers of America
:
Sisters in Crime
:
SleuthFest
:
http://www.mwaflorida.org/sleuthfest.htm
Thrillerfest:
The Writer’s Forensic Blog:
http://writersforensicsblog.wordpress.com/
Writers Police Academy
:
http://www.writerspoliceacademy.com/
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Writing the Cozy Mystery
is a worthwhile instructional tool, please help spread the word. Here are some suggestions for your consideration.
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Nancy J. Cohen
is an award-winning author of romance and mysteries. Her humorous Bad Hair Day mystery series features hairdresser Marla Shore, who solves crimes with wit and style under the sultry Florida sun. Several of these titles have made the Independent Mystery Booksellers Association bestseller list. Nancy's imaginative romances have also proven popular with fans. Her titles in this genre have won the HOLT Medallion and Best Book in Romantic SciFi/Fantasy at
The Romance Reviews
.
Active in the writing community and a featured speaker at libraries and conferences, Nancy is listed in Contemporary
Authors, Poets & Writers, and Who's Who in U.S. Writers, Editors, & Poets
. She belongs to Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, Romance Writers of America, Novelists, Inc., and International Thriller Writers. Positions held include President of Florida Romance Writers and President of Florida Chapter Mystery Writers of America. When she’s not busy writing, Nancy enjoys reading, fine dining, cruising and outlet shopping.
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