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1: First impression - looks like it'll be very helpful!
I've always had a mystery novel floating around inside my head, so with my husband's encouragement, I thought I'd give it a whirl! Before I start, though, I want to make sure I really know what I'm doing, so I bought this book (no sense in getting a brand new copy if a used copy will do!). I've skimmed through it, and it looks just like what I was hoping for. With the holidays approaching faster than I'd like, I need to wait until the 'dead' of January to start! My first impression is that this book will definitely give me the guidelines I've wanted, and I know Ms. Grafton won't steer me wrong!
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2: Shotgun approach --> hit or miss
I used this book as a way to refresh my perspective on a mystery novel after finishing a second draft. I highlighted perhaps a dozen relevant/useful passages in the entire 300-page book. There are a handful of interesting ideas, but the biggest challenge I encountered is that the quality of the advice is entirely dependent on the author of each chapter - so, if what you want to learn about happens to have been written about by an average advice-giver, you're out of luck. For a better treatment - more concise and productive, and of better quality throughout - consider Hallie Ephron's "Writing and Selling Your Mystery Novel."
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3: Great Help
I have other books concerning this subject. What I like about this book is that it contains chapters by different authors. There is nothing like hearing advice from the very authors that you enjoy reading so much.
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4: The ultimate resource for Mystery Writing
Mystery Writing is an art in itself. It requires a lot of planning and preparation in order for the mystery story to work. Planting 'red herrings' and false clues in a story is an art that novice writers will have trouble in achieving with their first attempt. That is the reason why this book is so good -- it brings together the creative geniuses in the field of Mystery writing -- and these writers tell you their secrets to producing mystery. Definitely worth the money.
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5: Wide ranging and helpful
I found the book to a helpful review of everything from the unwritten rules of writing a mystery through the submission process. Personally, I enjoyed having different people present their views. I can see that it might be annoying if you want just one point of view. My advise is to read whatever section you are interested in and skip sections that you do not care about. Good job!
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