How to Write a Mystery, Writing Thrillers

Talking to a serial killer for research, Dr. Aysha Akhtar, MD, MPH, reveals the planning that went into her interviews and how she stayed sane through the process.

This supplement to the 2019 edition of our 101 Best Websites provides a guide to writing subreddits—destinations across Reddit where writers can find useful information, community, and resources.

To pitch the right agents, you first need to know exactly what it is you’re pitching. Learn the subtle differences among the many subgenres of suspense—and how to meet and exceed expectations in every one.

"Don't let anyone tell you 'No.'"Bestselling author Brad Meltzer reveals the secrets around his new non-fiction book, 'The First Conspiracy'—plus thriller writing tips, and more.

In a genre that has historically lacked diversity, six writers of color discuss overcoming the challenge of breaking in and the current climate for crime, mystery, and thriller fiction.

Funny You Should Ask is a humorous and handy column by literary agent Barbara Poelle. In this edition, she answers a reader’s question about the appropriate pacing of a thriller novel.

What's the difference between suspense and surprise, and how is each one powerful? Jane Cleland explains how to pair these two elements in your writing in this excerpt from her book Mastering Suspense, Structure & Plot.

In this episode of the Writer's Digest Podcast, Heather Graham shares: Why writers need editors and editors need writers, tips to carve out time for your writing in your already busy life, the benefits of writing groups, and more.

Robert Crais, master of crime writing, makes modern classics the old-fashioned way—with a heartfelt passion, a fine-tuned process and, naturally, a twist.

After more than four decades in publishing, record-breaking bestseller James Patterson has this to say: You can go your own way. Discover an exclusive extended interview with Patterson below.

Well-timed coincidences can catapult a story forward, but a poorly planned one can bring your readers to a dead stop. Use these 7 strategies to harness the power of this storytelling tool while steering clear of common missteps.

Many authors seek to incorporate contemporary themes and issues into novels that are set in the future. Here, Jay Schiffman offers five ideas to get your started if you're interested in incorporating real-world politics into a futuristic narrative.

In a conversation with WD, Easy Rawlins author Walter Mosley reflects on the passion and craft that informs his bestselling novels.

In her setting-centric novels, bestselling mystery author Cara Black shows the seamier side of the City of Light.

The technothriller genre may be slated to become one of the most popular of the 21st century, and as such, it's a hot area in which writers can experiment. If you're looking to write a technothriller (or read one), here are five different varieties you'll find within the genre.

Landis Wade shares 47 tips about writing fiction that he learned in a writing workshop with Craig Johnson, author of the Longmire series that was adapted into a popular TV series.

We asked agents from our annual roundup to weigh in on some of the most popular genres they represent—talking trends, common weaknesses, series potential and more. Here’s how to stand out in the suspense and thriller genre.

Author Boston Teran discusses his new novel, A Child Went Forth, his choice to use a pseudonym, upcoming film adaptations of his work, and the unique considerations of blending genres including historical fiction, mystery, crime and more.