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How to Write a Mystery, Writing Thrillers
Vintage WD: Murder for Profit, Mystery Story Techniques Part 2
In part 2 of the 1931 article about mystery story techniques, George Dyer offers tips for how to drop hints about who the real criminal of the story is.
Vintage WD: Murder for Profit, Mystery Story Techniques Part 1
In part 1 of this April 1931 WD article, George Dyer shares mystery story techniques that will ensure your readers will be left satisfied, not disappointed.
Vintage WD: Decoding the Secrets to Selling Popular Fiction, Part 2
Part 2 of this April 1981 WD article by Roy Sorrels and Megan Daniel about writing and selling popular fiction picks up where part 1 left off.
Vintage WD: Decoding the Secrets to Selling Popular Fiction, Part 1
In this article about writing popular fiction like murder mysteries or regency romances, Roy Sorrels and Megan Daniel share some of their best tips.
The Writer’s Alibi: My Terrible, Dreadful, Hope-the-FBI-Doesn’t-Look-at-This Search History
The internet search histories of novelists can be quite disturbing. Writer Kathleen Valenti shares the methodology behind web searches for her newest medical mystery.
Genealogy Research and the Crime Novelist
Mystery writer Kristen Lepionka shares how her love of solving mysteries led her to researching her family history, and what genealogists and mystery writers have in common.
How I Interviewed a Serial Killer and Stayed Sane
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.
Reddit for Writers: 47 Writing Subreddits to Explore
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.
The Differences Between a Crime, Mystery, and Thriller Novel
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.
Brad Meltzer on Research, Rejections, and More
"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.
Changing the Face of Crime Fiction: 6 Writers of Color on Writing Mysteries, Crime Novels and Thrillers
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: How Fast-Paced Should a Thriller Novel Be?
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.
Surprise vs. Suspense and How to Pair Them in Your Writing
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.
The Writer’s Digest Podcast, Episode 9: Using Your Words for the Power of Good — Interview with Heather Graham
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.
Fired Up: Robert Crais on Passion, Process and Plot Twists
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.
"Go Your Own Way": James Patterson on Supporting Childhood Literacy, Generating Novel Ideas, and Writing with Bill Clinton
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.
What a Coincidence: 7 Clever Strategies for Harnessing Coincidences in Fiction
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.
5 Tips for Incorporating Real-World Politics into a Futuristic Narrative
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.
Bestseller Walter Mosley on Characterization and the Legacy of Devil in a Blue Dress
In a conversation with WD, Easy Rawlins author Walter Mosley reflects on the passion and craft that informs his bestselling novels.
Cara Black: Passion for Paris
In her setting-centric novels, bestselling mystery author Cara Black shows the seamier side of the City of Light.
Crypto, Sci-Fi, Soldiers, Spies (and Disasters): 5 Varieties Within the Technothriller Genre
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.
47 Things Longmire Author Craig Johnson Taught Me About Writing Fiction
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.
Genre Spotlight: Agents Answer Questions About the Suspense & Thriller Genre Today
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.
Steer Your Own Course: Author Boston Teran on Blending Genres Across 11 Novels
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.