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Mystery/Thriller
6 Reasons We Love to Read, Write, and Watch Heist Stories
Author Parker Adams shares six compelling reasons we love to read, write, and watch heist stories, including the Batman effect, Robin Hood angle, and more.
Writing a Multi-POV Story That Keeps Your Readers Wanting More
Author and writing coach Kristen Bird shares her process for writing a multi-POV story that keeps your readers wanting more.
A Conversation With Robert Mangeot on Writing and Selling Short Stories (Killer Writers)
Clay Stafford has a conversation with award-winning writer Robert Mangeot on writing and selling short stories, including how he gets ideas, manages the middle of stories, finds fiction markets, and much more.
6 Tips for Adding Twists to Gothic Novels
Author Elizabeth Brooks shares her top six tips for adding twists to gothic novels that will leave readers stunned and ready to read more.
C. J. Box: Read Across Genres
Author C. J. Box discusses what inspired him to write his new mystery novel, Three-Inch Teeth.
The Mysteries of Miss Jane Austen
Author Jessica Bull shares why pairing Jane Austen with the murder-mystery genre made so much sense in her debut novel.
The Big Reveal
Editor Tiffany Yates Martin explains how to write a compelling story by understanding when and how to reveal crucial information to readers for maximum impact in this article from the Sept/Oct 2023 issue of Writer's Digest.
5 Reasons to Set Your Thriller in an Isolated Town
Author and screenwriter Iris Yamashita shares five reasons for writers to consider setting their thrillers in an isolated town.
Pros and Cons of Writing Multiple Points of View in Psychological Thrillers
Award-winning and internationally bestselling author Teri Terry shares the pros and cons of using multiple points of view in psychological thrillers.
David Handler: Authors Need Support Systems
Author David Handler discusses the process of writing his new murder mystery novel, The Woman Who Lowered the Boom.
A Conversation With Dean Koontz on Giving Yourself Five Years to Make It as a Writer (Killer Writers)
Clay Stafford has a conversation with bestselling author Dean Koontz on his wife giving him five years to "make it" as a writer, the unexpected reactions of publishers, and much more.
Jahmal Mayfield: On Stories Leading to Meaningful Conversations
Author Jahmal Mayfield discusses the inspiration behind his debut crime novel, Smoke Kings.
Terry Hayes: On Writing Epic Stories
Author Terry Hayes discusses how he wrote over one million words in the initial drafts of his new thriller novel, The Year of the Locust.
21 Popular Thriller Tropes for Writers
Here are 21 examples of thriller tropes for writers to consider and subvert when writing thrilling fiction.
Gordon Greisman: Discipline Is Crucial
Author and screenwriter Gordon Greisman discusses the surprises in the writing process of his debut mystery novel, The Devil’s Daughter.
Matthew Blake: On Real-Life Mysteries Inspiring Fictional Mysteries
Author Matthew Blake discusses the process of writing a jaw-dropping ending with his new mystery novel, Anna O.
Kate Brody: On Writing About Grief and Sisterhood
Author Kate Brody discusses how examining her own interest in true crime led to her new thriller novel, Rabbit Hole.
Tara Laskowski: Starting Over Halfway into a Deadline
Award-winning author Tara Laskowski discusses the inspiration behind her new locked-room style thriller novel, The Weekend Retreat.
John Marrs: On Self-Publishing Leading to Traditional Publishing
Author John Marrs discusses the process of his self-published book being rediscovered and re-edited as his new thriller novel, The Vacation.
One Piece of Advice From 50 Mystery and Thriller Authors in 2023
Collected here is one piece of advice for writers from 50 different mystery and thriller authors featured in our author spotlight series in 2023, including Brad Taylor, Lisa Unger, Laura Griffin, Mark Greaney, Veronica G. Henry, Isabella Maldonado, Nick Medina, Iris Yamashita, and more.
Darby Kane: Stay Off Goodreads
Author Darby Kane discusses how her own interest in true crime led her to her new thriller novel, The Engagement Party.
Caz Frear: On the Truth Causing Catastrophe
Author Caz Frear discusses how a fleeting real-life moment inspire her new mystery novel, Five Bad Deeds.
The Perils of Putting Cops on Paper: 5 Tips for Getting It Right
Award-winning author Tracy Clark shares her top five tips for getting it right when writing about cops, even if you have no previous policing experience.
6 Rules of Writing a Clearing-Your-Own-Name Cozy Mystery
Author Kallie E. Benjamin shares her six rules of writing a clearing-your-own-name cozy mystery novel.