Mystery/Thriller
FightWrite™: How Do People Who Don’t Know How to Fight, Fight?
If your character isn't a trained fighter but the scene calls for a fight, how can you make the scene realistic? Author and trained fighter Carla Hoch has the answers for writers here.
The Problem of Solving a Mystery When You're the Prime Suspect
Mia P. Manansala, author of Arsenic & Adobo, explains how writers can help their main character solve a mystery when they're the prime suspect.
8 Ways to Add Suspense to Your Novel
Authors Mark and Connor Sullivan are no strangers to utilizing suspense in their novels. Here, they share their top 8 tips for writers to do the same.
Why Memory Is the Scariest Thing Of All in a Psychological Thriller Novel
Critically acclaimed thriller novelist Carter Wilson explains why he uses memory—or complete lack thereof—as a central thematic element in his works and how other writers can as well.
5 Points to Consider About Your Crime Fiction Setting
Noir novelist W.A. Winter gives writers his top tips for ensuring the setting is just right for their crime fiction.
What Is World-Building?
You might have heard the term before or are even an expert at it without realizing. WD editor Moriah Richard is here to lay out exactly what world-building is for writers of all genres.
W.A. Winter: On the Joys of Writing Crime Fiction
Crime and suspense author W.A. Winter discusses why he decided on fiction over true crime for his latest novel, The Secret Lives of Dentists, and how writing this book brought him joy.
Planting Clues: Red Herrings That Fool but Don't Frustrate Your Readers
Want to know how to keep your readers engaged and entertained with your mystery novel? Let these six tips from thriller author Kris Calvin guide you!
Bridget Foley: On Writing Psychologically Potent Metaphors
Novelist Bridget Foley explains the seed that grew into her latest book Just Get Home and how she stayed hopeful in the face of rejection.
Luke X. Cunningham: A Writer's Hopes for Their Readers
Emmy-nominated writer Luke X. Cunningham explains how he came to write a middle-grade mystery novel and what he hopes for the kids who read his book.
5 Tips for Writing a Spy Thriller Novel
Novelist and former senior intelligence analyst Alma Katsu shares her wisdom for creating a realistic and gripping spy thriller novel.
Alma Katsu: On Where to Put the Big Reveal in a Thriller
Novelist Alma Katsu discusses what it was like to write her latest thriller Red Widow and how she made the difficult decision of where to place the novel's big reveal.
Elly Griffiths: The Mystery of Multiple Points of View
Award-winning novelist Elly Griffiths explains what it was like to write her latest crime novel, The Postscript Murders, using multiple points of view.
FightWrite™: Fight Scenes and Dialogue
In this article, author and trained fighter Carla Hoch answers a writer's question about how to handle dialogue during a fight scene, including pros and cons to having dialogue at all.
The Story That Drove Me to Write
Award-winning author Stephanie Kane shares the book that launched her career and provides insights for how you can pursue your story.
7 Tips for Writing Police Procedurals That Readers Love
Mystery and crime novelist Russ Thomas explains how best to create a police procedural that will hook your reader and keep them coming back for more.
23 Authors Share Tips on Writing Mystery and Thriller Novels That Readers Love
23 authors share tips on writing mystery and thriller novels that readers love, covering topics related to building suspense, inserting humor, crafting incredible villains, and figuring out the time of death.
Crafting Animal Characters like an Expert
Whether your work-in-progress features a witch's familiar, a talking animal sidekick, or a companion pet, WD editor Moriah Richard gives you the basics on how to create an animal character.
Russ Thomas: The Beginning and Ending of Writing
Mystery and crime novelist Russ Thomas discusses why he believes character is the beginning and ending of writing and what inspired his latest book, Nighthawking.
5 Features for Writing Psychological Thrillers: A Checklist for Writers
Bestselling author Sebastian Fitzek shares his top 5 tips for writing a successful psychological thriller.
7 Tips for Writing Crime Fiction
Bestselling author Dana Stabenow shares her top tips for writing the best crime novel possible.
Amy Gentry: On Writing Thrillers and Following Your Gut
Thriller author Amy Gentry shares her experience writing her latest novel, Bad Habits, and why it's important to take full ownership of your work.
FightWrite™: Knife Fights, Part 2
In the last of this two-part answer, author and trained fighter Carla Hoch explains the physical mechanics behind a knife fight and provides useful tips for your next project.
Sebastian Fitzek: On Developing a Psychological Thriller
Bestselling author Sebastian Fitzek discusses the inspiration behind his latest psychological thriller, The Package, and delivers expert advice for aspiring authors.