How to Write Mysteries

Genre Writing Series

by Shannon O'Cork

Collectible First Edition.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction

131 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 1989

Reviews

[Amanda Dicicco · Rating 4 out of 5]

This books helped me some. Not much. But I will find more books on how to write mysteries.

[Amy B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Written with energy and humor, Ocork relates dozens of tips that could definitely get someone started. :)

[Joseph Hirsch · Rating 4 out of 5]

The more "How-To" books I read, the more I find myself gravitating to those that offer practical and specific advice as opposed to any kind of wide-sweeping philosophy. I don't need a life coach, pastor or imam, but someone who has advice on what to do and more importantly, what not to do, is worth their weight in gold, or at least silver.

Shannon O'Cork's "How to Write Mysteries" is one such no-nonsense, no-frills book on the craft from someone who understands and explicates well the balance between what the heart wants and what the market will bear. Writing mysteries is not, as Willa Cather once said of genre writing, a simple matter like making soap, but it does stop just short of being a pure art, at least in the author's opinion (and she's not very didactic or pushy, so in this area, as in others where you might disagree with Madame O'Cork, the disagreement remains ecumenical and you don't have the feeling of having your knuckles rapped red with a ruler).

Details on how to properly salt your red herrings, conceal your true culprit, and ratchet up the tension are also worth your time, whether you're a novice or you've got several (perhaps ill-selling) books already on the market. And for a book that's old enough to tell you what kind of typewriter ribbon to use, "How to Write Mysteries'" advice on publishers, agents, and the submission process has some vitally relevant things to say. But yeah, contra the recommendation in here, I wouldn't advise you to call an editor who has your manuscript on the phone (presumably on your princess rotary phone) to see what the holdup in the review process is.

My favorite section was the one on "Dog Work," that part of the writer's journey where they must turn off the creative instinct (or at least tone it down) and prepare for the grim slog through edits, revisions, and getting the MS as close to perfection as possible. I said at the beginning of this review that I didn't want a priest or a life coach, but the pep talk from Coach O'Cork was and will remain a much-needed boost when I find myself in the doldrums, as we all do from time to time. Recommended.

[Gonzalo Oyanedel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Escribir es un negocio y Shannon O'Cork comparte algunos consejos y experiencias para probar suerte en el filón del misterio, entre lineamientos básicos hasta formas de intentar lograr un sitio en el mercado. Una guía sencilla y sin sorpresas, pero útil para el que se anime.

[Kristin Humphreys · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book on the writing craft. While reading, I came up with a ton of ideas for my current WIP and future ones.

[Martha · Rating 2 out of 5]

Would have gotten three stars if I hadn't had a better one recently with which to compare.