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Unraveling the Ultimate Self-Care For Mystery Writers
I might weave some incredible plot twists into the lives of my main character and their friends, however, when my life gets twisted, it isn’t easy to take a break. What would a break from writing even look like? How would a mystery writer spend a day of self-care? I’m glad you asked. Morning Midday Afternoon Evening With this plan, you’ll not only refresh your mind but also have a few laughs along the way! A little bit of levity and a brain break or three will get you right back into the thick of things in no time. Your main character can wait. The villain won’t escape. Unless your…
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Get Ready to Sparkle and Sleuth: A Cozy Mystery Writer’s Guide to 4th of July!
As we gear up for fireworks, barbecues, and perhaps a touch of mystery this 4th of July, it’s time to sharpen our sleuthing skills and sprinkle in a little holiday spirit! Here’s your essential guide to navigating Independence Day like a cozy mystery protagonist with tips for writing a July 4th cozy mystery. 1. Find Your Inspiration: Think sparklers, backyard cookouts, and suspiciously missing potato salad. Every corner of your neighbor’s block party could be hiding a clue! 2. Master the Red, White, and Blue: Your protagonist might uncover clues hidden in patriotic decorations or overhear intriguing conversations amidst the “oohs” and “aahs” of fireworks. 3. Secret Ingredients: What’s in…
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I Don’t Think So- JB Fletcher
Jessica Fletcher calls out criminals using four simple words- I Don’t Think So. Check out how I use Murder She Wrote Episodes to get my students prepared to write their own mystery novels. First, Murder She Wrote is the iconic cozy mystery television series that rocked the eighties and nineties. If you weren’t alive to watch the episodes as they aired, odds are you caught a few reruns with your parents or grandparents. Second, Jessica Fletcher is a fun character to follow. Plus, she’s static. She doesn’t grow very much throughout the series. This means we can focus on the mystery instead of following the character arc, making the journey…
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It’s Agatha Christie Time
Funny thing about mystery writers. Their real lives are often mysteries of their own. Agatha Christie is no exception. Multiple movies have hypothesized and dramatized her missing days. There’s even a Dr. Who episode about them. It’s time to meet the grand madam of mystery, Agatha Christie, and her big-time murders in small-town settings. *** As authors come closer to the present time, their biographies may become more graphic. Please use care. Don't rely on my standards. Please- Vet the videos to fit your family's needs. *** Agatha Christie Biographies Short Ones Longer Ones Mystery of Agatha’s Missing Days Here are some theories about Agatha’s missing days. What do you…
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Meet Father Brown
Onto another master of mystery, and his iconic character, known as Father Brown. One can often find GK Chesterton gracing the book lists of Classical Education families and teachers. Even more often, someone unfamiliar with Mr. Chesterton’s essays and arguments can stumble upon his most famous fictional character. Meet GK Chesterton’s witty and wily Father Brown. Read this article about GK- https://www.chesterton.org/who-is-this-guy/ to learn more about the man. Or watch this video about his Catholic faith and ideals. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=id3GL9KwGcM But now let’s discuss the Priest with a Passion for crime solving- Father Brown. Father Brown mysteries combine faith and fiction, common sense and character qualities, producing another amazing sleuth. https://www.fatherbrowngame.com/about-father-brown.htm…
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Teaching My Kids Mystery Writing
What I Use to Teach Mystery Writing to my Homeschooled High School Students
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Say Hello to Edgar Allan Poe
This Building A Mystery Post is all about the author of the very first detective story. Say Hello to Edgar Allan Poe, the sith lord of the macabre and melancholy himself. I believe diving into Poe’s famous detective story is a fabulous place to start when learning how to write a cozy mystery. (Something this writer mom loves to do with her high school students. I’m thrilled to share it with you.) Let’s start with Mr. EAP and his wild biography. Like other famous mystery writers, Mr. Poe leaves us with a tremendous gap in his timeline. It’s a mystery no one has unraveled with certainty. Edgar Allan’s death pulls…
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Write Along With Me
Come write-along with me, no bra required. Pijama clad welcomed. Coffee consumption is encouraged. The writers I know, in person and online, tend toward the introverted and private side of the street. I can be loud and boisterous if there’s a purpose to it and it’s necessary but I prefer to be still and quiet at home, among a handful of intimates and laughing at our inside jokes. As such, you can find me, quite often, typing silently at my laptop listening to the happy sounds of my children talking to each other. However, this does little to uplift and motivate me to write during heavy and inspiration dry seasons. At…
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Writer Update
Nano, nano, nano. WHOA!!! What a rush! It’s ten days until the finish line and I’ve crossed it. Made it and bought the t-shirt. It nearly drove me to madness but I WON NANO!!! 50,000 words in 30 days! I love to write but I feel as though I don’t want to ever compose another sentence, ever again. And yet here I am!!! Writing more words. Nanowrimo doesn’t have to be as extreme as I made it for myself. I was so worried about not winning it that I forced myself to write even when my brain was dry. (I dread editing. I’m sure it is bulging with bilge. But…
