Writing a Mystery Novel

I’ve been a big fan of mystery novels since I was a child. I would peruse the library and leave with a stack to keep me occupied for weeks. I enjoyed the classic Sherlock Holmes and the writings of Poe as well as the modern Hardy Boys and Brains Benton.

I’m not sure if it was the excellent writing or my vivid imagination, but I would get so involved in the story that I felt as if I were there. Well written novels could make me cold in the middle of summer if the story was placed in the winter.

A few years ago I started on my own mystery novel. I tried to think of the ideal story I’d like to read, and write it for others to enjoy. I’ve studied many books on writing technique and when I read the work of my favorite authors I think about their writing methods and styles and consider what makes it a “good read” for me.

Nearly every year I attend a writing conference in order to learn from others who have been successful with their writing. I don’t have lofty goals of being the next Stephen King, but I would like to see my story published.

 I have met several of my favorite authors at conferences. Pictured with me above is writer Tim Dorsey who has successfully published fifteen novels. Tim travels the country promoting his work by meeting with fans and doing book signings. He will be in Columbus Ohio 7:00 P.M. next Wednesday, February 22 at the Columbus Museum of Art, 480 East Broad Street.

Tim is very personable and we have had several conversations at conferences over the last few years. One of these discussions centered on choosing appropriate names for characters in his novels. You guessed it, in his next novel there was a demented photographer named Lear!

In a couple of weeks I will be attending the annual Sleuthfest Writer’s Conference in Orlando. I am furiously trying to put the finishing touches on my novel as I have a meeting scheduled with an agent to discuss my manuscript.

I was thinking…Is it too late to change the name of one of my bad guys to Dorsey?