Today is the Insecure Writer’s Support Group monthly blog post and a chance to promote the Fictionary Finish Your Novel Contest.
First, the IWSG post:
February 7 question – What do you love about the genre you write in most often?
Although I write in various genres – mystery, SF/speculative, fantasy, alternative history and even children – Mystery must be the one that I write in most often.
My debut was an equestrian mystery – Spiral of Hooves – so its sequels will be. My current series is a mystery/police procedural – Snowdon Shadows. Even draft novels in other genres have a strong mystery element.
Yes, I love a perplexing mystery and my mind enjoys devising the twists. When I read a good mystery, especially by a master like Agatha Christie, I try to outthink the ‘detective’ but usually fail. However, when I finish a great mystery novel, I like looking back to see how the story was crafted, for instance with the clues buried in the text at key points. Learning how to use red herrings, deceit, and well-timed distractions are something that I still need to take on board.
One of my favourite examples is Agatha Christie’s The Murder of Roger Ackroyd with its brilliant twist ending. How this was achieved is masterful and one reason why I keep writing and reading Mysteries. A modern favourite in a similar vein, and also a lesson in crafting a mystery, is Sally Quilford’s The Secret of Lakeham Abbey.
You can flick through my Book Reviews to see how many Mystery novels I read. What do you recommend? What genre do you read and/or write? And why?
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The awesome co-hosts for the February 7 posting of the IWSG are Stephen Tremp, Pat Garcia, Angela Wooldridge, Victoria Marie Lees, and Madeline Mora-Summonte!
Purpose of IWSG: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say.
Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer – aim for a dozen new people each time – and return comments. This group is all about connecting!
Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!
Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG
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I am currently using a brilliant tool for online editing my current WIP and I highly recommend it. Fictionary was developed for writers by writers and makes many of the tasks after writing an early draft much simpler.
If you sign up with Fictionary for a free 10-day trial by February 18th, 2018, you will be automatically entered for the contest to win a Grand Prize of a lifetime Fictionary subscription and a $1999 FriesenPress Publishing Path. There are also additional prizes – further details and sign-up at https://fictionary.co/Finish-your-novel-contest/
I will be doing an assessment of Fictionary in the next day or so, looking at the various elements that I have been using – or intend to use.
Writing Wings 
I don’t believe I could come up with all the twists and turns. I have a hard enough time planting clues in a regular story. Glad you have the talent for it.
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You have other talents, Alex. And the problem with twists and turns is the tangle in my brain as a result.
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I love a good twist, but I find I’m not smart enough to pull off detective work. In fact, the strongest voices in my head side on the impulsive, unthinking end of the spectrum.
That’s a cool contest! I just wish my book was finished.
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It’s not smart, Loni, it’s being devious. 😉 And I’ve entered the contest even though my novel isn’t finished. I’m using Fictionary to tidy up the loose ends before they turn into a tangle. My next post will explore that.
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Agatha sure had a way about her. I’m such a big fan of hers too. 🙂
Anna from elements of emaginette
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Thanks for visiting, Anna. Agatha never gets stale.
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Some day I need to find that book. I’ve got a collection of Christie stories, but that one wasn’t in there, and it’s the one people keep recommending.
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Strange that a Christie collection doesn’t have it. But I’m sure that you will find it, Shannon – when you do, enjoy the craft.
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It’s a lot of fun trying to outthink the detective, isn’t it? I had wanted to be s cop/detective before my spine issues at fifteen, so I enjoy writing about those characters now and reading about them.
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I’m sure that you’d have kept us all in order, Chrys. (I nearly joined the RCMP – until I discovered what they wanted physically.)
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Hi Roland,
Thanks for the shout out! If any of your readers have questions about Fictionary, I’m happy to answer.
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I’m sure they will have – after my ‘assessment’ post. Thanks, Kristina.
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Hi Roland,
Thanks for linking to our site. Glad to hear you’re enjoying Fictionary. Our authors think it’s a great tool too 🙂
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Glad to be in touch with your services.
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I like the aspects of mystery, the deep plotting, the subterfuge and intelligence behind it, but I don’t like the genre straight. Is that crazy? If you mix mystery with another big genre, I’m a happy camper.
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You make total sense, Crystal. Mixing in another genre adds more spice. Maybe that is why my non-mysteries still have a mystery to resolve.
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Twists and turns are one of the reasons I love mysteries as well.
I’ll be interested to read your review of Fictionary. I use Scrivener and really like it a lot.
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I aim to post my ‘Figuring out Fictionary’ in the next 24 hours, although it might read as less than a review – more like fumbles. I’ve finally switched to Scrivener as my scribblings processor and I’m using it with Fictionary as the editor.
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I love mystery, Roland. The trick is to keep the reader guessing until the end. I like your blog and will follow it and connect with you online. All the luck in 2018.
http://victoriamarielees.blogspot.com
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Great to have you co-hosting this month – you have my admiration. Thanks for the follow, Victoria – I will do the same.
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I was in my early teens the first time I read Agatha Christie’s TMRA. I was changed forever. I knew from then on I had to do that. Isn’t it great being a writer! Hope you’re doing well, Roland.
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Thanks, Joylene. I’m doing ok and like you putting 2017 behind me. And being a writer is great – and a way to put struggles aside for a while.
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I love twists in a story–book or movie. One of my biggest disappointment in a movie was The Taking of Pelham 123 with John Travolta and Denzel Washington. I kept anticipating a twist. Instead, the ending fell flat (for me). Keep on writing those mysteries, Roland.
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Twists are the key, Diane. I never saw that version of Pelham 1 2 3, just the original with Robert Shaw which I remember enjoying. I will keep writing mysteries for as long as the twists don’t get knotted up.
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Mystery/suspense/thrillers are my favorites!
I have a file of about 20 Agatha Christie books on my i-Reader which were gifted to me. I just don’t know when I’ll have time to read them.
Hope you’re well, Roland!
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Better than in 2017 and I hope that 2018 continues being good for you, Michelle. I seem to collect more books than I will ever read. Is that a writer’s urge?
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