This week: To everything there is a … formula? Edited by: Carol St.Ann 👓  
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Hello. I joined WDC in September of 2006. My name is Carol St.Ann, and and I write for this newsletter once a month. This year, 2025, I plan to focus on the craft with a nod toward publication. Please feel free to hit me up with any issues you’d like to see addressed, and I’ll do my best to research it for you. |
Have you ever noticed how formulaic most genres seem to be? Well, the mystery genre is no exception. There must always be a criminal, a victim, several red herrings, and suspects who could have done it for various reasons, a person who solves the crime, etc. One would think that with the formulaic nature of the mystery genre one could quickly become bored reading mysteries since they all seem to follow a similar patterns. Yet, this is definitely not the case.
In writing mysteries, although formulaic by nature, there is enough flexibility within the form for the author to slip in various bits and pieces that are unique to keep new stories feeling fresh and new rather than already over done. What am I talking about? Well things like Diane Mott Davidson's unique crime solver Goldy, a caterer who provides the reader with insight into the life of a caterer along with copies of the recipes that Goldy whips up. Or, take for example, Ellis Peters' crime solving twelfth century monk and the concommitant aspects of religious life of the time. Then, there is always Parnell Hall's puzzle lady Cora Felton who happens to love crossword puzzles of all types which the reader also gets the chance to solve, thus matching wits with Cora, because the puzzles are provided at the ends of the chapters for the reader to try his/her hand at. There are mysteries that take place around holidays, in and around bed and breakfast inns, at the ball park or race track, and more.
When you go to write a mystery story, it is important to do both of the following things. First, study the genre formula and work within its confines as much as you can. Then, find a way to break the mold and make the story uniquely your own so that it doesn't sound like every other mystery story that has been written. Consider these things, and you’ll be on your way to writing an original mystery people will clamor to read.
See you next month.
Carol St.Ann 
Remember to nominate great Mysteries
Special thank you to InkyShadows 
June, 2005
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Some great Shown Tales I found along the way!
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"Difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations." —Zig Ziglar
#2341752 by Jeremy  |
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Mystery: August 06, 2025 Issue [#13280]
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