How To Write Killer Historical Mysteries

The core of the book is Emerson's personal take on writing and selling historical mysteries, but it also includes contributions from over forty other historical mystery writers practical advice, anecdotes, and suggestions for research and input from assorted editors, booksellers, and reviewers. For both historical mystery writers and readers.This book embodies its subtitle: The Art & Adventure of Sleuthing Through the Past. Veteran author Emerson published her first mystery twenty-three years ago, and this is her thirty-sixth published book. It draws on her experience in researching, writing, selling, and sustaining both her Lady Appleton series (Elizabethan England) and her Diana Spaulding series (1880s U.S.). This unique reference book also includes the contributions of more than forty other historical mystery writers. Their books backgrounds and settings are as diverse as Ancient Egypt and Rome, antebellum New Orleans, early Constantinople, Jazz Age England and Australia, Depression-era California, turn-of-the-century New York, Victorian England, and eighteenth-century Venice.

In her useful, fascinating, and complete guide to writing historical mysteries, Emerson demonstrates how she and her colleagues bring history to life, rather than merely writing contemporary mystery in costume.

This new edition of How to Write Killer Historical Mysteries is the author's personal take on writing historical mysteries, based on over forty years in print as a writer of fiction and nonfiction and the publication of eighteen of her historical mysteries and two collections of historical mystery short stories. Her experiences are the core of the book. The remainder of the text consists of contributions from fellow historical mystery writers--advice, opinions, anecdotes, and suggestions for research--and input from assorted editors, booksellers, reviewers, and historical mystery fans. The first edition of How to Write Killer Historical Mysteries won the Agatha award for best mystery nonfiction of 2008 and was nominated in that category for the Anthony and Macavity awards. Reviewer Marv Lachman, in Deadly Pleasures, described it as "the best book about writing mysteries that I have ever read." Whether you are an old hand at writing historical mysteries, or a neophyte who has only dreamed about delving into the past, or a reader and fan of the genre, you will find this volume both inspiring and entertaining.

USA Today bestselling author A mystery author is charged with murder—and the plot thickens faster than anyone can turn the pages—in this new series debut, perfect for fans of Rhys Bowen and Ellery Adams Bath, England, 1890. Mystery author Lady Amy Lovell receives an anonymous letter containing shocking news: her fiancé, Mr. Ronald St. Vincent, has been dabbling in something illegal, which causes her to promptly break their engagement. Two evenings later, as Lady Amy awaits a visit from Lord William Wethington, fellow member of the Bath Mystery Book Club, her former fiancé makes an unexpected and most unwelcome appearance at her house. She promptly sends him to the library to cool his heels but later discovers the room seemingly empty—until she stumbles upon a dead Mr. St. Vincent with a knife in his chest. Lord Wethington arrives to find Lady Amy screaming and sends for the police, but the Bobbies immediately assume that she is the killer. Desperate to clear her name, Lady Amy and Lord Wethington launch their own investigation—and stir up a hornet's nest of suspects, from the gardener who served time in prison for murder to a vengeful woman who was spurned by St. Vincent before he proposed to Lady Amy. Can they close the book on the case before the real killer gets away with murder?

So you want write the perfect COZY MYSTERY? Crafting a killer cozy can be perilous. Fans of the genre expect authors to forego explicit gore and violence while at the same time creating a mind-boggling murder mystery with pulse-pounding tension and a twisty plot. But how is writer supposed to satisfy such disparate demands? How to Craft a Killer Cozy Mystery tackles this exact problem by providing an actionable roadmap for starting (and finishing!) a manuscript that will leave readers dying for more. Packed with worksheets and questionnaires designed to streamline the writing process, this comprehensive step-by-step guide will teach you to create compelling characters, vivid settings, and clever storylines. Whether you're a new writer or just new to the genre, you will walk away from How to Craft a Killer Cozy Mystery with a checklist for everything you'll need to start your first draft, including: The history behind the modern cozy and why they're so popular with today's audiences The 13 key reader expectations for the genre The 10 essential rules every cozy must follow to create a fair play puzzle The difference between cozies, thrillers, capers, detective stories, and police procedurals The difference between a premise and a hook-and how to kick-butt writing both The essential beats for the four-act plot structure How to effectively hide clues and create plot twists And as a special bonus, How to Craft a Killer Cozy Mystery contains an extensive *glossary of literary terms* and modern as well as classic examples of commonly used mystery solutions and misdirects. Grab your copy today. MASTER THE EXPECTATIONS FOR THE GENRE, AND CRAFT THAT KILLER COZY!

From 70 of the most successful mystery writers in the business, an invaluable guide to crafting mysteries—from character development and plot to procedurals and thrillers—“this is a writing guide that readers and writers will turn to again and again” (Booklist, starred review). Mystery Writers of America (MWA) is known for providing unparalleled resources on the craft, art, and business of storytelling, helping writers of all levels improve their skills for nearly a century. Now, this handbook helps authors navigate the ever-shifting publishing landscape—from pacing, plotting, the business side of publishing, to the current demand for diversity and inclusivity across all genres, and more. Featuring essays by a new generation of bestselling experts on various elements of the craft and shorter pieces of crowd-sourced wisdom from the MWA membership as a whole, the topics covered can be categorized as follows: —Before Writing (rules; genres; setting; character; research; etc.) —While Writing (outlining; the plot; dialogue; mood; etc.) —After Writing (agents; editors; self-pub; etc.) —Other than Novels (short stories; true crime; etc.) —Other Considerations (diverse characters; legal questions; criticism) Also included is a collection of essays from MWA published authors—including Jeffery Deaver, Tess Gerritsen, and Charlaine Harris—selected by bestselling authors Lee Child and Laurie King and arranged thematically answering, “What piece of writing advice do you wish you’d had at the beginning of your career?” “Everything you wanted to know about how to plan, draft, write, revise, publish, and market a mystery” (Kirkus Reviews), this inclusive manual provides practical, current, easily digestible advice for new and established authors alike.

Have you ever considered writing or reviewing for the library community? Are you interested in publishing a book on your favorite author or hobby? Do you need to write and publish for tenure? If so, Writing and Publishing is for you. Practical how-to guidance covering fiction, poetry, children's books/magazines, self-publishing, literary agents, personal blogging, and other topics will help you write * As an expert for other library professionals * Creative copy and information about your library * Copy for websites, blogs, and online columns * Bibliographic essays and lists * Book reviews (formal and informal)Writing and Publishing will serve as a great resource, whether in taking the anxiety out of writing or refining your style, you’ll use this book as much as your pen or keyboard!