Subtle Writing Techniques of the Mystery Writer by Gerard F. Bianco
Here is the first of five articles
taken from my lecture series, "Subtle Writing Techniques Used in
Creating a Successful Mystery Novel." This series is designed to
explain the working methods of the mystery/suspense writer, offering
insight and understanding into the technical process of writing.
Reading a good mystery novel is a lot like horseback riding. At times
you’re cautiously slow walking; sometimes you’re
head-bobbling-wobbling trotting; while other times you’re
whooshing along on a take-your-breath-away gallop. This variety of pace
is a key element that contributes to the thrill and excitement of the
ride. Another is fear. (What if I fall off the damn horse?)
In keeping with this same image, mystery writing becomes somewhat like
laying out a course for the rider. The author must include an array of
terrains to make the ride interesting and somewhat challenging. There
has to be grassy hills to climb and soft, sloping landscapes to
descend. There must be twists and turns and tree laden paths as well as
long, smooth straight-aways for blazing gallops.
To accomplish all this, writers use an assortment of subtle and
not-so-subtle techniques that will enhance their story-telling and add
the necessary oomph required for a successful mystery/suspense yarn.
From the many subtle techniques available, I consider these five to be
amongst the highest on the importance scale.
1) Characters Speak to the Reader: This is easy when the story is
written in the first person, but what about novels written in the third
person? Can a protagonist speak directly to the reader if the tale is
narrated? You bet they can. How? By using what I call, peripheral
speech.
In the same way as it’s possible for us to see objects within
a 90 degree radius when staring straight ahead, so too can a character
in a novel speak to the reader while speaking to other characters. Let
me illustrate. In Dying For Deception, my protagonist, Detective
William Gillette, heads up a task force assigned to thwart a serial
killer who’s been murdering women with red hair. On page 23,
he addresses a group of officers on his team who he’s meeting
for the first time. Pay special attention to the technique
I’ve just described.
“You don’t know me—not yet
anyway— but I expect we’ll get to know each other
pretty well while this investigation is going on. For starters,
I’d like to let you in on a little secret and tell you a
little something about myself. You see, I’m a persistent
bastard when it comes to murderers. I won’t let this guy
continue for very long. In fact, I’m prepared to do just
about anything to bring him in. Anything! I will not rest, I will not
compromise and I will not concede until our end has been
accomplished.”
About the Author
Gerard Bianco is the author of the
mystery novel, Dying
For Deception. He was born and raised in Brooklyn, New
York. Smoky pool halls, Irish bars, and Italian social clubs are some
of the local hangouts that have influenced his writing. In addition to
being an author, he is also an accomplished artist, jewelry designer
and manufacturer. Visit his website, http://www.dyingfordeception.com.
Sign up for his free Mystery Newsletter at mainemystery@aol.com.