Thanks for your answers. I am seriously considering taking a month long hiatus from writing mysteries and fiction in general in order to read a few mystery novels to recharge and glean inspiration. I am notorious for writing books as I would a screenplay. (I used to try writing screenplays) I am notoriously terrible at description and exposition of backstory. As with any occupation, study (i.e. college or research) is key. I guess I just need to study.
To Jeremy Roberts (comment at 37 minutes): I don't know much about writing intentionally ambiguous SETTINGS, but for intentional ambiguity more generally, check out Toni Morrison's short story "Recititif." Of the two main characters, Twyla and Roberta, the reader knows only that one is Black and one is White--but not which is which. The only clues are from stereotypes, and then she starts mixing up the stereotypes, using some "Black" stereotype comments and some "White" stereotype comments in reference to BOTH of them, sort of teasing the reader with how unreliable stereotypes are. When she was asked about it later in an interview, she said it was intentional--the reader isn't supposed to be able to tell which child is which race, and it doesn't matter to the plot.
Thanks for your answers. I am seriously considering taking a month long hiatus from writing mysteries and fiction in general in order to read a few mystery novels to recharge and glean inspiration. I am notorious for writing books as I would a screenplay. (I used to try writing screenplays) I am notoriously terrible at description and exposition of backstory. As with any occupation, study (i.e. college or research) is key. I guess I just need to study.
I'm so looking forward to your video about the Damning Clue!!! I am working hard on that in my novel right now.
To Jeremy Roberts (comment at 37 minutes): I don't know much about writing intentionally ambiguous SETTINGS, but for intentional ambiguity more generally, check out Toni Morrison's short story "Recititif." Of the two main characters, Twyla and Roberta, the reader knows only that one is Black and one is White--but not which is which. The only clues are from stereotypes, and then she starts mixing up the stereotypes, using some "Black" stereotype comments and some "White" stereotype comments in reference to BOTH of them, sort of teasing the reader with how unreliable stereotypes are. When she was asked about it later in an interview, she said it was intentional--the reader isn't supposed to be able to tell which child is which race, and it doesn't matter to the plot.