So many great answers, Jane. Here are a few of my own. Gothic Mysteries: It goes without saying, but I’ll say it anyway. Read a lot of them. Write down similarities like, secluded manor, stormy sea, lighthouse in the distance, cruel employer. Things like that will help you build your own setting and characters. And there’s always a romance. The young lady (usually) takes a position and falls for a rich man and a poor man. Who does she really love and how will she find out? Throw in a crime to solve (it doesn't have to be murder) and you're off to the races. Egypt, but not like Death on the Nile: Well, you could always write a parody. Or just have a title like, Death of Denial. I like writing titles, even if I don’t use them all. Sometimes a great title will spawn good ideas. :) Lost in Research: I know what you mean. I love research. My solution: Write first, research after. You’d be surprised at how much you instinctively get right. Hope this helps someone. Jon in rural BC, Canada
Man, I wish people wrote more Gothics. I love them, but they seem really out of fashion these days, unless they're paranormal romances. Maybe I'll channel my inner Matthew Lewis and write my own!
So many great answers, Jane. Here are a few of my own.
Gothic Mysteries: It goes without saying, but I’ll say it anyway. Read a lot of them. Write down similarities like, secluded manor, stormy sea, lighthouse in the distance, cruel employer.
Things like that will help you build your own setting and characters.
And there’s always a romance. The young lady (usually) takes a position and falls for a rich man and a poor man. Who does she really love and how will she find out?
Throw in a crime to solve (it doesn't have to be murder) and you're off to the races.
Egypt, but not like Death on the Nile:
Well, you could always write a parody. Or just have a title like, Death of Denial.
I like writing titles, even if I don’t use them all. Sometimes a great title will spawn good ideas. :)
Lost in Research:
I know what you mean. I love research. My solution: Write first, research after. You’d be surprised at how much you instinctively get right.
Hope this helps someone.
Jon in rural BC, Canada
Death on Denial would make a great Agatha Christie pastiche!
Man, I wish people wrote more Gothics. I love them, but they seem really out of fashion these days, unless they're paranormal romances. Maybe I'll channel my inner Matthew Lewis and write my own!
I was so glad to catch this on the livestream. You are a wonderful asset to the mystery-writing community!
Thanks so much, Priscilla! I was glad to see you there.
Thanks, Jane! Interesting Q&A. 😊
So glad!
Love watching your lives! I'll have to try and catch the next one in real time!
Next one will be on April 21 at noon EST!
@Keith Hill: Wow, your cat is gorgeous. Just saying. I've always wanted a Siamese, though I did have a beautiful tuxie Burmese.