I gotta be honest... I’m thinking about it. I think writing this video series is helping me get a lot of my thoughts into coherent shape, and once I’m done with that...who knows? I would love to write a book like that!
Yes please. You seem to be the only one who is helping me make sense on how to write a mystery. You explain it well and lay it out in way that I can actually brainstorm.
Jane, I am loving your videos. I'm a sci-fi writer and have always avoided trying a mystery because I had no idea how to structure it properly. Your videos do a great job of breaking it down, neither over-complicated, nor too thin on content. Just the right amount of explanation. You're rocking it! (Hi from P24)
I am really enjoying your channel and videos. My own planned murder mystery play (I plan a lot and do a lot of research) is set in 1938 Los Angeles, at an intersection of the (famously corrupt at this time) LAPD and the world of live theatre. The suspects are four people who absolutely had access to the murder weapon and someone who was close to all four, so in theory could have gotten access through them (she had the most obvious motive). A playwright, a director, a stage manager, and an actor. So far.
anytime my scripts are struggling im here watching your videos to save them!!! I'm not even writing a murder mystery, but I still get so inspired by the way you give options/ideas
I'm back with a couple of video requests. 1. How do you keep track of the linear timeline vs the order you tell the story in your books. (what the killer is doing in the background or what the killer knows vs what the sleuth knows.) 2. How do you maintain a series bible and what is in it? Do you use the series bible to plan ahead re the protagonist's character arc?
1. I wish I had a nice, clever answer to this, complete with a tidy little spreadsheet! The real answer is “I just do it in my head.” But I’ll give some thought to creating a system for it, thanks for the request! 2. Ok, I have SO much to say about series planning! I will try to make some videos about this in the future.
You posted this video at the perfect time! I'm almost done with my rough draft and after this video I noticed none of my suspects have a secret! I've been so focus on developing the perfect alibi mystery that I forgot about adding secrets. Thank you for the tips!!!!
This is only the 2nd of your videos I've seen and it makes me want to do [murder] mysteries. but every story can have a mystery, and that's why I'm here.
@@janekalmes it really is! I'm writing a fanfiction whose format involves the characters having a shared motive, so I never really considered that, but even with that, this can be really helpful, especially if I expand to do other stuff! Your while video series is very good and it tackles a lot of things I've learned when writing my own mysteries
I watch Monk, Castle, Bones, etc in a new light. I pick out all of the plot points and motives, and unfold the entire mystery at the beginning. Some people say it's because I saw the episode already, but it's because I think like a mystery writer, with many thanks to your video series'. My wife hates it (added bonus)! ;O) I've watched them (your series) a few times now. Might as well write one.
Dont forget theme and motif as a suspect builder....good example is agatha Christie...in one of her stories I forget which one...there is a mouse being feed to a snake....a doctor is acting quite snarky and his wife is described as a little mouse by one of the characters....she is found tied up in the house....the snake almost got the mouse...however turns out she wasnt as mousey as she made out she was....there is a lot of suggest ability in the theme that an author can play with...prey on the readers predujcies.
Your videos are fantastic--extremely instructive. Question? I've completed my children's mystery. I've done much editing already. Do you think I should have it professionally edited or do agents do that if they accept it?
I wouldn't hire an editor if you're looking to traditionally publish. If an agent accepts your manuscript, they'll shop it around to publishing houses, and they will provide editing.
@@janekalmes Is there any musical numbers in it? haha (that is all the information I have on the founding fathers). I finished first draft of my fantasy story main plot and just started the subplot, which is a mystery.Finding it weird, feels like writing a story backwards.
Want to explore potential motives for your suspects? Watch this next! ua-cam.com/video/L9cwWw8D_vo/v-deo.html
Jane, your next book should be how to write a mystery. So well done... as usual. Love your videos!
I gotta be honest... I’m thinking about it. I think writing this video series is helping me get a lot of my thoughts into coherent shape, and once I’m done with that...who knows? I would love to write a book like that!
@@janekalmes Your first book is already sold! I'll be waiting for that.
Yes please. You seem to be the only one who is helping me make sense on how to write a mystery. You explain it well and lay it out in way that I can actually brainstorm.
That makes me so happy, thank you!
@@janekalmes Write me down for a copy!
Thank you so much for being succinct and staying on point. That s very rare on YT
Glad you enjoyed it!
Jane, I am loving your videos. I'm a sci-fi writer and have always avoided trying a mystery because I had no idea how to structure it properly. Your videos do a great job of breaking it down, neither over-complicated, nor too thin on content. Just the right amount of explanation. You're rocking it! (Hi from P24)
I am really enjoying your channel and videos. My own planned murder mystery play (I plan a lot and do a lot of research) is set in 1938 Los Angeles, at an intersection of the (famously corrupt at this time) LAPD and the world of live theatre. The suspects are four people who absolutely had access to the murder weapon and someone who was close to all four, so in theory could have gotten access through them (she had the most obvious motive). A playwright, a director, a stage manager, and an actor.
So far.
anytime my scripts are struggling im here watching your videos to save them!!! I'm not even writing a murder mystery, but I still get so inspired by the way you give options/ideas
That is awesome to hear!
I always look forward for your videos because they NEVER disappoint 😍 if I'm able to finish a successful mystery novel, it'll all be thanks to you
That completely warms my heart, Farah! Thank you!
I'm back with a couple of video requests. 1. How do you keep track of the linear timeline vs the order you tell the story in your books. (what the killer is doing in the background or what the killer knows vs what the sleuth knows.) 2. How do you maintain a series bible and what is in it? Do you use the series bible to plan ahead re the protagonist's character arc?
1. I wish I had a nice, clever answer to this, complete with a tidy little spreadsheet! The real answer is “I just do it in my head.” But I’ll give some thought to creating a system for it, thanks for the request!
2. Ok, I have SO much to say about series planning! I will try to make some videos about this in the future.
@@janekalmes Yay! Thank you!!
You posted this video at the perfect time! I'm almost done with my rough draft and after this video I noticed none of my suspects have a secret! I've been so focus on developing the perfect alibi mystery that I forgot about adding secrets. Thank you for the tips!!!!
I’m so glad it was helpful!
This is only the 2nd of your videos I've seen and it makes me want to do [murder] mysteries. but every story can have a mystery, and that's why I'm here.
Completely agree! Every story needs mystery, even if it’s not *A* mystery!
Now that busy at it, my story is [also] something of a medical mystery, hunting for the cure. But also a whodunit.
Another great video. I was only into at marker 3.25 and I was already able to come up with 3 suspects. One is the sleuth. So now I only need one more.
That’s so cool, thanks for sharing!
I really enjoy your channel! Even though I have studied cozies and mystery writing on my own, I still learn something new here! Thanks so much!
Thank you, that is so great to hear!
Absolutely fantastic series I've learned a lot esp around planning thank you...greetings from England
So glad you’ve enjoyed the series!
Wow, this is REALLY good! I didn't even consider giving different motives for each suspect!
Glad you liked it! The suspects CAN definitely have the same motive, but sometimes it's nice to give each one her own!
@@janekalmes it really is! I'm writing a fanfiction whose format involves the characters having a shared motive, so I never really considered that, but even with that, this can be really helpful, especially if I expand to do other stuff! Your while video series is very good and it tackles a lot of things I've learned when writing my own mysteries
You provide such great information. Easy to understand and follow.
Thanks so much!
This is truly excellent Jane, thank you so much. I'm already using your suspect template in my debut novel
Always looking forward to your videos❤️🙏🏽🙌🏽
Thank you, Hiba!
This was very helpful. Think of it now, some stuff is very obvious, but i didnt think about it at all, so thank you!
I love your videos. This really opened my eyes to creating suspects.
I’m so glad you enjoy them, Anna! Thank you!
Love this video, thanks Jane! So clear and structured. Real explaining talent, thanks for sharing x
Love it Jane!! As usual
Thank you, Celine, so good to see your face!
Agatha also uses a lot of proverbs from the bible to suggest someones behaviour or attitude is a cause for concern...false foreshadowing as well
Thanks so much for the comments, Dan! These are some great ideas you have. You’re making me want to dig deeper into a few Christies!
I really love your videos,they are really helpful
Great video as usual!! So glad you do these...they are very helpful and interesting!
Thank you so much, Linette!
I love the presentation today.
Thanks so much, Scully!
I watch Monk, Castle, Bones, etc in a new light. I pick out all of the plot points and motives, and unfold the entire mystery at the beginning. Some people say it's because I saw the episode already, but it's because I think like a mystery writer, with many thanks to your video series'. My wife hates it (added bonus)! ;O) I've watched them (your series) a few times now. Might as well write one.
Sounds like a plan, Thomas! And this is one of the loveliest compliments I’ve received!
Dont forget theme and motif as a suspect builder....good example is agatha Christie...in one of her stories I forget which one...there is a mouse being feed to a snake....a doctor is acting quite snarky and his wife is described as a little mouse by one of the characters....she is found tied up in the house....the snake almost got the mouse...however turns out she wasnt as mousey as she made out she was....there is a lot of suggest ability in the theme that an author can play with...prey on the readers predujcies.
I’m gonna have to look for that one and read it! Sounds great.
Very helpful as always. Thanks much!
You're so welcome!
Your videos are fantastic--extremely instructive. Question? I've completed my children's mystery. I've done much editing already. Do you think I should have it professionally edited or do agents do that if they accept it?
I wouldn't hire an editor if you're looking to traditionally publish. If an agent accepts your manuscript, they'll shop it around to publishing houses, and they will provide editing.
Hey! This was great : )
Thanks so much, Jeff!
Another great video! xoxo
xoxo to you, too! Thanks so much!
Rewatching these and taking notes, hope writing is going well haven't seen any new videos in a while.
Thanks, writing has been fun, but I finally have a new video loaded up in my editor. I hope I’ll be able to upload tomorrow morning.
@@janekalmes Just seen it uploaded will be sure to watch after your red herring video.
What are you currently writing about? Or is it top secret haha
It’s an Alexander Hamilton mystery called, “Murder, Mr. Hamilton.” Hoping to finish soon!
@@janekalmes Is there any musical numbers in it? haha (that is all the information I have on the founding fathers). I finished first draft of my fantasy story main plot and just started the subplot, which is a mystery.Finding it weird, feels like writing a story backwards.
@@lastoreoandmilk4997 Cool, sounds like you’re getting a lot done! No musical numbers, but it’s still been fun to write. :-)
Also do the suspects need to be connected to each other?
I don’t think they must be. Frequently, though, in a cozy, we'll be digging into a community of characters who all at least slightly know each other.