To Begin

When I start a mystery these days, I like to answer a list of questions to get my thoughts in order. Then I go from that to writing plot points and making character wheels for new characters that will be in the story. I’ve shared some of this before, but this time, I found the questions especially helpful, so thought I’d offer them up again.

Who is killed (at least, the first person) and why?Who killed him/her? And how? When? Where?Who are the suspects and why? Any witnesses? Someone who saw something, even if it’s small?How does the book end? Any special clue or red herring? Any alibis or fake alibis? Accusations? False arrests?Think of a subplot that’s not connected to the murder. (a romance, side story, etc.) Think of a smaller subplot, maybe something personal for main character or someone close to him/her.If possible, think of someone who lies. Why? A strong antagonist or an interesting villain.

I wrote out ideas today, so I can start playing with how to put everything together. Now that it’s all sort of swimming in my head, I’m starting to get excited. It always feels good to return to Jazzi and Ansel. This will be my eleventh mystery with them. Sort of like settling in and getting comfortable.

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