What It's Like To Be... A Mystery Novelist
Nov 28, 2023
Donna Andrews, the mystery novelist behind the Meg Langslow series, discusses scouting body disposal sites, investigating obscure poisons, and computing royalty payments. They explore the mystery writing process, unusual murder methods, and the economics of being a mystery novelist. They also touch on the challenges of making a living as a writer and share insights into the work of Agatha Christie.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
DNA Surprise Sparks Plot Idea
- Donna asked a friend who discovered a half-sister through DNA testing if she could use that story. - The friend approved, inspiring a unique plot idea for a book.
Effective Writing Discipline
- Set a daily word quota based on your deadline and aim for consistency. - Use a spreadsheet to track progress and keep momentum with unfinished sentences.
Fair Play in Mystery Writing
- Mystery writers must play fair and not spring last-minute suspects on readers. - The best killers are present early but remain cleverly concealed until the reveal.