Technology today offers a wide selection of resources for writers in the form of YouTube instructional videos, simulcasts, zoom meetings, etc., as well as stacks upon stacks of how-to books by professional and successful authors. Regardless of the genre, writing basics remain the same.
Bookstores stock genre-specific educational books. Utilizing these valuable resources will aid in effective writing. Below are some Mystery/Suspense/Thriller instructional books in my writing library.
BOOKS:
Conflict & Suspense, by expert thriller author and writing instructor, James Scott Bell. This book offers proven techniques that help craft fiction, tap into suspenseful power, build conflict, and maximize tension.
Mastering Suspense, Structure, & Plot by Jane K. Cleland. According to the front cover, this book offers instructions on how to write gripping stories that keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Writing and Selling Your Mystery Novel by Hallie Ephron provides a complete guide to writing mystery, suspense, and crime. It explains twisting the plot, creating a compelling sleuth, and much more.
Deadly Doses: a writer’s guide to poisons by Serita Deborah Stevens offers correct information about poisons, methods of administration, symptoms, and reactions.
YouTube:
YouTube videos are available, too, with a plethora of topic selections. Decide on a topic and search for the desired video. If you’re looking for a specific person’s teaching, then add the name to your video selection. Sample videos are listed below.
Steven James- Writing Thrillers Serious Writer
Ted Dekker – Mystery, Thriller, and Fantasy
Tom Bradby – How to Write a Thriller
DiAnn Mills presents ongoing tips and teaching on her YouTube channel
CONFERENCES:
American Christian Fiction Writers:
ACFW.com offers member resources, writing tips, writing help, writing software, books on writing, on-line courses, and more. Join the ACFW Mystery/Suspense/Thriller Group on Facebook.
Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference:
blueridgeconference.com offers daily informative and instructional blog posts for every genre, along with Facebook Live videos targeting writing specifics. Like or join the conference Facebook page for more information.
Killer Nashville International:
killernashville.com This conference is for the criminal-minded writer and happens in Franklin, TN. Be sure to check out their Facebook page.
Serious Writer Inc.:
seriouswriter.com offers simulcasts and teaching in their Academy. The Serious Writer Club is where you’ll receive over one hundred hours of training and more.
Writer’s Police Academy/Murdercon:
writerspoliceacademy.com focuses on the mystery/ suspense/thriller writers dealing with almost every area of crime imaginable. This conference is highly sought after and sells out fast when registration opens. They have a Facebook page as well and offer Facebook Live videos.
The list of helpful resources is ongoing, but it takes training, determination, and persistence to develop mysterious, suspenseful, and thriller scenes. Attend writer’s conferences, connect with a critique group, and join your local monthly writer meetings.
Feel free to add other helpful resources to the list.
Loretta Eidson writes romantic suspense. She has won and been a finalist in several writing contests, including first place in romantic suspense in the Foundations Awards at the 2018 Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference, a finalist in ACFW’s 2018 Genesis, was a finalist in the 2018 Fabulous Five, and a double finalist in the 2017 Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence.
Loretta lives in North Mississippi with her husband Kenneth, a retired Memphis Police Captain. She loves salted caramel lava cake, dark chocolate, and caramel Frappuccinos.
Visit her:
Website: lorettaeidson.com
Facebok: loretta.eidson.7
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