Goodreads Authors/Readers discussion

I have written both mystery and suspense novels. I found the suspense novels easier to write.

Writing mysteries requires the author to develop not only the detective but also the suspects. I like to have five suspects therefore I have to develop five characters. You don’t need the suspects’ entire background but you need enough about them to make them interesting. Also each one of the suspects must be different in speech, physical appearance, maybe occupation etc. Then of course you need to lay out the clues to make it look like each of the five suspects are guilty of the murder. Yet those clues cannot make it obvious which one did it nor can they be so weak as to make the killer appear out of nowhere.

In writing suspense I found I needed two main characters, the antagonist and the protagonist. Of course there will be supporting characters like hirelings that help the antagonist and characters that help the protagonist defeat his enemy. However, those supporting characters do not have to be as detailed as are the suspects in a murder mystery.

As to plots, both need to be interesting enough to engage the reader. If written properly, mystery novels should be suspenseful. Suspense novels may or may not have a touch of mystery as to the motive of the antagonist, however many times we know the antagonist’s motive for pursuing the protagonist.

I’d be interested in hearing what you think on this subject.

Richard Brawer
www.richardbrawer.com

Richard wrote: "I have written both mystery and suspense novels..."

I have little experience with either of those genres. I write humor and horror, primarily. But, I would suspect that genres are easier or more difficult depending on the strengths and weaknesses of the writer.

For instance, I would love to write historical fiction sometime, but I'm too lazy to do a lot of research. Some excel at doing research and would write some marvelous historical fiction. I have done some stories that would be called dramas, but they're difficult for me as I like to slip humor and jokes into stories when I can. It's tough to hold back and stay serious.

Mysteries would be tough for me as I would need to feel that everything is tight and sound before I let the public see it. I'd worry too much that the clues didn't make enough sense or that some little detail I got wrong made the whole crime nonsense.

Dwayne wrote: "Richard wrote: "I have written both mystery and suspense novels..."

I have little experience with either of those genres. I write humor and horror, primarily. But, I would suspect that genres are ..."

I agree about genre. I write Romantic Suspense and that doesn't involve anything so simple as one character trying to make life difficult for another. You might think so if you equate romance with two lovers, but the only way to create true suspense is to use more than two and keep the reader guessing to the last page.

If you think making sure "clues" are correct, try dating a pregnancy properly -)

My book is a mix of suspense and mystery but mostly mystery. I love developing characters and doing research so makes for good mysterious historical fiction. I like suspense but in a proper amount. If the whole book is hanging on in a car chase it gets old. Suspense is a good thing properly placed but not a steady diet.

Belle wrote: "My book is a mix of suspense and mystery but mostly mystery. I love developing characters and doing research so makes for good mysterious historical fiction. I like suspense but in a proper amoun..."

Agreed. Boring readers is to be avoided at all costs.

Dwayne wrote: "Richard wrote: "I have written both mystery and suspense novels..."

I have little experience with either of those genres. I write humor and horror, primarily. But, I would suspect that genres are ..."

You are correct Dwayne. Historical fiction takes a lot of research. It took me 10 years to write my historical fiction novel, Silk Legacy, because everytime I came to a new scene I wanted to write I needed more research. The novel has had great success, but I am reluctant to write a sequel as I don't have the time nor the inclination to do further research.

Richard

Richard: I agree with you. I believe with mystery you have multiple suspects (and as in my series beginning with Murder Becomes Manhattan, multiple detectives as well).

AND you must keep track of how this deception over here must get revealed over there and provide some resolution for clues and red herrings you have provided.

Suspense is more linear and therefore easier to keep track of, I believe. You continue to write until you are ready to end the suspense.