MWA giveaway: 10 copies of ‘How to Write a Mystery’

To celebrate the paperback edition of Mystery Writers of America’s handbook, “How to Write a Mystery,” on April 12, we’re also giving away ten copies of the 2021 hardback. “How to Write a Mystery” received glowing reviews and award nominations, with its wisdom and tips on the writing craft from seventy top MWA writers. (You can also order a copy […]

The mystery instinct: Using elements of the genre in all kinds of writing

Authors Leanna Renee Hieber and Philip Cioffari, authors who work outside the genre, explore the elements of mystery in all kinds of writing during the Oct. 6 chapter meeting at 6 p.m on Zoom. Leanna Renee Hieber is an actress, playwright, artist and the award-winning author of Gothic Victorian Fantasy novels for adults and teens such as the Strangely Beautiful, Eterna Files,

Chapter meeting on building series into universes on July 7

Join authors Ann Aptaker, Daniella Bernett and Tim O’Mara to discuss the process of building out a fictional universe during the chapter virtual panel “Building a Fictional Series into a Universe” on July 7 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The event is free but registration is required to receive a link to join the Zoom event. Click for information and to register.

From Page to Stage

Use this link to register now for the June 2 discussion at 6 pm on writing mysteries for the stage by two Edgar Award Best Play recipients. Register now and you will receive a Zoom invite the week of the event. This is a new procedure. Like all MWA-New York virtual events, the event is free. Registration is required for

Expert advice: MWA publishes mystery writing handbook filled with tips from members

“How to Write a Mystery: A Handbook by Mystery Writers of America” (April 27) Seventy of the most successful mystery writers in the business answering the question: What writing advice do you wish you’d had at the beginning of your career? “How to Write a Mystery” continues the Mystery Writers of America tradition of helping authors tell—and sell!—their stories, from the rank

Adding Criminal Law and Procedure to Your Fiction

Part III: The Courtroom—Guilty Plea and Trial Part I and Part II of this series explore police procedure and constitutional rights during the investigation phase. Now, on to the really fun part! The courtroom. Writers: Your fictional perp is caught and indicted. It’s time to deal or go to trial. Arraignment and Bail Hearing First stop, arraignment on the indictment.

Adding Criminal Law and Procedure to Your Fiction

Part II: Stop & Frisk, Arrest, Identification Procedures, Indictment Last week in Part I: Search and Seizure, I asked (and mostly didn’t answer) the question of whether you should worry about getting the law right in your stories and novels. It’s up to you—after all, we’re writing fiction! For the sake of realism, if you want your fictional perp to end

Adding Criminal Law and Procedure to Your Fiction

Part I: Search and Seizure For my novels about a female prosecutor, much of the “legal research” is in my head from a career in criminal justice and the court system. Police work and courtroom drama are great for building suspense. I also strive for accuracy under the law. Authors: Should you be concerned with accuracy? After all, you’re writing

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