How to Write a Good Mystery

Outcomes 1. Students will demonstrate their knowledge of course work by providing an outline of their story. 2. Students will demonstrate their knowledge of course work by providing a first chapter of their story. 3. Students will demonstrate their knowledge of course work by providing a synopsis of remaining chapters. Assessment A. Be able to complete their weekly assignments. B. Learn the elements of a mystery story. C. Learn how to develop a voice for their writing. D. Be able to complete a first chapter and synopsis of remaining chapters of their novel. Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5 We will discuss the mystery story in general and what elements are required to be present to make it a good read. We will talk about the antagonist and protagonist and their roles in the story. Hitchcock used a device he called the ?Maguffin.? Loosely translated it means ?to put your protagonist in a tree and throw rocks at him.? Keeping that in mind, well will talk about the kinds of situations the characters get themselves into and how it moves the story along. Assignment # 1: Students will write brief descriptions of an antagonist and a protagonist. We will discuss the setting of the story. Assignment # 2: Students will write a setting for their story that includes time period, region and any landmarks (real or fictional) that are pertinent to the story. We will discuss plot devices including voice, tone, dialog and action. Learning to outline and plan for twists and turns that will surprise readers will be included. Assignment # 3: Students will submit an outline. Introduce related reading to see how other writers have written their mysteries. We will discuss the actual writing and structure of the novel. Assignment # 4: Students will turn in a first draft of chapter one of their mystery novel. We will discuss the first chapter individually. If students want to, they can swap papers with each other and we can hold class this week in the MSN chat room. Instruction will be on the continuation of the writing of the novel. Assignment # 5: Students will be asked to complete a synopsis of the rest of the book. Contact Hours: 10