Mystery Writers of America

This is an excellent book on the craft of writing mysteries, consisting of essays from a broad range of mystery writers and professionals. While some writing books are clearly for beginners, this is well-suited for writers of all levels. It reminded me of attending panels at a writing convention and absorbing advice that has been heard before, but enjoying it again because it's being presented so well. Notable contributors to this book include Charlaine Harris, Jacqueline Winspear, Lee Child, Craig Johnson--I could go on and on, and the table of contents is a veritable who's-who of the genre. Topics range from various kinds of mystery to writing for children or intellectual properties to writing techniques to what happens after the writing. I was especially amused by the contrasting chapters on whether or not to outline.… (meer)