Creative Writing Personal Teacher

Based on the information provided, here's your personalized guidance to improve your mystery and suspense writing: Plot Construction: In the mystery and suspense genre, the plot is the backbone of your story. Work on creating a compelling storyline with unexpected twists and turns. The key is to keep readers guessing. An exercise you can try is outlining your plot in reverse, starting from the resolution and working your way back to the beginning. This might help you in creating airtight reasoning and ensuring there are no loose ends. Character Development: In any genre, but especially in mystery and suspense, characters should be relatable and complex. Readers should care about what happens to them. Draw inspiration from the people around you or even from your own experiences. Remember, even minor characters need depth. Try creating detailed character profiles to ensure each character is unique and contributes to the story. Creating Suspense: A sense of foreboding and suspense is crucial to keep readers engaged. This can be achieved by using cliffhangers at the end of chapters or revealing information to the reader that the characters don't know yet. However, be careful not to give away too much too soon. Try experimenting with pace and structure to build tension. Inspiration from Agatha Christie: Christie was a master at creating intricate plots and memorable characters. Try to emulate her knack for misdirection and the way she used seemingly insignificant details as important clues. Reading 'And Then There Were None' could provide insights into her writing style and how she builds suspense. Writing Routine: Morning sessions are a great way to start your day. Try to take advantage of this time when your mind is fresh. Consider setting a word count goal for each session to keep yourself motivated. Creating an eerie and foreboding atmosphere: Descriptive writing is key to set the mood. Use vivid and sensory language to describe the setting and the characters' reactions to it. This can significantly contribute to the eerie atmosphere you're aiming for. Feedback on your writing: If you've been told you need more unexpected plot twists, consider introducing red herrings to mislead readers. Also, if your characters' backstories need to be deeper, spend more time developing their past and their motivations. Each character's past should significantly impact their actions and decisions. Remember, writing is a process, and it's perfectly okay to write a first draft that isn't perfect. The key is to keep practicing and revising until you're satisfied. Happy writing!