Maya Angelou

If you like literary and poetic writing, try Maya Angelou.

There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you. Maya Angelou–I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

Leon Uris

It’s heavy, but if you want to get into the nitty-gritty on such subjects as what life was like in the concentration camps during WWII, or the history and life of the Irish (Trinity), then these will hold your interest.

Lately (as of 10/2024 )

I’m reading (for fun) Tony Hillerman’s early book, The Blessing Way (light cozy); Patterson and the late Crichton (Eruption) adventure; non-fiction for writers: I’m re-reading Stephen King’s On Writing

Use of AI (as in ChatGpt or other?)

I have experimented with ChatGpt and others and find it useful for limited research. For instance, if I were to write a novel where the protagonist was a chef, I could easily have the AI device look up information (details) on what is involved in being a chef. I have “run an idea” by ChatGpt (or other AI), for instance: “Tell me if this plot is a good idea for a book.” What I have found though is that it’s like asking a friend who would say, “well, that depends–it could be–or not.”

However, I don’t believe it is legit or moral (or whatever label you choose), to write an entire book using AI, nor using AI to create your cover. It’s the “Wild Wild West” of AI, however, but I believe laws will be put into place, authors might be called out on using AI.

That said, I asked ChatGpt to give me the top books on writing mysteries, and this is what it came up with. Note: I have read the Grafton book, the Stephen King book, but my list would include Bird by Bird (Lamott) and the Save the Cat books.

“The Anatomy of Story” by John Truby

  • Though not specifically focused on mystery thrillers, this book is a masterclass in storytelling. It breaks down the essential elements of great plots and character development, which is crucial when crafting a compelling mystery.

2. “Writing Mysteries” by Sue Grafton (Editor)

  • A collection of essays and advice from some of the best-known mystery writers. This book offers practical tips on creating memorable characters, plotting intricate mysteries, and mastering suspense.

3. “Story” by Robert McKee

  • While not exclusive to mystery thrillers, McKee’s book offers profound insights into structure, pacing, and plot—three vital components in writing an effective thriller. It helps you understand how to create tension and manage the rhythm of your story.

4. “Mastering Suspense, Structure, and Plot” by Jane Cleland

  • This book delves into the mechanics of writing a mystery or thriller. It gives practical advice on building suspense, creating red herrings, and developing tight, well-paced plots that keep readers hooked until the last page.

5. “The Writer’s Guide to Crafting Stories for Children” by Nancy Lamb

  • Though it focuses on children’s fiction, its principles on plotting, pacing, and structure can easily be applied to any genre, including mystery thrillers. It provides a deep dive into how to structure a story to keep readers engaged.

6. “How to Write a Mystery” by Raymond Obstfeld

  • A great resource for mystery writers, it provides a comprehensive approach to constructing your plot, building suspense, and developing the mechanics of a classic whodunit. Obstfeld offers advice on everything from creating believable sleuths to developing clues.

7. “The Crime Writer’s Guide to Criminal Law” by Glenis Wilson

  • A handy guide for authors who want to make sure their mystery thriller’s legal aspects are accurate. If your story involves detectives, crime scenes, or courtrooms, this book can help you avoid common mistakes and build a realistic narrative.

8. “The Elements of Mystery Fiction” by William G. Tapply

  • This book is a guide to understanding the crucial components of a mystery story, from building atmosphere to creating believable, compelling characters and maintaining suspense.

9. “On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft” by Stephen King

  • While it’s not specifically about mystery thrillers, King’s book is an essential read for all writers. It combines memoir and writing advice, offering deep insights into storytelling, crafting compelling characters, and keeping readers hooked.

10. “Stealing Fire from the Gods” by James Bonnet

  • This book delves into story structure and the mythic elements that many great thrillers share. It’s a useful tool for crafting emotionally compelling plots that have a deep resonance with your audience.