When you think about this photo, think of something that happens while you are sleeping, something uncomfortable. Possibly, it is the makings of a story.

The photos I’m using the next few weeks are from Worth 1000. If you visit the Worth 1000 site, their photography is wonderful.

Our title was too long as it originally read “Think Outside the Box 6 & Tips about Sleuth Writing. That caused too many error messages in posting. Learning what works with blogging is a challenge. So, we hope you sleuths get this.

When we conduct writer’s workshops, many want advice on character development. In our book, $uccess, Your Guide to a Successful Book, we outline many different aspects of this challenge and encourage people to develop a character notebook. Today we found something new that takes our approach further.

In the July issue of “The Writer,” William G. Tapply, author of long-running Brady Coyne mysteries provides great tips in detail for creating a sleuth with lasting power. We are just providing the headings but encourage you to read the article:
1. Think big, have faith, and plan ahead.
2. Decide if your sleuth is going to be a pro, semipro or amateur.
3. Decide on voice, tone and personality.
4. Focus on flaws, foibles, weaknesses and quirks.
5. Decide to what extent and how you’ll reveal personal history, tastes, preferences and appearances.

In addition to reading the article in The Writer, we’d encourage you to visit Tapply’s website. If you’re into sleuthing, reading some of his well-know works could help you.

And now it is time for the answer to thinking outside the box: Night Mare

Maralyn D. Hill
Books By Hills
Where & What in the World Blog
Success Blog
NoraLyn Ltd