Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Suspects

I'm taking a Mystery Writing Class and part of our assingment is to come up with a list of possible suspects. Well I'm a pantser, for those of you who don't know what that means, I write by the seat of my pants. I don't draw up elaborate flow charts and index cards. I don't have files and files of background on my characters and I usually don't know what's going to happen until I write about it. I always have a vague idea but nothing set in concrete. This class has been a challenge for me. I am working on a mystery and I am bogged down. Maybe because mysteries need some planning? They are not conducive to pantsers. Am I doomed before I even set pen to paper or in this case finger to keyboard? You tell me. Also a little help on the usual suspects would be greatly appreciated. I have a stalker, a bad cop and a bad witch (it's a paranormal), but I need one more because one of these guys is the killer and according to my teacher I should have at least three suspects besides the killer. Who else is a stereotypical suspect, a red herring? I value your opinions. 
Posted by Jessica McBrayer at 10:58 AM

9 comments:

  1. Dana CrandellJanuary 19, 2011 at 11:48 AM

    Hey, Jess. I'm a pantser, too, and not in the practical joking sense. Don't forget about the employee with a grudge suspect - butler, maid, pool boy, etc.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Jessica McBrayerJanuary 19, 2011 at 11:49 AM

    Dana... all good ones I hadn't thought of! Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Dana CrandellJanuary 19, 2011 at 12:04 PM

    A little cliche', perhaps, but sometimes it's the obvious ones we forget about. :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Reina M. WilliamsJanuary 19, 2011 at 12:21 PM

    Plenty of pansters write mysteries!
    Maybe an old boyfriend? A jealous friend? A colleague? A kooky professor? A librarian? Someone who works a the pub/coffee house/restaurant she frequents? You will figure it out! :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Jessica McBrayerJanuary 19, 2011 at 12:24 PM

    My stalker is an employee but he of course thinks he loves my heroine so having a disgruntled employee is a good idea. I am just trying to flesh out a few scenes to see if they work. Nothing is for sure yet. But it always helps to brainstorm so thanks again!

    ReplyDelete
  6. scottish heatherJanuary 19, 2011 at 4:03 PM

    In real life people are often killed for money or love...there should be plenty of suspects if you look at those 2 sources. Good luck!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Sarah CardenasJanuary 19, 2011 at 5:06 PM

    What about a sister or brother to the victim that has a favorite child issue! :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. Karysa FaireJanuary 19, 2011 at 6:42 PM

    What about a good friend, who ends up NOT being a good friend. . . .because she slept with the butler! Hahahahaha.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Jessica McBrayerJanuary 19, 2011 at 7:33 PM

    All good! I think I have plenty of fodder for my homework Thanks to all!

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)