From Booklist
*Starred Review* Here, for writers itching to get started (but not quite sure how), is one of the most useful recent guides to crafting words into stories. The author, whose mystery fiction has won a handful of awards, customizes her guide for writers of detective fiction and suspense (although her discussions of plotting and character creation will be valuable to all would-be scribblers, regardless of their chosen genre). Wheat begins with an insightful discussion of the distinction between mystery and suspense--each plays to a different part of the reader's imagination and expectations--and then devotes a section to each genre. She offers up plenty of useful tips, such as how to dispense vital information in subtle ways and how to plant clues without being too obvious about it. Where the book really scores, however, is in Wheat's demonstration of how to construct a novel as a series of arcs, each designed to take the reader gracefully to a certain point in the story. While covering similar territory, the sections on mystery and suspense approach the material from slightly different angles. The final section, on the writing process, provides a nuts-and-bolts discussion of such fundamentals as outlining, revising, and finding the right voice for your story. There are almost as many writer's guides on the market as there are struggling writers, but this one is indispensable. David Pitt
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How to Write Killer Fiction: The Funhouse of Mystery and the Roller Coaster of Suspense FROM THE CRITICS
Library Journal
Any fan of mystery and/or suspense will enjoy not only Wheat's readable style but also the fascinating historic background she has compiled on these two genres. Few how-to-write books have tried to combine mystery and suspense in the same work, but Wheat, herself an award-winning mystery writer, creative writing teacher, and editor, has devoted half of this book to each. Wheat offers detailed background information on both genres while elucidating the differences between the two; she also makes concrete suggestions for the ambitious writer seeking to combine them in a single work. Arguably, good writing cannot be taught. Yet Wheat successfully clarifies the key differences between the two genres and shows how to read the work of other established writers critically for style and technique. Aside from the act of writing itself, there is no better training for the novice. Highly recommended for all libraries. Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.
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