You cannot capture a dream until you reach for it.

The MAGIC of MYSTERY

forest night

by Karen E. Rigley

Mysteries fascinate us. We instinctively want to unravel a mystery. It leads to basics of human survival, scientific discoveries and captivating literature.

From childhood we seek answers to questions like: Why is the sky blue? What’s inside the box? Or where does this eye fit on the dinosaur puzzle?

We also wonder what will happen when Hansel and Gretel get lost in the woods. Or why the wind blows. Or if our toys come to life after we fall asleep.

We’re hooked practically from birth. Both curiousity and challenge tease our imaginations. So no wonder we seek mystery in our entertainment – stories, movies, games.

Where? What? Who? How? Why? What if?

The world revolves around mysteries.

I’m a mystery fan. I read it, watch it, write it. No matter what type of story I write – I’ll spice it with mystery. You’ll discover it in my fantasy, science fiction, romance, humor – not just in my intrigue or suspense. No wonder I’m excited about creating a series of mystery novels. It’s, ah, in my blood. 😉

 

MYSTERY FAN

Tales modern or woven in history,

I always love a good mystery.

Using clues to unravel a bit,

it’s amusing to guess who done it,

where and how and why;

who’ll be next to die.

Determined authors can rarely fool

this armchair detective keeping cool.

My favorite tales to be direct,

reveal my guesses are incorrect.

Karen Elizabeth Rigley

 

CLOAKED METHOD

The secret to writing a mystery book

requires more than a beginning hook.

It takes more than an intriguing clue

discovered by an exploring gumshoe.

Don’t depend upon poison or knife

or a dangerous shadow threatening life.

Creating an intriguing story

entails more than killing gory,

inventing more than a detective wise

or exploring all three suspects lies.

An author needs more to make a good read

than motives of love, betrayal and greed.

Here lies the real secret my friend,

plan it backward from the end.

Karen Elizabeth Rigley

 

Comments on: "The MAGIC of MYSTERY" (10)

  1. Eleanor Anders said:

    Love the blog! Excellent post:-)

  2. Thanks, Eleanor. I gather you’re a mystery fan, too?

  3. Bonnie K. Winn said:

    Your writing’s magical!

  4. Thanks, Bonnie, that is such a compliment!

  5. Eleanor Anders said:

    Karen,

    I have varying tastes, but my first love is mystery!

  6. forensics4fiction said:

    Great post Karen. I think we all have a primal curiosity and need to understand the things we encounter. A good mystery just amplifies that need.

  7. Well said, Tom. Thanks for commenting!

  8. Hi Karen:
    For those of us in the “experienced” category, mysteries are good brain workouts.
    Una Tiers

  9. True, Una–fun brain workouts. We do enjoy challenges. 😉
    Una, love your website!

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