HOLIDAYS MAKE GREAT TIMES--GREAT SETTINGS FOR MYSTERIES ...

PLUS CHECK OUT THE FUN CONTEST AT MY WEBSITE

Some years ago, M. K. Wren (Conan Flagg series) taught in a mystery writing class that good mystery stories perched on a three-legged stool. The three legs are character, setting and plot. Most of us think that plot is the essential piece. But ponder this. Plots depend upon interesting characters that you care about, otherwise you probably won't finish the book. The best plot twists in the world can't save a story if the the characters are literally paper thin.

Sometimes, as with Evanovich's Stephanie Plum, zany characters, the ones you become fond of like kooky relatives, can carry dull plots. You as the reader are more indulgent of them, and consequently of the plot, even it does run shallow.

Thinking of settings, plots and characters, I'd have to amend what I said above . . . perhaps. (Throwing stones while sitting in a glass house, don't you know.) I've posted a quick, short Christmas story at my website you might enjoy at my website www.patriciaharrington.com. "The Last Chance Gift" has an unlikely but plucky amateur sleuth. Please zip over and take a look at it and send me a note. In the story, was there one "leg" that stood out? Was the story more about setting, character or plot? Please let me know and while at it . . .

ALSO, ENTER MY FUN, FREE CONTEST:

Tell me in a sentence or two, the following--

Who is or are your favorite mystery protagonist(s)--detectives or sleuths.

And then tell me why.

The winner, randomly drawn, will receive a $10 Amazon gift certificate. Go have fun and play a bit! www.patriciaharrington.com

Yours in mystery,

Pat