Mysteries are really two different stories twisted together:
What happened & What appeared to happen.
For this reason it is easier to start at the end and work your way back to the beginning. But that’s just for the planning stages. Writing mysteries is actually a combination of two major methods of writing.
- Method A – using an outline. You definitely want to make an outline if you are writing a ‘fairplay’ mystery or it will be impossible to keep track of all the clues that must be inserted in order for the reader or audience to be able to arrive at the solution.
- Method B – create a group of interesting characters, toss them into an interesting situation and hang on for the ride.
Mystery writing advice is scattered throughout the Mystery Factory blog in various postings under that category. http://mysteryfactory.com/category/mystery-writing-advice/