Mystery Story

Hello students,

Today's lab session will be about writing mystery stories. Please read the following information before getting started.

But ...

What is mystery?

Why do people like it?

"What people enjoy about a mystery is the intellectual challenge. A mystery often presents a problem, (most specifically a crime or a specific ill against a character or community) at the beginning and then offers clues that the reader  can put together in order to hypothesize about a resolution."

"For myself I like to read a mystery for a couple of reasons, one is that they usually involve clues that you have to put together like a puzzle. Another reason is that most good mysteries allow you to "get away" from the real world for a short time!"

 taken from http://www.enotes.com/homework-help/why-do-people-like-read-mysteries

The unknown plays an important role in every mystery story. Who did it? What was that strange noise at night? Will the detective find the gun? Who (or what) has been pursuing our hero so relentlessly—and why?   

As you might guess, mystery writers know the answers to such questions before they begin writing. As they write, they drop clues to the reader.

An observant reader can sometimes figure out the mystery before finishing the story.

In fact, if the ending is a complete surprise, the writer has not done a good job! After finishing a mystery, the reader should be able to go back through the story and find clues that hinted at the solution.

Relentlessly: without stopping.

So as not to confuse these genres, have a look at this table. Mainly focus your attention in the Msytery boxes after you realise the difference among Mystery, Horror and Suspense.

Taken from:http://www.writersdigest.com/online-editor/6-secrets-to-creating-and-sustaining-suspense

Now read the following beginning of a mystery story.

Now think about how you would solve the mystery. Remember to give the reader a few hints along the way, so the ending isn’t a complete surprise.

Answer these questions before you actually write the rest of the story:

1. How did you probably  get to that island? Why do you think so?

2. Where did you meet Fred? 

3. Why were you with him ?

4. Why did he bonk you?

5. Which was your mom's idea about Power Rangers? 

6. What are you going to do there in the island?

 7.  Are you going to come back to your place?

Task 6

Work in small groups of 2-4, and  write a page with the rest of the story and give it an unexpected end.

When you are finished, make up a catchy title for your story.

Remember to share your work with your lab teacher. 

Due date:

*The crew members( Professor Maller´s): Next thursday up to 11 am. Secretary´s office (Box)

*Glorious section: ( Professor Benavides´s): Thursday 25th up to 12 noon. Secretary´s office.

Are you a mystery lover?

If so, visit the following link and enjoy reading mystery novels: 

http://flavorwire.com/434548/50-essential-mystery-novels-that-everyone-should-read

After watching this video answer this question:

How would you feel in this forest? 

Write it in the comments box at the end of this entry.