Engaging Readers with holiday Themed mysteries

Hey there, fellow mystery writers! Welcome to this week’s episode.

In my personal writing updates, it’s been Christmas in July and August for me, as my Christmas story set in my cozy mystery series world is getting some finishing touches as will be ready for release later in the year.

So why should Hallmark have all the fun when it comes to holiday-themed stories? If you are looking for a way to attract new readers and keep them coming back for more then crafting clever whodunits that just happen to take place during the most wonderful time of the year, and other holidays can be a fun way to engage readers into your world, and turn them into loyal fans- especially if they are a bonus giveaway.

First off, let's talk about why holiday-themed mysteries make such great reader magnets. For starters, people love the holidays. Whether it's Christmas, Halloween, or any other festive occasion, there's just something about the season that puts people in a good mood. And when people are in a good mood, they're more likely to take a chance on a new book or author.

But it's not just about the warm and fuzzy feelings. Holiday-themed mysteries also offer a unique setting and atmosphere that can really set your story apart. Think about it: a murder at a Christmas party or a Halloween haunted house has a built-in sense of drama and intrigue. Plus, the holiday setting gives you a chance to play with all sorts of fun tropes and traditions.

Another reason holiday mysteries work so well is that they tap into a sense of nostalgia. Many people have fond memories of reading holiday-themed books as a child, and a holiday mystery can transport them back to that magical time. It's like comfort food for the brain!

Okay, so you're sold on the idea of writing a holiday mystery. But where do you start? Here are a few tips to get you going:

1. Choose your holiday wisely: Not all holidays are created equal when it comes to mystery writing. Christmas and Halloween are obvious choices, but don't be afraid to think outside the box. A Valentine's Day murder or a Fourth of July crime spree could be just as intriguing.

2. Embrace the clichés (but give them a twist): Part of the fun of holiday mysteries is playing with the familiar tropes and traditions. But don't just rehash the same old stories. Give them a fresh spin or a surprising twist to keep readers on their toes.

3. Use the setting to your advantage: A holiday setting can be a character in its own right. Use the sights, sounds, and smells of the season to create a vivid, immersive atmosphere. And don't be afraid to use the holiday chaos to your advantage – a crowded shopping mall or a bustling holiday party can be the perfect place to hide a killer.

4. Give your characters some holiday spirit: Just because it's a mystery doesn't mean your characters can't enjoy the holidays. Give them some festive quirks or traditions to make them feel more relatable and real. Maybe your detective has a secret love for tacky Christmas sweaters, or your suspect is a Halloween enthusiast.

5. Keep the stakes high: Just because it's a holiday doesn't mean the crimes can't be serious. In fact, the contrast between the cheerful holiday atmosphere and the dark deeds afoot can make the mystery even more compelling. Don't be afraid to go dark or gritty if the story calls for it.

6. Plan ahead: If you want to use your holiday mystery as a reader magnet, you'll need to plan ahead. Aim to have your story ready to go at least a month before the holiday in question. That way, you can start promoting it early and build some buzz.

7. Consider a series: If your holiday mystery is a hit, why not make it a tradition? A series of holiday-themed mysteries can be a great way to keep readers coming back year after year. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore different holidays and put a fresh spin on the formula each time.

8. One of my favourite authors, Craig Johnson who writes the Walt Longmire series set in a fictional town in Wyoming, writes a Christmas short story every year which is released to his newsletter subscribers on Christmas Day. It’s become a tradition and I look forward to it, as do thousands of his fans.

At the end of the day, writing holiday-themed mysteries is all about giving your readers a gift. You're offering them a chance to escape into a world of intrigue and suspense, while also tapping into the warmth and nostalgia of the holiday season. And if you do it well, they'll keep coming back for more, year after year.

---

Let's talk about one of the most crucial elements of your craft: dialogue. It's not just about what your characters say, but how they say it. Authentic, engaging conversations can bring your story to life, keep readers hooked, and reveal the depths of your characters' personalities. So here are some tips to help you with crafting believable conversations that keep your story and plot line moving forward.

First things first, listen up! Eavesdropping is your secret weapon. Observing real-life conversations can work wonders for your writing. In a coffee shop,  or sitting on a park bench, or even a busy street corner, listen to how people talk, their quirks, interruptions, and the way they react to each other. You'll pick up on speech patterns, slang, and the natural ebb and flow of conversations. Jot down interesting phrases or exchanges that catch your ear – they might just inspire your next bit of brilliant dialogue!

Your characters are the heart and soul of your story, so their conversations should reflect their unique personalities, backgrounds, and emotions. A tough-as-nails detective will have a different way of speaking than a nervous witness or a smooth-talking criminal. Consider their age, education, profession, and where they're from. A teenager from the Bronx will have a distinct vocabulary compared to a retired professor from Oxford. Infusing these nuances into your dialogue will make your characters feel authentic and relatable. But try not to sink into a cliched way of speaking.

And there's more to it than just nailing down individual speech patterns. Dialogue dynamics are all about the interplay between characters. Think about power dynamics, hidden agendas, and unspoken tensions. In a crime novel, these elements are key. For example, consider this: A seasoned detective is interrogating a suspect. The detective's questions are sharp and probing, while the suspect's responses are evasive and defensive. The dialogue crackles with tension, each line revealing a little more about the characters and their motives. It's not just what they're saying, but what they're not saying that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

Here's an example:

Detective: "Where were you on the night of the murder?"Suspect: "I already told you, I was at home."Detective: "Alone? No one can confirm that?"Suspect: "Look, I had nothing to do with it. I'm not saying another word without my lawyer."

The suspect's curt responses and refusal to cooperate could hint at their potential guilt or involvement. The detective's questions grow more pointed, ratcheting up the tension. It's these subtle shifts in dialogue dynamics that make the scene compelling.

Try to introduce some realistic pacing. In real life, conversations are full of interruptions, pauses, and tangents. Don't be afraid to let your characters cut each other off, trail off mid-sentence, or go off on a seemingly unrelated tangent. These moments can reveal character quirks, add humor, or provide a breather in a tense scene. Just be sure to use them purposefully and not let them derail the overall flow of the conversation.

Avoid info-dumping through dialogue. You know, those clunky exchanges where characters unnaturally spout exposition for the reader's benefit. Trust your readers to pick up on context clues and fill in the gaps. Instead of having a character say, "As you know, Bob, the victim was found stabbed 27 times in his study," try something more organic like, "God, I can't get the image of that poor guy out of my head. Who could do something like that?" Let the conversation flow naturally, and sprinkle in necessary information as the characters would realistically discuss it.

Lastly, don't neglect the power of subtext. Sometimes, the most impactful conversations are the ones where characters dance around what they really want to say. In a crime novel, this can be especially powerful. Imagine a scene where the killer and the detective are having a seemingly innocent chat, but beneath the surface, there's a game of cat-and-mouse going on. The killer drops subtle hints, enjoying the thrill of staying one step ahead, while the detective tries to trap them into a confession. It's these layered, double-meaning conversations that keep readers guessing and invested.

Here's an example of subtext in action:

Detective: "Beautiful day, isn't it? Perfect weather for a stroll in the park."Killer: "Indeed. It's a shame some people can't appreciate life's simple pleasures anymore."Detective: "Oh? And why's that?"Killer: "Well, detective, sometimes people get so caught up in their own problems, they forget to stop and smell the roses. Pity, really."

On the surface, it's a casual exchange about the weather and appreciating life. But the killer's words carry a sinister undertone, hinting at their lack of remorse and twisted worldview. The detective, of course, picks up on this and uses it to steer the conversation toward a potential confession.

In conclusion, crafting authentic dialogue in your crime novel is all about capturing the nuances of real-life conversations while keeping readers engaged. Observe how people talk, give your characters distinct voices, and don't be afraid to let conversations ebb and flow naturally. Use dialogue dynamics to reveal character motivations, hidden agendas, and unspoken tensions. And remember, sometimes the most powerful moments are the ones left unsaid, simmering beneath the surface.