How Do You Write A Detective Story?
The detective story is one of the most popular genres in literature and movies and the basic formula for the whodunit story is simple in its logic. Beginning with the basic formula can get you started on the road to creating the next Sherlock Holmes or Miss Marple. Introduce the detective. Your detective will establish the kind of world the story takes place in and the rules of that world. Decide what their particular approach to detective work is and any political, social or personal issues that might prove important in the story of the crime or the story of the character themselves. Introduce the corpse or the crime. This can be introduced even before the detective is brought in, but often the detective is presented the case by a victim or witness of some sort. Write the investigation. This could include the investigation of the crime scene, observation of the corpse if there is one, talking to witnesses, doing research, observing potential criminals or those “in the know.” For every
