Write Your Own: Mystery (17 page)

  Is the mystery sufficiently interesting to make the reader want to read on?

  Is the main character likeable?

  Is the action exciting?

  Have you planted red herrings to lead the reader astray?

  Have you planted enough real clues but kept them well hidden so the reader is kept guessing until the end?

  Have you used suspense techniques to build tension?

  Have you made good use of cliffhangers?

  Is there a final crisis?

  At the end does the story tie up all the loose threads and explain the mystery in a satisfying manner?

 

Writing tip!

Some writers like to check their work as they go along. Others leave the editing until they have finished the whole story. It doesn't matter when you decide to edit – as long as you do it! Make sure you check your work, make improvements and correct any inaccuracies before you move on to the next stage – publishing!

2. Checking for accuracy

Make sure that your spelling, punctuation and paragraphing are all correct.

Spelling checklist

If you cannot remember a spelling, you can:

  Say the word slowly, listen to each sound and write them down.

  Write the word down, look at it and adjust the spelling until the word looks right.

  Think of a word you can spell that rhymes with the word you want. The spelling might be similar.

  Work out if there are any suffixes, prefixes or a root word that you can spell.