Current Project: Doctor in Petticoats
Status: Page 271 (reworked the last chapter some over the weekend but didn't advance any)
I’m thinking of delving into the contemporary romance mystery/suspense market. I have two story ideas that are western themed suspense. I’m thinking of trying the Intrigue line at Harlequin. After all the word count is the length I seem to struggle to get beyond. Right now I’m reading more intrigues than Alice’s to try and figure out the “formula” they like.
What I’m wondering from those of you who already write suspense/mystery do I need to join other writing chapters/groups like Kiss of Death, Mystery Writers and the like? Does one need those connections to write mystery and suspense?
I know the historical RWA chapter I belong to is invaluable, but does one really need to belong to a group that deals with murder and mayhem? There are so many books, blogs, web sites out there with more info than I’ll ever need since nothing in my books will be too grisly.
And if you do think I should join such groups which do you think are the best for someone sticking their toes into a new genre?
What are some scenarios that they aren’t looking for or that they are in the suspense/mystery genre?
Side note: I'm guest blogging on two blogs on Friday, release day for Miner in Petticoats. If you go to my blog on Friday the URLs will be in the post and you can learn more about me and the book. www.patyjager.blogspot.com
5 comments:
I don't know, Paty. My favorite thing with KOD is the ability to throw out a question on the loop and get the answer even thought most of the information is in books. They also offer a crit group, Lethal Ladies.
I don't belong to Mystery Writers of America, although several people have encouraged me to do so. I don't belong to Sisters in Crime either.
I think the biggest benefit in these groups is rubbing shoulders with people who have the same interests and being able to talk about what you love. KOD membership is cheap and the preconference tours are fantastic. It sounds like you're not diving in deep, so maybe it's not necessary. I would start writing first and see if you have questions you can't answer.
As for what they're looking for or not, I believe there is a place for anything well written. I haven't heard any recent hot topics.
Kendra,
That's what I'm wondering. Since it's just another one of my testing the waters things, I'm not sure I need to go all out and join every group.
The HHRW group is like the KOD- you can find the answer with lots of searching but generally someone has the answer at their fingertips and helps.
Thanks!
What a great idea, Paty! I remember when I took a stab at writing an Intrigue it was for an Intrigue writing contest Harlequin was sponsoring. I didn't get anywhere with the contest, and tried querying the book to them afterward, but still no go. So I made some changes and and sent a revised query to the Intimate Moments line, and the editor asked for the full. But after one set of revisions and waiting 15 months for an answer, they turned me down. Bleh. I have to say the Harlequin/Silhouette message boards are excellent for palling around with other writers and getting the latest scoop on all the lines.
I used to belong to KOD and like Kendra, I found it extremely helpful. I also belonged to Mystery Writers of America, but they weren't helpful at all. They turn their noses up at romance and never took me seriously. I always wondered about Sisters in Crime, though. I hear that group is really good.
If you love reading romantic suspense, you're going to enjoy writing it. At least you have a mentor in Alice. My Intrigue mentor (and very good friend) was Kay Bergstron, who writes as Cassie Miles for the Intrigue Line.
Paty -- I belonged to KOD when it first started up. I loved the grass roots feel of it. Their fist death by chocolate party was held in a suite with a big bowl of candy bars and finger food. There was a "chalk" drawing of a body on the door as you entered. I recall sitting on the floor with a bunch of others as we ate, and for the first time ever at a RWA convention, talking about the books and authors I actually read. It was such fun.
And then it got to be a mini RWA thing and I lost interest. Too fancy for my tastes: Chocolate fountains and endless awards. If they go back to their origins and maybe hold a good old fashioned murder mystery at their presentation (now, wouldn't that be fun?) I would return in a flash. And I hear their pre conference tours are amazing.
As I belong to the Intrigue author loop, I use them as a resource. I belong to NINC and RWA but that's it right now.
Do I think you need affiliation with a mystery organization to write an Intrigue? No, I agree with Kendra, start writing and see where that takes you. Intrigues have been all over the place on top ten lists and Rita nominations lately. It's the story and writing that are important. Good luck!
Karen, Thanks for the thoughts. Since I wrote two mysteries(which I sent to a couple agents but no where else) before I jumped into writing romance, I'm hoping this won't be too much of a stretch. And the work length is so me. LOL Karen- I may use one of these for the plotting magic workshop in July.
Alice, Thanks for your thoughts as well. I'll follow everyone's advice and just start writing. If I have questions I'll have you ladies to turn to. But these are both still in the brewing stages. I have others to write first.
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