Along with a puzzling plot that you piece together clue by clue, a great mystery novel presents compelling characters.
One of my favorite mystery story characters is Inspector Jacques
Clouseau. I laugh at his zany, slap stick ineptness and yet, he always
successfully solves the mystery I can’t figure out until it’s revealed at the
end.
Here are things for you to consider in creating compelling
characters for your mystery novel.
The Characters In A Great Mystery Novel Are Relatable
You want readers to root for the main character in your mystery. To see themselves in him. So give him traits, problems and challenges like average people. Everyone roots for an underdog. Maybe your mystery novel character is the class nerd who is up against the most popular boy in school.
Perhaps it’s a weakness or fault. Despite his usually good
natured personality, he has a quick temper that gets him into trouble. Or he is
plagued by a weakness like fear of the dark, fear of water or heights. Or maybe
none of this phases him, but he nearly faints at the thought of public
speaking.
Complicate Characters In Your Great Mystery Novel With Paradoxes
Real people are complicated with multiple dimensions that will surprise you. Like the engineer who acts in Shakespeare drama. The construction worker who raises a garden. The assembly-line factory worker who masters crossword puzzles.
Do the same with your characters. A good way is to simply think
opposites. A huge football lineman that enjoys ballet. A seven foot basketball
player who bakes cup cakes. A classic opera singer that plays poker. Even bad
guys aren’t bad all the time. What if the villain in your mystery novel has a
tender heart for puppies and donates generously to an animal shelter?
Create A Character Back Story
The back story in a mystery is represented by the events and experiences in a character’s past that influence their current behavior. They many not actually show up in your mystery novel, but they influence how the character behaves.
Maybe there’s something in that character’s family
history. He’s afraid of the dark because as a child, he was locked in a dark
basement. Or fears water because of nearly drowning.
In my Christian Detective Novel, Soul
Pursuit, the back story of Jack Sterling, the main character is slowly
revealed a little at a time. And it’s all part of his faith
journey that progresses through the book and leads to a point where he’s
confronted with a personal decision.
The back story in your novel can become a mystery itself that you solve as you reveal it a little at a time. A certain, habit. An unusual quirk. And the reason or motivation behind it is revealed slowly through the course of the mystery novel.
As you craft intriguing mysteries and create compelling
characters, your mystery novel will go from good to great.
After you’ve worked out the main plot, consider writing a subplot for your detective novel.
A sub what?
A subplot takes place within the main plot of your detective novel. It’s also called a story thread and story within a story. Subplots are shorter than the main plot. But like the main plot, they tell a story with characters, conflict and resolution.
There’s no rule of thumb on how many subplots to include in
your detective novel. It really depends on how long and how complex of a book
you want to write.
Subplots add texture to your detective novel. They increase drama, add intrigue, misdirection and depth to your book.
Ways To Write A Subplot For Your Detective Novel
There are many uses for subplots. The most obvious, of course, is to make your book longer. Otherwise, not only is your detective novel one dimensional, it may feel too short.
But subplots also accomplish other things. They add dimension and help you develop your characters by putting them into various situations that reveal other sides of their personalities.
You can also use subplots to change the mood and pace of your story. Suppose, for example, you just completed a heart pounding scene in your detective novel where an important character just barely escapes.
Taking readers into a calmer subplot storyline lightens the
mood and lets them catch their emotional breath.
Deciding The Type of Subplot For Your Detective Novel
When considering different types of subplots to use in your detective
novel, think variety. Maybe it’s a physical challenge. While solving the
mystery, your hero also pursues a goal or solves a problem separate from the
mystery.
Let’s say the main character in your mystery is a high school newspaper reporter tracking down the basketball team’s stolen mascot uniform. But his editor also assigns him to write a story on the local dog show. You might intersect the two plots somehow or keep them completely separate.
An internal story
Or maybe your subplot for your detective novel is an internal story. A decision or moral dilemma the character wrestles with.
In my faith-based detective novel, Soul
Pursuit, the main character, Jack Sterling is on a faith journey. He starts
out a non-religious person, but experiences a number of encounters throughout
the book to a climax where he is confronted with his beliefs about God
and his own personal faith decision.
As you master the art of writing subplots and weave them together with your main plot, you’ll create a detective novel that is longer, more interesting and engaging.
Some people claim Jesus was a great salesman. But I think he was the worst marketer ever.
I’ve been a professional copywriter for 25 years. I’ve written the words…
Simple… Easy… and convenient…
Probably, like a bazillion times in every form of media invented. Except maybe stone tablets.
I’ve been a follower of Jesus Christ even longer. Not just a once a week church goer. But one who studies and applies his teachings to everyday life and leads my family on the same path.
Okay, I regularly fail in my efforts. Still, I press on with an intentional, Spirit-led focus.
So when I read material that extols Jesus as a great marketer or salesman, I don’t get it. I think he was terrible at marketing.
The worst marketer ever
Why?
Because nothing about my life as a Christ-follower has been simple, easy or convenient. Nor did Jesus use those words in his marketing efforts. Or try to persuade people to follow him.
He proposed the opposite.
Sure. Christianity offers one really attractive benefit statement—the hope of eternal life. But it’s an open ended invitation. You can always play the odds, risk it and put that decision off to the last minute.
Beat the buzzer, as they say in sports. And enjoy the best of both worlds. But that’s a separate discussion.
Bad Recruiting Statements By The Worst Marketer Ever
Here are some of Jesus’ marketing statements recorded in scripture:
Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. –Matthew 10:37
Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. –Matthew 24:9
Then he said to them all: Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. –Luke 9:23
In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples. –Luke 14:33
The point being…
Following Jesus involves costs.
Wow. Really? Well, sign me right up.
But wait, there’s more!
Sorry, couldn’t help myself.
There’s also, no simple, provable and easy answer on why you should sign up for it. I think God planned it that way.
For me, it has been a challenging journey with some costs. Fortunately, not the ultimate cost some have paid.
Why Follow The Worst Marketer Ever?
On the positive side, I’ve enjoyed some of God’s pretty cool promises.
So why spend a professional career as a marketer myself? Why persuade people to buy products and services that are simple, easy, and convenient and live a life following someone whose marketing message offers the opposite?
Because there’s something undeniably compelling about Jesus. Something authentic, real and genuine. Something that tells me following him is worth it. That he’s worth it.
And it demands a response. First, a decision of belief. Followed by acts of faith.
A little known Bible story with a valuable lesson demonstrates the difference between leading through influence over authority.
It is found in 2 Kings 11-13 and 2 Chronicles 24:15-22 and has a Grimm’s Fairy Tale quality to it.
Here’s a summary:
Athaliah, the wicked queen mother of king Ahaziah, seizes the throne of Judah when king Ahaziah is assassinated. And she kills all possible heirs to secure her rule. Except one infant heir, Joash, is whisked away. And he’s hidden in the temple and raised by Johioada the priest.
However, when Joash turns seven, Johoiada hails him king in an orchestrated, public event. And queen Athaliah is seized and put to death.
Joash is now in supreme power. But it is the influence of Jehoiada the priest that governs how he rules.
Joash did what was right in the eyes of the Lord all the years Jehoiada the priest instructed him. (ESV, 2 Kings 12:3)
But there’s a surprise ending. Because after Jehoiada dies, Joash morally degrades into a wicked king and eventually assassinated.
Authority Comes By Position, Influence Comes Through Relationship
There’s a subtle but crucial difference in leading through influence over authority. Especially when it comes to building a healthy team and organization.
Whenever you possess authority and in command. It doesn’t mean you command allegiance. Or guarantee your followers will fully and enthusiastically carry out your decisions.
And if your followers don’t actually follow you then your organization is going nowhere. Because teamwork and unity you need to develop requires trust and genuine relationships in order to exert influence.
Strength Of Character And Relationship Impact Your Level Of Influence
The inference is there. Jehoiada was like a father to Joash. He loved him and raised him like a son.
Furthermore, Jehoiada also loved and served God. Obeyed God’s teachings. Exhibited Godly character. And all of it rubbed off on Joash.
Since Jehoiada wanted to please and serve God, Joash wanted to please and serve God too.
A similar story is found in John 1:40-51. One of the first disciples Jesus called was Andrew. And right away, he finds his brother, Peter, and introduce him to Jesus too.
Peter…the guy Jesus called a rock. Who became a significant leader in the Christian movement and influence on the church. But it was his brother who influenced him first,
Would Peter have still met Jesus if it weren’t for Andrew? Maybe. But Andrew’s influence radically changed the course of Peter’s life. And Peter’s influence profoundly affects the Christian church today.
So who is in your sphere of influence? What relationships should you develop and personal character traits should you address?
The strength of Jehoiada’s character impacted Joash and will do the same for those you influence. Furthermore, you don’t need authority to use it. Jehoiada the priest had no power or authority. But his influence impacted the welfare of an entire kingdom. Andrew’s influence impacted an entire religion.
And your influence might be more powerful than you think.
Something to think about.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
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Professional, freelance copywriters charge between $45 to $100 or more an hour. A big cost difference for just a few hours of writing. So how do you choose the right freelance copywriter at the right price?
The challenge when selecting a freelance copywriter is you can’t compare apples to apples. Copywriters differ in writing styles, range of industries covered and experience.
The answer is to base your decision on value rather than price. Does the copywriter deliver what you’re looking for at a cost that adds to your bottom line? Are you satisfied with the results?
There will always be a certain level of subjectivity to your decision, but here are 3 criteria for making a determination.
Does The Freelance Copywriter Have A Voice And Style You Like?
Professional copywriters will change their voice and writing style to match the one you want. Like a good character actor. They become the person you want. But at the same time, every copywriter has a sweet spot.
Some copywriters have an aptitude for technical language. Some a strong business presence. And others a knack for play on words and clever sense of humor. Which one best represents the personality of your company?
And don’t think that just because you’re an IT firm it means you have to be dry and boring. If you’re a fun and light person who happens to also be an IT expert, be that way in your presentation. And find the writer that matches you. There are plenty of fun and humor loving customers out there looking for you.
Does The Freelance Copywriter Deliver Persuasive Copy?
Persuasive copy is clear, concise and COMPELLING. It’s the psychological aspect of copywriting. Art not science. And hard to define because there’s no clear formula.
But the copy has an enticing flavor that draws the audience in. Identifies and relates to their pain. And presents the solution…YOU! Which is where you cash in.
When you read the copy of the copywriter you’re considering does it convince you to…
Click on a link?
Return to a blog?
Swipe a credit card?
A copywriter’s ability to write persuasively is the X factor. And the easiest way for you to determine their value.
Do their e-blasts produce sales leads that result in sales? How many sales does it take to cover the cost of that e-blast?
Is their SEO blog article a good read, a soft sale that attracts new customers AND raises your rankings for certain keywords in search engine results? A copywriter that accomplishes all three is worth his/her weight in gold.
Copywriters that present you as unique…different…and better are always a good value.
Is The Freelance Copywriter Intuitive?
Think plug and play. Someone who gets it quickly and is off and running. Who quickly grasps your message and delivers it in the media you want.
Without a lot of hand holding on your part. They do their thing and you do yours.
There’s always an initial learning curve as a freelance copywriter adjusts to your particular language. But intuitive writers get there fast. And once they are, you won’t have to be.
You tell them what you want and they’re off and running.
The best part about a freelance copywriter from your perspective is you’re free to shop around. You try out different writers until you find the one that fits you best.
But keep in mind. Freelance copywriters are also looking for good clients. They’re measuring you just like you’re measuring them. And may pass on you for a better client.
Biblical Humility is largely misunderstood in modern culture.
And that’s unfortunate, because I think it makes people reject Christianity without really understanding it or even opening a Bible to check it out for themselves.
Here are three cultural ideas on humility through a Biblical lens.
Biblical Humility Minimizes Abilities And Achievements
You commonly see this idea expressed by athletes who are interviewed after spectacular game performances.
They’ll downplay their individual contribution like it was nothing special—even though you know it was—and instead, praise the total team effort.
Now I’m not second guessing every post-game interview or an athlete’s sincerity about teamwork. My point is that simply pretending to be humble is not Biblical humility.
It can actually represent false humility—a form of pride.
You see the Bible never discourages you from believing in yourself, expressing self-confidence or recognizing your natural abilities. God intends for you to enjoy and use them for His glory.
What scripture frowns on is when you take credit for them. Act like they inherently belong to you and make you superior to others. Pretending you don’t have them doesn’t fool anyone. It can be a thin cloak over a heart full of pride.
Biblical humility recognizes talents and abilities as gifts from God. Expresses thanksgiving for them. And uses them to honor God and advance His Kingdom.
Biblical Humility Means People Are Meek And Therefore Weak
Hollywood loves to portray Jesus as this frail, wimpy nice guy who let people walk all over him. It’s a common, cultural idea of meekness and humility.
But the Biblical idea of meekness is power under control. It’s the picture of a powerful stallion that willingly submits and responds to its rider. A more accurate picture of Jesus Christ.
He had access to awesome power, but controlled it. Not to advance his own agenda, but to carry out his mission in advancing the Kingdom of God.
In scripture Jesus…
Woke from a nap in a sinking boat and calmed a raging storm with a command—that’s exercising divine power. (Matthew 8:23-27)
Over-turned the tables of cheating merchants and physically drove them from the temple—that’s exercising power for a righteous cause. (John 2:13-22)
Fearlessly told a high ranking government official that could have spared his life who really holds the power over life and death—that’s recognizing your power, but choosing not to exercise it. (John 19:8-11)
Prevented anyone from harming him before he was mission ready—that’s exercising mission focused power. (Luke 4:28-30; John 7:28-30)
So what does this say about humility for me as a Christ-follower?
Well, it might mean a check on my manhood and standing down from certain situations. And if the situation dictates otherwise, to exercise control.
Not because I’m afraid or unable to defend myself. Or perhaps, even because I’m wrong. But because Biblical humility is purposefully, missioned focused.
Humility Carefully Manages Your Public Self-Image
Biblical humility rejects a carefully managed self-image that always looks spectacular. Of course, we all maintain a protected front to some degree. I’m not suggesting that authenticity is completely unfiltered.
But Biblical humility admits your human imperfections. It recognizes and treats others like we’re all on an even playing field. No one is more or less than anyone else. Completely all together. Has it all figured out.
When you pretend on any of this, that’s all you’re doing…pretending. And everyone knows it.
And don’t suggest you’re not attractive, smart, talented and gifted. When you are.
Biblical humility allows for a healthy, self-image. It’s not thinking less of and lowering yourself. It’s thinking more about and lifting up others. Not just with your words, but with your actions.
It’s following the example of Jesus Christ. Controlled power that purposefully uses your gifts and talents to advance the Kingdom of God.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
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