I know not everyone likes to read while they're writing, but for me, it offers a goldmine of ideas. For example, think about three books that you’re currently reading—or have read—and borrow one element of mystery writing from each.
If, say, you’re reading "Gone with the Wind," take the character of Scarlett O’Hara and turn her into a sleuth.
Then, if you’re reading "Smilla’s Sense of Snow," use setting and move Scarlett to the frozen tundra to solve the crime.
Finally, if you’re reading "The Da Vinci Code," have her find a coded message left behind in a melting ice cap that leads to a baffling mystery!
Here are some others to try for fun--and profit:
Take "Catcher in the Rye’s? Holden Caulfied,
put him in "The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency" in Africa,
and have him solve the case of "Shutter Island," where he’s investigating a baffling murder of a missing mental patient during a storm…
Pretty cool, eh? Now let’s put Miss Marple in Trenton, New Jersey with Dr. Hannibal Lector….
you go too far, funny lady LOL
rita
Posted by: rita lakin | January 18, 2012 at 09:12 AM
Rita, you mean you've never tried a "mash-up?"
How about Gladdy moves to Noir L.A. and joins The Firm? I can see it now...
Posted by: penny warner | January 18, 2012 at 09:18 AM
What a fun game! I may suggest it the next time I'm at a party with a bunch of writers or readers.
And I can see how it might lead to inspiration. Distill Scarlett and Holden to their essence -- rebellious Southern lady, alienated teen -- and base new characters on the results. Drop them into an unfamiliar environment, make something strange or criminal happen, and see how they cope.
Posted by: Margaret Lucke | January 18, 2012 at 01:14 PM
Peggy, what a great idea for a parlor game!
Some party queen I am....
Posted by: penny warner | January 18, 2012 at 03:35 PM
Wow! This sound like fun! I do like the idea of doing this as a party game... or maybe part of a writing workshop. :-)
Posted by: Ann Parker | January 19, 2012 at 11:18 PM
isn't that what we all do anyway?
Posted by: sharan newman | January 20, 2012 at 05:47 AM
Miss Marple in Trenton with Lector? Now that's something to chew on.... (DUCK!)
Posted by: Priscilla | January 21, 2012 at 02:34 PM
Priscilla - love the wicked pun!
Posted by: penny warner | January 21, 2012 at 03:39 PM