Tag: mystery novels

October 2018 Writers Guild News

Published on by Pearl S. Buck Writing Center1 Comment

By Linda Donaldson

This Sunday, October 21st is the final 2018 meeting of the Writers Guild of the Pearl S. Buck Writing Center. We meet at 1pm until 3pm at the Cultural Center [big red barn] at Green Hills Farm, 520 Dublin Road, Perkasie, PA 18944.

We welcome all writers, published or aspiring, to bring a short 2-3 page selection from their work to share. The Guild members are eager to listen, offer praise and constructive critique. You are also welcome to attend and just listen. Continue reading “October 2018 Writers Guild News” →

Coincidence in Romance and Mystery

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By Anne K. Kaler

Anne Kaler Head ShotRomances deal with character development while mysteries depend on plot development. The hybrid of the two genres is called romantic suspense which often depends on coincidence to make a satisfying read. However, something vital gets lost when coincidence strays into the realm of the unbelievable ending.

Ann Hood’s recent novel The Book That Matters Most is such a hybrid because it involves so much unlikely coincidence of events. In fact, the book itself combines many tempting devices on its journey to a happy ending. Remember that the romance genre usually ends with the restoration of order to a disordered society and the promise of continued order through a marriage and the possibility of new life. On the other hand, the mystery genre ends with the satisfaction of justice being done to restore order. Mystery often has an innocent pair of young lovers to carry out its eventual hope for order in society.

So where does coincidence come into play? Continue reading “Coincidence in Romance and Mystery” →