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Mystery Coaching: The Clue's the Thing

LET'S WORK TOGETHER and keep readers glued to the page!

 

Have you ever dreamed of writing a murder mystery? Perhaps you're already writing one, but you're stuck on how to leave a trail of reliable clues. Maybe your lead detective or sleuth isn't believable in their role. Or you fear the middle drags and the ending doesn't land the punch you wanted. You might even have a great idea for a mystery but aren't sure where to begin.

That's where I come in. I've written eleven mysteries and created both believable amateur sleuths and working detectives. I've researched investigative techniques and interviewed law-enforcement and forensic professionals to understand how they work. You know the story you want to tell; I can help make the mystery and investigation work.

 

"My experience working with Lynn was fantastic.She gave me invaluable feedback, made great suggestions and helped me think of alternative options for my story. Her approach is supportive and helpful. This is a coach who is truly in your corner and would like you to do your best. I'm sure I'll be seeking her advice in the future again." Tali S.

My goal is to help writers who long to create a credible mystery but struggle with things like:

  • Is the crime compelling, and does it make sense?

  • Does the trail of clues create a fair but believable puzzle to be solved?

  • Is the investigation roadmap believable?

  • Is the villain a worthy adversary to your protagonist?

  • Are the red herrings working?

  • Does the detective have a logical path to the killer?

  • Is there enough tension to keep the reader turning pages?

  • Does the ending feel earned?

Whether you're new to writing or just new to mysteries, there is tremendous value in working with someone who understands what it takes to craft a believable murder investigation. 

I work with only a limited number of clients at a time so that I can give you my full attention and best advice. My only goal is to help you craft the best mystery possible. Here's an important point! Even though you don't work for law enforcement or, like me, have never actually killed someone (thank God!), this is a great opportunity to ask questions and do a deep dive into what makes a murder investigation work.

YOUR VISION. YOUR STORY. MY EXPERIENCE.
 
**If you have questions or are not sure how this works, you can book a free 15-minute call. I can not only answer your questions, but you'll get a chance to see if we're a good fit. Just scroll to the bottom to fill out the questionnaire.
 
MY ROLE: I don't do developmental audits or editing (although if you ask me to read pages, I can point out problems). I focus my attention on the mystery itself and whether what you're creating is interesting, believable, and compelling. This is your story not mine. I'm a teacher at heart, so you can think of me as your personal trainer. I am not here to tell you 'how' to tell your story, but rather to act as a sounding board and give you feedback based on best practices and my years of experience writing and studying the crime of murder. (Yes, I think a lot about murder!)


YOUR ROLE: You'll need to come with an open mind. Writing is intensely personal, and sometimes the most useful feedback is the feedback that challenges an idea you really love. The good news is that I'm not an editor, and I'm not here to 'red line' your copy.  I'm here to help you identify what works, what falls short, and the opportunities to make it better. Your job will be to choose what feels right to you.

"Lynn Bohart truly excels in providing top-notch writing advice, with her exceptional professionalism and keen attention to detail. Her deep understanding and quick responsiveness make working with her an absolute pleasure. I'm immensely thankful for her support as I navigate my first novel—her positive criticism is a lifeline on this steep learning curve." Kim W.

 

HOW WE DO IT: I ask each client to fill out a Session Questionnaire to give me a sense of where you are in your writing journey, what your story is about, and your areas of concern. You can download the questionnaire below. When you've finished filling it out and ready to order a session, just click on the link. Once I receive the order and have had time to review your questionnaire, we will schedule the call(s). 

THINGS WE MIGHT DISCUSS

"Lynn is a seasoned professional dedicated to the craft of writing!" KALI P.

 

1) INITIAL CRIME AND STORY ARC: What’s the crime that sets your story off and how have you planned out the investigation, along with character details and subplots, all leading to a satisfying conclusion.

2) STORY STRUCTURE: Discussion of the three-act story structure, including the inciting moment (the murder), rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.

3) CREATING COMPELLING CHARACTERS: A discussion on how to create your lead detective (detective or sleuth) and their counterparts (the villain and supporting characters) in a way to appeal to readers and potentially use them for a series.

4) NEED FOR THE CRIME AND THE PERFECT VICTIM: How have you framed the crime and victim?

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5) CLUE STRUCTURE: How have you mapped out the clues that will lead to the 'reveal,' along with potential red herrings and mis-directions.

6) GRABBING & HOLDING A READER’S ATTENTION: A discussion on techniques designed to keep a reader turning pages.

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7) EFFECTIVE USE OF DIALOGUE: Looking at how you've used dialogue to reveal important character information, drive action, and draw readers in.

8) EFFECTIVE USE OF SETTING: A discussion on you can use setting to increase tension and do more than just serve as a backdrop for your story.

 


WAYS THAT WE CAN WORK TOGETHER
I have made this as simple as possible. But I'm always open to help in a different way.
Just reach out and let me know what you have in  mind.​

STORY DEVELOPMENT SESSIONS:​ #1, #2, #3

 

Story development sessions are typically one hour long and are open-ended calls to brainstorm ideas, answer any questions you might have, and for me to give you feedback on your story outline. We can then discuss what your priorities are and how I can help further. 

#1  One session $75/hr  (For when you need to solve a specific problem.)

Order Here

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#2  Three sessions: $150  (Ideal for a more in-depth review. Save $75)
Order Here
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#3  Five sessions: $225  (Perfect for ongoing support. Save $150)
Order Here
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Want a page review??  When you check out, you can add on a page review to any of the story development sessions for only $50. I will give you a thoughtful, detailed review on up to 20 pages, double-spaced. You cannot order this separately.
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*Please not that the time it takes for me to study your questionnaire and story outline/synopsis is included in the session cost.

FIRST CHAPTER REVIEW: $175  
ORDER HERE
 
WANT TO KNOW IF YOUR OPENING WORKS?  

Your first chapter is your reader's introduction to the story. It needs to not only stand out but answer certain questions, while setting the stage for the puzzle that will become the murder investigation. I'll review up to 35 pages (double-spaced), give detailed written feedback, and then schedule a 40-minute call. 

Note: I do a very limited number of full document reviews. If you are interested, I will ask for the first chapter in advance to get a sense of your writing style and how long it might take to read and review the full manuscript. Then, I will quote a price.

NEXT STEPS

 

Before you order, please read the terms and conditions by clicking on the link below, and then download and fill out the questionnaire. Once you've filled out your questionnaire, come back and click on the session you're interested in. You will be taken to Thrivecart, where you will complete your purchase. At check out, you can download the completed questionnaire as a PDF as well add on a page review if you're interested. Once I'm notified and have had a chance to review the questionnaire and story synopsis, I'll be in touch about scheduling our phone call.

Thanks so very much.   Lynn

If you have questions or want to schedule a (free) 15-minute call before you order, fill out this form, and I'll get back to you as soon as I can. Thanks.

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