5 Clue Types -- And How to EASILY Plan Them!

5 Clue Types -- And How to EASILY Plan Them! | Mystery Writing 101

Рет қаралды 56,337

Күн бұрын

Your mystery novel needs clues that knit your plot together, while also confusing the reader! In this video we'll talk about:
* 5 types of clues for your mystery novel
* my ultra-simple clue planning spreadsheet
* how many clues your mystery novel really needs
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//////////////////// CREDITS ////////////////////
This video includes video clips from:
Clue
The People vs. OJ Simpson
And textual excerpts from:
"The Adventure of Silver Blaze" by Arthur Conan Doyle

Пікірлер: 128

@janekalmes 3 жыл бұрын

Want a great twist for your mystery? Watch this next: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/a8BoiMh4nL-omYU.html

@user-ms9cv3lo1q 10 ай бұрын

Hello, Jane. I talked to you last year...I was the one who wrote my first mystery...I spent the summer reading a lot of diffent genres and poetry...i also achieve my bucket list goal of reading war and peace, so i'm rewarding myself by reading fluff and more mystery novels until thanksgiving, which is when I'll start my second mystery project...my second " Casey Hawkes " book. I think it's gonna work out...Just want to thank you for being an inspiration 🙂

@waalabi Жыл бұрын

1- Tangible Clues: Tie 2 things together, tight 2 characters together. 2- Emotional Clues: Emotional reactions / change in behaviour that indicate a character know something. reveals secrets. 3- Revealing knowledge: Ties a suspect to a location or a time in place. 4- Testimony: Alibi's, Relationships, Tensions. 5- Artifacts: Things made by the victim / the criminal. 6- Absent Clues: Am absence of a conection, reveals information. Disbelief suspicion. Lack of important knowledge.

@rohanmulgaokar5682 Жыл бұрын

You have given something most writers could die for - a structure, a checklist and a consequence list. Thank you!

@janekalmes 11 ай бұрын

You're so welcome!

@lesleyann5118 3 жыл бұрын

Oh, my god! Where was this months ago when I was desperately searching for this information?! It’s all so simple, really, I just needed it spelled out in plain English. Thank you so much!

@janekalmes 3 жыл бұрын

I’m so glad you found it helpful!

@mendelgrant2129 3 жыл бұрын

There are a lot of great people on authortube, but you are providing the most unique, innovative, and useful content I've seen. I'm impressed with your channel, and hope you're able to continue your impressive (and arduous) work. FYI: Your epic Monk binge inspired me to watch all 12 seasons of "Murder She Wrote" lol.

@janekalmes 3 жыл бұрын

Wow, thank you so much! That comment really made my day. I want to dig through another show looking for good info to share, but I’m waffling between Murdoch Mysteries, Psych, and Remington Steele. There's just so MUCH of each one, I’m intimidated, lol. 😆

@sabershenanigans 2 жыл бұрын

@@janekalmes Jonathan Creek (especially seasons 1-3) is quite possibly the smartest mystery series I've ever seen - if you haven't already seen it I recommend it wholeheartedly!

@Graid 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for this series! Other advice is so vague, you actually have gone in there and considered the common types of clues, motives, mystery types, suspects and many more in a way that really lays it all out and provides insight into how it all works as well as ideas on how to use them. I really appreciate hearing you lay out all the clue types and how to use them. Personally I often find it difficult to write investigative scenes where someone needs to find something out in an interesting fashion. Considering the varying types of clues and what's possible helps me with generating ideas.

@janekalmes 2 жыл бұрын

This is so awesome to hear, thank you!

@alphaomega1089 2 жыл бұрын

'disbelief can be expressed by not wanting to know the details' -- some even scream to drown out any retelling of it. We don't act the same. Even if making us that way can benefit the larger group. Handling information your way makes you an individual.

@leoexgb3219 2 жыл бұрын

THIS. WAS. FANTASTIC! Man I've been looking all over for tips on YT and this was exactly what I needed! Thank you thank you thank you!

@janekalmes 2 жыл бұрын

Great to hear! You're welcome!

@Xandycane Жыл бұрын

Thank you! My fantasy has a huge mystery that kicks off the rest of the bigger plot. When I sat down to figure it out, I got very stuck. Lots of things needed to be known without a clue how to go about it. This was just what needed

@janekalmes Жыл бұрын

Awesome! I always love it when people working in other genres find their way here!

@easymanga31 2 жыл бұрын

This was extremely helpful! Nobody ever gets into the nitty-gritty of how to even plan clues, how many you need, etc. Thank you!

@janekalmes 2 жыл бұрын

You're so welcome!

@nerdyhexel307 2 жыл бұрын

Great info! Helped my write a murder mystery quest for my D&D game!

@janekalmes 2 жыл бұрын

Wow, that's awesome. Thanks for letting me know!

@KelniusTV 2 жыл бұрын

You may use a slew of clues to accuse, but if you choose to refuse, you don't lose if the sleuths can still deduce who's behind this criminal abuse...

@janekalmes 2 жыл бұрын

You amuse.

@billybennett1253 Ай бұрын

Very helpful. Thank you!

@sophiahoma4285 Жыл бұрын

The clue planning spreadsheet is such a good idea!

@BodyTrust 7 ай бұрын

Great stuff.

@robertbrumbaugh4634 2 жыл бұрын

I really like how you logically work out the plot items. You seem well versed in mysteries. I'm going to check out your book.

@abywabyontop 5 ай бұрын

THANK YOU SO MUCH

@lovvxo9997 7 ай бұрын

you just saved my book!! thank you so much!!!

@Paul12345671 10 ай бұрын

A list of clues and information contributed is a very good idea.

@hibabenhaida2323 3 жыл бұрын

Amazing! Always looking forward to your videos 🙌🏽😻

@janekalmes 3 жыл бұрын

That’s so wonderful to hear, Hiba, thank you!

@Neil_09 Ай бұрын

You are a real teacher. It all just came to me.

@tammycullers2849 2 жыл бұрын

I really appreciate the quality information you offer for free! Your tips are wonderful, and I'm sharing some with my 7th grade English class (they are doing NaNoWriMo for the first time) :) Thank you so much for taking the time to share practical, actionable information for writers of all ages!

@janekalmes 2 жыл бұрын

Wow, Tammy, I'm blown away by this compliment, thank you! I really hope your students find it helpful!

@ScullyPopASMR 3 жыл бұрын

I'm loving this writing content. Great lesson today 😃

@janekalmes 3 жыл бұрын

I'm so glad you liked it, Scully!

@w.l.davisjr.1 Жыл бұрын

How wonderful is this!!

@janekalmes Жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@annavernick1490 3 жыл бұрын

you bring so much fun to seemingly complicated issues!

@janekalmes 3 жыл бұрын

What a lovely compliment, Anna! Thank you!

@timflatus 6 ай бұрын

Much as I find your presentation style and obvious pleasure in people's misfortune most unappealing, I shall continue to watch as you clearly know how to write a crime drama and could be a useful model for one of my villains.

@foggyfiction9917 2 жыл бұрын

I absolutely love that you use the Clue movie for examples.

@janekalmes 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@siriuslyunsirius 2 ай бұрын

This is so helpful!! I’ve got most of my book figured out but it’s the organizing/pacing that I need work on and this is exactly what I needed

@ig7002 2 жыл бұрын

Your channel is a wealth of knowledge! Thank you!

@janekalmes 2 жыл бұрын

My pleasure! Glad you are enjoying!

@bostonhayworth1264 2 жыл бұрын

I just LOVE YOU. You are so much fun,your enthusiasm inspiring. Pure Joy.

@janekalmes 2 жыл бұрын

Wow, what a lovely compliment! Thank you!

@JillMaurer 3 жыл бұрын

Another great video Jane! Very practical advice!! xoxo

@janekalmes 3 жыл бұрын

So glad you liked it, Jill!

@csillakun2517 2 жыл бұрын

I love your videos. So many useful tips. Thanks for the work you put into these videos.

@janekalmes 2 жыл бұрын

I’m so glad they’re helpful to you!

@marienbad2 3 ай бұрын

God you're good! It's a good job you're a writer and not a criminal cause you'd probably be a pretty good one!

@user-tm6ui1os4h 7 ай бұрын

I definitely need to save some of these videos, helped soooo much more than the other 10 videos I've seen so far on KZfaq.. I think I'm going to stick with your videos and re-watch a few times until my brain clicks and I'm able to co-operate some mystery with clues into my fantasy novel :) Thank you!

@berserkerx7 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much. This is very helpful.

@janekalmes 2 жыл бұрын

You’re so welcome!

@SybilWard 3 жыл бұрын

Bravo. Stellar, as always!

@janekalmes 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you, Sybil!

@sahilpatel3304 Жыл бұрын

I am having a hard time figuring out how to present certain clues to the readers, Thank you for the insight. Loving your content.

@janekalmes Жыл бұрын

I am working on some material about exactly how to hide clues in plain sight, but it’s taking me a while to come up with all the examples I need to explain my ideas. But I'll get something up for you eventually! Thanks for the kind words!

@trembyle 3 жыл бұрын

superbly useful as always

@janekalmes 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much!

@sslimeman Жыл бұрын

this is so helpful, its giving me a lot of courage that my plot will turn out well.

@KPJPflorida 3 жыл бұрын

Hey there, well done you, love the style of your video, the pop ups are great, and your video presence is perfect

@janekalmes 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much, I’m glad you’re enjoying them!

@user-fm4sp8rx8n 9 ай бұрын

Your videos are just- SOO helpful. I was getting stressed out because I wasn’t really seeing the shape of my story and how the clues worked, this video, (Especially that spreadsheet) REALLY helped me see the shape of my story and help me think up of senes. I am have only just realised how HARD it is to write a story but I think mine is getting better - all thanks to you! 😊

@user-fm4sp8rx8n 9 ай бұрын

*Scenes* I was writing fast 😅

@TheBuddyShowWorldwide Жыл бұрын

Glad I came upon your videos. I'm a pantser but you gave me many things to think about.

@janekalmes Жыл бұрын

Welcome aboard!

@linetteholm7127 3 жыл бұрын

Great info and great video!!! ..Tysm!

@janekalmes 3 жыл бұрын

You’re so welcome, Linette!

@ulyx9804 Жыл бұрын

I am putting a special thank you tribute to you in my comic book Jane. Your videos have been invaluable to helping me set up my thriller series. The script for the first issue is already done, and it's all down to editing and illustration now. You and Abbie Emmons have done more to improve my storycrafting than anyone else has in my 30 years. Thank you so much.

@janekalmes Жыл бұрын

Wow, that is amazing! Congrats on getting the first issue scripted! Please let me know when it’s available!

@user-ms9cv3lo1q 10 ай бұрын

@tillypendrick9414 Жыл бұрын

This was incredibly helpful and clear. Thanks a lot!

@janekalmes Жыл бұрын

You're very welcome!

@writenowdream3882 3 жыл бұрын

Just found your channel today! Subscribed! Thanks for this great, informative content.

@janekalmes 3 жыл бұрын

Welcome aboard! if you enjoyed the clues video, you might also like this one: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/a8BoiMh4nL-omYU.html

@brrryan2908 Жыл бұрын

Your tips are stellar and inspiring! :)

@janekalmes Жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@kathyf3656 2 жыл бұрын

Could an emotional clue be a change of habit, like changing their route to work to avoid a person or place, or just changing where they get their morning coffee?

@janekalmes 2 жыл бұрын

Absolutely! Great thinking!

@cateanddog 11 ай бұрын

Great video 😊

@janekalmes 11 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@doaa8242 3 жыл бұрын

you are pure gold 👌❤️

@janekalmes 3 жыл бұрын

Wow, I am so touched! Thank you!

@lessellhammock7281 2 жыл бұрын

This is amazing, I just watched the movie Saw and I seen so much of what your speaking on

@janekalmes 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Lessel!

@literallyjane 2 жыл бұрын

You are truly a treasure! Thanks so much for your videos. Keep up the great work! (Also, your name is really cool. ;) )

@janekalmes 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, yours too!

@rodgerfields9406 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent presentation!

@janekalmes 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@joshhall3040 Жыл бұрын

This is also great for table top gaming!!! Thanks for making this.

@janekalmes Жыл бұрын

I get comments like this more than you might think, and they always make me so happy!

@F2t0ny Жыл бұрын

Great video

@janekalmes Жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@cloverfield911 2 жыл бұрын

MIDSOMER MURDERS I love finding the suttle clues when you watch an episode back over

@janekalmes 2 жыл бұрын

Somehow this is one of the mystery shows I have just never seen much of. I may have to correct that.

@cloverfield911 2 жыл бұрын

@@janekalmes Have you watched any episodes from it? I recomend starting with "The Killings at Badger's Drift", and "Strangler's Wood".

@hiimjai6064 10 ай бұрын

I know this video is 2 years old, but I’m writing a murder mystery script for a film and this is such a great reference! Very simple and easy to understand. Thank you for this video. I just subscribed!

@victorcobane6644 Жыл бұрын

Useful video! I have a ton of information that the audience needs to lean for things to make sense in a paranormal mystery I have been writing in my free time (maybe it'll be made into something one day 🥰) and, although I feel embarrassed to admit this, making a spreadsheet of all the information I want to dole out and marking off how I will dole it out as I figure it out never occurred to me before. I think it will certainly help though!

@janekalmes Жыл бұрын

Awesome, so glad to hear it!

@Johnnysega 2 жыл бұрын

Just came across your channel. Awesome videos

@janekalmes 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, welcome aboard!

@basicfrogginhuman6023 Жыл бұрын

you deserve more subs!

@janekalmes Жыл бұрын

Someday!

@Zr0din 2 жыл бұрын

There is something wrong with the algorithm because you should have WAY more subs that- especially compared to other channels that do the same type of work but don't have visuals.

@janekalmes 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, that’s so kind! Glad you are liking the videos!

@wellwell7429 3 жыл бұрын

Yay! I'm plotting a fantasy novel, there is a crime so there have to be these clues

@janekalmes 3 жыл бұрын

Great! In that case, you might also enjoy this video on Red Herrings (distractions from the solution to your mystery): kzfaq.info/get/bejne/gNNniKx7q5_boGQ.html

@kikky050 8 күн бұрын

Thank you for your video, I was planning to create a messy crime story, now it looks easier on me at least. I just wanted to share with you that english is not my mother language and every time you said 'sleuht' in the beginning I was confused why you say "sl*t"especially with a weird accent. 😂

@kathyl6677 2 күн бұрын

I've added a 3rd column reminding me what happens in the scene, what the clue is intended to impart. Col A: what is done or said; Col B: who done it/said it; and Col C: why or when they did/said it. Maybe a sample of what they might say.

@janekalmes 2 күн бұрын

Great idea!

@Paul12345671 10 ай бұрын

I'm running a game where there are a lot of suspects who have a motive to commit the murder. I have to think of clues that will exonerate some of the suspects.

@BrianThomas 11 ай бұрын

0:11 Zoinks! Did you have to say dead?

@FrtntLkyu 7 ай бұрын

im writing my own book but it probably wont be published until im OLDER

@timbuktu8069 8 ай бұрын

I would advise not to make the clues too obscure. I am currently watching the Ellery Queen TV show. Some of the clues are so off-the-wall that there is no way the audience will pick up on it. (Why of course she grabbed her bracelet with her dying breath clearly indicating the murderer was...Ruby.) This might work well with die hard Agatha Christie fans, but it might not play well with a more casual reader. Know your audience.

@legendbob6404 Жыл бұрын

may I bless you?

@janekalmes Жыл бұрын

Of course you can, and thank you! Thats so kind!

@terranman4702 Жыл бұрын

You need one clue these days ....... DNA!

@janekalmes Жыл бұрын

That’s why I like writing historicals!

@terranman4702 Жыл бұрын

@@janekalmes :D Crime will get more boring over the years. If you actually have a mystery your investigators will sit on the computer the whole novel :D

@ashwiniupadhye2431 6 ай бұрын

Please, anybody can translate in hindi and write ahead when she is telling each and every matter. Most people will watch it. Please, Please......🙏🙏🙏🙏

@trevor7861 3 ай бұрын

Idk why putting your lipstick on someone’s collar is a thing. Just dirtied up the shirt, thanks for the extra dry cleaning #nothot

@ghostchick5275 4 ай бұрын

I always think it is a somewhat pitiful "clue" in murder documentaries when police try to say someone is guilty because they didn't react the way they think they should have reacted to hearing someone is dead. That is highly subjective and there is no accounting for a person's reaction to such news. Jane, much as I love your channel, this video could have done without your political commentary and casting unnecessary aspersions about the OJ Simpson trial.