Following The Trail Of Sherlock Holmes

May 11, 2007

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s creation of the detective Sherlock Holmes is a landmark character where simple situations are converted into unique plots. The case of the Resident Patient, The Red-Headed League and The Yellow Face are just some of them.

The brutal truth is that not many of us can create such characters that can be remembered and immortalized for generations. But we can learn some of the simple techniques to make our writing more appealing and realistic.The first thing that Holmes usually does when a client comes to him with a case is that he analyzes them.

His attentive ear does take in the mystery but what is more intriguing is the way he reads the person from his body language, his personality traits, his clothing and accessories. The correct word to decipher this is that he has an eye for detail.To bring a character to life, simple details can set a mood and give the readers a window to get an insight to the kind of the story that is being woven. Keeping the description minimal is an ideal way to create interest but it should be relevant to the main plot. Pointless adjectives and descriptions can actually ruin the initial enthusiasm.If you enjoy writing mysteries and suspense stories, then the ending should be satisfying and clear. Nothing irritates a reader more than finding the ending unrealistic and inconclusive. Creating a last minute character to solve the mystery will create a major setback to your popularity as a writer.

The plot should be explained step by step with logical conclusions which explain the characters reasoning behind his actions. Many a time a voracious reader can predict the ending. This is also acceptable because it shows that your story has been read with interest or it can also mean that you need to create a stronger plot. Powerful characters with good settings and a simple storyline can be successful if the feelings are expressed well through actions rather than words. “The game’s afoot, Watson,” said Holmes.

This accelerates the reader’s heartbeats as he anticipates that the killer will now get exposed. If you are able to create this excitement in the reader’s mind then you have made it in the big league. Your name will be definitely gleaming under the bright lights of stardom and your fans will be queuing up for your autograph.

Writing is a game where being the winner is not dependant on a dice or card but in refining the talent that is inborn.