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

[@janekalmes]

Want a great twist for your mystery? Watch this next: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4ubhph9bL53n7M

[@ErrenG-f9w]

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]

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]

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

[@janekalmes]

You're so welcome!

[@lesleyann5118]

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]

I’m so glad you found it helpful!

[@cutecat3004]

This was really helpful, thank you! I've found that one of the most frustrating parts of writing is having an overarching idea of what will happen in the story but then when you sit down you suddenly realize you have no idea what the little details like clues should be.

[@mendelgrant2129]

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]

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]

@@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!

[@LeviGarcia]

Thanks. I'm currently trying to create a whodunnit for an RPG. I'm gonna put some of this to use in sprinkling in some clues for my players.

[@Graid]

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]

This is so awesome to hear, thank you!

[@marienbad2]

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!

[@ViktorTheMachineHerald]

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

[@janekalmes]

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

[@robertbrumbaugh4634]

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.

[@alphaomega1089]

'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]

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]

Great to hear! You're welcome!

[@Xandycane]

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]

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

[@foggyfiction9917]

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

[@janekalmes]

Thanks!

[@Neil_09]

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

[@sahilpatel3304]

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]

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!

[@tammycullers2849]

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]

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

[@user-fm4sp8rx8n]

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]

*Scenes* I was writing fast 😅

[@zacharynguyen7286]

Incredible video, please continue to make more ❤

[@easymanga31]

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]

You're so welcome!

[@siriuslyunsirius]

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

[@TheoAnderson-v8j]

I definitely need to save some of these videos, helped soooo much more than the other 10 videos I've seen so far on KZbin.. 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!

[@annavernick1490]

you bring so much fun to seemingly complicated issues!

[@janekalmes]

What a lovely compliment, Anna! Thank you!

[@bostonhayworth1264]

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

[@janekalmes]

Wow, what a lovely compliment! Thank you!

[@ScullyPop]

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

[@janekalmes]

I'm so glad you liked it, Scully!

[@ig7002]

Your channel is a wealth of knowledge! Thank you!

[@janekalmes]

My pleasure! Glad you are enjoying!

[@billybennett1253]

Very helpful. Thank you!

[@sophiahoma4285]

The clue planning spreadsheet is such a good idea!

[@csillakun2517]

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

[@janekalmes]

I’m so glad they’re helpful to you!

[@KPJPflorida]

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

[@janekalmes]

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

[@Paul12345671]

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

[@maikekhomisch2061]

I had to watch twice, because I was so focused on that beautiful yarn.... 😍 Talking about clues ... the next clue has to be a pretty hank of yarn and a clueless investigator talking to their spouse about it, while said spouse constantly rolling their eyes about the investigators ignorance 😄

[@sslimeman]

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

[@lovvxo9997]

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

[@berserkerx7]

Thank you so much. This is very helpful.

[@janekalmes]

You’re so welcome!

[@kathyf3656]

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]

Absolutely! Great thinking!

[@lessellhammock7281]

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

[@janekalmes]

Thanks, Lessel!

[@writenowdream3882]

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

[@janekalmes]

Welcome aboard! if you enjoyed the clues video, you might also like this one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4ubhph9bL53n7M

[@ErrenG-f9w]

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 🙂

[@trembyle]

superbly useful as always

[@janekalmes]

Thank you so much!

[@cloverfield911]

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

[@janekalmes]

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

[@cloverfield911]

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

[@ulyx9804]

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]

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

[@TheBuddyShowWorldwide]

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

[@janekalmes]

Welcome aboard!

[@literallyjane]

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

[@janekalmes]

Thanks, yours too!

[@linetteholm7127]

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

[@janekalmes]

You’re so welcome, Linette!

[@JillMaurer]

Another great video Jane! Very practical advice!! xoxo

[@janekalmes]

So glad you liked it, Jill!

[@hiimjai6064]

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!

[@emerienguyen7179]

This helps so much for my birthday tysm

[@janekalmes]

Awesome! Great to hear!

[@KelniusTV]

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]

You amuse.

[@hibabenhaida2323]

Amazing! Always looking forward to your videos 🙌🏽😻

[@janekalmes]

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

[@doofy67]

your videos are soooo good I subbed

[@w.l.davisjr.1]

How wonderful is this!!

[@janekalmes]

Thank you!

[@rodgerfields9406]

Excellent presentation!

[@janekalmes]

Thanks!

[@tillypendrick9414]

This was incredibly helpful and clear. Thanks a lot!

[@janekalmes]

You're very welcome!

[@davidallsopp4030]

Great stuff!

[@joshhall3040]

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

[@janekalmes]

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

[@SybilWard]

Bravo. Stellar, as always!

[@janekalmes]

Thank you, Sybil!

[@brrryan2908]

Your tips are stellar and inspiring! :)

[@janekalmes]

Thank you!

[@Johnnysega]

Just came across your channel. Awesome videos

[@janekalmes]

Thanks, welcome aboard!

[@doaa8242]

you are pure gold 👌❤️

[@janekalmes]

Wow, I am so touched! Thank you!

[@abywabyontop]

THANK YOU SO MUCH

[@victorcobane6644]

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]

Awesome, so glad to hear it!

[@Zr0din]

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]

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

[@wellwell7429]

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

[@janekalmes]

Great! In that case, you might also enjoy this video on Red Herrings (distractions from the solution to your mystery): kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJ6ahnyAe56qppI

[@cateanddog]

Great video 😊

[@janekalmes]

Thanks for watching!

[@BodyTrust]

Great stuff.

[@BrianThomas]

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

[@basicfrogginhuman6023]

you deserve more subs!

[@janekalmes]

Someday!

[@kathyl6677]

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]

Great idea!

[@F2t0ny]

Great video

[@janekalmes]

Thank you!

[@Paul12345671]

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.

[@kikky050]

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. 😂

[@legendbob6404]

may I bless you?

[@janekalmes]

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

[@isaacriggs4656]

To think that's the only cook who knows how to make that dish is just silly

[@FrtntLkyu]

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

[@timflatus]

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.

[@timbuktu8069]

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.

[@terranman4702]

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

[@janekalmes]

That’s why I like writing historicals!

[@terranman4702]

@@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]

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

[@ghostchick5275]

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.

[@trevor7861]

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