This is a set of 4 one-hour classes for children on "How to Write a Mystery Story." It is for all ages, from 6 to 18 years old. I'm dressed up as Sherlock Holmes, and we write the mystery story in easy installments. The first session includes the setting and the crime, which we weave together for a spectacular beginning. The mural behind me is a dark and stormy night with a mansion. Floor plans of mansions can be observed on mystery gameboards. At the end of the first session, I do a brief demonstration of spy equipment. I do a lot of hands-on activities, including taking fingerprints, handwriting analysis, secret messages, and other clues during the second session. The detective arrives at the scene of the crime to collect clues and interview witnesses. We make a ring of cards for the description of characters, and during the third class, a skit is performed with costumes to show dialogue and surprise endings. Suspects are also interviewed during that third class. Lots of ideas are supplied to make the writing fun and interesting. The fourth session gives ideas for revision to make the story come alive even more.

I've taught this Mystery class successfully to public school kids, Christian school kids, and kids living in London, England, for 7 years while I was a teacher. It has always been popular and well-liked, and the teenagers come out with at least 10 pages for their story, and they are very proud of their work. (The younger children had fewer pages, but their stories were also fabulous.) Children who hated writing began loving writing for the first time after taking this class. It is always a fun class for me to teach!