Major
Nursing
Advisor
Toatley, Sarah
Advisor Department
Honors Program
Date
5-2021
Abstract
Mystery novels are a well-respected genre of literature. They have rose to fame through authors such as Agatha Christie and Arthur Conan Doyle. Mysteries challenge us to solve the puzzle presented, they make the reader question their own morals, and so much more. As a longtime fan of the genre, I have wondered what it takes to write a novel that not only captivates the reader, but that makes sense. Using “Save the Cat! Writes a Novel” by Jessica Brody, I have tried to do this by writing a novel of my own. In this project, I have outlined how to systematically create a plot, through separate essential plot points, and how to create an engaging story. Additionally, I have included my own original plot line. Using this, I have written the beginning chapters of my novel, “I Saw the Sunrise In Their Eyes.” The story revolves around a struggling, young woman in high school. Without her parents’ knowledge, she stays in the woods overnight drinking with a group of her friends. She wakes up to find all of her friends dead around her, throats slashed. Who would have the motive to kill a bunch of high school students? Some think she did it, she knows she didn’t. The question that disturbs her more is, Why was she the only one left alive?