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Characters:List all major and minor characters, including suspects, victims, and side characters involved in subplots.

Clues:Note every clue introduced, no matter how small or misleading (red herrings).

Subplots:Outline each subplot, including romantic elements, personal growth challenges, community issues, etc.

Questions Raised:Write down every question your story poses, both directly (through characters) and indirectly (through narrative).

2. Review and Resolve:

Go through your Plot Element List and ask the following for each item:

Characters:Have all character arcs been resolved? Are their roles in the main plot and subplots clear by the end? Have any characters introduced mysteries or questions that haven’t been addressed?

Clues:Has each clue been explained or connected to the resolution of the mystery? Are there any loose ends with the red herrings that might confuse readers?

Subplots:Have all subplots been resolved satisfactorily? Does each subplot tie back into the main story in some way, contributing to the overall narrative or character development?

Questions Raised:Ensure every question posed in your story has an answer by the end. This includes mysteries, character backgrounds, relationship outcomes, etc.

3. Cross-Reference with the Manuscript:

With your checklist in hand, go through your manuscript. Mark off each item as you verify its resolution in the text. Pay special attention to the last few chapters, where most resolutions occur, but don’t neglect earlier chapters—some resolutions might be spread out or hinted at before the final reveal.

4. Seek External Feedback:

Once you’ve gone through the checklist yourself, it can be incredibly helpful to have beta readers or a writing group review your story with the same list in mind. They might catch unresolved elements you’ve overlooked. Now, I basically rely on my editors for this, but if you’re very new, it might be a good idea to have a few people read your manuscript before you summon the help of a paid professional.

5. Final Review:

After adjustments based on feedback, go through your list one last time to ensure all elements have been addressed. This final review is your safety net before considering the manuscript ready for submission or publication.

Additional Tips:

Keep Detailed Notes:Throughout the writing process, keep detailed notes on all elements introduced in your story. This makes the Loose Ends Checklist easier to compile and more comprehensive.

Timeline:Consider creating a timeline alongside your checklist to visually track when each plot element is introduced and resolved. This can help identify any pacing issues related to the resolution of plot points.

Sample Cozy Mystery Outline:

“The Curse of Witches Bridge”

This will be a great exercise in blending character vs. society conflict with the charming quirks of a cozy mystery. I’ll include points on conflict and pacing to guide beginners through crafting a compelling narrative.

Introduction

Setting:Introduce the quaint village of Witches Bridge, a place with rich history and superstitions, during its annual art and antiques fair.

Characters:Present Robin, our gay antiques dealer with a keen eye for unique finds, and introduce key village characters (e.g., the skeptical local historian, the supportive but worried love interest—as a matter of fact, the historian could be the love interest—Robin’s assistant Ivy, and a few superstitious townsfolk).

Inciting Incident:Robin unveils a newly acquired piece of art rumored to be cursed. His excitement over the find is met with immediate concern and warnings from the community. We learn the artwork’s previous owner died under mysterious circumstances.

Early Developments

Conflict Introduction:Highlight the village’s reaction. A series of minor misfortunes (a broken window, a boyfriend who wants him to stay out of trouble, a mysterious illness, a series of bad luck events) begins, and the villagers blame the cursed artwork. Robin faces social ostracism.

Pacing Tip:Start with a gentle pace, introducing the conflict slowly, to build the atmosphere and deepen the reader’s connection to the setting and characters.

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