A comedic take on a murder mystery had so much potential, but unfortunately, the creators of SEE HOW THEY RUN wasted it with what can only be described as lazy writing and lazy editing. This is what happens when the writers of murder mysteries aren’t also superfans of the genre, or when they try to cut corners. This week, Valerie discusses the unfortunate skinny wrist reveal, and Melanie walks us through all the clues and red herrings. Do you agree with their analysis?
(The following summary was generated by AI.)
Are you a writer striving to craft stories that leave your readers spellbound? The latest episode of the Story Nerd Podcast is just the masterclass you need. Melanie Hill and Valerie Francis dissect the 2022 parody film ‘See How They Run,’ and it’s a conversation packed with insights that are as entertaining as they are educational.
The film, intended as a spoof of British Agatha Christie-style whodunits, serves as the perfect canvas for discussing the essentials of left-brain storytelling. Valerie and Melanie delve into the nuances of creating mysteries that challenge and respect the intelligence of genre superfans. They argue that to write a truly engaging mystery, the author must be more knowledgeable about the genre than the readers themselves.
The conversation takes a critical turn as they address the film’s failure to meet the high bar set by its predecessors in the genre. The crime, they note, is far too easy to solve, and the jokes – while cute – lack the punch needed in a parody. The hosts share a thought-provoking perspective on the importance of not talking down to your audience, a mistake they feel ‘See How They Run’ unfortunately makes.
Through their analysis, Melanie and Valerie highlight the dangers of lazy storytelling and the importance of detail – right down to the spelling in newspaper headlines. They touch upon the role of marketing in writing, emphasizing that even in the age of TikTok, word-of-mouth remains king.
But it’s not just about the pitfalls. The episode is also a celebration of the genre. Melanie’s focus on clues and motives in storytelling is a practical guide for any writer looking to improve their craft. She breaks down the clues that lead to the discovery of the murderer in ‘See How They Run,’ providing listeners with a template for obscuring a murderer in their own stories.
The Story Nerd Podcast doesn’t shy away from the tough questions: Are you honoring the conventions of your genre? Are you cutting corners in your writing? This episode serves as a reminder that writing is a craft that demands respect, diligence, and an unyielding passion for storytelling.
Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting out, this episode is a treasure trove of wisdom. It’s a call to arms for all writers to be better, to challenge themselves, and to write stories that are not just good, but exceptional.
So, if you’re ready to take your storytelling to the next level, give this episode a listen. It’s not just a lesson in writing – it’s an inspiration to create stories that resonate, entertain, and stay with your readers long after the last page is turned.