Welcome to the first installment of Write Your Own series!

Ever wondered what it’s like to write like your favorite authors? This series invites you to step into their shoes and craft stories inspired by their unique styles, genres, and storytelling techniques. Each month, we’ll dive into the world of a celebrated author or theme, unraveling the secrets behind their unforgettable tales. Whether you’re a budding writer or just curious about what makes a story truly captivating, this is your chance to unleash your creativity. Get ready to explore, experiment, and most importantly—write your own!

This month, we’re writing like Dan Brown!

Introduction

Dan Brown’s mysteries are known for their fast-paced plots, intricate puzzles, and a blend of history, science, and art. With this template, you can craft your own page-turning thriller inspired by his style. Follow the prompts to weave a tale that keeps readers on the edge of their seats!

Step 1: Set the Stage

Pick a historically rich or iconic setting for your story’s opening scene. For example:

• A hidden library in the Vatican.
• An ancient Egyptian temple.
• A modern art gallery in Paris.

Write a vivid description:

• What does the place look like? Smell like? Feel like?
• Why is it significant to your protagonist or the mystery?

Step 2: Introduce Your Protagonist

Your protagonist should be a brilliant but relatable expert in a specific field, such as:

• Symbology (like Robert Langdon)
• Cryptography
• Art history

Prompts:

• What is your protagonist’s name and field of expertise?
• What personal flaw or past trauma makes them human?

Step 3: Create the Catalyst

Something shocking must happen to pull your protagonist into the mystery. For example:

• A cryptic murder in a museum.
• The discovery of a centuries-old coded manuscript.
• An urgent call from a secretive organization.

Write the event:

• Who or what is involved?
• How does this event threaten a greater catastrophe?

Step 4: Introduce the Puzzle

Dan Brown’s mysteries revolve around complex puzzles or codes. Use this formula:

1. A seemingly ordinary object contains hidden symbols or clues.
2. Deciphering the puzzle leads to another layer of mystery.

Prompts:

• What is the object (e.g., a painting, a statue, a relic)?
• What clues are hidden within it?
• How does it connect to a larger conspiracy?

Step 5: Develop the Antagonist

• Charismatic but morally ambiguous.
• Driven by a belief system that justifies their actions.
• Always one step ahead of the protagonist.

Prompts:

• Who is the villain, and what do they want?
• How does their goal clash with the protagonist’s values?
• What is their hidden vulnerability?

Step 6: Add the Chase

• Time-sensitive stakes: What must the protagonist accomplish before it’s too late?
• Red herrings: Introduce misleading clues to throw off the reader.
• Action sequences: Car chases, daring escapes, or confrontations in iconic locations.

Prompts:

• What drives the urgency in your story?
• What twist can you introduce to raise the stakes?

Step 7: Craft the Climax

The climax should resolve the mystery while revealing a deeper, often philosophical truth. For example:

• A lost truth about humanity’s origins.
• A hidden connection between art, science, and religion.
• An ancient secret that reshapes modern beliefs.

Prompts:

• What ultimate secret does the protagonist uncover?
• How does this discovery change them or the world?

Step 8: Close with Reflection

Dan Brown’s endings often leave readers pondering moral or existential questions.

Prompts:

• How has the protagonist changed by the end of the story?
• What message or theme do you want readers to take away?

Bonus: Enhance the Dan Brown Feel

• Use short chapters with cliffhanger endings.
• Incorporate real-world art, symbols, and history.
• Alternate perspectives between the protagonist and antagonist.

Congratulations! You’ve now created the foundation for a compelling mystery in the style of Dan Brown. Fill in the details and start writing your thriller!

Stay tuned for the next installment of the Write Your Own series, where we’ll explore the writing style of another legendary author. If you have a specific request, let me know in the comments! Happy writing!