In a nutshell, what's the difference between writing a mystery and a suspense?

First of all, a mystery deals with a crime either with or without a dead body as a victim. Traditional mystery begins *after* the murder, and follows the "investigator" whether amateur, professional or a combination on the journey through clues, interviews, etc. until the "puzzle" is solved, justice is served and order in the world is restored.

A suspense begins with a problem and follows more of a hero/heroine's journey pattern. All the action happens to the hero/heroine; they may have helpers and usually must learn a new skill or rely on something to help them overcome obstacles and resolve the situation.

Recommended reading: Carolyn Wheat's How to Write Killer Fiction

Some great resources for writers:

Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Browne and King
The First Five Pages and The Plot Thckens by Noah Lukeman
Hooked by Les Edgerton
Techniques of the Selling Writer by Dwight Swain
Plot and Structure by James Bell

Margie Lawson
Sisters In Crime
Mystery Writers of America
Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators

I would be remiss in not explaining the Seton Hill University Writing Popular Fiction program! For more information, visit Seton Hill's website and or go directly to their Writing Popular Fiction page. How does it differ from earning an MFA in Creative Writing, or in Literature? I'm not exactly certain but can you define the difference between "mass market fiction" and "literary fiction?" Which type of book do you prefer? Perhaps the real answer lies in your own heart. I rarely read literary fiction. I prefer mystery, suspense, romance and the like for my reading pleasure/entertainment. Although some "classic" fiction may lack that proverbial "happy ending" in popular, commercial fiction, I find that literary fiction just doesn't satisfy me in the same way. So there you go. It's a case of asparagus versus brussel sprouts, I guess.