INPUT ARTICLE: Article: The action could be something dramatic, such as the protagonist in a perilous situation or a glimpse into a later scene in the novel where things are more fast-paced. You could also just use something small to set the hero off on a perilous journey as they are going about their normal routine. Don't forget to also include setting details as you go along, so your reader knows where the story is set. For example, The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown opens with the dramatic death of a Louvre curator, instantly drawing the reader in. One way to introduce your suspects is to have them interact with the victim before the victim dies; the detective will need to witness this introduction. Another option is to have a witness or a connected person name possible suspects to the detective. For instance, the detective may witness the suspect and victim having an argument before the victim dies. Alternatively, maybe the detective asks a neighbor, "Can you think of anyone who had issues with the victim?" The neighbor might say, "Well, let's see. I have seen a young man visiting late at night when her husband was out of town. I suppose he might be involved somehow." A murder mystery is a fast-paced story. It shouldn't drag, so if you haven't introduced your crime by the third chapter, you're probably going to lose readers. As you try your hand at writing a murder mystery, you may realize that you don't actually know that much about killing a person. That's perfectly normal, but you should do some research to make the scene more realistic. For instance, stabbing someone isn't as easy as it sounds. It's actually pretty difficult to force a knife into someone, especially someone who's struggling not to die. Keep in mind that most "amateur" killers are going to make mistakes. They aren't trained to kill, and most people don't even know how to land a killing blow. What that means is things are going to be messy. Put some thought into how someone gets rid of a body. A body is hard to move, plus it's pretty conspicuous. It's also going to leave blood and/or traces of DNA behind, and it will start to smell. Digging a hole takes time, and dumping a body in water could mean it washes back up on shore, for instance.

SUMMARY: Open with action to draw your reader in. Introduce your suspects with interactions and dialogue. Include the crime in the first 3 chapters of the story. Work on realism in your murder scene.

In one sentence, describe what the following article is about: The first note in a scale is the C note. The order of the scale is C, D, E, F, G, A, and B, with the same pattern repeating after B. You can find the C key on a keyboard by looking for any pair of black keys that are surrounded on both sides by two white keys instead of one. C is always the key immediately to the left of the black key on the left side of that pair. Note the pattern of white keys: three white keys enclosing two black keys, and four white keys enclosing three black keys. C is the white key on the left of the two enclosed black keys. This pattern is consistent on all keyboards. Every note on the keyboard is represented in this single 12-note octave, which is the term for an interval of notes that appear in the same order. Different octaves are higher or lower in pitch depending on where they are positioned in reference to the middle octave. Each black key has two possible notes based on the context of the music that you're playing. For example, C sharp (C) and D flat (D) are the same key on the piano, but the note changes whether you're moving up or down on the keyboard, or whether or not you're pressing a pedal. This is because the sound created by the black keys is imperfect, and doesn't correspond perfectly with the natural scale. The black keys usually play a supporting role in most compositions, so it will help to remember their order by starting directly above the white C note in the middle, which is C or D. The symbol is read as "sharp," and the symbol is read as "flat." The white keys are called "natural" tones, and are the main keys used in most songs. The black keys are known as "accidentals," and contain sharp and flat sounds in tones in between the natural keys. Going from left to right, every group of notes between a C and B is called an octave. A standard 88-key piano has 12.5 octaves. A note determines the tone of a key, while the octave determines the pitch. The notes on the left are lower in pitch, while the notes on your right will be higher. You almost always start playing a song from middle C, which is a term for the octave in the dead center of your piano. A grand or upright piano has 88 keys, but there are electronic and modified keyboards with 44 or 49 keys. The more keys that a keyboard has, the more octaves the keyboard is capable of playing.
Summary: Learn the order of the white keys by finding C. Get familiar with the black keys by finding C/D. Familiarize yourself with the octaves on your keyboard.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Add the butter to a large saucepan and set it over medium-low heat. Allow the butter to completely melt. Cutting the butter into smaller chunks can help it melt faster. Occasionally turn the saucepan as the butter melts. Doing so should spread the butter over the bottom of the pan more evenly. Add the chopped onion to the melted butter. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 12 to 15 minutes or until the onions are lightly browned. If you're in a hurry, you can increase the heat to medium and shorten the cook time to about 5 to 8 minutes. You should not increase the heat beyond that, however, since doing so may burn the onions. Adding onions to the gravy base will add more flavor, which is especially important when you aren't working with pan drippings. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and butter. Quickly and completely whisk it into the contents of the pan. After the flour has absorbed the remaining butter, continue cooking for another 1 to 2 minutes so that the heat can remove the raw flour taste. Gradually pour the broth into the saucepan, whisking continuously to combine. Cook for another 4 to 5 minutes, or until the gravy bubbles and thickens. If you haven't done so already, increase the heat to medium. Note that you can use any broth for this recipe. You can even combine broths to create a more complex flavor. For instance, using two parts beef broth and one part chicken broth can create an appetizing brown gravy suitable for potatoes and other side dishes. If you want to further deepen the flavor profile of the gravy, add the brandy. Stir well to combine and cook for another 2 or 3 minutes. The heat should break down the alcohol while you cook it, leaving only the flavor behind. Remove the gravy from the heat and pour in the cream or milk. Whisk well to combine. It's best to use room temperature or slightly warmed dairy to prevent it from curdling once it touches the hot gravy. Continue whisking until the gravy takes on an even coloration. Sprinkle the gravy with ground black pepper, to taste, then stir to combine. Since most broths are already quite salty, you probably won't need to add any salt, but you may still do so if you prefer gravies with stronger, saltier tastes. You can serve the gravy as it is, but if you don't want chunks of onion in it, strain out the onions by pouring the gravy through a strainer. Choose a strainer with medium holes. Fine mesh strainers will also work, but you may need to force the thick liquid gravy through these tiny holes using a spatula. Enjoy the gravy while it's still hot. If you need to keep it warm, set the saucepan back on the stove over very low heat and whisk it occasionally until you're ready to use it. You can refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container, but you'll need to heat them on the stove again prior to use.

SUMMARY:
Melt the butter. Cook the onion. Whisk in the flour. Pour in the broth. Whisk in the brandy, if desired. Add the cream. Season the gravy. Strain, if necessary. Serve.