For those of you just starting out (& enjoy SH), I think you'll find this article interesting. I have yet to fully accomplish the following tips, but am having a good time on the journey. I try to pay attention to as much detail as possible, but I haven't reached the obsessed level yet.
Have a look.
Since Sherlock Holmes first appeared in 1887, the four novels and 56 stories featuring him have never been out of print. He has become the most-played movie character in history, with 200 actors having played the role.
Other writers have created memorable characters who solve mysteries with reason. But Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes is the detective who has truly captured the world's imagination.
To celebrate the anniversary of Arthur Conan Doyle's birthday, I thought I would put together 10 things writers can learn from the world's most famous detective.
1. Master your craft: Writers have to learn the rules before they break them. Sherlock Holmes is a master of deduction, but this did not happen overnight. Although he is intelligent and talented, he constantly works on improving his skills. He is a big believer in learning the basics before you rush into something complex. Holmes says, 'Before turning to those moral and mental aspects of the matter which present the greatest difficulties, let the enquirer begin by mastering more elementary problems.'
2. Pay attention to details: Great writers are observers. They watch and they listen, they notice things that others miss. When Holmes first meets Watson, he says, ‘You have been in Afghanistan, I perceive.’ He is not a psychic. As he goes on to explain to Watson, he sees that the doctor has been ill, that he has suffered an injury, and that his face and hands are tanned. He fits them together and deduces his history from his appearance. Holmes focuses his faculties. He listens and he will not allow himself to be distracted.
3. Obsession works: Most writers who succeed do so because they want it more than anything else. They try harder. They are prepared to make sacrifices to achieve their goals. They love writing for the sake of writing. Holmes is equally obsessed with solving puzzles. In fact, he is prepared to do it without a fee. The thrill of solving a crime is enough for him. 'They say that genius is an infinite capacity for taking pains. It's a very bad definition, but it does apply to detective work.'
You can read the full article here:
http://writerswrite.co.za/10-elementary-tips-for-writers-from-sherlock-holmes