Genre Writing13 min read
Mystery Writing: Clues, Red Herrings & Fair Play
Learn to craft intricate mysteries that challenge readers while playing fair. Master the art of misdirection and revelation.
#mystery#clues#red-herrings#plot-twists
The Art of Fair Play
Great mystery writing follows an unspoken contract with readers: give them all the information they need to solve the puzzle, but make it challenging enough to keep them guessing. This balance of revelation and misdirection is what makes mysteries addictive.
Planting Clues
- Multiple interpretations: Clues that can be read different ways
- Hidden in plain sight: Information that seems unimportant initially
- Progressive revelation: Clues that build on each other
- False importance: Making red herrings seem significant
Red Herrings That Work
- Believable suspects: Characters with motive and opportunity
- Circumstantial evidence: Things that look suspicious but aren't conclusive
- Misdirection timing: When to introduce false leads
- Resolution: Explaining why red herrings existed
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