11.26: Elemental Mystery Q&A

In this episode we field some questions about elemental mystery. Here they are!

How do you balance between two mysteries in the same story?
What types of mysteries can fit well as sub-plots?
What do you do when beta readers figure out the mystery really early?
In the MICE quotient, are mysteries all “Idea” stories?
How do you write a protagonist who is smarter than you are?
How do you make sure your genius protagonist is still experiencing an interesting struggle?
How do you make a kidnap victim more than just a MacGuffin?
How “literary” can you make your mystery?

Liner Notes: The movie Howard referred to is Cellular, with Kim Basinger, Chris Evans, and Jason Statham.

Credits: This episode was recorded by Daniel Thompson, and mastered by Alex Jackson.

Homework: Take a book or film that you enjoy, and write down every mystery you see.

Thing of the week: I Am Princess X, by Cherie Priest, narrated by Mary Robinette Kowal.