As a DM for D&D I know how difficult it can be to insert a clue into the narrative. I think knowing the table and its dynamic is important. If I see that the players are not fully paying attention I may add some emphasis around an item… “It doesn’t take a wizard to see that there is something different, seemingly magical, about this pond…” For those who are engaged the same pond may be “a clear part of the marsh.”
I’ve written some novice fantasy stories and have come to the realization that ALL stories are mysteries. Bond novels, Harry Potter, 50 Shades, The Fugitive, Pillars of the Earth… each book is about discovery in the world and references key items or events from earlier in the books.
I agree with you that it is far easier to drop these subtle hints in the written word than the spoken word. That may have something to do with the fact that humans have been speaking to each others for many millennia, while writing (and thus, reading) is a relatively new human innovation. Evolutionarily, we’ve gotten VERY good at listening to the nuances of the audible language.
Great points. I really like your idea of all stories being mysteries - the journey of understanding how all the components are revealed and how they fit together.
As a DM for D&D I know how difficult it can be to insert a clue into the narrative. I think knowing the table and its dynamic is important. If I see that the players are not fully paying attention I may add some emphasis around an item… “It doesn’t take a wizard to see that there is something different, seemingly magical, about this pond…” For those who are engaged the same pond may be “a clear part of the marsh.”
I’ve written some novice fantasy stories and have come to the realization that ALL stories are mysteries. Bond novels, Harry Potter, 50 Shades, The Fugitive, Pillars of the Earth… each book is about discovery in the world and references key items or events from earlier in the books.
I agree with you that it is far easier to drop these subtle hints in the written word than the spoken word. That may have something to do with the fact that humans have been speaking to each others for many millennia, while writing (and thus, reading) is a relatively new human innovation. Evolutionarily, we’ve gotten VERY good at listening to the nuances of the audible language.
Great points. I really like your idea of all stories being mysteries - the journey of understanding how all the components are revealed and how they fit together.