Hiding. Secrecy. Keeping things out of sight. How much is too much, and how much is too little?

Funny how hard something so simple can be. Hiding things is one such idea. Mysteries are commonly built completely around the hiding of facts/suspects/motives so the audience is strung along the wrong path until the story pops the conclusion. Of course, it isn't only mysteries that do this, but there is still the trouble of how much and when? It's interesting to study how different authors accomplish the task, and the success they find. Now that I mention it, this isn't even true only of stories, but also games and all kinds of other things (Hide and Seek is more about hiding in a strategic spot more than a highly camouflaged spot).

In my mind, the importance of secrecy is curiosity. As an audience, I want to know and am willing to wait and find out, and then as a participant I want to do a good job hiding stuff, and finally as an author I want to think it all up. All those things work together and makes magic happen. It's dazzling to witness someone like Agatha Christie do it so well--my favorite is still "Ten Little Indians" which continues to be a top seller in mysteries.

So, what's the answer? How much is too much? How much is too little? The answer is like asking why something is a favorite--because it is. What I mean is that a complete answer isn't really possible; it's more a feeling than anything else. We all do it, with flavors and colors, cars and movies. We know what we like, but can't really express why we do. So, my suggestion is to keep the secrecy where you personally like it and go with it. After all, shouldn't stories at least benefit yourself as you experience them?

- M