#hints

[writingwithfolklore]

Following a Trail of Clues

                Lots of plots have at least some aspect of figuring out a mystery or uncovering some hidden truth. While it may not be a traditional murder mystery, writing a plot that revolves around the gathering of information and uncovering of clues can be written using a lot of the same techniques.

1. You should probably plan it

If you’re strictly a pantser, give it a shot, but I have never been able to pants mysteries like this. I would recommend planning it from the beginning and saving yourself a lot of time and headaches trying to piece it together later.

2. Start with the beginning and end

When planning a mystery, I start with the beginning, and then skip to the point that they uncover the truth or figure it out and work backwards to fill out the middle. What is the last hint they need to uncover the full truth, then, what leads to that hint, rinse and repeat until we get back to that beginning you created.

                For example, say the MC is trying to find their missing friend. The last point would be ‘they find their friend’, so that’s where we begin. Maybe right before that, they’re told the location, to get their location, they’ve kidnapped one of the bad guys who knows it, to get to him, they need to break into the evil lair, to find the lair, they need to spy on the organization, and so on.

3. Diversify the hints

I talk about this a bit in my post about written elements (here), but essentially, you’ll want to diversify how your characters get their hints. It will seem cheap if they find everything they need to know on conveniently spaced notes or journal entries (unless you can really justify that), or it’s all told to them by someone who happens to know it all (such as the ‘wise man’ trope).

                Maybe they find the last clue written down, but the one before was told to them from a key character, and the one before was puzzled out through a riddle, etc. etc. Here are some places to find clues:

Someone else knows something

This could be either an ally or an enemy. Family members, friends they weren’t aware of, a hidden partner, seemingly a stranger who knows more than they’re letting on. If they are an ally, there should be a reason they haven’t come forward yet, or justification for why their testimony is where it is in a story. Maybe they are somewhat accidentally guilty in the mystery, maybe they are afraid to be involved, maybe they aren’t aware anything has happened at all.

If they’re an enemy, maybe your protagonists need to corner them, best them in a battle, talk to them away from their boss, kidnap them, etc. Consider why this person would betray their ‘side’ to provide a clue to the protagonists.

Journal entries, notes, letters, ledgers, or otherwise written down

Physical evidence—footprints, pieces of clothing left behind, an object, photos, drawings

Biological evidence--fingerprints, DNA, hair, etc. If your character already has access to the equipment for this, great! If not, consider how they could find this out.

A prophetic dream or vision (use in cases in which it would make sense for your character to have this, obviously)

A riddle, poem, or song, if you can justify it.

An educated guess (for small jumps)

Timing—if they can figure out a timeline, they may be able to figure out something else

Something is missing or off place. That’s odd, character always leaves their book on the bedside table, so why isn’t it there?

Any other ways to get hints or clues to your characters?

#writing #creative writing #writers #screenwriting #writing community #writing inspiration #books #filmmaking #writing advice #hints #clues #following a trail of clues #writing mystery #mystery #detective

[tare-anime]

I notice that Endo always slips in subtle hints of sxf world building whenever he make an Eden kids focused chapter.

In the latest chapter 88, he slips in rumours:

We have a "King Willy the second" and "Queen of enemy nation".

It makes me think that there might be kingdoms in the land of Ostania, or in adjacent lands nearby Ostania. Perhaps this kingdoms already gone, or maybe there're still exist?

This really brings back a theory regarding Anya as the descendants of an extinc kingdom, due to her hair color, and her ability to speak "ancient language"

Even though, the "ancient language" can also means Anya overhears the lab scientist listing all terminologies in latin words.

Another example.

Back then, at chp. 42, he slips in

Pastry of knowledge. With a big picture of Apple. An Appe of knowledge. In Eden Academy.

Apple. Knowledge. Eden.

A reference to bible, in which someone in Eden might know a forbidden information, in corelation with Handler Sylvia's teaching to Twilight: knowledge is a very dangerous weapon.

A fact that there is a space race in the sxf world

Or a fact that Mr. Green knows a secret code for Ostanian people who deflect to the West

So as much as I really enjoy chapters where Endo shows us kids acting like kids (with all their dramatic antics); which emphazise Twilight and Yor's resolution to stay in the shadow in order to maintain peace so that these kids can always enjoy their time being kids; I will always squints my eyes for these clues. 🤣🤣

I love Endo and his way of storytelling.

#spy x family #anya forger #damian desmond #eden academy #world building #hints #sxf details #sxf background details #sxf theory #rambles

[dumblr]

I don’t take hints. Throw a rock at me.

#quotes #feelings #emotions #hints #love quotes #romantic quotes #wise words #thoughtful #love #sad but true #lol #stupid me #rock #dumblr

[suchawrathfullamb]

when hannibal says "people thought we were having an affair, why weren't we?" and alana says "you were already having one!" was it with another man because why would people think he was having an affair with alana if he was already having one with another woman? this means nothing but bryan fuller is the creator so i'm just gonna take this as "people assume heterosexuality as always and dismissed that hannibal was having an affair with a man and assumed he was having one with the first attractive female he seemed friendly with and was friendly with him"

#this and that doctor scene #hints #hannigram #nbc hannibal #hannibal #will graham #murder husbands #hugh dancy #hannibal lecter #mads mikkelsen

[anathemafiction]

Hi! A while ago I managed to get the "route" where lance slips about latim, but I cant manage to get this part again :( would you mind telling what are the important choices that lead to the slip? Thank you!! (and please excuse my english, its not my first language ;-; )

To trigger this, you need to have a Lore stat of 35 or higher. 

Here are the choices which raise Lore throughout the entire game. You don't need to pick every single one of these, but at least a good amount until you reach the 35% mark:

You were curious about some inscriptions on the wall. One step led to another, and the next thing you knew, you were lost. (Chapter One)

Inspect the ancient armor in the tombs. (Chapter One)

Take the gauntlet with you. (Chapter One)

The old gauntlet still rests in your satchel. You go to retrieve it. (Chapter Three)

If you choose to inspect the coin instead, pick this: You look at its design and try to compare it with others you have found before. (Chapter Three)

Visit the Devil's Bridge. (Chapter Four)

You follow her gaze to the statue. "Vulcan," you invoke the name. "Tell me about him." (Devil's Bridge)

You speak a name. "Nero," you say to the air. "Heard of him?" (Devil's Bridge)

"I have…" You hesitate. "A gauntlet with a face on it. One I've seen before. You wouldn't happen to know it?" (This option is only present if you don't know Nero's name which, if you're doing a Lore playthrough, you probably already know. But I'll add it to this list because it raises Lore - Devil's Bridge)

You think of all you've learned. Emperor Nero. And decide to put it on paper. (Chapter Seven)

You go to your bag and pull out the gauntlet you found in the ruin. (Appears if you haven't inspected the gauntlet and don't yet know who Nero is - Chapter Seven)

You look at its design and try to compare it with others you have found before. (Again, if you haven't inspected the coin before and do it now, this option raises Lore - Chapter Seven)

That's it! Lance will have a slip of the tongue then. 

#your english is perfect!! #Lance #The Golden Rose #hints

[tani-b-art]

Janine Teagues, the baller

[Abbott Elementary S2E6 — Candy Zombies]

#abbott elementary #janine teagues #quinta brunson #she has basketball dreams #maybe she played in jr high #her James harden costume was good #she loves the sport! #the last episode scrimmage made me imagine janine playing on the kids team and Ava stuffing her shot #she’s so small #i appreciate her love for basketball #Ava has a boyfriend who is a literal basketball player #hints #she’s adorbs

[netscapenavigator-official]

The Hint system in the Wood Grain UI Nancy Drew games is genuinely awful. The task will be like “Go outside and investigate the weird noise,” and the hint will be like “First, you need to look up the definition for ‘outside.’” And then it’ll prevent you from getting more hints for thirty minutes.

Meanwhile in the old games, Ned, unpromptedly, would just be like, “It was Paul digging through the trash. Go find the ring he left near the trash can and ask him what he was doing. This will trigger the final cutscene.”

#shitpost #shit post #nancy drew #nancy drew games #nd #hint #hints

[nando161mando]

If coming to a #freePalestine rally, bring a mask because:

1. #CovidIsNotOver

2. Cops are taking photos.

We protect each other. 🇵🇸

Masks keep us all safe. 😷

#free palestine #freepalastine🇵🇸 #palestine #rally #environmental activism #activism #political activist #occupationalhealthandsafety #health #tips #hints #covid19 #gaza strip #free gaza #gazaunderattack #save gaza #gaza #ausgov #politas #auspol #tasgov #taspol #australia #fuck neoliberals #neoliberal capitalism #anthony albanese #albanese government #long covid #covid 19 #covid isn't over

[seeminglydark]

me desperately trying to finish recording the new episode before the sun goes down cuz my mic faces the window that faces the woods and the last thing i want is to stare at a dark window while recording this PARTICULAR ep.

#hints #ghost stories #podcast posting #mil-liminal podcast

[yourivygrowss13]

NEW TIKTOK ON TAYLOR ACC!!!!

WE ARE HAVING A MUSIC VIDEO GUYS!!!

Also idk what the 14 means if someone knows comment below

Then we see the 3 variants announcements and a photo of Taylor with Meredith/olivia (I can’t see)

And this 4 pictures that I cannot tell what are they about

#taylor swift #taylornation #swifties #the eras tour #the tortured poets department #ts ttpd #ts11 #i love you taylor #surprise songs #taylorswift #easter eggs #photos #hints #ttpd era #taylor swift ttpd

[auntbibby]

neurotypicals: hmmm if i state what i want plainly, it might get criticized as rude or selfish

neurotypicals: hmmmm

neurotypicals: i know!!!!! ill hint at it ambiguously, so if my target picks up on the hidden meaning and finds it rude or selfish, i can deny i ever meant any hidden meaning!!!!

#neurodivergent #nts #neurotypical #autism #mind games #social behavior #neurodiversity #actually autistic #actually neurodivergent #neurotypical bullshit #meme #aspiegirl #autistic women #autism memes #funny #hints #subtle hints #social #social gaming #honesty #autism culture #autism core #autistic things #autistic experiences

[collegetennisoriginstory]

Hiiii bestie I got a question.

What do you need to do to get the Devil's dozen? Because on one play-through I'd get it but the next I won't? Or is it like a super secret that I can't crack?🫢

Each ball has different requirements, but Devil's dozen is ultimately a finesse + endurance check.

To simplify, I'd say you'll need finesse > 29, endurance > 29. Agility > 29 helps in the last ball (where you can sprint towards it) but you also need to not be too tired (which goes back to endurance). And you can choose the other options if you're not fast enough (e.g. Concentrate).

You also need to not "protect your moneymaker" (i.e. face) when Coach Sy blasts a ball right towards you. Courage in the face of adversity!

#ct:os #college tennis: origin story #interactive fiction #if #asks #hints #Devil's Dozen

[pja-party]

Teacup Family:

Athena 😢

Faith 😵

Utena 😵‍💫

#emoji #toonspartyroom #hints

[tamapalace]

Bandai Dropped Clues before Launching Very Berry Land & LoveMelo Concert Downloadable Content

Did you notice that? Before the Tamagotchi Uni 1.6.0 software update as announced with the new Tama Portal feature bringing downloadable content to our devices, Bandai did drop some hints on two of the locations!

That’s right, beautiful artwork of both Very Berry Land and Melody Land were posted on their social media profiles. Is that a coincidence? Perhaps we’ll get clues for the two remaining locations?

#tamapalace #tamagotchi #tmgc #tamagotchiuni #tamagotchi uni #uni #tamatag #virtualpet #bandai #1.6.0 #softwareupdate #software update #dlc #veryberryland #very berry land #lovemeloconcert #love melo concert #clues #hints

[youweremadetosoar]

Everyone talking about how, in the new Percy Jackson series, Luke seems so nice and unassuming even when we know how it ends but did you guys hear the instant music change when he shook Percy’s hand for the first time?

“I’m Luke,” [*EVIL MUSIC INTENSIFIES*]

Guys when I tell you my whole being mourned for who Luke is and who he was and who he will be.

#percy jackson #percy jackon and the olympians #luke #luke castellan #dynamic music #foreshadowing #hints #it’s obvious even now #i love them though

[anathemafiction]

You said that Alessa and Hadrian can impulsively kiss you in Chapter 8. Can you tell how to trigger that?

The impulsive kisses happen in Chapter Eight, right before you step into Rafael's interrogation. But, I just checked the code, and I misspoke. 

Alessa doesn't kiss you impulsively, which, now that I think about it, alines with her character. Alessa's not in the headspace to do it. She's so focused on the Eye and the real possibility that you all (including the White Company) are doomed. 

There's one option with Alessa that has Romanus kissing her impulsively if you haven't in the inn — and it's this one: "Stop putting everything on your shoulders," you say forcefully. "We'll deal with this. Together."

It's a small, quick, reserved kiss, but it's your first with her. 

Hadrian, however, will kiss you in all of the options except this one: You feel steel settling over your heart. "Maybe prayers aren't the answer, Hadrian."

Where, essentially, you disregard his feelings. In all the other options, if you don't kiss him in the inn, then Hadrian will kiss you out of impulse. 

Hope this helps!

#Hadrian #Alessa #The Golden Rose #hints