Have you ever read a book that seemed to have an unresolved itch? The boyfriend just seems a little too attentive or the cook's dinner bell a little too timely. The author may or may not have drawn attention to this little detail, but it tickles the back of your thoughts; it is an itch that won't go away, yet cannot be scratched. Is it just your imagination? Or is it the secret that will blow the mystery wide open?
When the conclusion dawns and you were right, oh, what triumph! Your itch has been assuaged (and validated). But if your itch was unfounded are you disappointed? Was it a purposely placed red herring or an example of your imagination run amok? (Or, heaven forbid, poor writing?)
How to place an appropriate itch is part of the writer's craft. If carefully placed, it will draw attention, but only slight attention, like the absent minded scratch of the back of your hand. If the itch is too strong it becomes a distraction - a very pesky mosquito bite that demands immediate attention.
Agatha Christie was the master of this, placing itches along the way that were only recognized in hindsight. Other authors may fool you a few times, but become predictable when they use the same kind of itch in every book. While we may feel self satisfied at figuring out the mystery before it was revealed, when it's too easy the fun is spoiled. Finding the right balance for the reader is the trick.
But the itch also afflicts the writer. Whether mystery or novel, do you want to reveal too much too early? Are you eager to share all that is going on behind the scenes? Or with literature, do you want to spell out your metaphors instead of letting them speak for themselves? Understated itches will tease yet never torment. That is the goal.
May the itches be always in your favor.
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