I love this season. Not just because (as an American) I get to stuff my face with turkey and sweet potatoes over Thanksgiving.
No, I love it because it’s a time of mystery.
The sun rises later, sets earlier. Everything’s a little foggy, damp, shrouded in mist. Thick-falling snow creates an almost unnatural quiet. We huddle over hot coffee or tea or cocoa to warm up, snuggle under piles of blankets to feel cozy and safe.
We crave mystery—mystery, but not necessarily answers.
It’s a strange paradox, but it’s the reason the TV show LOST was so successful at first—you know, before viewers began receiving answers we didn’t necessarily want… or need.
I think that we like forging ahead into the realm of perfect possibility, or perhaps we like the tingle of fear that accompanies the darkness. It’s a great reminder that the world still holds unknowable things for us, magical things.
Today while you’re writing, try working in an edge of mystery (if you don’t have one already). You’ll intrigue and engage your readers—and you don’t even necessarily have to worry about providing an answer.
What do you think? I’d love to hear your comments below. 🙂