Moorcock Mysteries

We all want to create compelling stories that keep our readers hooked until the very end. One way to do that is by including mysteries throughout the plot that keep the audience guessing. Michael Moorcock, the renowned fantasy writer, has some great advice on how to create these mysteries in your story.

In Moorcock's view, you don't always need to have everything figured out before you start writing. Instead, you can include mysteries in your plot that even you don't know the answer to yet. By doing so, you'll keep yourself interested and excited about the story, which will translate into an engaging read for your audience.

For example, in Moorcock's Elric of Melniboné series, the character of Elric is searching for the mystical artifact known as the Black Sword. Throughout the books, Moorcock includes mysteries that Elric doesn't know the answer to, such as who created the sword, why it's so powerful, and what its ultimate purpose is. These mysteries keep the reader engaged and guessing until the very end of the series.

The key to creating these mysteries is to include them in your lists and imagery, as Moorcock suggests. Write down a list of mysteries that you might want to include in your story. These can be big mysteries, like the ultimate purpose of the Black Sword, or smaller mysteries, like who stole a character's watch. By including these mysteries in your story, you'll keep yourself interested and excited about the plot.

Another important aspect of creating mysteries is to ensure that they fit into the overall structure of your story. As Moorcock points out, you don't want to include loads of boring exposition about something you have no idea of yourself. Instead, make sure that your mysteries have a narrative function and contribute to the plot.

For example, in Moorcock's book The Warlord of the Air, the main character Oswald Bastable is transported to a parallel world where he must uncover the mysteries of the world's technology and politics. By making the mysteries an integral part of the plot, Moorcock keeps the reader engaged and invested in the story.

In conclusion, creating mysteries within your story is a great way to keep your audience engaged and guessing until the very end. By taking Michael Moorcock's advice and including mysteries that even you don't know the answer to, you'll keep yourself interested in the plot and create a compelling read for your audience. So, start brainstorming those mysteries, and happy writing!