How to Write a Novel That Hooks Readers Through Curiosity (Not Confusion)

LISTEN ON APPLE PODCAST | LISTEN ON SPOTIFY | LISTEN ON YOUTUBE

Have you ever written what you thought was a brilliantly mysterious scene, only to have readers say they were completely lost? Or maybe you've struggled with knowing how much information to reveal and when?

If so, you're not alone. Every genre uses elements of mystery and curiosity. Romance writers need to make readers curious about whether their characters will get together, but might be unsure when to reveal the hero's tragic backstory. Fantasy authors need readers to wonder about the heroine's ability to survive the evil force threatening her world, but might be unsure about how much world-building to explain upfront. Thriller writers need to create suspense about who can be trusted while choosing what clues to share first, second, and third.

No matter what you write, you're constantly making decisions about what to reveal and when.

But here's the big problem I see constantly in the manuscripts I edit: writers think mystery means withholding information. They mistake creating confusion for creating curiosity.

Here's what I want you to understand: These writers who withhold information from readers aren't being mysterious. They're just being vague.

So, I'm going to show you the difference between the two and give you a simple three-part framework for creating the kind of curiosity that keeps readers engaged instead of frustrated. Let’s dive in!

The Difference Between Mysterious and Vague

So what's the difference between being mysterious and being vague?

• Being mysterious means you've given readers a clear foundation to stand on. In other words, they understand the situation, the characters, and what's at stake, but there's a crucial piece of information missing that would make everything (for readers and the protagonist) click into place.
• Being vague means you've left readers to fumble around in the dark. They're unsure of basic story elements (like character, conflict, and stakes), and you hope their confusion will be enough to make them read forward. Spoiler alert: it definitely won't.

Think of it like this: A good mystery is like a great movie trailer. You see enough to understand the story, the characters, and what's at stake, but there are key elements that make you think, "I have to see how this plays out." You're not watching a trailer that's so confusing you have no idea what the movie is even about.

Mysterious vs. Vague: An Example

Let me show you what I mean with an example based on a scene in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. Imagine reading this paragraph in the middle of a scene:

"Harry picked up a piece of paper under the tea cozy. It was a cutting from the Daily Prophet. Harry read the article, and the information made his hair stand on end. Could it be? Harry asked Hagrid about the article, but Hagrid didn't meet his eyes. Something was definitely up."

See the problem? As a reader, you have zero context. You'd feel cheated, not curious. But in the actual novel, we learn everything Harry learns as he learns it. Here's what the actual text says:

"Harry picked up a piece of paper that was lying on the table under the tea cozy. It was a cutting from the Daily Prophet:

GRINGOTTS BREAK-IN LATEST

Investigations continue into the break-in at Gringotts on 31 July, widely believed to be the work of Dark wizards or witches unknown.

Gringotts goblins today insisted that nothing had been taken. The vault that was searched had in fact been emptied the same day.

'But we're not telling you what was in there, so keep your noses out if you know what's good for you,' said a Gringotts spokesgoblin this afternoon.

Harry remembered Ron telling him on the train that someone had tried to rob Gringotts, but Ron hadn't mentioned the date.

'Hagrid!' said Harry, 'that Gringotts break-in happened on my birthday! It might've been happening while we were there!'

There was no doubt about it, Hagrid definitely didn't meet Harry's eyes this time. He grunted and offered him another rock cake. Harry read the story again. The vault that was searched had in fact been emptied earlier that same day. Hagrid had emptied vault seven hundred and thirteen, if you could call it emptying, taking out that grubby little package. Had that been what the thieves were looking for?"

Big difference, right?

In this example, we see the same newspaper article that Harry does. We understand its significance because we know Harry and Hagrid visited that same vault on that same day. We're given the shape of what's missing—something valuable was nearly stolen from a place our protagonist visited—without being left completely in the dark.

The author gives us the context first, then creates curiosity within that context.

This is important because our brains are wired to seek patterns and complete pictures. When we encounter a story, we immediately start building a mental map: Where are we? Who are these people? What do they want? What's at stake? Without sufficient context, our brains can't engage with the mystery because we're too busy trying to figure out basic orientation.

Now that we're on the same page about being mysterious versus being vague, let's talk about how to create mysteries that leave readers curious and wanting to know more.

How To Create Curiosity In Your Novel

#1: Give Readers the Essential Context

Before you can make readers curious about the missing information, they need to understand the overall picture. This means establishing the big-picture context of the story, who your characters are, and the basic conflict and situation.

Your job isn't to hide everything—it's to ground readers so they can focus on the mystery that matters.

Consider how Gone Girl opens: Amy is missing, Nick is the husband, and the police are investigating. We're not confused about genre, setting, or basic situation. Flynn gives us our story GPS immediately, so we can focus on the real question: What really happened to Amy?

As you craft your mystery, make sure you're clear on these questions:

• Who is your protagonist? What do they want and why?
• What's at stake for your protagonist if they fail to get what they want?
• Where and when does your story take place?
• What's the central conflict? Who is the antagonist?
• What do readers expect from a story in your genre?

The key is providing enough context so readers can focus on the story instead of scrambling to understand where they are or what's happening.

Remember: any information you choose to withhold should be carefully constructed and intentional.

Readers should be able to understand the shape of what's missing while feeling completely grounded in your story. You're not hiding the foundation—you're strategically placing gaps within a clear context.

#2: Make the Missing Information Matter to Your Character

Good mysteries aren't academic puzzles—they're deeply personal to your protagonist. The missing information must be crucial to something your character desperately wants: survival, love, justice, truth, redemption. When the mystery matters to your character, it will automatically matter to your readers.

In The Name of the Wind, Patrick Rothfuss doesn't confuse us about basic world-building or Kvothe's identity. We understand he's a legendary figure telling his own story, we grasp the magic system basics, and we know something terrible happened to his family. The compelling question: What really happened with the Chandrian, and how did young Kvothe's quest for answers shape him into the legend we meet?

The mystery works because it's rooted in character and has clear stakes. It's not vague or arbitrarily secretive for the sake of being secretive.

As you craft your mystery, make sure you're clear on these questions:

• What does your character want more than anything?
• What crucial information do they need to get it?
• What's preventing them from easily obtaining this information?

When you can answer these questions (and use them to ground your mysteryyou're on your way to creating a story that will hook readers.

#3: Deliver Information That Answers Questions AND Raises New Ones

This is where the magic happens. Instead of just withholding information, make every revelation count by answering one question while raising two new ones.

In The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, we know Mikael is investigating a decades-old disappearance. Each discovery provides answers—yes, Harriet was in the parade photos; no, she didn't leave the island willingly—but also raises new questions: Who was she meeting? Why did someone want her gone? Each revelation moves the story forward while deepening the mystery.

This approach works because readers feel like they're making progress (they're learning things) but the mystery becomes more intriguing, not less, with each reveal.

Here's how you know if you're being mysterious instead of vague: Can readers follow your story while remaining curious about the outcome?

If they're struggling with the first part (if they can't follow what's happening) they'll never engage with the second part. But if they can follow your story and still feel compelled to keep reading, you've struck the right balance.

Final Thoughts

Remember, you're not trying to trick your readers—you're creating a partnership. Your job is to guide them through a compelling journey where they have enough information to stay oriented while maintaining enough questions to keep them turning pages.

The most powerful stories aren't those that leave readers confused—they're those that leave readers compelled. They provide clear context that allows deep emotional investment, then create curiosity around outcomes that truly matter.

When you master this balance, you'll transform your writing from something that puzzles readers into something that captivates them. You'll create stories that readers can't put down, not because they're confused, but because they're completely absorbed in characters and outcomes they desperately care about.

Now go forth and be mysterious—but never, ever vague. Your readers will thank you by staying up way too late, desperate to discover what happens next.

Ready to transform your story idea into a page-turner readers can't put down? Join the waitlist for Notes to Novel, my comprehensive course that guides you step-by-step from scattered ideas to completed first draft. You'll learn not just the theory of compelling storytelling, but exactly how to execute what you’re learning, too. Click here to get on the waitlist and be the first to know when doors open again!