How do clues work?  This question became one of my biggest worries when I started writing murder mysteries.  At a  conference last Saturday (hosted by Croak & Dagger, the Albuquerque Chapter of Sisters in Crime) Jan Burk, moderator of our panel, asked us that question.  Thankfully, while writing The Flapper, the Scientist, and the Saboteur,  I’ve figured it out.  Here’s my simple formula.

Keep in mind what personal information does the reader or protagonist need to know about the antagonist, and when does the reader or protagonist need to know it.

What little formulas have you developed while on your writing journey? I’d enjoy hearing about them.