: Re: How far apart can the dots be? I've written enough to know the kind of writer I am, my voice, my style. I am often accused of making the reader work too hard to put the plot points together.

@Deb2945533

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If the reader isn't satisfied then that's no good. Teasing them a bit is OK provided you let them see the light at the end of the tunnel. Challenging them to a puzzle when they wanted a relaxing read is unsatisfying. Not giving the answer is definitely not on.

In my experience of reading draft pieces in writing groups, it's very easy for readers to lose essentials about the plot even when there isn't meant to be a mystery.

From your description I'm guessing that there's a short coda in the cell. I wouldn't be happy with that unless I'd had some clear hints that your character was unstable. Something that happens out of the blue as a fait accompli is telling when you should be showing. (A variation of 'it was all a dream' trope.)

You've got a difficult job making us care about an anti-hero. Why should I care what happens to a boring drunk? (That's not a criticism but a red warning flag that goes with the territory.)

It's always a problem judging how much hand-holding readers need. A little bit extra is unlikely to spoil it for the quicker ones. You don't have to be either arch or blunt. For example you can show us Fred is wealthy without him arriving in a Rolls Royce by other little details. Perhaps he shows photos of his latest luxury holiday. Job done naturally. You might add "I bet that was expensive Fred" and how he replies tells us about Fred's attitude to money. Two for the price of one!

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