A rash of mystery authors keep you confused through most of the book and then throw in a surprise twist at the end, or leave you in doubt as to whether the mystery was really solved, but these are not comfortable mysteries. Mystery is in the details that would normally be overlooked. It might be a special texture of a tree, or a small cluster of delicate ferns. In an earlier article, we talked about thresholds, where visitors generally pause if only to open a gate, and perfect spots for small discoveries. Once your visitors know there are discoveries to be found, they will begin to look for them.
Mystery balances the known and unknown.
Offer glimpses of the whole, not panoramas. Clarity and Mystery may seem to be two ends of a spectrum, but the middle ground will encourage the visitor to linger, while instilling a desire to continue on to the next discovery. Refuge Refuge is not the same as a retreat or isolation. Refuge is more a feeling of comfort, safety and belonging. It identifies a space as yours, even if just loaned to you for awhile.