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About this quote

What does it mean?
A perfect mystery cannot be written because the mind needed to solve it differs from the one that writes well.
In plain terms
Logic and art do not mix well in writing a flawless mystery.
What can you take from it?
Great puzzles and great stories require different skills.

Where it applies

  • discussing craft
  • explaining limitations
  • writing theory

Putting it to work

  • writing mysteries
  • understanding craft
  • planning plots

Questions to consider

  • Can logic and art coexist?
  • Is perfection possible in art?

Another view

It assumes a hard divide between logic and creativity.

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