Psychic Editor: Carol, Bride of Writingstein 
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| Hello. My name is Carol St.Ann. I joined WDC in September of 2006, and I write for this newsletter once a month. This year, 2026, I plan to focus on ideas, development, and craft. |
I recently heard of a local crime that had been solved by a Mystic. So it occurred to me. This would be a very interesting story. But how to write it?
Let's get to it.
Writing a mystery with a psychic overtone works best when you set strict rules for the psychic ability (or gift) so the supernatural element supports the puzzle instead of solves it for you.
Decide & Define Parameters.
Pick the power(s) or gift.
Does your character have flashes, symbolic or actual visions, personally emotional echoes, and inexplicably strong gut-perception or sense of "knowing", or is s/he omniscient within certain circumstances?
Define the cost.
Is the power weakening or draining? (In what way?)
Is it at-will or unpredictable or perhaps, both?
How is the character perceived?
Does it affect the ability to sustain relationships?
Does your character love, hate, or merely tolerate the power?
What is the Manifest Appearance
Does it affect your character's physicality and presence when it happens? In what way? Consider sharp sensory details—like a sudden drop in temperature, a phantom smell, or a ringing in the ears—to signal an incoming vision.
Maintain consistency.
Stick to your chosen parameters boundaries so the reader has faith in the logic of the story. (I heartily recommend a story bible, especially for these things.
Maintain a realistic balance.
To your character, the information afforded via the power is fact, but to the rest of everybody, psychic phenomenon is as much or more suspect as (any other) witness testimony (it can be biased, misunderstood, or emotionally colored in translation.
Guard the critical details.
Ensure a vision provides a clue or a symbol rather than naming the guilty party or entity straight away.
Keep it real. (I know you don't need this part, but I have to include it or I won't be able to sleep.)
Don't forget the actual clues.
Include normal forensic evidence like blood, crime scene debris, weapon, footprints, tire marks, alibis, and timelines.
Build Atmosphere and Tension
Engage the readers' senses.
(Remember the manifest appearance mentioned above?)
Create doubt.
Just because we have a psychic doesn't mean we wouldn't want to employ a good mystery's dearest little buddy, Red Herring.  I'm just saying...
As always, I hope you find this information helpful in writing a psychic thriller mystery!
See you next month.
Carol St.Ann
Remember to nominate great Mysteries
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Need a little help getting that mystery onto the page?
Work with fellow authors, here:
A few good reads!
| | Imprints (13+) A psychic detective helps solve a case. A tale told in dialogue only. |
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Mystery: September 30, 2026 Issue [#13974]
