Mustache whacks

I'm in the middle of a two-day school visit, so this will be quick. Here's a writing tip for all of you NoNoReamers who have been furiously cranking away at your Nano-particles and have hit a snag. The answer (actually, an answer) to most plot problems is already in your manuscript. Something earlier on usually holds the key to solving the current problem. Basically, what you need is under your nose, waiting to give you a gentle whack. It might be found in a casual statement from a bit of dialogue, or in the description of something in a room. There's nothing mystical at work, here. I don't think we anticipate our problems and strew our work with precognitive solutions. I think that threads from the fabric of our prose just work well at inspiring new material. The truth might not be out there, but the next plot twist definitely is. Happy hunting.