Dean Koontz: 120 novels published. 500 million copies sold. | How I Write
May 7, 2025
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In a fascinating chat, Dean Koontz, best-selling author of over 100 novels, shares his journey through writing and creativity. He reveals his shift from outlining to letting characters guide the story, emphasizing character depth for suspense. Dean discusses how personal challenges shape characters and enhance narratives, intertwining themes of love and doubt. He reflects on the influence of aesthetics on creativity and the metaphysical aspects that inspire his work, all while celebrating the beauty of language.
Dean Koontz emphasizes the importance of organic character development, allowing them free will to enhance storytelling and create surprising narratives.
The author reflects on the limitations of outlining, discovering that revising drafts fosters a deeper connection with the text and enhances fluidity.
Koontz illustrates how characters from diverse backgrounds, including those perceived as disadvantaged, can provide profound insights and emotional depth in narratives.
Deep dives
The Shift Away from Outlining
The decision to stop outlining novels was prompted by dissatisfaction with how this structured approach limited creativity. Outlines, which initially provided financial security during the writing process, became restrictive as ideas evolved during actual writing sessions. The author discovered that while drafts were often better than the initial outline, publishers frequently rejected the final product for not adhering closely to their expectations. This led to a realization that allowing characters more freedom to develop naturally would ultimately enhance narrative quality.
Character-Driven Storytelling
Characters are portrayed as having a degree of free will, leading to unexpected developments in the story when they are allowed to evolve organically. By treating characters as real entities, writers can capture authentic moments that resonate strongly, as if characters themselves dictate their actions and dialogue. These surprising moments often lead to richer storytelling and produce outcomes that can delight both the writer and readers. Embracing this unpredictability allows authors to explore new pathways in their narratives that may not have been initially planned.
The Importance of Revising
The author emphasizes the necessity of revisiting and refining each page to achieve a level of perfection before moving on, leading to thorough drafts and revisions. This meticulous approach means enduring multiple edits per page, with a strong focus on achieving fluidity and clarity in the prose. Each draft allows the writer to deepen their understanding of the story and enhance the imagery, creating a polished final product that resonates with readers. The practice of frequent revision fosters a connection with the text, ensuring that each word contributes meaningfully to the overall experience.
The Depth of Wisdom in Characters
Characters of varying backgrounds are presented as possessing valuable insights, particularly those who might traditionally be perceived as disadvantaged, such as those with lower IQs. A character developed in the narrative exemplifies wisdom and emotional depth, showcasing how life's experiences can foster understanding, empathy, and connection. This perspective challenges conventional notions of intelligence and highlights the complexity of human experience, revealing that everyone has unique contributions to make. The journey taken by these characters ultimately serves to enrich the narrative, as they navigate life's challenges and reveal profound truths.
Writing as an Exploration of Mysteries
The act of writing is seen as a journey through the mysteries of life, with authors tasked to uncover meaning even amid chaos. The exploration of metaphysical themes underpins much of the storytelling, as characters grapple with profound questions about existence and purpose. By recognizing the inexplicable moments that shape life, authors can craft narratives that resonate on a deeper level with readers. This understanding not only fuels creativity but also imbues the work with a sense of significance, encouraging both authors and audiences to reflect on their own experiences.
Dean Koontz has written over 100 books and sold more than 500 million copies, making him one of the best-selling authors of all time. I visited Dean at his home and personal library to understand what truly sets him apart. Unlike most mass-market writers, Dean is obsessed with the craft. He doesn’t just write stories, he truly lives for the beauty of the English language. We talked about why he stopped outlining his novels and how to build characters that feel alive. But honestly, this conversation goes way deeper than just writing. I think you’re going to love it. Enjoy!
Hey! I’m David Perell and I’m a writer, teacher, and podcaster. I believe writing online is one of the biggest opportunities in the world today. For the first time in human history, everybody can freely share their ideas with a global audience. I seek to help as many people publish their writing online as possible.
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