A quick note that this week we're resurfacing Part One of an enlightening chat I had with #1 internationally bestselling author Jeffery Deaver about his process for writing “ticking-time bomb suspense,” near the start of the Pandemic. Next week we are going to catch up with the author for the second part of that interview series with Jeff to talk about his latest novel and a lot more about the writing life. Until then …
The #1 internationally bestselling author of over 40 novels, Jeffery Deaver, took a few minutes to discuss his advice on how to write emotionally engaging fiction, the merits of plotters vs. pantsers, and a 5-step process for writing your novel.
"Rejection is just a speed bump ... it's not a brick wall. Keep at it." – Jeffery Deaver
Jeffery is a former journalist, musician, and attorney best known for his Lincoln Rhyme series – now a hit NBC TV show – and the novel, The Bone Collector, adapted for the big screen starring Denzel Washington and Angelina Jolie.
The "master of suspense" has been nominated for seven Edgar Awards and has gone on to sell 50 million books worldwide, translated into 35 languages.
His thriller featured here is a sequel to The Never Game – The Goodbye Man (A Colter Shaw Novel Book 2) – and once again features Colter Shaw, a rugged survivalist and "reward-seeker."
One of Bookpage's "Most Anticipated Mysteries and Thrillers" of 2020, Publishers Weekly said of the book, “Deaver balances suspense and plausibility perfectly ... This is a perfect jumping-on point for readers new to one of today’s top contemporary thriller writers.”
Stay calm and write on ...
Get 'The Writer Files' Podcast Delivered Straight to Your Inbox
If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please "Follow" us to automatically see new interviews.
In this file Jeffery Deaver and I discussed:
- Why suspense writers are like airline pilots
- Wisdom from Joyce Carol Oates and the importance of outlining
- How having your novel read aloud to you can improve your prose
- A simple formula for writing "roller-coaster" fiction
- And much more!
Show Notes:
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience