Sara Blaedel, author of 'A Harmless Lie' - Denmark's 'Queen of Crime' talks about having an organised day, selling internationally, and killing for a living
Sarah Bladel emphasizes extensive research for authenticity in her novels, meticulously planning plots using colored cards.
Bladel crafts relatable protagonist Louise Rick with intricate character development, establishing emotional connection with readers.
Deep dives
Research and Writing Process
When crafting her novels, Sarah Bladel emphasizes extensive research, delving into details to ensure authenticity. She meticulously plans her plots using colored plot cards, visualizing storylines and character arcs. Bladel's dedication to research not only enriches her storytelling but also guides her in realistically portraying crime scenes and police investigations.
Writing Environment and Routine
Bladel's writing space reflects comfort and inspiration with cozy couches, bookshelves, and awards reminding her of past achievements. She values a serene environment, believing that aesthetics and cleanliness stimulate her creativity. Her writing routine involves starting the day with a walk, avoiding distractions like social media, and meditating briefly before immersing herself in a five-hour writing session.
Character Development and Reader Engagement
Sarah Bladel's protagonist, Louise Rick, garners a loyal following due to her relatability and authenticity. Readers are drawn to Rick's ordinary yet intricate persona, engaging with her personal life while she navigates complex investigations. Bladel's balance between character development and plot intricacies has captivated audiences, establishing an emotional connection that keeps them invested in Rick's journey.
Inspirations and Narrative Origins
Bladel's storytelling often stems from personal curiosities and real-world inspirations. Ideas for her novels can originate from diverse sources, like encounters with experts or reflections on societal issues. The genesis of her latest novel, 'A Harmless Lie,' came from a character's compelling backstory, intertwining past events with current mysteries to craft a compelling narrative.
Sara Blaedel is Denmark's 'Queen of Crime'. 3 million copies have been sold in Denmark alone. The country has under 6 million people living in it.
She's published 25 books, and is best known for her Detective Louise Rick stories. The new one is 'A Harmless Lie', in which Louise has to rush back from holiday in Thailand, after a panicked phone call from her father. Her brother has attempted suicide, and everything is entangled in his estranged wife, and a girl who went missing a decade before.
We discuss her organised and thorough work-day, also how much she thinks about an international audience when she writes in Danish, and why she returns to write about murders for a living, which can be hugely emotionally draining.
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