Holly Seddon, a thriller author known for her gripping novels like "Try Not to Breathe," discusses her creative process and the challenges of writing amid life's chaos. She shares insights about her upcoming book, "59 Minutes," inspired by childhood fears and global events. The conversation dives into her latest work, "The Short Straw," exploring themes of psychological tension and the impact of classic literature. Holly also reveals how tools like Scrivener help manage complex narratives, making storytelling both thrilling and organized.
Holly Seddon's writing journey emphasizes the importance of time management and making sacrifices to pursue creative passions amid family responsibilities.
The podcast highlights the significant barriers aspiring authors face in the publishing industry, particularly regarding financial support and access to resources.
Deep dives
Writing in Snatched Moments
Writing often requires sacrifice and time management, especially for those juggling family and professional commitments. An author shared how her writing journey began in the early mornings and late nights while raising young children, framing it as a 'sneaky' endeavor since she initially kept it a secret from nearly everyone. She emphasized that finding time to write amidst a busy life is a choice, highlighting how significant the driving need to write is in maintaining motivation. This perspective resonated with many aspiring authors who face similar challenges of balancing passion with other responsibilities.
Overcoming Obstacles in Publishing
Breaking into the publishing world can be particularly challenging for writers without financial support or a stable income from writing. Factors such as family backgrounds and access to resources significantly impact an author's ability to pursue their literary ambitions. Sharing personal experiences, the author acknowledged the struggles many face regarding low pay and the difficulty of balancing writing with everyday job responsibilities. Such insights underline the reality that while success in writing is possible, it often requires navigating systemic barriers and sacrifices that can discourage new voices from emerging.
Crafting Suspenseful Narratives
The author discussed her creative process, revealing how she incorporates her lifelong fascination with elements of suspense and horror into her writing. Her latest novel intertwines personal themes with gripping scenarios, examining how characters react under extreme pressure. She articulated a desire for readers to reflect on their own responses in life-threatening situations, which adds depth to her storytelling. This blending of genre fiction with thought-provoking themes illustrates her commitment to exploring substantial questions through the vehicle of suspenseful narrative.