Writers, Ink: Your backstage pass to the world's most prolific authors

Series potential with bestselling thriller author, Lisa Gardner.

12 snips
Aug 19, 2025
Lisa Gardner, a #1 New York Times bestselling thriller novelist, shares her journey from food service to bestselling author, citing her fascination with police procedures as her driving force. She discusses the challenges and joys of writing series, focusing on her character Frankie Elkin and the emotional depth of her stories. The conversation also touches on the impact of recent literary changes, including book bans and the digital shift in reviews. Lastly, Lisa highlights the invigorating role travel plays in her creative process.
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INSIGHT

Publishing Is Wild But Books Endure

  • Publishing has shifted into a chaotic, opportunity-filled 'wild wild west' over the last five years.
  • Lisa Gardner says books themselves remain constant: readers will always want great stories.
ADVICE

Focus On Craft During Market Noise

  • Focus on your craft when the market is chaotic and uncertain.
  • Lisa Gardner advises writers to put on blinders and concentrate on writing great books rather than chasing trends.
ANECDOTE

How Frankie Elkin Was Born

  • Frankie Elkin emerged from Lisa's curiosity about amateur sleuths and armchair detectives in the information age.
  • Gardner imagined a person with no authority who nevertheless tries to find missing people using empathy and persistence.
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