New Books Network Paula Bomer, "The Stalker" (Soho Books, 2025)
Nov 12, 2025
Paula Bomer, acclaimed author of *The Stalker*, dives into her gripping novel about the complexities of stalking and privilege. She reveals the journey of creating her protagonist Dodie, shifting from a victim-centered narrative to one that humanizes an antagonist. Bomer touches on the impact of MeToo and the intersections of gendered violence and class entitlement. With a blend of dark humor and serious themes, she explores how societal norms enable predation and connects these issues to her own writing process.
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Tight Third-Person Creates Intimacy
- Paula Bomer uses a tight third-person voice that remains closely tied to Doty to create claustrophobic intimacy without full first-person immersion.
- She found the narrative voice by process of elimination and says voice discovery unlocked fast drafting.
Voice Shift From Victim To Perpetrator
- Paula Bomer started writing a different book, Gaslit, from a female victim's POV but couldn't make it work and pivoted after an 'aha' to Doty's voice.
- Once she found Doty's voice, the first draft flowed quickly for her.
Editor Humanized The Devil Figure
- Bomer initially imagined Doty as satanic but her editor Mark Doughton humanized him and cut grand allegory elements.
- She leaned into human flaws like family Catholicism rather than literal devilry.
