How I Write

Nick Bilton: How to Write a Thriller

Sep 11, 2024

In this insightful discussion, Nick, a journalist and screenwriter known for his work with The New York Times and Vanity Fair, dives into the art of writing thrillers. He emphasizes the importance of tension and emotion in storytelling. Listeners will learn how to create relatable characters and maintain pace through suspenseful techniques. Nick also highlights the significance of sensory details and research to connect readers deeply to narratives. With practical tips on cliffhangers and dialogue, he equips aspiring storytellers with a dynamic toolbox for captivating their audience.

01:19:46

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Nick

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Quick takeaways

Establishing drama and tension from the outset is crucial for creating compelling and engaging narratives that captivate readers.

A well-structured narrative mirrors screenplay writing, emphasizing the economy of language to focus on character-driven elements and impactful scenes.

Themes provide a unifying lens through which readers interpret the narrative, emphasizing the importance of clarity and significance from the beginning.

Deep dives

Creating Tension in Storytelling

The essence of compelling storytelling lies in establishing drama and tension from the very beginning. Engaging narratives should propel the reader from one page to the next, making them feel as though they're part of the unfolding experience. This approach echoes techniques utilized in screenwriting and murder mysteries, where suspense and emotional stakes are paramount. A gripping story invites readers to question how they would react in similar situations, evoking a sense of personal involvement.

Everything is a Story

01:35

The Nuances of Human Emotion in Storytelling

01:43

Crafting Compelling Narratives: Character Intentions and Screenwriting Techniques

03:30

Capture the Essence with Minimal Detail

01:17

Intro

2min

The Art and Structure of Storytelling

2min

The Craft of Engaging Storytelling

22min

Crafting Compelling Thrillers

15min

Crafting Compelling Narratives

13min

Inside the Mind of an Innovator

2min

Crafting Compelling Narratives

20min

Bringing Numbers to Life with Vivid Analogies

5min

Welcome to 74-minutes of storytelling strategy that’s better than all of your English classes combined. Nick is a journalist who has written for The New York Times and Vanity Fair. He’s a screenwriter, an author, a murder mystery enthusiast. In other words, he knows how to push a story through a brick wall. And he’s going to show you how you can, too.

This episode is the ultimate storytelling toolkit. Cliffhangers. Tension. Dialogue. Character. Motifs. You’ll learn it all.

And here’s the thing: if you can tell great stories, then you will succeed in life. Stories make up our entire world — from a politician’s speech to the back of a cereal box to a dinner party with friends. Good storytellers always have the upper hand. So, if you want to tell fast-paced and dizzying stories, this episode is for you.

SPEAKER LINKS:

Website: https://www.nickbilton.com/

Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Nick-Bilton/author/B003UP0RIM

Vanity Fair: https://www.vanityfair.com/contributor/nick-bilton

Twitter: https://twitter.com/nickbilton

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickbilton

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PODCAST LINKS:

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