#200: Frederick Forsyth, novelist

Nov 26, 2024

Frederick Forsyth, a bestselling novelist and former foreign correspondent, shares his journey from the Royal Air Force to the world of thriller writing. He discusses the real-life events that inspired his iconic novel, 'The Day of the Jackal'. Forsyth reveals his experiences covering significant historical conflicts and his intriguing encounters with MI6. Moreover, he reflects on the adaptation of his works for the screen and the challenges of being both a writer and a journalist in tumultuous times.

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ANECDOTE

From Spitfire Dream To RAF Wings

Forsyth's early obsession with flying led to RAF training, private flying lessons and ultimately becoming a fighter pilot and earning his wings.
That aviation background later fed short fiction like The Shepherd and informed his disciplined approach to craft.

ANECDOTE

Accidental Paris Posting That Changed Everything

Forsyth trained on provincial papers, passed the NCTJ exams, then joined Reuters and was posted to Paris by chance when the deputy developed a heart murmur.
That timing plunged him into covering OAS assassination attempts on de Gaulle, seeding future fiction ideas.

ADVICE

Use Reporter Research Habits In Fiction

Use journalistic research habits: probe relentlessly, ask direct questions and expose the hidden to build factual, concise narratives.
Forsyth credits reporter training for his succinct prose and obsession with accuracy in novels like The Day of the Jackal.

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For the 200th episode of Always Take Notes Simon and Rachel speak with the novelist Frederick Forsyth. He began his career in the Royal Air Force in 1956, before leaving to pursue journalism. Frederick worked for Reuters, the BBC, and as a freelancer; part of his early career was spent covering French affairs, including the attempted assassination of Charles de Gaulle. That provided the inspiration for "The Day of the Jackal", his first novel, which was published in 1971. Frederick's subsequent thrillers include "The Odessa File", "The Dogs of War," "The Fourth Protocol" and "The Fist of God", and he has sold over 70 million books worldwide. He also had extensive involvement with MI6 - the British overseas intelligence agency - starting in the 1960s. Many of Frederick's works have been adapted for the screen, including a new TV version of "The Day of the Jackal", which premiered in 2024. We spoke to Frederick about his career as a foreign correspondent, turning to fiction with "The Day of the Jackal", and his relationship with the intelligence services.

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