ASK THE AUTHOR
Q: How do you balance providing enough information for readers to follow the plot, but not so much that you give away the twists?
A: That’s one of the challenges of writing thrillers. It’s a delicate balance of giving enough hints so the final reveal is satisfying, but not so many that it becomes predictable.
Q: What’s your process for plotting your novels? Do you know the ending before you start writing?
A: I usually start with a basic plot structure, including the ending. However, sometimes the story takes on a life of its own and changes as I write.
Q: Do you have a favorite character you’ve written? If so, why are they your favorite?
A: I love all my characters, even the villains. But, hands down, Bodhi takes the cake. Why? You would know if you read his books.
Q: How did you become interested in writing thriller novels?
A: I’ve always been fascinated by the human psyche under extreme circumstances. The suspense, tension, and intrigue inherent in thrillers captivated me, and I wanted to explore that in my writing.
Q: What are your key sources of inspiration for your stories?
A: I draw inspiration from various sources – real-life events, human behavior, other works of fiction, and sometimes, even my dreams.
Q: Can you share your writing process?
A: I start with a basic idea, which I develop into a plot outline. I then create my characters and throw them into the plot. I keep refining the story as I write, allowing for some flexibility and organic growth.
Q: How do you create suspense and maintain tension in your novels?
A: The key to creating suspense is to keep the reader guessing. I try to maintain a sense of uncertainty and use cliffhangers effectively. It’s all about careful pacing and strategic revelation of information.
Q: What do you consider the most challenging aspect of writing thrillers?
A: Maintaining a balance between suspense, character development, and plot progression can be challenging. Also, coming up with fresh and unique scenarios can be tough.
Q: How do you research for your books?
A: It depends on the topic. I use a combination of online resources, books, interviews with professionals in relevant fields, and sometimes, personal visits to locations or institutions.
Q: How do you handle writing about violent or disturbing content?
A: I approach it with sensitivity, focusing more on the psychological aspect rather than the graphic details. It’s about creating an impact without resorting to gratuitous violence.
Q: Any advice for aspiring thriller authors?
A: Read widely and write consistently. Understand the genre, but don’t be afraid to experiment. Remember, at the heart of every good thriller is a compelling story and complex characters.