“The Art of Suspense” by Ken Follett

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I heard this a few years ago and LOVED it. Ken Follett is a master of suspense. Notice how he starts by talking about the emotion produced in the reader and getting readers emotionally involved in a story. He knows exactly what effect he’s trying to product. He also talks about how to determine whether an idea is good enough for a novel. And all this as he describes the interesting form and history of the thriller.

Here are the parts of his speech.

1 Introduction 10 Agatha Christie
2 Erskine Childers 11 Dashiell Hammet
3 John Buchan 12 Dennis Wheatley
4 E Phillips Oppenheim 13 Mickey Spillane
5 Zane Grey 14 Ian Fleming
6 William Tufnell Le Queux 15 After Bond
7 Joseph Conrad 16 Thomas Harris
8 The standard thriller 17 Q&A
9 The psychological thriller

“The Art of Suspense” by Ken Follett–enjoy!

Writing tips from Best Seller Debbie Macomber

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I saw this today and thought of the assignments I give in my workshops. Look at what this hugely popular writer did to learn and focus her craft:

  1. Knew what she liked and followed HER passions (she knew what rocked her).
  2. Took 4 books she loved and broke them down to look for patterns she could use. This is exactly what Bernard Cornwell did (link at bottom).
  3. Identified what it was she wanted to deliver to her readers. I believe her four words were “Provocative,” “Relevant,” “Creative,” and “Honest” (form follows function).
  4. Notice also how much she loves plot turns (story cycle–surprise and conflict).

What a delightful interview. I’m going to pick up a Macomber and give her a go. Anyone have a recommendation on a title?

Smith’s grocery update

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Okay, so SERVANT is still in Smith’s. Get them before they’re gone. If you were thinking of purchasing, now’s the time (and let’s hope the trial run is a success and they take it national in their stores). They have it cheaper than anywhere else in the Utah area. I think it’s $17 or $19. That’s a great price for a new hardback.  I know it’s in these stores.

  • Heber, UT
  • Jackson Hole, WY
  • Park City, UT
  • Provo, UT (by the library)
  • Orem, UT (State and Center)
  • Sandy, UT (benches, Bengal Blvd.)
  • West Jordan, UT
  • I’m sure there are other Smith stores that I’ve missed. You can check your local store to see. Let me know here if you spot it. 🙂 

Handout to “How to Write a Story that Rocks”

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I had an absolute BLAST with Larry and the audience at LTUE. I think the workshop went very well for the first time. Of course, I’m going to make some tweaks. Paul Genesse had some interesting feedback and I’ll have to see if I can’t do more with character. Two hours is such a short period of time.

The good news for those who couldn’t attend is that we have a recording and will be posting probably next week. Everyone should thank Stephen Nelson!

We ran out of handouts. I printed 80. Then Mark Holt generously had 30 more printed. We still didn’t have enough. For those of you who didn’t get one or who want an electronic copy, here it is.

How to Write a Story That Rocks – Handout