Over the
years, Dan Brown has engaged in many interesting interviews. In his last one
with THE GUARDIAN, he provided insights into how to write a bestseller. What
can fellow writers learn from Brown?
First, he
assured writers that they don’t have to be brilliantly original. (As the Book of Ecclesiastes tells us, there is
nothing new under the sun.)
According to Brown, the key elements that a
thriller must have are: a hero, a goal,
obstacles that seem to make it impossible and a moment when the hero conquers
the villain. Don’t get overcomplicated, Brown urges. Keep it simple.
Next is the idea of
the ticking clock. This keeps the action interesting and exciting. He also
talks about the crucible—constraining the main characters and forcing them to
act.
Brown observes that
these elements are needed in all forms of fiction not just thrillers. He also comments that we should write what we want to know not just what we actually
know. I interpret that to mean that researching a topic of interest is
significant. Having read his novels, I know he does love to do
research—although at times, he info dumps, which is something I think writers
need to be wary about doing.
Analyzing Dan
Brown’s writing style and techniques can prove helpful to those of us writing
today. In my last novel, DEATH PROMISE, I combined elements of both mystery and
thriller. I would add that pacing is important in any novel. For instance, the
writing should not sag in the middle.
Your thoughts and
opinions valued here!
Excellent post, Jacqueline! We regard these as basics, and yet so many of us forget them. Thanks for the reminder.
ReplyDeleteI agree. It never hurts to be reminded when it comes to the basics.
DeleteNice summary, Jacquie. Good advice on limiting the research to only what is necessary and useful.
ReplyDeleteHi Susan,
DeleteWith research, we do sometimes get overly enthusiastic and it can bog down a good story with too much info.
I like that comment about writing what you WANT to know, not just what you know. That's one thing I love about writing, I'm always learning. Thanks for the recap, Jacqueline.
ReplyDeleteHi Maris,
DeleteIn my case if I only wrote what I know, my stories would be not as interesting.
Thanks for the post. He said things most of us writers know yet often forget. I know I do. Appreciate the reminder.
ReplyDeleteTrue, June. Never hurts to be reminded!
ReplyDeleteI attended a writers' conference led by the late Stuart Kaminsky, a prolific Chicago writer, who never wrote about what he already knew. He claimed writing about what he wanted to know, and conducting extensive research, made the writing of the book fresh and exciting for him. This translated to the reader. Something to think about...
ReplyDeleteThanks for this interesting post, Jacqueline.
Hi Saralyn,
ReplyDeleteStuart Kaminsky was popular and successful in Chicago. He offered a writing course that Sara Paretsky took and he helped give her a start in mystery writing.
Great advice for writers of any genre!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing
PamT
We agree!
DeleteI like his advice to not make the plot over complicated. As a reader, I find too much complication hard to follow. At the same time, as a writer, I worry that my plot may be too simple. Striking a happy medium is the thing.
ReplyDeleteI agree, Irene, there is a need for balance. Too many complications can lead to reader confusion.
DeleteInteresting that you mentioned "the crucible," Jacquie. I'd never heard that term until just a few days ago when I read about it in a screenwriting book. All good information, for sure! Thanks! bobbi c.
ReplyDeleteHi Bobbi,
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by and commenting!