Genevieve Michaels
asked
Dave Cullen:
What is your process for coming up with the structure or outline of a book like Columbine? What are your tips for organizing your book's content so it's engaging and clear?
Dave Cullen
Well the structure for Columbine was pretty complex: two alternating stories both moving forward, from different starting points, plus 4 flashbacks, and a 100-page set-up before the main stories split. I diagrammed and explained how and why at an MFA class where I discussed it with the LA Times book critic David Ulin, and I had a flip chart to diagram it. We filmed that and it's in the two 10-minute videos on my site here (they are the second and third videos): http://davecullen.com/columbine/colum...
I think that will answer your question pretty thoroughly.
It took me many years to figure that all out. Primarily, I was trying to figure out what would engage the reader, and then keep him/her hooked? What would the story be, and the suspense?
I think that will answer your question pretty thoroughly.
It took me many years to figure that all out. Primarily, I was trying to figure out what would engage the reader, and then keep him/her hooked? What would the story be, and the suspense?
More Answered Questions
Ami
asked
Dave Cullen:
Columbine really helped me to understand the story behind that tragedy, including the mentality of Dylan Klebold and Eric Harris. I think of it whenever I, unfortunately, hear of another similar tragedy. Do you feel like that analysis remains true for many of the similar shootings that we hear about, or have the intervening years changed your opinion?
Melanie
asked
Dave Cullen:
After reading "Columbine," I starting viewing Eric and Dylan as humans rather than monsters they are portrayed in the media. I also greatly empathized with their parents, particularly the Klebolds. Have you read, or will you read, Sue Klebold's book "A Mother's Reckoning"?
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more