Steve Berry
asked
Steven James:
What's the most interesting thing you discovered while writing a novel?
Steven James
Great question! I suppose I could go different directions with this answer: what I’ve discovered in research or what I’ve learned about the craft of fiction while doing my actual writing. Why not, I’ll take a quick stab at them both.
Research-wise, when I was working on my techno-thriller The Rook, I found out that sharks have a scientifically-proven sixth sense. They can sense magnetic signatures in the water to locate prey—even when it’s paralyzed and in murky water that you can’t see through. It’s a pretty amazing skill and ended up being the genesis for the entire plot.
On the writing front I’ve discovered that the more I outline a novel the more off-track I get. I know it sounds counterintuitive, but I end up trying to follow the outline rather than respond to the story. Instead, I try to listen to where it’s going and let that lead me rather than my preconceptions about what the story should contain.
Research-wise, when I was working on my techno-thriller The Rook, I found out that sharks have a scientifically-proven sixth sense. They can sense magnetic signatures in the water to locate prey—even when it’s paralyzed and in murky water that you can’t see through. It’s a pretty amazing skill and ended up being the genesis for the entire plot.
On the writing front I’ve discovered that the more I outline a novel the more off-track I get. I know it sounds counterintuitive, but I end up trying to follow the outline rather than respond to the story. Instead, I try to listen to where it’s going and let that lead me rather than my preconceptions about what the story should contain.
More Answered Questions
Leonardo Wild
asked
Steven James:
Hi Steven, a spin off series about Tessa might do well ... especially if she'll need to ask Patrick for help, reversing their roles ... but as I'm not quite finished with Check Mate yet (another 100 or less pages to go, good stuff), this idea might not be a good one after all. Viable?
Charlene
asked
Steven James:
Hi Steven, Last year I started reading your Patrick bowers Files series in order with a friend. Due to having a visual impairment I mainly read the audio version. I’m sure it was available at the beginning of 2021 but by the end 2021 I cannot seem to find an audio version of “The King”. I would love to finish this series is there anyway I can get a copy of an audio version? I am more than happy to pay.
Wade
asked
Steven James:
First off I wanted to say how big of a fan I am of yours. "Every Crooked Path" was the best book I have read in many, many years. It was probably also one of the hardest books for me to read due to the sensitive subject matter but you handled it masterfully. I was wondering if you ever thought about writing a book with another author? And if you could choose any other to write a book with, who would it be?
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