Mentor Files

Lessons for aspiring suspense novelists

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Setting and symbolism in The Witch Elm

Sep 28 •

Narrative distance part 2: WHERE THE CRYPTIDS FLED

Staying objective or getting close; and my real-life mentee, Mo Drammeh

Aug 17 •

Narrative distance part 1: I LET YOU GO

Point of view, verb tense, and a Clare Mackintosh case study

Jul 13 •

ARE CHARACTERS REAL?

My agent's "woo" theory and the advice I might finally understand.

Jun 8 •

Notes on the Execution of Good Character

Wants, needs, and Danya Kukafka

Apr 27 •

How to Gone a Girl in 3 Steps

Using the three-act story structure to maximize suspense

Mar 30 •

Noodling on the Mmes. de Winter

Why structure makes a suspense novel

Mar 2 •

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