Why you shouldn’t wait for inspiration to strike with Harlan Coben
Summary
Harlan Coben discusses his prolific writing career, treating it as a disciplined job rather than relying on fleeting inspiration. He explains how his characters, particularly Myron Bolitar, serve as wish-fulfillment avatars that reflect his own life experiences and unresolved losses. Coben also shares insights from his collaborations with Reese Witherspoon and Netflix, emphasizing that character development is inherently tied to plot and setting. The conversation concludes with reflections on the psychology of aging, the importance of progress over perfection, and the idea that individuals …
Topics discussed
Sponsor: Capital One Bank
Intro: Early book signing anecdote
Introduction of Harlan Coben and his career
Why Myron and Winn resonate with readers
Character development and wish fulfillment
Treating writing like a job vs. magic
Writing routines and finding the right spot
Tools of the trade: Notebooks and pens
How ideas originate: The boy in the woods
Walking, creativity, and embracing boredom
The balance of impatience and patience
Progress, motivation, and the need for readers
Sponsors: Skylight and Stripe
Lessons from writing a book about writing
Collaborating with Reese Witherspoon on The Missing
Sponsor: Olympic Hospitality
Lightning round: Worst writing advice
Dream dinner guests and international fame
The heart of the story: Givers vs. Takers
Feeling 17 and bringing your own weather
Seeing others in 3D vs. 2D and overconfidence
Hubris, vulnerability, and closing thoughts
Sponsors: Kohler and Schwab
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