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Writing Evil: Inside the Mind of a Thriller Author
Manage episode 483858749 series 3307457
What makes a truly unforgettable literary villain?
According to bestselling thriller author Gary Braver, it's not mustache-twirling evil, but rather those "sweet smelling reasons" that justify their actions in their minds.
Drawing from over four decades of teaching creative writing and penning critically acclaimed mysteries, Braver takes us behind the curtain of compelling thriller construction.
Braver's latest novel, "Rumor of Evil," follows two Cambridge homicide detectives investigating a suspicious death that connects to the cold case of a Romani exchange student who perished in a treehouse fire.
Inspired by the infamous Slenderman case, the story explores how destructive rumors, prejudice, and superstition can have deadly consequences—themes that resonate powerfully in today's climate of misinformation.
For writers seeking to master the mystery genre, Braver offers an architectural approach: study successful novels like a carpenter examines a house.
Notice how authors craft cliffhanger chapter endings that keep readers awake at night, balance action scenes with reflective moments, and create dialogue that distinguishes characters without attribution tags. This technical dissection of craft transforms passive reading into active learning.
Whether you're a fiction writer seeking to strengthen your villains, a mystery lover curious about the mechanics behind your favorite thrillers, or fascinated by how stories are crafted, this episode delivers invaluable insights from a master of the genre.
How will you apply Braver's architectural approach to your next reading or writing experience?
****************************************************************************
Connect with Natasha
If you’re ready to write your book, I’d love to help you bring your story to life.
👉 Explore my 1:1 Book Coaching Program:
https://www.readandwritewithnatasha.com/coaching
Read My Writing & Learn With Me
📬 Substack — Read & Write with Natasha
https://natashatynes.substack.com
Follow Me
🌐 Website: https://www.readandwritewithnatasha.com
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natashatynes
🐦 Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/NatashaTynes
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natasha.tynes
▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@readandwritewithnatasha
Chapters
1. Reading Like a Carpenter (00:00:00)
2. Meet Gary Braver, Bestselling Thriller Author (00:01:20)
3. Behind "Rumor of Evil" (00:02:28)
4. Writing Routine and Crime Fiction Appeal (00:10:42)
5. Essential Tips for Mystery Writers (00:17:07)
6. Publishing Journey and Marketing Challenges (00:22:54)
7. TikTok and the Changing Book Market (00:28:29)
8. Live Writing Critique and Villain Development (00:34:04)
96 episodes
Manage episode 483858749 series 3307457
What makes a truly unforgettable literary villain?
According to bestselling thriller author Gary Braver, it's not mustache-twirling evil, but rather those "sweet smelling reasons" that justify their actions in their minds.
Drawing from over four decades of teaching creative writing and penning critically acclaimed mysteries, Braver takes us behind the curtain of compelling thriller construction.
Braver's latest novel, "Rumor of Evil," follows two Cambridge homicide detectives investigating a suspicious death that connects to the cold case of a Romani exchange student who perished in a treehouse fire.
Inspired by the infamous Slenderman case, the story explores how destructive rumors, prejudice, and superstition can have deadly consequences—themes that resonate powerfully in today's climate of misinformation.
For writers seeking to master the mystery genre, Braver offers an architectural approach: study successful novels like a carpenter examines a house.
Notice how authors craft cliffhanger chapter endings that keep readers awake at night, balance action scenes with reflective moments, and create dialogue that distinguishes characters without attribution tags. This technical dissection of craft transforms passive reading into active learning.
Whether you're a fiction writer seeking to strengthen your villains, a mystery lover curious about the mechanics behind your favorite thrillers, or fascinated by how stories are crafted, this episode delivers invaluable insights from a master of the genre.
How will you apply Braver's architectural approach to your next reading or writing experience?
****************************************************************************
Connect with Natasha
If you’re ready to write your book, I’d love to help you bring your story to life.
👉 Explore my 1:1 Book Coaching Program:
https://www.readandwritewithnatasha.com/coaching
Read My Writing & Learn With Me
📬 Substack — Read & Write with Natasha
https://natashatynes.substack.com
Follow Me
🌐 Website: https://www.readandwritewithnatasha.com
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natashatynes
🐦 Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/NatashaTynes
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natasha.tynes
▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@readandwritewithnatasha
Chapters
1. Reading Like a Carpenter (00:00:00)
2. Meet Gary Braver, Bestselling Thriller Author (00:01:20)
3. Behind "Rumor of Evil" (00:02:28)
4. Writing Routine and Crime Fiction Appeal (00:10:42)
5. Essential Tips for Mystery Writers (00:17:07)
6. Publishing Journey and Marketing Challenges (00:22:54)
7. TikTok and the Changing Book Market (00:28:29)
8. Live Writing Critique and Villain Development (00:34:04)
96 episodes
All episodes
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