Writing a Killer Thriller: An Editor's Guide to Writing Compelling Fiction

by Jodie Renner

This significantly expanded version of Jodie Renner's popular thinner e-book, the first edition of Writing a Killer Thriller, is four times as long as the original e-booklet, with many added chapters and two appendices.

As of August 30, 2013, this book has 35 5-star reviews and 8 4-star reviews on Amazon, out of a total of 45 reviews (average 4.7 out of 5 stars).

Whether you’re planning your first novel or revising your fourth, you’ll discover lots of concrete ideas here for taking your fiction up a level or two, captivating readers, and gaining fans. Both published and aspiring authors of fast-paced, popular fiction will find these tips indispensable, and the reader-friendly format makes it easy to zoom in on specific advice, with examples, for creating compelling characters, planning a high-stakes plot, writing a riveting opening, ramping up the tension and intrigue, picking up the pace, revising for power, and creating a page-turner that sells.

“Finally, someone who understands the thriller! More than ever an author must also be his own best editor and Jodie Renner is there to help. Writing a Killer Thriller should be on every thriller writer’s desk. It breaks down the thriller into its must-have component parts to write a scintillating, edge of the seat novel that will get readers buzzing and sales flowing.”
~ Robert Dugoni, New York Times bestselling author of The Jury Master and Murder One

“Writing a Killer Thriller by Jodie Renner is an in-depth journey through each component of the thriller. Renner breaks down the process into key elements, each essential to keeping the reader turning those pages. From character development to building suspense, Writing a Killer Thriller should be on the desk of every thriller author out there. A staple for the beginner, a refresher for the pro.”
~ Joe Moore, #1 Amazon and international bestselling co-author of The Blade and The Phoenix Apostles

“Writing is hard, editing harder, and self-editing almost impossible. Writing a Killer Thriller demystifies each of these steps on the road to a published manuscript. Read this book. It will help you now and for many years to come.”
~ DP Lyle, Macavity Award winning and Edgar, Agatha, Anthony, Benjamin Franklin, Scribe, and USA Best Books nominated author of the Dub Walker thriller series

“A killer of a thriller guide! Jodie Renner lays out, in clear, easy steps and lists, how the best writers craft their works of art – and shows how you can do it, too. A terrific how-to in avoiding the pitfalls and burnishing the gotta-haves of writing a bestselling thriller novel, by an editor who knows her way around action, drama and creating characters so fresh and real you’ll swear they were your friends.”
~ Shane Gericke, national bestselling and No. 1 Kindle bestselling author of Torn Apart

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction, Reference, Crafts

186 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

Jodie Renner is a sought-after freelance fiction editor and award-winning author of three craft-of-writing guides: the multi-award-winning CAPTIVATE YOUR READERS, FIRE UP YOUR FICTION, and WRITING A KILLER THRILLER. She has also published two handy, clickable writers' e-resources, QUICK CLICKS: WORD USAGE - Style and Usage Tips for Busy Writers and Editors, and QUICK CLICKS: SPELLING LIST - Commonly Misspelled Words at Your Fingertips. Jodie has also organized, edited, and published two anthologies for charity to date: VOICES FROM THE VALLEYS - Stories & Poems about Life in BC's Interior, published on Nov. 24, 2015; and CHILDHOOD REGAINED - Stories of Hope for Asian Child Workers, to be released on May 10, 2016.

Jodie also presents writing workshops and her craft-of-writing posts appear on various blogs.

As a freelance fiction manuscript editor, Jodie specializes in thrillers, romantic suspense, mysteries, and other fast-paced, suspenseful fiction.

Jodie is a member of International Thriller Writers (ITW), the Federation of BC Writers (FBCW), and Penticton Writers & Publishers (PWAP).

Jodie's favorite authors include Robert Crais, Sandra Brown, Lee Child, Karin Slaughter, Michael Connelly, Nora Roberts, Harlan Coben, Janet Evanovich, Dean Koontz, Lisa Scottoline, John Grisham, Lisa Gardner, and many more.

Jodie has had a lifelong passion for reading, especially fiction. She is a former English and French teacher and school librarian, with a master's degree.

When she's not editing, writing, or reading novels or books on writing compelling fiction, Jodie loves to pursue her two other passions, photography and traveling. She has traveled extensively throughout North America, Europe and the Middle East, and continues to sneak away whenever she gets the chance.
www.JodieRennerEditing.com, www.JodieRenner.com

Reviews

[Julia Ash · Rating 5 out of 5]

WRITING A KILLER THRILLER helps writers understand the ingredients of a thriller. Very organized and methodical approach to thriller writing. Great read!

[Heather Hunter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great resource for newbies

Very helpful as I drafted my first novel. Provided some great ideas on POV and how to plan out the story arch to keep things engaging for the reader. Thank you!

[Emma Sea · Rating 1 out of 5]

I assume the term "an editor's view" is being used ironically, as the book consists of an extensive selection of attributed quotes from other books. Renner does appear to craft a mean linking phrase. Skip this: buy the originals she quotes from instead.


James N. Frey
Donald Maas
Writer's Digest
Jessica Page Morrell
James Scott Bell
Nigel Watts
Hallie Ephron
Jack M Bickham
Elizabeth Lyon

[Armand Rosamilia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The resources in the back of the book are worth the price alone. reading this book straight through will give you everything you need to create a book or series of books readers will want more and more of. I'm glad I bought a print copy because I highlighted many parts for future reference. A must-have!

[John Yeoman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent guide to the 'how to do it now' skills of writing crime/suspense fiction, presented in a succinct and readable style. As a story writing coach myself, I often find that new authors don't want theory. They need proven practical techniques - and they need them fast, so they can develop their craft at once. This book supplies everything that a newbie needs.

[Michael Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to know how to write a thriller, this is a must read. The book outlines all the essential parts a thriller must have. Many examples are given that helps the reader understand the point made. I can't wait to apply what I learned to my own writing.

[William · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am having difficulty rating this book. I am thriller author, but I am not so arrogant to think I know everything and yet I am sure my review will feel that way to sum. I am by no means an expert in writing. I am always learning and studying craft to improve my next novel. This book was not worth the expense, unless you haven’t already read the books referenced in this summary. First, I did flag many useful passages, but most of Renner uses was to source and quote other authors such as Elmore Lennard. I have a book with his list of writing dos and don’ts. Most of the book was just a collection of useful notes from more experienced authors. And this is why it’s difficult to rate the information is impeccable, but little of it is Renner’s. As I said, if I was new to writing or hadn’t read dozens of craft books I might have gotten more. It was a bit nice to have some of this information in one place but again Renner didn’t really add anything new or her own incites into Thriller writing for me. And after full chapters she relists the information which felt a bit like filler. The information is 5 stars but as it’s a regurgitation on the part of the author I have drop the score.

[Chris Keane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great primer on the killler genre. Some gems of advice. My only issue is that I wish it were a little more expanded/longer!

[KB · Rating 3 out of 5]

Felt a bit repetitive? Definitely took a few things form the source, but overall it wasn’t exceedingly explanatory. Just pretty average really?

[Bryn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this shortly after finishing Fire Up Your Fiction and found that that most of the same points were made here as well. There were some different quotes sourced from other writing books and a more thriller-oriented recommended reading list, but otherwise, I found this to be thin on content. I started skimming about halfway through and started seeing the same advice from one chapter to the next.

[Allan Leverone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Writing fiction is such an intimate, personal experience that it would be impossible for an author to do it successfully by following a template. It's not like cooking; you don't just buy a book of recipes and get to work.

That said, there is no question a satisfying thriller must contain certain elements. Jodie Renner has de-mystified the process of thriller-writing with WRITING A KILLER THRILLER. This little booklet is packed full of information which is not just useful, but critical to the success of any thriller writer, whether just starting out or a veteran of many books.

WRITING A KILLER THRILLER proceeds logically, starting out with what might seem obvious at first glance but really is not - explaining the difference between a mystery and a thriller. The booklet then addresses issues critical to the success of your thriller, like the importance of conflict, how to heighten suspense, and techniques to use which will keep readers compulsively turning the pages.

I've worked with Jodie in the past, she helped me transform THE LONELY MILE from a good book to a "gripping and unnerving" Amazon bestseller, and I look forward to working with her again. But if you want to avail yourself of the knowledge of one of the best freelance thriller editors in the business, you couldn't ask for a better deal than WRITING A KILLER THRILLER, especially for such short money.

[Kathrynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book! Writing, plotting, strategizing tips and more were packed in this book. Nicely written and laid out with great examples, both good and bad. It is easier to mention what was not covered and that would be publishing tips which I didn't expect to find in the book. Everything else about writing, brainstorming, creating, building, writing with more impact, writing with shorter sentences for fast paced ride or longer sentences for a slower scene is in this book.

5 Star Favorite from This Reader.

[D.J. Adamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jodie Renner’s craft book on suspense is now on my bookshelf to take out and remind myself what a suspenseful story should look like. Not only does she offer quotes and instruction from those authors who have excellently gone before, but she also offers plot structures, advice on characters, structure grafts, storytelling grafts, and a consistant reminder to put tension on every page.
Do suspense writers already know some of this instruction? Yes. But what is wonderful is that Renner puts it out simply for the novice to learn and the professional to use as a rewrite check.

[Steven · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you've already read a lot of books on the craft of writing most of the material in this book will seem familiar because Renner has done an excellent job compiling the collective wisdom. If you haven't read a lot of those books, start here and shift right into a high gear. Even if you have read all those books this is a great compendium of advice, a big juicy checklist of reminders, and a revision cheat sheet.

[L.J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jodie Renner is a terrific editor, one that I trusted with my last three novels. And her advice columns are so good, I print and save them all. For thriller authors, this will be the best money you ever spend. --L.J. Sellers, bestselling author of provocative mysteries & thrillers

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not sure what to rate this. It is a great read and has a ton of useful tips, but they are ALL quotes from other books on writing.

[Gerald Hornsby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book. Very useful, and with some great tips.

[Francene Carroll · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is packed with tips and useful advice on how to create suspense and write a thriller. I found it helpful and inspiring. Now I just have to get cracking on that bestseller!

[Candy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jodie Renner's "Writing a Killer Thriller" is a comprehensive guide that aims to arm aspiring thriller writers with the necessary tools to captivate their readers with suspenseful, gripping narratives. While the book offers a wealth of good advice and strategies for crafting effective thrillers, a few issues prevent it from being the flawless guide one might hope for from an experienced editor.

Renner's expertise shines through in the detailed discussions about pacing, character development, and building tension—key elements in any thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The book is particularly strong when it delves into psychological aspects, helping writers understand how to manipulate reader emotions effectively and sustain suspense throughout their stories.

The inclusion of real-world examples from popular thrillers allows readers to see Renner’s advice in action, which is invaluable for both new and experienced writers. These examples serve as concrete illustrations of abstract concepts and provide a clear direction for applying Renner’s tips to one’s own writing.

Surprisingly for a book authored by an editor known for meticulousness, "Writing a Killer Thriller" suffers from a number of typos and misspelled words. This is particularly jarring given Renner's background and somewhat undermines the authority of the text. Readers might find themselves distracted by these errors, which occasionally disrupt the flow of reading and could detract from the professional polish expected of a guide on writing.

Additionally, the book’s content tends to be repetitive at times. Several points are reiterated in multiple chapters, which, while emphasizing their importance, also pads out the book unnecessarily. This repetition might cause frustration for readers who are keen on extracting new information from each chapter rather than revisiting previously covered material.

Despite its flaws, "Writing a Killer Thriller" remains a valuable resource for writers. The repetitive nature of some information does ensure that critical points are likely to stick with readers, potentially aiding them in avoiding common pitfalls in thriller writing. Moreover, Renner’s advice is generally sound and rooted in a deep understanding of the genre, making this book a useful tool for writers looking to improve or refine their thriller-writing skills.

Overall, "Writing a Killer Thriller" by Jodie Renner earns a solid four stars. It is packed with insightful tips and examples that can help any writer improve their ability to craft suspenseful narratives. However, the impact of the advice is somewhat lessened by the presence of typographical errors and repetitive content. Writers looking for a thorough introduction to thriller writing will find much to appreciate here, but they might have to look past some editing oversights to fully enjoy all that the book has to offer.

[Britt · Rating 2 out of 5]

good information for new writers, but felt like an ad

Please note: my low rating is not a reflection of Renner’s skills as an editor.

I try to read at least two craft books per year, and was excited to see one of jodie books in a genre I write in available on KU.
This is not “bad”, but I feel a little mislead.
Pros:
New writers will get a lot of information.
Renner provides multiple resources

Cons:

While it’s fantastic she cites her sources, most of the “how to” doesn’t come from Jodie. And I felt like this was just one big ad for other peoples books, which felt counterproductive. Which is areal shame because Renner knows the craft. She has an excellent reputation in writer circles, and sadly this doesn’t reflect that.
Often times, it feels repetitive due to how the book was formatted.
I felt like it was unorganized and didn’t flow nicely. Which is ironic for an editor.

[Perrin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Paraphrasing a line from another reviewer ... While this book gives a good general overview of how to write a thriller novel, I wish it gave more in-depth detail on how to craft a thriller novel from scratch. I was quite disappointed to find all the references to other craft books rather than original author craft material.

I enjoyed the author breaking down the various sub-genres of thrillers and giving examples in each.

The bullet-point summary at the end was the best part of the book.

Overall, 2-1/2 stars.

[Nicholas Ball · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good tight writing that covers all the necessary bases of making tension and a thriller. Editing examples of before and after demonstrating how to make fixes, lots of examples of each concept (taken from other published fiction). Good appendix of strong examples in each genre (romantic thriller, supernatural thriller, noir thriller etc) to suit people who want to investigate a certain style. Very impressive work that does what it is meant to and doesn't waffle on (as a lot kf how to write books can do).

[Author Kumar Kinshuk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Generally we give our work to an editor and forget about it. We have faith in her ability to look at the book dispassionately, and to make relevant changes. What if an editor gave you tips and tricks of her trade? It would help us become better at our craft. This book is absolutely wonderful, and it could be followed time and again to go back and learn once again. Recommended for all thriller and mystery writers!

[Moon Petrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good. Would have been more useful to me if I was writing a novel for the first time. There was a lot of 101-level information, but there were a lot of thriller-specific suggestions as well, so it still had value to me (a person who has written fantasy but is planning to write a thriller for the first time).

[Mike Newlon · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent source of information for someone interested in writing a thriller—possibly a must-read. There were a few points I didn't fully agree with, but those are mostly opinionated subjects. Jodie nailed the gist of it.

Recommended for all genre writers. While it covers a lot of standard book writing topics, her focus is on suspense and the thrill of the thriller.

[Chris Rhatigan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very useful guide with a specific goal of showing how to craft a conventional thriller. Renner takes the reader step by step through the process using illustrative examples to show how it's done. An essential reference book for writers in the genre.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of fantastic though provoking content. I am not a professional but from the hobbyist perspective I enjoyed the ideas and inspiration it provided. I am not focusing on that genre but it's still great to be able to draw on the elements.

[Me · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is quite introductory, but also useful, my favorite were chapters 4 and 21 on avoiding structure gaffes and other basic tips that I found interesting.

[Glen Robins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short how-to guide is a great resource for improving your writing as it is full of helpful reminders and tips to help authors on task with their writing.

[Doree Weller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of good information set up in a way that makes it easy to remember and reference.