Plot Twist: Life, Craft, and the Messy First Draft: A Memoir on Writing

by Harlan Coben

#1 New York Times bestselling author Harlan Coben offers a look behind the curtain at his own writing process in an inspiring, candid memoir filled with indispensable insights and techniques. With 100 million books in print world-wide and over a dozen blockbuster television and film adapations of his work, Harlan Coben has much to teach us about the creative process. Part deeply personal memoir, part masterclass in storytelling, Plot Twist is a refreshingly honest look at the life of a writer whose stories have thrilled us for decades.

Plumbing memories from his suburban childhood and his early years trying to break into publishing, Coben tells his own story for the first time, revealing the real-world inspirations for some of his most beloved characters as well as the innovative plots that drive his propulsive novels. Filled with useful tips and techniques on the creative process, Coben does away with the traditional "categories" of writing—characters, plot, setting, etc—and looks at the process holistically. Plot Twist is a masterclass on the act of being a writer, and everything that comes with it: the self‑doubt, the hubris, the contradictions, the passion and dedication. At the end of the day, his calculus is a simple one: “If it helps me produce pages, good. If it doesn’t, bad.” This book will help every aspiring writer produce pages. Honest, funny, insightful, and at times deeply moving, this is both a captivating memoir and an essential guide for anyone looking to master the art of storytelling from one of our most beloved authors.

Genres: Nonfiction, Writing

320 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication October 6, 2026

About the author

Harlan Coben is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and one of the world's leading storytellers. His suspense novels are published in forty-five languages and have been number one bestsellers in more than a dozen countries with seventy-five million books in print worldwide.

His books have earned the Edgar, Shamus, and Anthony Awards, and many have been developed into Netflix Original Drama series, including his adaptations of The Stranger, The Innocent, Gone for Good and The Woods. His most recent adaptation for Netflix, Stay Close, premiered on December 31, 2021 and stars Cush Jumbo, James Nesbitt, and Richard Armitage.

Reviews

[Drew Dillenburg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harlan Coben strikes again. One thing I find so interesting about him is his ability to keep me entertained regardless of the subject. His passion oozes through the pages and onto you as the reader. I can feel his love for his family, writing, and how they are intertwined with each other. The last chapter was heartbreaking and such a beautiful way to end the journey. I would be lying if I said Harlan Coben wasn’t my favorite author. This man impresses me with each new novel. Learning about his writing processes, his mother Corky, storylines that evolved from a simple conversation, and then tidbits of Coben’s career. This book has it all and is concise and has only created further appreciation and admiration. They say don’t meet your heroes, but I think meeting Harlan Coben would be worth the risk. 10/10.

[Sarah Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plot Twist
By Harlan Coben
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


Thanks so much to NetGalley and Grand Central Publushing for the eARC!

If you didn’t want to write a book before you opened this book, you will by the time you’ve finished. Part memoir and part inspiration for aspiring authors - I initially picked this up solely because I have a shelf full of Coben’s work. A different read from the straightforward memoir, but I found it so interested to get a glimpse of a favorite author’s process. I would have never known Harlan Coben carried around a backpack for writing emergencies, briefly used an Uber as his office, or the motivation behind some of my favorite storylines. It didn’t feel like I had mistakenly opened up a “how-to” guide for writers. It was more of a “this is how I do it” and what he found to work for him - in a true witty Coben manner.

“Fiction is memoir, memoir is fiction”

“You bring your own weather to the picnic”

"There are three things that make a person a writer: inspiration, perspiration, and desperation."

Plot Twist will be published on September 8, 2026 by Grand Central Publishing.

[Karen Casale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining and packed full of wit and wisdom. Coben's voice shone through and I learned a lot of important information. I loved the way Coben gave advice with a take it or leave it attitude and how valuable I think I will find his advice in my writing journey. Thanks to Edelweiss and the author for this glimpse into your writing and personal life.