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Plot Twist: Life, Craft, and the Messy First Draft: A Memoir on Writing
#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.
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.
320 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication October 6, 2026
About the author
Harlan Coben
187 books48k followersHarlan 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
August 31, 2026
Narrated by Harlan Coben himself, Plot Twist is a very personal, straight-talking look at the writers life. He talks about where he writes best, where his ideas come from, how they develop, and what happens when those brilliant ideas inevitably meet the messy reality of getting them onto the page.
I particularly enjoyed Coben’s candid delivery and self-deprecating humor. His insights into writing are mixed with personal stories, and anecdotes from his life, including the surprising story of his grandfather’s disappearance, making it feel more like a conversation with the author than a traditional writing guide.
I didn’t agree with everything he had to say, which he freely acknowledges is likely to happen. But when you’ve sold more than 100 million books, it’s probably safe to say you know a thing or two about the writing business!
Primarily aimed at aspiring writers, but as a reader I found plenty to enjoy too. I may have no intention of writing the next bestseller, but I’ll always be curious about what goes on behind the scenes.
I particularly enjoyed Coben’s candid delivery and self-deprecating humor. His insights into writing are mixed with personal stories, and anecdotes from his life, including the surprising story of his grandfather’s disappearance, making it feel more like a conversation with the author than a traditional writing guide.
I didn’t agree with everything he had to say, which he freely acknowledges is likely to happen. But when you’ve sold more than 100 million books, it’s probably safe to say you know a thing or two about the writing business!
Primarily aimed at aspiring writers, but as a reader I found plenty to enjoy too. I may have no intention of writing the next bestseller, but I’ll always be curious about what goes on behind the scenes.
May 27, 2026
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.
August 25, 2026
Thank you Librofm for the free review copy.
Plot Twist by Harlan Coben is a nonfiction book that is both a memoir and discussion of the craft of writing novels.
I absolutely loved this one! I have always loved to read—and, I recently discovered, also love to hear authors talk about their writing process and their books. Usually I have to go to author events and deal with all the ticketing and the lines and the uncomfortable seating and the crowds for it. But this audiobook just piped that discussion straight into my headphones and it was so much more in-depth than any author event could be! I never wanted to pause it, I found it so interesting.
This audiobook is narrated by the author. Harlan Coben does a fantastic job with the narration! It gives it such a conversational feel and I just ate the whole thing up. The book has just enough self-deprecation and humor to be right up my alley—and his delivery of it just adds to it.
I highly recommend this book for both aspiring authors and any avid reader who loves to hear authors talk about their craft! Yes, it’s a “how-to” guide on writing novels, if you will. But it’s also an in-depth look at his process, ideas, and structure. With plenty of real life tidbits on the memoir vein of the book, there’s some humor and also some general life advice.
And I hate to say it, but I somehow have never read any of Harlan Coben’s books prior to this one. He is a suspense/thriller author and it sounds like his books are some I will likely enjoy. I definitely plan on reading some of his novels in the future!
Overall, this audiobook rocketed up to my list of favorites from this year so far! I highly recommend it, and the audiobook version read by the author really adds to the book itself.
Plot Twist by Harlan Coben is a nonfiction book that is both a memoir and discussion of the craft of writing novels.
I absolutely loved this one! I have always loved to read—and, I recently discovered, also love to hear authors talk about their writing process and their books. Usually I have to go to author events and deal with all the ticketing and the lines and the uncomfortable seating and the crowds for it. But this audiobook just piped that discussion straight into my headphones and it was so much more in-depth than any author event could be! I never wanted to pause it, I found it so interesting.
This audiobook is narrated by the author. Harlan Coben does a fantastic job with the narration! It gives it such a conversational feel and I just ate the whole thing up. The book has just enough self-deprecation and humor to be right up my alley—and his delivery of it just adds to it.
I highly recommend this book for both aspiring authors and any avid reader who loves to hear authors talk about their craft! Yes, it’s a “how-to” guide on writing novels, if you will. But it’s also an in-depth look at his process, ideas, and structure. With plenty of real life tidbits on the memoir vein of the book, there’s some humor and also some general life advice.
And I hate to say it, but I somehow have never read any of Harlan Coben’s books prior to this one. He is a suspense/thriller author and it sounds like his books are some I will likely enjoy. I definitely plan on reading some of his novels in the future!
Overall, this audiobook rocketed up to my list of favorites from this year so far! I highly recommend it, and the audiobook version read by the author really adds to the book itself.
September 20, 2026
I love Harlan Coben’s books, and when I heard he was coming out with a book on writing, I knew I had to get a copy. Not only is Coben a great thriller writer, he’s also very, very funny, and his humor is on full display throughout the book. Since this is part memoir, part writing book, Coben delves into his formative years and the experiences that made him who he is, and all of it is super interesting. Not every anecdote is sunshine and roses, but that just makes Coben more relatable.
There are lots of great tips in here, and you’ll come away with at least *something* you hadn’t previously considered. The book is not just for writers—anyone can enjoy it. If you are a writer, though, it will doubtless be of more interest to you than to someone who is not as fascinated with the writing processes of various authors. Still, I think anyone who enjoys thriller novels (or any of the numerous TV miniseries adaptations of Coben’s novels) will be entertained by the behind-the-scenes information.
In short, I highly recommend “Plot Twist”, for writers and non-writers alike. Pick up a copy and find out more about one of the world’s most successful authors!
4 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for an advance copy. My feedback is entirely voluntary.
There are lots of great tips in here, and you’ll come away with at least *something* you hadn’t previously considered. The book is not just for writers—anyone can enjoy it. If you are a writer, though, it will doubtless be of more interest to you than to someone who is not as fascinated with the writing processes of various authors. Still, I think anyone who enjoys thriller novels (or any of the numerous TV miniseries adaptations of Coben’s novels) will be entertained by the behind-the-scenes information.
In short, I highly recommend “Plot Twist”, for writers and non-writers alike. Pick up a copy and find out more about one of the world’s most successful authors!
4 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for an advance copy. My feedback is entirely voluntary.
August 18, 2026
This is not the typical Harlan book. rather this book would be excellent in a high school or college writing class. Coben explains his writing process which is very interesting. Great book for people who want to learn more about the writing process. Not meant for people who want a thriller!
August 3, 2026
Having enjoyed several streaming adaptations of Coben’s novels in recent years, I was certainly intrigued when learning that he’d written a memoir about his writing life. I’ve rarely read such books, but given the title and the many plot twists I’d witnessed in the adaptations I’ve watched, I decided I should read it. I was immediately struck by the conversational ease of the text. The book read easily and with a flow that often made me think of simply sitting down with the author in a cafe, listening to him describe his writing process. Furthermore, those descriptions were delivered with an authentic voice that held my attention from start to finish with humor, heartbreak, and humanity. If his fiction is as entertaining as this memoir, I can only imagine how enjoyable it is to read. Many thanks to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for making this title available.
September 5, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I’ve always been fascinated by writers and the art of writing. In fact, I would’ve loved to be a writer myself, but a lack of talent and discipline got in my way. But that doesn’t stop me from reading writing handbooks and guides as if I were ever going to put their teachings to the test. So when I found out that one of my favorite mystery/suspense authors was coming out with a memoir on writing, it was music to my ears.
Plot Twist is exactly what it promises. Half writing handbook, half memoir, it guides us through Harlan Coben’s writing methods and techniques, using loads of examples from his own books. From where he gets his ideas, through plot and setting construction, to messy first drafts, choosing a narrator, and character development, this is a complete guide to writing a book, with some tips that are applicable to any type of artistic creation. I love getting inside authors’ minds and discovering their creative processes, and this doesn’t disappoint.
Mixed in with all of this, we also get a bit of a personal memoir, taking us from his childhood to the time when he wrote his first book while working in Spain, as well as some personal tragedies—mainly the loss of his parents at a young age—and how, in one form or another, they also end up becoming part of his work.
Both parts are equally engaging, so whether you’re interested in the writing aspect or the personal one, it works either way.
I’ve always been fascinated by writers and the art of writing. In fact, I would’ve loved to be a writer myself, but a lack of talent and discipline got in my way. But that doesn’t stop me from reading writing handbooks and guides as if I were ever going to put their teachings to the test. So when I found out that one of my favorite mystery/suspense authors was coming out with a memoir on writing, it was music to my ears.
Plot Twist is exactly what it promises. Half writing handbook, half memoir, it guides us through Harlan Coben’s writing methods and techniques, using loads of examples from his own books. From where he gets his ideas, through plot and setting construction, to messy first drafts, choosing a narrator, and character development, this is a complete guide to writing a book, with some tips that are applicable to any type of artistic creation. I love getting inside authors’ minds and discovering their creative processes, and this doesn’t disappoint.
Mixed in with all of this, we also get a bit of a personal memoir, taking us from his childhood to the time when he wrote his first book while working in Spain, as well as some personal tragedies—mainly the loss of his parents at a young age—and how, in one form or another, they also end up becoming part of his work.
Both parts are equally engaging, so whether you’re interested in the writing aspect or the personal one, it works either way.
September 18, 2026
I love that Harlan narrated this book himself, telling readers about his process in an inspiring and approachable way. A lot of his suggestions for writers are valid and inspired me to keep writing and stay ambitious with my career goals as an author. In fact, I purchased a new notebook with a multi-colored pug on it and new fancy pens for the times I’ll be on the road and killing time this school year. I also enjoyed the little anecdotes about where certain characters and ideas came from. This book is a joy for writers and readers who are curious about how one of the masters does it. Thank you, @librofm, @grandcentralpub, and @harlancoben for the gifted ALC!
September 22, 2026
Harlan Coben, one of our most accomplished spinners of suspense yarns, makes no promises that Plot Twist, his hybrid writing manual and memoir, will make you a bestselling novelist. He isn't selling a formula. Sure, he lays out plenty of rules but then advises you to break them. Successful novelists, he argues, develop habits that work for them and learn which commandments to ignore. Writing isn't one-size-fits-all.
Coben has written nearly forty novels of crime fiction, seventeen of them No. 1 New York Times bestsellers, and his books have spawned roughly twenty television series. With that résumé, he's earned the right to offer advice to both the novice and the experienced writer.
He addresses the query every writer is asked and most are annoyed by: Where do you get your ideas?
Coben cites several sources. First, he asks himself the question that has launched a thousand plots: What if...?
He recalls wondering: “What if late one night, a camp counselor who was too young for the job sneaked into those woods with his summer girlfriend instead of watching his campers? And what if something went very wrong?”
That became The Woods (2007), a thriller that drew on Coben's own experience as a summer-camp counselor.
Coben also mines his memories. Experiences buried in childhood—hopes, dreams, fears—can find their way into fiction. Then there are real crimes, the fodder of daily journalism, that often ignites novels.
His general advice is simple: “Everything you see, everything you do, is material. Life is just a series of writing prompts.”
Dorothy Parker famously said, “I don't like writing. I like having written.” Coben offers a different take: “I feel better when I write.”
I've long thought the urge to write, the need to write, is akin to a virus. The “Writer” with a capital “W” is uneasy, unsettled, feverish when not writing. The cure is to write, which is the only way to reach the sweet spot of having written. The fever subsides...until the next day.
Coben understands the disease. Harlan, please don't get well.
*****
This is an excerpt from my full published review, which you can find at https://www.noozhawk.com/paul-levine-...
Paul Levine
Early Grave
Coben has written nearly forty novels of crime fiction, seventeen of them No. 1 New York Times bestsellers, and his books have spawned roughly twenty television series. With that résumé, he's earned the right to offer advice to both the novice and the experienced writer.
He addresses the query every writer is asked and most are annoyed by: Where do you get your ideas?
Coben cites several sources. First, he asks himself the question that has launched a thousand plots: What if...?
He recalls wondering: “What if late one night, a camp counselor who was too young for the job sneaked into those woods with his summer girlfriend instead of watching his campers? And what if something went very wrong?”
That became The Woods (2007), a thriller that drew on Coben's own experience as a summer-camp counselor.
Coben also mines his memories. Experiences buried in childhood—hopes, dreams, fears—can find their way into fiction. Then there are real crimes, the fodder of daily journalism, that often ignites novels.
His general advice is simple: “Everything you see, everything you do, is material. Life is just a series of writing prompts.”
Dorothy Parker famously said, “I don't like writing. I like having written.” Coben offers a different take: “I feel better when I write.”
I've long thought the urge to write, the need to write, is akin to a virus. The “Writer” with a capital “W” is uneasy, unsettled, feverish when not writing. The cure is to write, which is the only way to reach the sweet spot of having written. The fever subsides...until the next day.
Coben understands the disease. Harlan, please don't get well.
*****
This is an excerpt from my full published review, which you can find at https://www.noozhawk.com/paul-levine-...
Paul Levine
Early Grave
September 18, 2026
4.5 stars
I have been a fan of Harlan Coben ever since reading The Boy From the Woods, and have slowly been making my way through both his current releases and his backlist ever since. So getting a look behind the curtain at how he actually writes felt like a real treat.
This is part memoir and part masterclass on writing, and Coben blends the two seamlessly. He talks about his life, how he got started, and where his ideas actually come from, offering real insight into a career that has spanned decades and dozens of bestsellers. There was something genuinely relatable about reading his reflections on certain books, recognizing titles I had already read and getting the backstory behind them added a whole other layer to the experience.
He does away with the idea that there is one correct way to write a book. He rejects the traditional categories some writers try to follow - characters first, then plot, then setting, and instead shows that the process can be messy, nonlinear and different for everyone.
It was such an enjoyable read from start to finish, full of ideas, honest reflection, and a genuine sense of what it takes to build a writing life. This is a book I can absolutely see myself purchasing and reading again.
Whether you are an aspiring writer or simply a longtime fan of Coben's novels, this memoir is entertaining.
My thanks to Grand Central Publishing for a digital arc (via Netgalley) in exchange for a honest review.
I have been a fan of Harlan Coben ever since reading The Boy From the Woods, and have slowly been making my way through both his current releases and his backlist ever since. So getting a look behind the curtain at how he actually writes felt like a real treat.
This is part memoir and part masterclass on writing, and Coben blends the two seamlessly. He talks about his life, how he got started, and where his ideas actually come from, offering real insight into a career that has spanned decades and dozens of bestsellers. There was something genuinely relatable about reading his reflections on certain books, recognizing titles I had already read and getting the backstory behind them added a whole other layer to the experience.
He does away with the idea that there is one correct way to write a book. He rejects the traditional categories some writers try to follow - characters first, then plot, then setting, and instead shows that the process can be messy, nonlinear and different for everyone.
It was such an enjoyable read from start to finish, full of ideas, honest reflection, and a genuine sense of what it takes to build a writing life. This is a book I can absolutely see myself purchasing and reading again.
Whether you are an aspiring writer or simply a longtime fan of Coben's novels, this memoir is entertaining.
My thanks to Grand Central Publishing for a digital arc (via Netgalley) in exchange for a honest review.
September 14, 2026
A new book by Harlan Coben is always a treat. But, Plot Twist, this one is a writing guide and self-help guide to living your best life too.
If you are reading this review, I can virtually guarantee that you are a reader, but I also suspect that you may be a closet writer too. You know the type, you have hundreds of great book ideas written in your notebook, your phone, or just in your head—but haven’t written even the first page of your first story yet. Okay, I may just be describing myself. Anyway, if you have ever wondered how authors develop their stories, this book is a fascinating look into Mr. Coben’s process.
But it is more than just that. It is a heartfelt memoir of a life too. Plus, there are gems of quotes throughout.
“If you write just one page a day, you’ll have a finished novel in about a year.”
“Ambition without action turns into anxiety.“
I am somewhat disappointed to discover that Mr. Coben puts an easy to guess twist in his book along with at least one more that he expects to stump us. Wow, and here I was thinking I was such a brilliant armchair detective! I will just have to try harder next time.
Plot Twist is an excellent book not just for writers or other creatives but also just for other humans interested in improving their life. Plus, it is just fun to see how another human thinks. 5 stars and a favorite!
Thanks to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for providing me with an advanced review copy.
If you are reading this review, I can virtually guarantee that you are a reader, but I also suspect that you may be a closet writer too. You know the type, you have hundreds of great book ideas written in your notebook, your phone, or just in your head—but haven’t written even the first page of your first story yet. Okay, I may just be describing myself. Anyway, if you have ever wondered how authors develop their stories, this book is a fascinating look into Mr. Coben’s process.
But it is more than just that. It is a heartfelt memoir of a life too. Plus, there are gems of quotes throughout.
“If you write just one page a day, you’ll have a finished novel in about a year.”
“Ambition without action turns into anxiety.“
I am somewhat disappointed to discover that Mr. Coben puts an easy to guess twist in his book along with at least one more that he expects to stump us. Wow, and here I was thinking I was such a brilliant armchair detective! I will just have to try harder next time.
Plot Twist is an excellent book not just for writers or other creatives but also just for other humans interested in improving their life. Plus, it is just fun to see how another human thinks. 5 stars and a favorite!
Thanks to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for providing me with an advanced review copy.
September 15, 2026
I am a huge Harlan Coben fan, and I always enjoy listening to my favorite authors describe how they write and come up with their stories, so I loved Plot Twist. I found this book so fascinating and his humor really comes through in the audio book.
He talks about the 4 big ways he comes up with his stories -- 1) What If thoughts, 2) Memoir/Personal Life, 3) News/True Crime, and 4) a combination. I've read almost all of his books, so I could remember the plots, and I loved hearing where they came from.
You do not need to be an aspiring writer to enjoy this book, but it helps if you read a lot of Coben's books. It gives a unique behind the scenes view of his writing career and his TV show adaptations.
He talks about the 4 big ways he comes up with his stories -- 1) What If thoughts, 2) Memoir/Personal Life, 3) News/True Crime, and 4) a combination. I've read almost all of his books, so I could remember the plots, and I loved hearing where they came from.
You do not need to be an aspiring writer to enjoy this book, but it helps if you read a lot of Coben's books. It gives a unique behind the scenes view of his writing career and his TV show adaptations.
September 14, 2026
Plot Twist: Life, Craft, and the Messy First Draft: A Memoir on Writing by Harlan Coben
This was a surprisingly delightful book not just about writing, but the way Coben explains his advice drew me in. There is a lot of promotion for his own books, but it made me want to read them. He follows along in each chapter with advice on writing, always just write as his first advice, but provides examples by using his own novels. It made his examples take on a real life feel to them. This is a great read for both writers and readers.
Thank you to the publishers for the advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.
This was a surprisingly delightful book not just about writing, but the way Coben explains his advice drew me in. There is a lot of promotion for his own books, but it made me want to read them. He follows along in each chapter with advice on writing, always just write as his first advice, but provides examples by using his own novels. It made his examples take on a real life feel to them. This is a great read for both writers and readers.
Thank you to the publishers for the advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.
September 18, 2026
As usual, Harlan delivers a superb book! Plot Twist is direct, helpful, blunt, wise, reflective and more! It is perfect for anyone who wants to create anything, or the kid who doesn’t know what career he wants or really anyone! It would be hard to not find lots of great takeaways from one of the nicest people in publishing!
September 12, 2026
I doubt I will ever be a writer but that did not dim my enjoyment of this book. I highly recommend the audio since he reads it himself and Harlan Coben is an engaging reader. There are many life lessons you can take from this book that can be applied to any creative venture or life situation and it is not limited to writing although much of the book is of course specific to writing. It did make me want to go back and reread some of his books, especially the Myron Bolitar series, since I don't think I ever got into those as much as his standalones. I thought this would be a 4 star or maybe 4.5 book, but that last part of the book really got me so I bumped it up to 5.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for this advance ARC in return for an honest review.
Plot Twist, by Harlan Coben, is part tutorial on writing, part memoir, and part advertisement for the 40 or so novels previously written by Coben. Having read over half of them, or perhaps 3/4 ( never read the Mickey Bolitar YA novels ) his narrative style translates through the pages of this his first non-fiction book.
In showing how the sausage is made, Coben uses this medium to show how little things that happen in his life can be re-imagined by the phrase "what if..." and become the beginning of one of his best selling Bolitar series or numerous stand alone thrillers. He also explains how he is fixated on the missing person as the engine that fuels most of his thrillers.
Punctuating his instruction manual on writing with excerpts from his Novels as illustrations of his points about plot, character, setting, dialogue etc Coben provides a road map for those interested in one day writing a novel. And for those of us, who only joke about it, perhaps inspiration to give it a shot.
Told in his "voice" with his usual humor and humanity sprinkled in, Plot Twist, can be enjoyed by one and all, not just the aspiring writer.
#NetGalley #PlotTwist #HarlanCoben
Plot Twist, by Harlan Coben, is part tutorial on writing, part memoir, and part advertisement for the 40 or so novels previously written by Coben. Having read over half of them, or perhaps 3/4 ( never read the Mickey Bolitar YA novels ) his narrative style translates through the pages of this his first non-fiction book.
In showing how the sausage is made, Coben uses this medium to show how little things that happen in his life can be re-imagined by the phrase "what if..." and become the beginning of one of his best selling Bolitar series or numerous stand alone thrillers. He also explains how he is fixated on the missing person as the engine that fuels most of his thrillers.
Punctuating his instruction manual on writing with excerpts from his Novels as illustrations of his points about plot, character, setting, dialogue etc Coben provides a road map for those interested in one day writing a novel. And for those of us, who only joke about it, perhaps inspiration to give it a shot.
Told in his "voice" with his usual humor and humanity sprinkled in, Plot Twist, can be enjoyed by one and all, not just the aspiring writer.
#NetGalley #PlotTwist #HarlanCoben
September 13, 2026
I've been reading Harlan Coben from the beginning and I'm so pleased that he genuinely seems to be a decent and interesting person. This is about writing but it's also about him, and some parts were really personal. Every bit of it was interesting.
I loved how he talked about his heritage and getting story ideas. This isn't a thriller but it's as good as any of his other books. Thanks to Netgalley for letting me read this
I loved how he talked about his heritage and getting story ideas. This isn't a thriller but it's as good as any of his other books. Thanks to Netgalley for letting me read this
September 18, 2026
Conversationally Chaotic, Energizing Encouragement
If you'd like a free flowing conversation with Harlan Coven about writing fiction, honest as a talk with a best friend, this is the book for you. Don't buy it if you want to avoid seeing your life in your writing. Don't buy it if you want a list of how to tips. If you have ever lived in or near Livingston ,NJ in the 60s or 70s you'll have extra reasons to enjoy this book. I loved it.
If you'd like a free flowing conversation with Harlan Coven about writing fiction, honest as a talk with a best friend, this is the book for you. Don't buy it if you want to avoid seeing your life in your writing. Don't buy it if you want a list of how to tips. If you have ever lived in or near Livingston ,NJ in the 60s or 70s you'll have extra reasons to enjoy this book. I loved it.
September 6, 2026
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley.
I got this thinking g that it was a memoir, but it mostly is Harlan Coben’s writing process. He does include some stories about his growing up in Livingston, New Jersey and his family. Very informative and entertaining.
I got this thinking g that it was a memoir, but it mostly is Harlan Coben’s writing process. He does include some stories about his growing up in Livingston, New Jersey and his family. Very informative and entertaining.
September 10, 2026
I was seriously surprised at how good this was, making a book on writing, very enjoyable…. Even for someone who isn’t a writer. I love how you discovered who Harlan Coben is. How he is just himself and wants you to be yourself. To find who you are as a writer, love this point and appreciative of his writing style, human and life lessons. Fun book :)
September 9, 2026
Part memoir, part sage writing advice delivered in Coben’s humorous, straight-forward and self-deprecating style. Highly recommend the audio book version narrated by the engaging author himself.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Plot Twist turned out to be such an informative read. It offers a lot of practical advice that anyone can take away, even if you are not in a creative career, though aspiring writers will get a ton out of it.
It has a good balance of funny and sad moments throughout, and there is a great overall life lesson wrapped into the book. My favorite part was how he tied his points back to his past novels. Getting that extra insight into his previous stories was a huge bonus for me, and it honestly makes me want to go back and re-read his older books to catch all the new details.
I am giving this a 5 out of 5 for the great advice and all the creativity packed into it.
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for providing an advance reading copy. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
It has a good balance of funny and sad moments throughout, and there is a great overall life lesson wrapped into the book. My favorite part was how he tied his points back to his past novels. Getting that extra insight into his previous stories was a huge bonus for me, and it honestly makes me want to go back and re-read his older books to catch all the new details.
I am giving this a 5 out of 5 for the great advice and all the creativity packed into it.
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for providing an advance reading copy. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
June 10, 2026
I’ve been a fan of Harlan Coben’s books for so long that I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t. I started reading his work about 25 years ago and have always appreciated the breadth of stories he’s given us — from the delightfully rich characters in the Myron Bolitar series to the many unforgettable stand-alone novels.
Many authors attempt some version of a “memoir on writing,” but few capture both their process and their magic as well as Coben does in Plot Twist: Life, Craft, and the Messy First Draft. One of the main reasons this book works so well is that Coben never pretends there’s one right way to write; instead, he repeatedly acknowledges how deeply individual the work is. We each have our own process, our own way of defining success, and our own path to reaching it.
Over and over, he returns to one deceptively simple idea: the best advice is whatever gets you to put words on the page:
If detailed outlines from start to finish unlock your creativity, use them and keep going.
If free‑writing by the seat of your pants gets your ideas flowing, trust that and keep typing.
Whatever practice consistently leads to words on the page is the practice worth defending.
I truly enjoyed this book. On every page, I could hear that familiar Harlan Coben voice I’ve come to love in his novels — wry, snarky, clever without trying too hard. In this piece, he offers generous and surprisingly vulnerable moments.
My only complaint is that I wish it were longer, because now I have to wait for his next book. I’m already eager for whatever story he shares next.
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for the advance copy. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Best-selling author and writer of global hit novels, many of which have been turned into both films and hit streaming series, Harlan Coben, was in no way an overnight sensation. In PLOT TWIST, a memoir work of non-fiction, he shares with us his personal take on writing as he puts it – Life, Craft, and the Messy First Draft.
Along the way, Coben shares quite a few personal mantras about the craft of writing that range from common sense to pure brilliance. He first shares with us that he accepted an advance of 5K for his very first novel, the Myron Bolitar story DEAL BREAKER. By the time he got to his fourth novel in the Bolitar series, BACK SPIN, that advance had risen to the whopping amount of 6K. Told you he was no overnight sensation.
PLOT TWIST, self-admittedly from Coben, feels like a memoir but one that never gets self-indulgent. He jumps directly in by highlighting what he believes are the two biggest mistakes most writers make and then goes on to describe his own process for tackling this task. He includes his favorite literary quote on writing, which I loved: “Be regular and orderly in your life, so that you may be violent and original in your work.” – Gustave Flaubert.
Coben speaks to his inspiration for loving books, which later led to his desire to be a professional writer, by taking us back to an early Hannukah gift of the Peanuts collection from Charles M. Schultz. As Coben grew up, he maintained a love of many things from sports to film but always gravitated towards reading. When it came time to take a shot at doing his own writing, he had many personal interests to use as fodder for this creative venture, something he also highly recommends for anyone attempting to do the same.
We learnt that it wasn’t until his tenth novel, TELL NO ONE, that he finally hit it out of the park as a successful writer. Not only was that novel a global hit but it also spawned a French film of the same name which won a handful of awards. For years I had heard that Tom Cruise had purchased the U.S. rights to it, but nothing came to pass. It was a great psychological thriller with an awesome twist and unlike anything he had written up to that point. It also allowed him to lean into one of his favorite subjects, a missing person, to become the center of the plot.
It was also eye-opening to see the other famous writers that Coben went to College with, beginning with Dan Brown and including the late, great David Foster Wallace, who he heaped much praise upon. His pursuit of writing fiction as a livelihood could be taken back to the moment he read the paperback version of William Goldman’s THE MARATHON MAN in his youth and was amazed at what that immersive read did to him. I always enjoy learning which literary works most inspired my favorite and most admired authors.
One of the personal mantras that most stood out for me can be directed to any burgeoning writer suffering from the intolerable ailment known as ‘writer’s block’” You can always fix bad pages. You can’t fix no pages. Write. Just write. His personal methods of creating are inspiring, and at no time does it feel like he is claiming his way is the right way. Many mystery authors might need to know the solution to their story before they begin the writing process. Coben does not necessarily fall prey to that and admits he might have an idea but lets the reader know he always leaves enough wiggle room to change it. It is this and so many other illuminating tidbits that make PLOT TWIST such an enjoyable and eye-opening read.
Reviewed by Ray Palen for Book Reporter
Along the way, Coben shares quite a few personal mantras about the craft of writing that range from common sense to pure brilliance. He first shares with us that he accepted an advance of 5K for his very first novel, the Myron Bolitar story DEAL BREAKER. By the time he got to his fourth novel in the Bolitar series, BACK SPIN, that advance had risen to the whopping amount of 6K. Told you he was no overnight sensation.
PLOT TWIST, self-admittedly from Coben, feels like a memoir but one that never gets self-indulgent. He jumps directly in by highlighting what he believes are the two biggest mistakes most writers make and then goes on to describe his own process for tackling this task. He includes his favorite literary quote on writing, which I loved: “Be regular and orderly in your life, so that you may be violent and original in your work.” – Gustave Flaubert.
Coben speaks to his inspiration for loving books, which later led to his desire to be a professional writer, by taking us back to an early Hannukah gift of the Peanuts collection from Charles M. Schultz. As Coben grew up, he maintained a love of many things from sports to film but always gravitated towards reading. When it came time to take a shot at doing his own writing, he had many personal interests to use as fodder for this creative venture, something he also highly recommends for anyone attempting to do the same.
We learnt that it wasn’t until his tenth novel, TELL NO ONE, that he finally hit it out of the park as a successful writer. Not only was that novel a global hit but it also spawned a French film of the same name which won a handful of awards. For years I had heard that Tom Cruise had purchased the U.S. rights to it, but nothing came to pass. It was a great psychological thriller with an awesome twist and unlike anything he had written up to that point. It also allowed him to lean into one of his favorite subjects, a missing person, to become the center of the plot.
It was also eye-opening to see the other famous writers that Coben went to College with, beginning with Dan Brown and including the late, great David Foster Wallace, who he heaped much praise upon. His pursuit of writing fiction as a livelihood could be taken back to the moment he read the paperback version of William Goldman’s THE MARATHON MAN in his youth and was amazed at what that immersive read did to him. I always enjoy learning which literary works most inspired my favorite and most admired authors.
One of the personal mantras that most stood out for me can be directed to any burgeoning writer suffering from the intolerable ailment known as ‘writer’s block’” You can always fix bad pages. You can’t fix no pages. Write. Just write. His personal methods of creating are inspiring, and at no time does it feel like he is claiming his way is the right way. Many mystery authors might need to know the solution to their story before they begin the writing process. Coben does not necessarily fall prey to that and admits he might have an idea but lets the reader know he always leaves enough wiggle room to change it. It is this and so many other illuminating tidbits that make PLOT TWIST such an enjoyable and eye-opening read.
Reviewed by Ray Palen for Book Reporter
September 14, 2026
In his fascinating memoir, PLOT TWIST --- which has the catchy subtitle “Life, Craft, and the Messy First Draft” --- bestselling author Harlan Coben shares with us his personal take on writing.
Coben was no overnight sensation. He accepted an advance of $5,000 for his first novel, DEAL BREAKER, a Myron Bolitar story. By the time he got to the fourth book in that series, BACK SPIN, the advance had risen to just $6,000.
PLOT TWIST never gets self-indulgent. Coben highlights what he believes are the two biggest mistakes most writers make and then goes on to describe his own process for tackling this task. He includes his favorite quote on writing from Gustave Flaubert: “Be regular and orderly in your life, so that you may be violent and original in your work.”
Coben speaks to his inspiration for loving books, which later led to his desire to be a professional writer, by taking us back to an early Hanukkah gift: Charles M. Schultz’s Peanuts collection. As Coben grew up, he maintained a love of sports and film but always gravitated towards reading. When it came time to take a shot at doing his own writing, he had many personal interests to use as fodder for this creative venture, which he also highly recommends for anyone attempting to do the same.
It wasn’t until his 10th novel, TELL NO ONE, that he finally hit it out of the park as a successful writer. Not only was the book a global hit, it also spawned a French film of the same name that won a handful of awards. For years I had heard that Tom Cruise had purchased the US rights to it, but nothing came to pass. It was a great psychological thriller with an awesome twist and unlike anything he had written up to that point. It also allowed him to lean into one of his favorite subjects, a missing person, to become the center of the plot.
I loved hearing about the famous writers with whom Coben went to college, including Dan Brown and David Foster Wallace. His pursuit of writing fiction as a livelihood could be taken back to the moment that he read William Goldman’s THE MARATHON MAN in his youth and was amazed at what that immersive book did to him. I always enjoy learning which literary works inspired my favorite and most admired authors.
One of Coben's personal mantras that stood out to me the most can be directed to any burgeoning writer suffering from the intolerable ailment known as writer’s block: You can always fix bad pages. You can’t fix no pages. So write. Just write. His methods of creating are inspiring, and at no time does it feel like he is claiming that his way is the right way.
Many mystery authors might need to know the solution to their story before they begin the writing process. Coben does not necessarily fall prey to that and admits he might have an idea, but he always leaves enough wiggle room to change it. It is this and so many other illuminating tidbits that make PLOT TWIST such an enjoyable and eye-opening read.
Reviewed by Ray Palen
Coben was no overnight sensation. He accepted an advance of $5,000 for his first novel, DEAL BREAKER, a Myron Bolitar story. By the time he got to the fourth book in that series, BACK SPIN, the advance had risen to just $6,000.
PLOT TWIST never gets self-indulgent. Coben highlights what he believes are the two biggest mistakes most writers make and then goes on to describe his own process for tackling this task. He includes his favorite quote on writing from Gustave Flaubert: “Be regular and orderly in your life, so that you may be violent and original in your work.”
Coben speaks to his inspiration for loving books, which later led to his desire to be a professional writer, by taking us back to an early Hanukkah gift: Charles M. Schultz’s Peanuts collection. As Coben grew up, he maintained a love of sports and film but always gravitated towards reading. When it came time to take a shot at doing his own writing, he had many personal interests to use as fodder for this creative venture, which he also highly recommends for anyone attempting to do the same.
It wasn’t until his 10th novel, TELL NO ONE, that he finally hit it out of the park as a successful writer. Not only was the book a global hit, it also spawned a French film of the same name that won a handful of awards. For years I had heard that Tom Cruise had purchased the US rights to it, but nothing came to pass. It was a great psychological thriller with an awesome twist and unlike anything he had written up to that point. It also allowed him to lean into one of his favorite subjects, a missing person, to become the center of the plot.
I loved hearing about the famous writers with whom Coben went to college, including Dan Brown and David Foster Wallace. His pursuit of writing fiction as a livelihood could be taken back to the moment that he read William Goldman’s THE MARATHON MAN in his youth and was amazed at what that immersive book did to him. I always enjoy learning which literary works inspired my favorite and most admired authors.
One of Coben's personal mantras that stood out to me the most can be directed to any burgeoning writer suffering from the intolerable ailment known as writer’s block: You can always fix bad pages. You can’t fix no pages. So write. Just write. His methods of creating are inspiring, and at no time does it feel like he is claiming that his way is the right way.
Many mystery authors might need to know the solution to their story before they begin the writing process. Coben does not necessarily fall prey to that and admits he might have an idea, but he always leaves enough wiggle room to change it. It is this and so many other illuminating tidbits that make PLOT TWIST such an enjoyable and eye-opening read.
Reviewed by Ray Palen
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
As a writer, I’m always interested in reading writing craft books, especially when they are written by authors who have been published for years. I love to see different perspectives and figuring out what may or may not work for me. Like with any art, it’s a process, and one I know I will never stop learning. But unlike most craft books, this one was a pleasant mix of writing craft meets memoir. It was amazing! Easily one of my favorites, and trust me, I’ve read a lot of them. His presentation was very easy to follow and understand, and his humor made the book so hard to put down!
What found absolutely fascinating and quite simply made me feel better about my own writing, was that Harlan Coben, an extremely well-known author, and little old me with only two published short stories and four unpublished novels to my name do most things the same. We both carry a backpack full of what my husband lovingly calls “school supplies” because you never know what you might need when the muse comes knocking. We find inspiration everywhere, and stories always start with a “what-if” question. We spend time asking questions about the story before we even get started. We know the beginning and the end before we start. We both agree on the utility of deadlines (even self-imposed deadlines). In fact, the only things I could say he does that I absolutely don’t is writing in public and writing in a car. One would have me screaming for silence and the other would have me puking. Realizing we have the same process really put things into perspective for this writer. Am I anywhere near his level? Absolutely not! But it does give me some hope that eventually maybe I’ll get my foot in the door!
I know Mr. Coben will never read my review. I know it will get buried under the myriad inevitable starred reviews. But still, on the off chance he does see it, I say thank you. Thank you for showing that it’s possible for this little unpublished, unagented writer to get there. Thank you for making the process of writing seem more like an adventure than like quicksand. And thank you for sharing your story. It was wildly entertaining, and I learned some things along the way.
Huge thanks to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for sending me this ARC for review! All of my reviews are given honestly!
What found absolutely fascinating and quite simply made me feel better about my own writing, was that Harlan Coben, an extremely well-known author, and little old me with only two published short stories and four unpublished novels to my name do most things the same. We both carry a backpack full of what my husband lovingly calls “school supplies” because you never know what you might need when the muse comes knocking. We find inspiration everywhere, and stories always start with a “what-if” question. We spend time asking questions about the story before we even get started. We know the beginning and the end before we start. We both agree on the utility of deadlines (even self-imposed deadlines). In fact, the only things I could say he does that I absolutely don’t is writing in public and writing in a car. One would have me screaming for silence and the other would have me puking. Realizing we have the same process really put things into perspective for this writer. Am I anywhere near his level? Absolutely not! But it does give me some hope that eventually maybe I’ll get my foot in the door!
I know Mr. Coben will never read my review. I know it will get buried under the myriad inevitable starred reviews. But still, on the off chance he does see it, I say thank you. Thank you for showing that it’s possible for this little unpublished, unagented writer to get there. Thank you for making the process of writing seem more like an adventure than like quicksand. And thank you for sharing your story. It was wildly entertaining, and I learned some things along the way.
Huge thanks to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for sending me this ARC for review! All of my reviews are given honestly!
Review of advance copy
Thank you so much to libro.fm for the advance listener copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
I haven't read a ton of Harlan Coben and I didn't feel particularly strongly about his writing one way or another - until I listened to this book! It is a memoir but not in the traditional sense. The author does a great job of explaining exactly what he tackles withing this book: lessons on life through writing works of fiction as a career. This is not an "I was born on a stormy day in September" sort of journey. There are biographical parts, some quite touching, but the majority of this book are Coben's musings on writing, the creative process and his experience (through trial and error) in becoming successful at his craft.
I am so glad that I was able to listen to the author read this in his own voice. I think if being a tour guide (under duress!) or potential law student or author didn't pan out, he could easily have found a career as a stand up comedian. I laughed out loud MULTIPLE times on this journey. I also found myself on the verge of tears as he described some of the most heart-wrenching events of his life.
Think of this book as an extended TED talk or writing workshop about the creative process. If you aren't down for in depth explanations of what works and what doesn't, you can skip this one. Even though I have no aspirations to be a writer, I found a lot of wisdomw here regarding the creative process. I think this can easily be applied to a very wide variety of careers and hobbies.
This is one of the best books I have ever read that capture the creative writing process. (The other being Bird By Bird by Anne Lamott...which the author mentions as HIS pick for best-ever book on the craft of writing.) Is everything that works for Harlan Coben going to work for you? Perhaps...perhaps not. But I find it fascinating to hear a fresh new perspective on how to get ideas flowing and words on the page.
I will never not be fascinated by how successful people approach their craft. Coben presents his method in such an authentic and unpretentious way that he almost makes me believe I could write my own book...just don't start at the end.
4 stars
I haven't read a ton of Harlan Coben and I didn't feel particularly strongly about his writing one way or another - until I listened to this book! It is a memoir but not in the traditional sense. The author does a great job of explaining exactly what he tackles withing this book: lessons on life through writing works of fiction as a career. This is not an "I was born on a stormy day in September" sort of journey. There are biographical parts, some quite touching, but the majority of this book are Coben's musings on writing, the creative process and his experience (through trial and error) in becoming successful at his craft.
I am so glad that I was able to listen to the author read this in his own voice. I think if being a tour guide (under duress!) or potential law student or author didn't pan out, he could easily have found a career as a stand up comedian. I laughed out loud MULTIPLE times on this journey. I also found myself on the verge of tears as he described some of the most heart-wrenching events of his life.
Think of this book as an extended TED talk or writing workshop about the creative process. If you aren't down for in depth explanations of what works and what doesn't, you can skip this one. Even though I have no aspirations to be a writer, I found a lot of wisdomw here regarding the creative process. I think this can easily be applied to a very wide variety of careers and hobbies.
This is one of the best books I have ever read that capture the creative writing process. (The other being Bird By Bird by Anne Lamott...which the author mentions as HIS pick for best-ever book on the craft of writing.) Is everything that works for Harlan Coben going to work for you? Perhaps...perhaps not. But I find it fascinating to hear a fresh new perspective on how to get ideas flowing and words on the page.
I will never not be fascinated by how successful people approach their craft. Coben presents his method in such an authentic and unpretentious way that he almost makes me believe I could write my own book...just don't start at the end.
4 stars
Review of advance copy
I pretty much never get tired of hearing about the way different writers approach their work, so I was excited to see this pop up as an ALC despite the fact that I've never read anything by Harlan Coben. I knew him vaguely as a bestselling author in a genre I don't typically reach for. After listening to this I'm intrigued to pick up some of his other work.
Equal parts funny, vulnerable, and honest, this is an excellent addition to the author-memoir/craft advice niche of nonfiction. It's very conversational in tone, so the author himself narrating the audiobook was the perfect choice. Easy listening, but it will definitely give you a kick in the pants to sit down and create if you've been procrastinating! Coben doesn't bullshit the reader. He doesn't pretend that the same process will work for every writer, or even that his process is the same every time and I appreciate that. This book isn't reinventing the wheel as far as writing advice goes, but Coben gives credit where credit is due and I did find his angle on conflict and suspense very interesting.
I think this is why so many craft books are half memoir. The little insights into an author's life or their own "why" for writing the way they write and the things they write, are compelling. We writers are fickle creatures. We love to groan and procrastinate and pretend that writing has never been this hard before. Sometimes we need to hear the same advice again in slightly different wording to remind us what we already know.
And the honesty and vulnerability is not limited to the craft bits of the book. Some of the most interesting parts of this book to me were the anecdotes about Coben's childhood and his parents. This book is deeply human, and I think even if you aren't a writer but maybe just a fan of Coben there's a lot to enjoy here. You'll get insight into his personal background, as well as experiences that were the seeds for several of his books over the years.
Thanks to LibroFM and Hachette audio for the advance listening copy!
Equal parts funny, vulnerable, and honest, this is an excellent addition to the author-memoir/craft advice niche of nonfiction. It's very conversational in tone, so the author himself narrating the audiobook was the perfect choice. Easy listening, but it will definitely give you a kick in the pants to sit down and create if you've been procrastinating! Coben doesn't bullshit the reader. He doesn't pretend that the same process will work for every writer, or even that his process is the same every time and I appreciate that. This book isn't reinventing the wheel as far as writing advice goes, but Coben gives credit where credit is due and I did find his angle on conflict and suspense very interesting.
I think this is why so many craft books are half memoir. The little insights into an author's life or their own "why" for writing the way they write and the things they write, are compelling. We writers are fickle creatures. We love to groan and procrastinate and pretend that writing has never been this hard before. Sometimes we need to hear the same advice again in slightly different wording to remind us what we already know.
And the honesty and vulnerability is not limited to the craft bits of the book. Some of the most interesting parts of this book to me were the anecdotes about Coben's childhood and his parents. This book is deeply human, and I think even if you aren't a writer but maybe just a fan of Coben there's a lot to enjoy here. You'll get insight into his personal background, as well as experiences that were the seeds for several of his books over the years.
Thanks to LibroFM and Hachette audio for the advance listening copy!
September 2, 2026
Plot Twist is definitely not a typical Harlan Coben book, but I really enjoyed it. Part memoir, part writing guide, and part behind-the-scenes look at some of his books, this was a surprisingly fun read.
Coben talks about his writing process, his path to becoming a published author, the inspiration behind some of his stories and characters, and pretty much everything in between. I especially enjoyed learning that he doesn’t have a dedicated writing space at home and instead writes wherever inspiration strikes. As someone who isn't a writer, I found those little insights into his process fascinating.
There are plenty of practical tips here for aspiring writers, but you don't need to be a writer to enjoy this. The memoir elements and stories about his career make it accessible to any reader who has enjoyed his books, and there are quite a few fun behind-the-scenes tidbits along the way.
Most of all, this book is funny. Coben's personality really comes through, and I enjoyed getting to know the person behind so many of the books I've read. It was an entertaining, insightful look at writing, publishing, and the journey that comes with both.
Thank you NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the e-ARC.
Coben talks about his writing process, his path to becoming a published author, the inspiration behind some of his stories and characters, and pretty much everything in between. I especially enjoyed learning that he doesn’t have a dedicated writing space at home and instead writes wherever inspiration strikes. As someone who isn't a writer, I found those little insights into his process fascinating.
There are plenty of practical tips here for aspiring writers, but you don't need to be a writer to enjoy this. The memoir elements and stories about his career make it accessible to any reader who has enjoyed his books, and there are quite a few fun behind-the-scenes tidbits along the way.
Most of all, this book is funny. Coben's personality really comes through, and I enjoyed getting to know the person behind so many of the books I've read. It was an entertaining, insightful look at writing, publishing, and the journey that comes with both.
Thank you NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the e-ARC.
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