Genevieve Michaels
asked
Dave Cullen:
What is your process for coming up with the structure or outline of a book like Columbine? What are your tips for organizing your book's content so it's engaging and clear?
Dave Cullen
Well the structure for Columbine was pretty complex: two alternating stories both moving forward, from different starting points, plus 4 flashbacks, and a 100-page set-up before the main stories split. I diagrammed and explained how and why at an MFA class where I discussed it with the LA Times book critic David Ulin, and I had a flip chart to diagram it. We filmed that and it's in the two 10-minute videos on my site here (they are the second and third videos): http://davecullen.com/columbine/colum...
I think that will answer your question pretty thoroughly.
It took me many years to figure that all out. Primarily, I was trying to figure out what would engage the reader, and then keep him/her hooked? What would the story be, and the suspense?
I think that will answer your question pretty thoroughly.
It took me many years to figure that all out. Primarily, I was trying to figure out what would engage the reader, and then keep him/her hooked? What would the story be, and the suspense?
More Answered Questions
Corey Heinz
asked
Dave Cullen:
Hi Dave, I just finished "Columbine," and found it riveting all the way through. Very well done! The question I kept wondering while reading was, upon publication, what was the reaction like from the survivors you wrote about? Were they mostly pleased with the story you told? Did they feel that you gave an accurate depiction of all the events? Or were they upset with how you portrayed the community and tragedy? Thanks
Patrick Lewis
asked
Dave Cullen:
Hi Dave, First of all, your book is absolutely RIVETING. It also gave me wholly new insights into the mindset of a mass shooter and the complexities of such a case, and what a fascinating case it is. On craft, your book is masterfully structured. How did you arrive at the structure? Was it hard? Was it natural/instinctual? You just seemed to always go to the next best place with it; well interwoven, never dull.
Corey
asked
Dave Cullen:
Regarding The Basement Tapes, were they really, 100% destroyed...as in zero copies in existence? I read that this has been claimed a number of times, most recently last year. Did you see the tapes (I can't remember if you mention seeing them in your book!)? I can't help but feel that public access to the tapes would shed more light on Eric and Dylan's mindset, but I also understand the fear of copycats. Thoughts?
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