This is one of the most insightful, clear discussions of the novel writer’s craft that I have ever seen.
Jeffery Deaver is of course headline news these days for his Ian Fleming continuation novel, Carte Blanche.
Having read, re-read and extensively commented upon that, which I have consistently assessed as the best James Bond novel since the series creator wrote it, I found this almost 2-year-old video a superb explanation of the structure that produced such brilliant product.
Mr Deaver describes a preparation and organization style different from what’s been publicly said about Mr Fleming, 2,000 words per day, straight-sitting, reviewed each evening. I suspect in reality it may have been a bit more like what’s described in the interview embedded above.
Finally: A breath of fresh air, in that we do write for audiences, for commercial purposes. Not only nothing wrong with that; it invariably makes for the best product.
