* THERE ARE SPOILERS IN THIS EPISODE*

In this episode, Michael Robotham takes us through the process behind writing his novel Lying Beside You. Lying Beside You is Michael’s 17th novel, the third in his Cyrus Haven and Evie Cormac series and it’s honestly a masterclass in how to write a psychological crime thriller. We talked about the difference between creating surprise and suspense, a couple of Michael’s favourite mantras he applies to his writing, finding new ways to describe the same characters after 9 novels in a series and how to balance how much information you give away in each book in a series. Other topics include writing believable dialogue, creating memorable characters that we care about, the importance of adding a little humour in a psychological thriller and subverting the reader’s expectations.

*SPOILERS* There are spoilers in this episode so if you haven’t yet read the novel and you hate spoilers, make sure you read the book before listening.

You’ll find links to buy both paperback and ebook versions of Lying Beside You here.

ABOUT MICHAEL ROBOTHAM

Before becoming a novelist, Michael Robotham was a former feature writer and investigative reporter working in Britain, Australia and America, and with clinical and forensic psychologists as they helped police investigate complex, psychologically driven crimes. His debut thriller, The Suspect, introduced clinical psychologist Joe O'Loughlin and sold more than a million copies around the world. The first of a nine-book series, The Suspect is being adapted for the screen by World Productions (makers of Line of Duty and Bodyguard), starring Aidan Turner. Michael's standalone thriller The Secrets She Keeps was adapted for TV by Network 10 and the BBC. The second series is out now.

Michael is the only Australian to twice win the UK's prestigious Gold Dagger Award for best crime novel, for Life or Death and Good Girl, Bad Girl as well as the Ian Fleming Steel Dagger for When She Was Good. His latest Book, Lying Beside You, is the third book in his bestselling Cyrus Haven and Evie Cormac series.

Michael lives in Sydney.

Website: https://www.michaelrobotham.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichaelRobothamAU

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelrobotham/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/michaelrobotham

For information about the Writers Unleashed festival in Sydney on 3 September 2022, click here.

To enter this month’s competition, head to Instagram or Facebook and look for the giveaway post.

This podcast is recorded on the beautiful, unceded lands of the Garigal people of the Eora nation.

Full show notes available at writersbookclubpodcast.com