Plot Twist cover image

Plot Twist

Life, Craft, and the Messy First Draft: A Memoir About Writing

Listen to a sample

Get 30 days of Standard free

€6.99/mo after trial. Cancel monthly.
Try for €0.00
More purchase options

Plot Twist

By: Harlan Coben
Narrated by: Harlan Coben
Try for €0.00

€6.99 a month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy Now for €19.44

Buy Now for €19.44

Season's Savings | 0.99 €/mo for 3 months

6.99 €/month thereafter - terms apply. Cancel monthly.

#1 New York Timesbestselling 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.

“For aspiring writers, Harlan’s advice, stories, and anecdotes are wise, proven, and valuable. For published authors, his book evokes memories of what it was like back then. It’s a romp, a riot, and a joy to read.” —?John Grisham, #1 bestselling author of The Firm

With 100 million books in print world-wide and over twenty blockbuster television and film adaptations 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 Twistis 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.

Art & Literature Authors Words, Language & Grammar Writing & Publishing
adbl_web_anon_alc_button_suppression_t1

Critics' reviews

“For aspiring writers, Harlan’s advice, stories, and anecdotes are wise, proven, and valuable. For published authors, his book evokes memories of what it was like back then. It’s a romp, a riot, and a joy to read.”—John Grisham
All stars
Most relevant
Harlan Coben ist einer meiner Lieblingsautoren und ich habe fast alle seine Bücher gelesen. Auch wenn ich selber keine Autorin werden möchte, fand ich das Buch sehr interessant. Wie er auf die Ideen seiner Romane kommt, ist faszinierend. Er nennt immer Beispiele aus seinen eigenen Romanen. Ich habe immer wieder Lust bekommen, die Bücher noch ein zweites Mal zu lesen. Er beschreibt sein Vorgehen so, dass man selber mal versuchen möchte, einen Roman zu schreiben. Ich liebe seinen Humor zwischendurch. Besonders toll fand ich, dass er selber der Sprecher des Hörbuchs ist.

Etwas zum Schmunzeln

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.