5 trucs de Joël Dicker pour écrire un bon roman policier

Summary

The script delves into the intricacies of crafting mystery novels, emphasizing the subtle placement of clues that are visible yet overlooked. It discusses the joy of not adhering to a strict plan, allowing for creative freedom and the ability to make changes as the story unfolds. The importance of atmosphere in mystery novels is highlighted, with 'Murder on the Orient Express' by Agatha Christie cited as a prime example. The author also stresses the significance of character development through backstory to create intimacy with readers. Lastly, the script encourages authors to write for pleasure and to embrace reading as a companion to writing, suggesting that reading can be easily integrated into daily life.

Takeaways

• 🔍 The challenge for mystery novel authors is to plant clues that are visible yet unnoticed by readers until they reread the book.
• 🎨 Authors often hide clues subtly within dialogues or descriptions, making them easy to miss on the first read.
• 📝 Writing without a plan provides the author with a sense of freedom and the flexibility to change the narrative as it unfolds.
• ✂️ The absence of a strict plan allows for more creative exploration and the possibility of revising the story significantly as new ideas emerge.
• 📚 A good mystery novel should immerse readers in its atmosphere and setting, encouraging them to stay engaged with the story beyond just solving the crime.
• 🚂 The speaker's favorite mystery novel is 'Murder on the Orient Express' by Agatha Christie, which left a lasting impression due to its atmospheric storytelling.
• 👤 Creating compelling characters involves giving them a backstory that explains their actions and behaviors, allowing readers to understand and empathize with them.
• 🏡 The author emphasizes the importance of creating an atmosphere that they enjoy while writing, as it enhances their experience and can influence the narrative.
• 📈 The author believes that writing should be an enjoyable process for the writer, and this pleasure is a personal reward that cannot be taken away.
• 📖 Reading is highly recommended alongside writing, as it can inspire creativity and provide a mental break from daily routines.

Q & A

What is one of the challenging tasks for mystery novel authors?

One of the challenging tasks for mystery novel authors is to scatter clues that are evident yet unnoticed by readers, creating a sense of surprise and self-reflection when readers realize they missed something obvious.

How does the author suggest hiding clues in a mystery novel?

The author suggests hiding clues by not forcing their placement but rather integrating them subtly into the narrative, such as within dialogue or descriptions, so they go unnoticed until the reader revisits them with new context.

What does the author prefer about not having a plan while writing?

The author prefers not having a plan because it gives a sense of total freedom, allowing for spontaneous ideas and the flexibility to modify the story as it unfolds without being constrained by a pre-set structure.

Why does the author believe it's important to be able to go back and modify the story during the writing process?

The author believes it's important to be able to modify the story as it allows for a more organic development of the narrative, even if it means discarding or revising significant portions of the text, which can lead to a more satisfying and dynamic final product.

What role does atmosphere play in a good mystery novel according to the author?

Atmosphere plays a crucial role in a good mystery novel as it allows readers to immerse themselves in the world of the story, which is not just about the crime or the mystery but also about the setting, characters, and overall ambiance that encourages readers to stay engaged.

Which mystery novel does the author consider the best and why?

The author considers 'Murder on the Orient Express' by Agatha Christie as the best mystery novel, due to the vivid atmosphere and the memorable experience it provided during the reading, especially the setting of the train and the enclosed environment it created.

How does the author approach character development in a mystery novel?

The author believes in giving characters a rich backstory and identity that explains their actions and behaviors, allowing readers to understand and feel intimate with the characters, which is important for engaging the reader with the story.

What does the author value in the initial phase of writing a book?

The author values the pleasure derived from the writing process itself, emphasizing the importance of enjoying the act of writing as a personal and fulfilling experience that no one can take away.

Why does the author encourage reading and how does it relate to writing?

The author encourages reading as it complements writing, suggesting that carrying a book and reading during spare moments throughout the day can be a rewarding and time-efficient activity that enhances one's writing by exposing them to different styles and narratives.

What advice does the author give regarding the writing process and the reader's reception?

The author advises enjoying the writing process for personal pleasure and not letting the potential reception of others deter the initial joy of creation, emphasizing that the reader's enjoyment comes after the author's satisfaction with their work.