Writing Tips Harlan Coben Taught Me

He’s one of the modern-day greats.

There’s no doubt Harlan Coben’s books are some of the best fiction pieces in the last few decades. No wonder why he’s a multi-New York Times bestselling author.

Having read most of his books over the years, he’s taught me so much about writing and its process. Here’s what I’ve learned:

Keep Your Reader Engaged

Every page of his mystery novels keeps me on my toes. I need to do this with my writing too.

Coben includes everything that is the story in his books and leaves out everything else that isn’t the story. His writing doesn’t drag on. His dialogue is fast-paced. Sometimes it doesn’t feel like I’m reading at all.

Whatever kind of book you’re writing, keep your reader engaged. When they’re engaged, they will become so immersed in your story, they will forget everything else in life.

Ideas Come From Anywhere

Coben has said countless times over the years he normally gets his ideas from anywhere when least expected.

The best question to ask yourself?

What if…?

Most of Coben’s books take place in rural New Jersey and follow the most normal, everyday people in some crazy situations.

Why? Because he asks what if.

What if kids were murdered in these woods?
What if a single photo could change your whole life?
What if you found your missing daughter in plain sight?
What if your long-gone brother was still alive?

Observe your life and ask what if something happened that could end it all?

Write Every Day

This one is a given.

You’ve heard this plenty of times in the past, but once more won’t hurt you. When you write every day, you are staying consistent and building your skills as a writer.

Like most writers, Coben writes every day and doesn’t leave his chair until he’s done. That’s why his books are so successful.

Because he writes every day, his writing skills have only grown stronger and his books prove that. So if you want to be a successful writer too, write every day.

There’s no other way around it.

Closing Thoughts

Not everyone is into mystery books, and that’s okay. However, we can still learn from their authors.

Coben is a modern-day genius when it comes to writing mysteries. He’s an even better example of having the qualities all writers should have.

Take these tips with a grain of salt. Hopefully, they will help you on your writing journey as they have done so with mine.