In episode 34 of the Page One Podcast, we speak with world-renowned bestselling author of suspense, Dean Koontz, about his most recent novel, The Bad Weather Friend, published by Thomas & Mercer Feb. 1. Rarely do I have the honor of talking with the most prolific writer of our lifetime once, let alone twice. Not surprising, Koontz wrote four books since we discussed his book Quicksilver in Episode 11, and he is close to beating Henry James’s historic achievement of writing 120 books in a lifetime. How does this superhuman create so much? Koontz keeps at it. Day after day. Week after week. For more than 50 years, he’s been at his desk from 7 a.m. - 4 p.m.,and doesn’t stop for lunch while the words dance through him. I wish there was a Hall of Fame for Writers. Koontz would own it and in the most humble way, too. What’s his secret? Koontz chases the mystery of what might happen without overthinking. Unlike most writers, he embraces risk! He shows up to the page without plotting. Even more so, he might be the funniest suspense novelist of our time and he discusses the importance (and possibly the secret sauce) of vulnerability and humor in suspense novels. I laughed out loud at times reading The Bad Weather Friend which is being touted as a new kind of thriller, not only for its humor, but for breaking the fourth wall. This is Dean Koontz in his prime. Playing on the page. No longer seeking permission but owning his creative process with a kind of humility that just makes you love this masterful storyteller that much more. In this intimate conversation, Koontz touches upon aspects of his personal life, experiences as a teacher, and the role it played in shaping his understanding and portrayal of the human condition. No wonder he begins this book with a quote by James Thurber, “Humor is emotional chaos remembered in tranquility.” If ever there was a tagline to describe Dean Koontz’s work, this is it. I hope you enjoy this episode. And just a warning, I got teary once in our conversation, but in the spirit of vulnerability, I decided to keep it in the final edit. As always, this podcast is my love letter to the craft and the courage of the writers who show up to the page with their heart first. Dean Koontz brings the love.
Page One, produced and hosted by author Holly Lynn Payne, celebrates the craft that goes into writing the first sentence, first paragraph and first page of your favorite books. The first page is often the most rewritten page of any book because it has to work so hard to do so much—hook the reader. We interview master storytellers on the struggles and stories behind the first page of their books.
About the guest author:
Dean Koontz is a bestselling author and America's master of suspense with 79 New York Times bestsellers. He is also one of twelve writers in the world ever to have fourteen of these books rise to number one on the hardcover bestseller list, and sixteen of his books have risen to the number one position in paperback. His books have also been major bestsellers in Japan and Sweden. And he has been hailed by Rolling Stone magazine as “America’s most popular suspense novelist.” Dean is also a huge dog lover and is originally from Pennsylvania. He currently lives in Southern California with his wife, Gerda, and their golden retriever, Elsa, and the enduring spirit of their goldens, Trixie and Anna. They are long time supporters of Canine Companions for Independence. You can find his website at www.deankoontz.com.
About the host:
Holly Lynn Payne is an award-winning novelist and writing coach, and the former CEO and founder of Booxby, a startup built to help authors succeed. She is an internationally published author of four historical fiction novels. Her debut, The Virgin's Knot, was a Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers book. She recently finished her first YA crossover novel inspired by her nephew with Down syndrome. She lives in Marin County with her daughter and enjoys mountain biking, surfing and hiking with her dog. To learn more about her books and private writing coaching services, please visit hollylynnpayne.com or find her at Instagram and Twitter @hollylynnpayne.
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Until then, be well and keep reading!
In service with love,
Holly Lynn Payne