What Writers Can Teach Entrepreneurs About Creating with Harlan Coben

Overview

Bestselling author Harlan Coben shares his candid insights on writing, creativity, and the discipline required to create meaningful work. From his philosophy of incremental ambition to his belief in chasing hearts over dollars, Coben offers practical advice for writers, entrepreneurs, and creators of all kinds. He also discusses his new book, Plot Twist, which blends memoir with actionable guidance for navigating the messy process of creation.

Notable Quotes

- If you can't find time to write, then your life is filled with things more important than writing, and you're not a writer. – Harlan Coben, on prioritizing creativity.

- Chase the heart, don't chase the dollar. – Harlan Coben, on the key to creating impactful work.

- You can always fix bad pages. You can't fix no pages. – Harlan Coben, on overcoming perfectionism in the creative process.

🎯 The Discipline of Writing

- Tough Love for Writers: Coben emphasizes that writing requires prioritization and discipline. He rejects excuses like I don't have time, reframing it as a lack of prioritization.

- Inspiration vs. Perspiration: While inspiration is important, Coben stresses that the real work lies in sitting down and writing. He describes writing as a job that requires consistent effort, not waiting for a muse.

- Desperation as a Driver: Coben humorously admits that his fear of having to hold a real job fuels his commitment to writing.

🌀 Incremental Ambition

- Step-by-Step Goals: Coben shares his philosophy of incremental ambition, where he set small, achievable goals throughout his career, such as publishing one book, then two, then making a modest living, and eventually hitting bestseller lists.

- Enjoying the Journey: He advises creators to celebrate small wins along the way rather than fixating on lofty, distant goals.

📚 The Craft of Storytelling

- Emotion as the Core of Thrillers: Coben believes that the emotional connection between the audience and the characters is the fuel of any compelling story. Without it, even the best plot twists fall flat.

- Plot vs. Character: He argues that plot and character are inseparable, with each informing the other. For example, a character's development is revealed through the challenges (plot) they face.

- The GPS Metaphor: Coben likens his writing process to using a GPS—he knows the destination (the ending) but allows for detours and discoveries along the way.

🛠️ The Role of Research and Process

- Avoiding Research as a Crutch: Coben warns against over-researching as a way to procrastinate. He advocates for writing first and fact-checking later, emphasizing imagination over exhaustive detail.

- The Messy First Draft: He encourages writers to embrace imperfection in early drafts, calling it the ****** first draft stage. Editing, he says, is where the magic happens.

- Flexible Rituals: Unlike some writers with rigid routines, Coben adapts his process as needed, switching locations and tools to keep his creativity flowing.

🎥 Writing for Screen vs. Page

- Creative Control in Adaptations: Coben discusses his hands-on role in adapting his books for Netflix, balancing collaboration with maintaining the integrity of his stories.

- Books vs. Shows: While he enjoys the process of creating for TV, he admits he still prefers his books, as they allow for a deeper connection with the audience.

- Compromise in Casting: He reflects on the challenges of casting iconic characters, noting that adaptations often require flexibility to reach broader audiences.