Lecture Notes: Mark Cameron's Talk on Writing Thrillers

Introduction

• Speaker: Mark Cameron
• Background: Author of Jericho Quinn Thrillers, Arles Cutter Mysteries, and Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan series.
• Previous career as Deputy US Marshall for 22 years, formerly a police officer.

Writing Philosophy

• Prefers conversational lectures over PowerPoint presentations.
• Emphasizes writing a 'propulsive thriller' and the importance of telling a good story.

Childhood Inspirations

• Grew up with a 'feral childhood' in Texas, which influenced his storytelling.
• Spent time in nature and read "Where the Red Fern Grows," inspiring him to become a novelist.
• Shared a personal anecdote about storytelling traditions in his family and the impact of a tick in his belly button.

On Storytelling and Writing Thrillers

• Importance of a strong opening line that hooks the reader.
• Believes not everyone can be a successful writer, but many can learn the craft.
• Emphasizes learning the art of storytelling, similar to telling a joke.
• Discussed the concept of 'resonance' in writing, where the ending ties back to the beginning.
• Uses personal experiences and feelings to channel into his writing for authenticity.

Writing Process

• Often plots extensively with notes and outlines.
• Works on first sentences and endings early in the process.
• Writes messy first drafts that are refined during numerous revisions.

Research and Realism

• Conducts extensive research to avoid inaccuracies, especially in technical details.
• Uses real-world experiences, like law enforcement, as a foundation for scenes.
• Strives for balance in research to avoid overwhelming the reader with details.

Tips for Aspiring Writers

• Encourages reading the first lines of books for inspiration.
• Recommends Noah Lukeman’s "The First Five Pages."
• Suggests making writing assignments to improve skills.

Crafting Suspense and Twists

• Importance of a ticking time bomb in the plot to maintain suspense.
• Often lets twists develop naturally during the writing process.

Q&A Highlights

• Discussed how to twist genre conventions in writing thrillers.
• Explored plotting strategies for suspense and the importance of a strong hook.
• Talked about the role of emotional resonance and tying up loose ends in a story.
• Highlighted the judicious use of research without info-dumping on the reader.

Closing Remarks

• Mark Cameron encouraged aspiring writers to persevere and finish their work.
• Acknowledged the challenges and congratulated attendees on their writing efforts.