The Book Case: "Harlan Coben Writes Like It’s His Job" – Detailed Summary
Episode Release Date: April 10, 2025
Podcast Host(s): Charlie Gibson and Kate Gibson
Guest: Harlan Coben, best-selling author
1. Introduction to the Episode
[00:37 – 01:00]
The episode begins with Charlie Gibson energetically greeting the listeners and setting a playful tone. Kate Gibson follows, expressing her excitement about featuring Harlan Coben, one of the most popular authors in contemporary literature. She emphasizes that the show isn't limited to high-end literary works but welcomes authors from all genres, highlighting Coben as a prime example of wide-reaching popularity coupled with significant writing talent.
Kate Gibson [01:21]: "Harlan Coben is proof that just because you are wildly popular doesn't mean you don't have a terrific amount of writing talent."
2. Discussing Harlan Coben's Latest Work
[02:09 – 04:13]
Charlie and Kate delve into Coben's latest novel, Nobody's Fool. They discuss Coben's prolific writing pace, noting that he releases a new book approximately every two weeks. Kate praises a specific line from the book, showcasing Coben's ability to infuse originality into seemingly cliché expressions.
Kate Gibson [03:08]: "The line is, he is the kind of man who looks like he's opening a door for a woman even when he isn't. It speaks to Harlan Coben that he can start a sentence with a cliché and still pull off something innovative, refreshing, and original."
Charlie highlights the return of Sammy Kearse, Coben's recurring protagonist, contrasting his portrayal in Nobody's Fool with previous appearances, particularly in the Netflix series adaptation of Fool Me Once.
Charlie Gibson [04:13]: "In this book, Nobody's Fool, he brings back Sammy Kears, who was first featured in Fool Me Once."
3. In-Depth Interview with Harlan Coben
[04:23 – 18:34]
a. Writing Process and Story Development
The conversation shifts to Coben's writing methodology. He reveals that he always knows the beginning and the end of his stories before delving into the intricacies of the plot. Drawing an analogy to a road trip, Coben explains that while the starting and ending points are fixed, the journey in between is filled with unexpected routes and detours.
Harlan Coben [05:55]: "I always know the ending before I start. I know the beginning, like that's set up. And I know the ending. Is it her? Is she alive?"
Kate probes further into how Coben initiates his writing, asking whether he starts at the beginning of the story.
Kate Gibson [06:20]: "What is the first thing you wrote in this book?"
Coben shares that the prologue often sets the most exciting scene, sometimes placing characters in the midst of pivotal moments rather than following a linear timeline.
Harlan Coben [06:38]: "The prologue is him thinking about that moment when he was 21 years old and first saw Anna at a club in the Costa del Sol of Spain, about to approach her."
b. Character Development and Continuity
Kate discusses the evolution of Sammy Kearse’s character from Fool Me Once to Nobody’s Fool, clarifying that the version in the new book is distinct from his earlier portrayal, especially in the Netflix adaptation.
Harlan Coben [09:15]: "Sammy Kierce in Nobody's Fool is based on the TV show character, not the one from the novel Fool Me Once."
Coben elaborates on his creative freedom in adapting characters for different mediums, ensuring that each portrayal remains unique and tailored to the specific narrative.
c. Plot Complexity and Emotional Engagement
Kate remarks on the layered mysteries within Nobody's Fool, questioning whether the complexity felt ambitious for Coben.
Kate Gibson [10:50]: "There's like five mysteries in this book... Is he going to be able to pull this off?"
Coben acknowledges the challenge of intertwining multiple storylines but expresses satisfaction with how they cohesively come together, providing a surprising and emotionally resonant conclusion.
Harlan Coben [11:09]: "It's always hard to tie all these together, but I'm really pleased with how this one came together in the end."
d. Character Creation Philosophy
The discussion transitions to Coben’s philosophy on character creation, emphasizing that characters should emerge organically through the plot rather than being pre-defined with extensive backstories.
Harlan Coben [15:45]: "You create character through plot, through what they do. Not by stating their traits upfront."
He criticizes the notion of over-planning character details, advocating for a more fluid and integrated approach where characters develop naturally as the story unfolds.
e. Views on Research in Writing
Coben shares his unconventional stance on research, arguing that excessive research can hinder the writing process by introducing unnecessary delays and information overload. Instead, he encourages writers to prioritize writing over researching, adding pertinent details post-draft.
Harlan Coben [16:04]: "Research is more fun than actually writing. You're going to waste time researching."
4. Charity and Acknowledgments
[28:15 – 34:32]
Charlie and Kate highlight Coben’s unique practice of selling character names to raise funds for charity. By donating a certain amount, fans can have a character named after them or someone they choose, integrating philanthropy with literary creation.
Harlan Coben [32:29]: "I put an XXY in my manuscript. If you donate to the charity, I will name that character the name you want."
They praise this initiative as a creative method of supporting charitable causes while engaging his readership.
Kate Gibson [29:09]: "I think it's a wonderful... It's a terrific way to... give them a freebie."
Coben mentions that this practice has successfully raised substantial funds, approximately $50,000 per book, which he allocates to various charities, including those supporting medical services for children and Parkinson’s research.
5. Rapid-Fire Questions Segment
[29:48 – 34:32]
Charlie introduces a rapid-fire segment with Coben, covering personal preferences and experiences:
-
Favorite Mystery Series Not Written by Him: Spencer Detective by Robert B. Parker.
Harlan Coben [30:04]: "Robert B. Parker, Spencer Detective... Michael Conley or Lee Child or Laura Lippman or Sue Grafton. All of us owe Parker a debt of gratitude."
-
Longest Book He Has Read: Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace, which Coben regards as worth the effort despite its length.
Harlan Coben [30:40]: "Probably Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace. And definitely worth it."
-
Bucket List Book: Although he humorously doubts he’ll ever get around to it, Coben expresses interest in certain literary works remaining on his bucket list.
Harlan Coben [31:56]: "I don't think there's any, because I actually will. At least I'll start."
6. Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts
[34:32 – 35:50]
As the episode nears its end, Charlie and Kate briefly mention the production team behind the podcast. Coben offers a piece of life advice inspired by a Buddhist proverb, emphasizing the importance of focusing on attainable goals to reduce anxiety.
Harlan Coben [34:59]: "Try to tend the gardens you can reach for right now, when you need to lessen your anxiety. That's my life advice for today."
The episode concludes with a final T-Mobile advertisement, bringing the episode to a close.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- Kate Gibson [01:21], [03:08]: Insights on Harlan Coben’s talent and specific lines from his book.
- Harlan Coben [05:55]: Discussing knowing the beginning and end of his stories.
- Harlan Coben [15:45]: On character creation through plot.
- Harlan Coben [16:04]: His views on research versus writing.
- Harlan Coben [32:29]: Explanation of selling character names for charity.
- Harlan Coben [34:59]: Life advice inspired by a Buddhist proverb.
Conclusion
This episode of The Book Case offers an in-depth exploration of Harlan Coben’s writing process, his approach to character and plot development, and his innovative methods of integrating charity into his literary endeavors. Through engaging conversation and candid insights, Charlie and Kate Gibson provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of what makes Coben’s work resonate with a broad audience. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to his novels, this episode delivers valuable perspectives on the art and business of writing best-selling fiction.