Podcast Summary: The Shit No One Tells You About Writing

Episode: Karin Slaughter and the Mystery of Character and Rachel Howzell Hall on Switching Genres
Release Date: August 14, 2025
Hosts: Bianca Marais, Carly Watters, and CeCe Lyra

Introduction

In this insightful episode of The Shit No One Tells You About Writing, host Bianca Marais engages in deep conversations with two acclaimed authors: Karen Slaughter, renowned for her gripping thrillers, and Rachel Howzell Hall, celebrated for her versatility across genres. The discussion delves into the intricacies of world-building, character development, genre-switching, and maintaining authenticity in storytelling.

Interview with Karen Slaughter

Topic: World Building and Character Development in Thrillers

Karen Slaughter, a bestselling author with over 20 New York Times bestsellers, discusses her meticulous approach to crafting believable worlds and multi-dimensional characters, even in her first novel of a series.

• World Building Process:

  • Detailed Immersion: Karen emphasizes the importance of immersing readers in a believable world, regardless of the genre. She states, “World building happens a lot, particularly in standalone novels, where you've got to immerse the reader completely in this world you're building in a believable way” (04:11).
  • Character Integration: She integrates extensive backstories for characters to make the town and its inhabitants feel real. Bianca notes, “It felt like this town was real. It felt like these characters were real,” highlighting Karen's skill in embedding rich details (03:15).

• Curiosity Seeds and Specificity:

  • Subtle Details: Karen uses “curiosity seeds” — small, seemingly insignificant details that enrich the narrative and deepen character relationships. For instance, a throwaway line about Myrna’s affairs adds layers to Gerald’s character without driving the plot directly (08:17).
  • Continuity and Specificity: She maintains continuity by ensuring that minor events influence characters' future decisions, making their actions believable. “Every time a character gets hurt... that impacts their choices,” Karen explains (13:20).

• Research and Authenticity:

  • In-Depth Research: Karen underscores the necessity of thorough research to portray authentic interrogation scenes and psychological profiles. “I don't let anyone read my work until it's published, other than my editor,” she mentions, ensuring factual accuracy (21:30).
  • Expert Consultation: She collaborates with experts to accurately depict procedures and psychological elements, stating, “I have to speak with authority in my books, and so I need to know the rules before I break them” (22:40).

• Dialogue and Voice:

  • Unique Character Voices: Karen meticulously crafts distinct speech patterns for each character, particularly distinguishing Gerald’s dialogue from others. “He's fluent in silence... make sure each character has their own voice,” she explains (23:36).
  • Intentional Code-Switching: She uses code-switching to reflect relationships and character dynamics, enhancing authenticity. “Emmy does a bit of code switching when she's with her father,” Karen notes (25:02).

Notable Quotes:

• “World building happens a lot, particularly in standalone novels...” (04:11)
• “Every time a character gets hurt... that impacts their choices” (13:20)
• “I have to speak with authority in my books...” (22:40)

Interview with Rachel Howzell Hall

Topic: Switching Genres and Sustaining Longevity in Writing

Rachel Howzell Hall, a New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, shares her journey from crime fiction to blending romance and fantasy elements in her storytelling.

• Genre Transition:

  • Embracing Opportunities: Rachel discusses her transition into Romanasy (romance with fantasy elements) as an opportunity presented by her publisher. “I wanted to work with her [publisher], and I’m always looking for a new way to tell stories,” she states (34:12).
  • Challenges in Romance: She finds integrating romance into her crime scenes challenging, especially avoiding cynicism. “Learning the pacing of a romance and not being cynical about it was the biggest challenge for me” (36:24).

• World Building in Fantasy:

  • Creative Freedom: Moving from crime to fantasy allowed Rachel to exercise her creativity in constructing unique worlds. “Once I stopped rebuking the whole, what do you mean? I have to come up with the philosophy and the religion and the sociology of this place,” she shares (37:25).
  • Expanding Universes: For her second book, Cruel Dawn, she enjoyed expanding the world she created in Fog and Fury, finding joy in the process (39:08).

• Writing Routines and Techniques:

  • Structured Scheduling: Rachel maintains a disciplined writing schedule, rising early to maximize productivity. “I get up every morning except Christmas morning. And when I'm on true vacation, I get up at 4 o’clock every morning to write” (48:45).
  • Outlining and Plotting: As a plotter, she relies on detailed outlines to manage her writing amidst her busy life as a mother and professional. “I am a plotter... the outlining helps because... I want to cross off. Yeah, I wrote that chapter” (48:45).

• Building Suspense:

  • Active Observation: Rachel draws inspiration from real-life observations to inject authenticity and suspense into her narratives. “Minding your own life and the suspenseful moments in your own life helps with creating suspense on the page” (55:45).
  • Engaging Readers: She ensures readers are actively formulating theories, keeping them engaged and invested. “Once you've got them actively engaged, coming up with theories, you've hooked them” (55:25).

• Character Crafting:

  • Reflective Observations: Rachel crafts her characters based on real-life observations, particularly focusing on women's interactions and societal pressures. “I am always taking notes on how we interact with each other” (56:59).
  • Authentic Flaws: Her characters exhibit genuine flaws and complexities, making them relatable and multi-dimensional. “Just understanding how that feeling translates into every interaction you have...” (56:59).

Notable Quotes:

• “I wanted to work with her [publisher], and I’m always looking for a new way to tell stories” (34:12)
• “Learning the pacing of a romance and not being cynical about it was the biggest challenge for me” (36:24)
• “I get up every morning except Christmas morning...” (48:45)
• “Once you've got them actively engaged, coming up with theories, you've hooked them” (55:25)

Conclusion

This episode offers invaluable insights for emerging writers aiming to enhance their storytelling craft. Karen Slaughter highlights the significance of detailed world-building and authentic character development, while Rachel Howzell Hall illustrates the rewards and challenges of crossing genres and maintaining a consistent writing routine. Both authors underscore the importance of research, observation, and intentionality in creating compelling narratives that resonate with readers.

Listeners are encouraged to explore the featured books, We Are All Guilty Here by Karen Slaughter and Cruel Dawn by Rachel Howzell Hall, available through the podcast's affiliate links on Bookshop.org, supporting independent bookstores and the show's ongoing production.

Bonus Tips for Writers:

• Celebrate Small Wins: As Rachel shares, maintaining a "wind jar" to collect small victories can boost morale and provide motivation during challenging times.
• Consistency is Key: Establishing a disciplined writing routine, like waking up early, can enhance productivity and ensure steady progress.
• Engage in Active Observation: Drawing inspiration from everyday life can add depth and authenticity to your storytelling, making characters and plots more relatable.

Thank you for tuning into this episode of The Shit No One Tells You About Writing. Keep honing your craft, and remember that every detail you incorporate can elevate your narrative to new heights.