Episode Summary: Chris Pavone on "The Doorman"

In this engaging episode of Totally Booked with Zibby, host Cynthia welcomes bestselling author Chris Pavone to discuss his latest novel, The Doorman. Released on June 1, 2025, this episode delves deep into the inspirations, writing process, and publishing insights behind Pavone's compelling thriller.

1. Introduction to "The Doorman" [04:10 - 04:26]

Chris Pavone introduces his novel as a gripping thriller that intertwines themes of race, class, and privilege. He likens it to the modern-day Bonfire of the Vanities, centering around a doorman in a luxurious New York apartment who becomes entangled in a series of adultery, robbery, and murder cases.

Chris Pavone [04:10]: "The Doorman is a thriller about race and class and privilege."

2. Personal Inspiration and Emotional Depth [04:38 - 09:41]

Pavone shares a heartfelt story that inspired the novel. Reflecting on his real-life interactions with Johnny, a dedicated doorman who worked for 37 years in Harlem, Pavone illustrates the profound human connections that often go unnoticed in urban settings. Johnny's unwavering commitment and the deep bond he formed with residents profoundly impacted Pavone, leading him to explore the nuanced relationships between service providers and those they serve.

Chris Pavone [08:00]: "A doorman is a relationship... It's somebody who you speak to and somebody who knows you and your family and your children and your dog."

3. Crafting the Novel: From Idea to Manuscript [10:25 - 16:29]

Pavone delves into his writing methodology, emphasizing the critical role of crafting a concise flap copy before diving into the manuscript. This preparatory step ensures clarity in the novel's direction and themes, preventing the common pitfall of losing focus during the writing process.

Chris Pavone [11:36]: "Before I start writing a novel, I sit down and write the flap copy of the novel. It's a few hundred words of mini book proposal that touches on everything important."

He candidly reflects on a challenging period during the COVID-19 pandemic when deviating from his established process led to frustrations and creative dead-ends. However, this detour ultimately resulted in what he considers his best work, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the creative journey.

Chris Pavone [16:29]: "At the other end of the journey, I actually think this is my best book. And so I have to wonder, was it really a mistake or was it worth it?"

4. The Significance of Flap Copy and Titles in Publishing [22:30 - 26:39]

A substantial portion of the conversation focuses on the importance of a well-crafted flap copy and an effective title. Pavone elucidates how these elements are pivotal not just for pitching to agents and publishers but also for marketing the book to readers. He underscores that a title must encapsulate the essence of the novel, serving as a critical tool for attracting the right audience.

Chris Pavone [25:08]: "There's a tremendous amount of pressure and there's a tremendous amount of value in it as well, that if you get it right, if you nail this, then doors open, and if you get this wrong, then doors close."

Drawing parallels with his experience as a cookbook editor, Pavone illustrates how a strong title like "Martha Stewart Baking" immediately communicates the book's purpose and appeal without needing further explanation.

5. Navigating the Publishing Landscape [26:39 - 30:47]

Pavone offers valuable insights into the commercialization of creativity within the publishing industry. He discusses the challenges authors face in distinguishing their works amidst the vast sea of publications. Emphasizing that titles and initial descriptions serve as the first impression, he advocates for titles that perform "heavy lifting" by conveying significant information succinctly.

Chris Pavone [26:39]: "These are commercial products that we want consumers to buy... How do we, as authors and publishers, distinguish one of these from the other?"

6. Celebrating New York Through Fiction [31:32 - 33:22]

Pavone articulates his vision of The Doorman as a quintessential New York novel, drawing inspiration from literary giants like John Dos Passos and Invisible Man. He aims to capture the city's multifaceted dynamics—race, class, real estate, and more—through the lens of his protagonist's experiences.

Chris Pavone [31:32]: "These New York novels are not just novels that happen to be set here, but they're books that revolve around the themes and the issues that consume our city that define our lives here."

7. Final Thoughts and Encouragement [33:02 - 33:30]

As the conversation wraps up, Cynthia encourages Pavone to honor the real-life doormen who inspired his story, suggesting creative ways to engage and celebrate them. Pavone expresses gratitude, emphasizing the personal connections that fuel his storytelling.

Key Takeaways:

• Human Connections: The Doorman explores deep human relationships, highlighting the often-overlooked emotional bonds between service providers and residents.

• Writing Process: Pavone's disciplined approach—starting with a detailed flap copy—serves as a blueprint for effective novel writing, ensuring clarity and purpose.

• Publishing Insights: The significance of a compelling title and concise description is paramount in distinguishing a book in a crowded market.

• Quality Over Quantity: Emphasizing the importance of producing high-quality work rather than focusing on the number of publications.

Notable Quotes:

• On Book Pitching: "If you can't pitch it, no one else is going to be able to pitch it." — Chris Pavone [11:36]

• On Writing as Thinking: "Writing is not, just for me, a mechanism of communicating, it's a mechanism for thinking." — Chris Pavone [15:40]

• On Book Titles: "When titles are wrong from the get go, they are always a problem." — Chris Pavone [26:39]

This episode offers a profound look into the craftsmanship behind thriller writing, the intricacies of publishing, and the personal stories that breathe life into compelling narratives. Whether you're an aspiring author or an avid reader, Chris Pavone's insights provide valuable lessons on creating stories that resonate deeply with audiences.