Nick Bilton: How to Write a Thriller
How I Write
Deep Dive
Why is tension crucial in storytelling according to Nick Bilton?
Tension is essential because it keeps readers engaged and propels them to turn the page. Without tension, there’s no reason to continue reading. It creates drama and suspense, making the story compelling and immersive.
What did Nick Bilton learn from writing murder mysteries?
Murder mysteries taught him how to make readers care about even the most morally ambiguous characters. Techniques like giving murderers relatable traits, such as losing keys or having a loving mother, help readers empathize with them, even if they can’t condone their actions.
How does Nick Bilton approach pacing in his writing?
He compares writing to music, where pacing alternates between fast, intense moments and slower, reflective ones. For example, after a high-tension scene in 'American Kingpin,' he slows the narrative by shifting focus to the creation of a laptop, allowing readers to process the intensity before diving back into the action.
What is the importance of themes in Nick Bilton’s storytelling?
Themes provide a throughline that ties the narrative together. Bilton won’t start writing until he knows the central theme, ensuring every scene, character, and event connects back to it. For example, in his Vanity Fair piece on Elon Musk, the theme was Musk’s need to solve problems, even if he creates them himself.
How does Nick Bilton make dialogue realistic in his narratives?
He avoids expositional dialogue by showing rather than telling. Instead of characters explaining what happened, the dialogue reveals their personalities and relationships through subtle, natural interactions. He also uses social media and other sources to capture authentic voices when possible.
What is Nick Bilton’s process for researching and reporting?
He immerses himself in the story by visiting locations, sitting in the same chairs, and ordering the same food as his subjects. He also compiles extensive databases of social media posts, interviews, and timestamps to piece together the narrative, ensuring accuracy and depth.
How does Nick Bilton handle the challenge of writing successful books?
He acknowledges the difficulty of following up on a highly successful book like 'American Kingpin.' The challenge is finding a story as compelling and unique. He emphasizes the importance of choosing narratives that are either big stories about something small or small stories about something big, avoiding the middle ground.
What advice does Nick Bilton give for cultivating a unique writing voice?
He believes a writer’s voice develops naturally and can’t be forced. The key is to avoid diluting it by silencing self-doubt and staying true to one’s instincts. He emphasizes that writing is about putting words on the page and not treating them as overly precious.
How does Nick Bilton use cliffhangers effectively in his writing?
He plants seeds early in the story, giving readers just enough information to keep them hooked without revealing too much. For example, in 'American Kingpin,' he teases future events like Ross Ulbricht’s moral dilemmas, creating anticipation and ensuring readers stay engaged.
What is Nick Bilton’s approach to character development in narrative nonfiction?
He focuses on creating nuanced characters with both positive and negative traits. By showing their humanity, such as Ross Ulbricht’s kindness alongside his criminal actions, he makes them relatable and complex, avoiding one-dimensional portrayals.
- The importance of building drama and tension from the beginning.
- Learning from screenwriting and murder mystery techniques.
- The significance of readers identifying with characters, even if they aren't likeable.
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