Throughout their careers, James and Ashley have each picked up some excellent writing tricks, plus developed a few of their own. Now, they’re each sharing a few of their most effective writing techniques (starting with episode 94 - James’ shortcut to compelling characters).

In this episode, Ashley gives a mini-masterclass on narrative drive and shares some revelations inspired by a book she refuses to name. She breaks down the four components of narrative drive in writing and explores the importance of each.

Plus, she shares the official title of her forthcoming thriller! 

Books and authors discussed in this episode:

• Gears of War: Aspho Fields by Karen Traviss;
• Candice Fox;
• JP Pomare; 
• In the Woods by Tana French;
• Red River Road by Anna Downes; 
• The Secret History by Donna Tartt;
• The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga; 
• Rattled by Ellis Gunn (from ep 56); 
• Toni Jordan;  
• How to Be Australian by Ashley Kalagian Blunt;
• The Cop Who Fell From the Sky by Craig Semple; 
• Demon Copperhead by Barbara; 
• Annette Higgs (from ep 86);
• Indira Naidoo (from ep 82)

Upcoming events 

• James is appearing at the Bathurst Writers Festival as part of the  Rural Crime Fiction: A Cross Examination panel, Saturday 25 May 1pm
• Ashley is teaching a Memoir Masterclass as part of the Words on the Waves Festival on Saturday 1 June, 2-4pm
• Ashley is appearing at the Words on the Waves Writers Festival as part of the Back from the Abyss panel on Sunday 2 June, 1.30-2.30pm
• Ashley is teaching Pathways to Publication for Writing NSW on Saturday 15 June, 10am-4pm
• Ashley is in conversation with Lisa Kenway to launch her debut thriller on Thursday 1 August, 6.30pm

Learn more about Ashley's bestselling psychological thriller Dark Mode and get your copy here or from your local bookshop. 

Learn more about James' award-winning novel Denizen and get your copy here or from your local bookshop.

Get in touch!

• ashleykalagianblunt.com
• jamesmckenziewatson.com
• Instagram: @akalagianblunt + @jamesmcwatson