On this Complicated Conversation, we chat with Karin Slaughter, one of the world’s most popular and acclaimed storytellers. And, as we now know, one of the funniest too! Slaughter has written a staggering 21 novels, been published in 120 countries and sold more than 35 million copies. We discuss her new novel, False Witness, which tells the story of two sisters who endure horrific trauma in their early adulthood and the ramifications of that trauma twenty years later. 

** Karin tells us about the development of her complicated lead, Leigh Collier, and how this character is an extension of her career-long desire to write about violent crimes that happen to women from a woman’s perspective (03:03)

** We talk about birth order and how writing about siblings is so ripe for drama, complexity, and richness in storytelling. Karin shares some great stories of being the youngest of three girls! (06:00)

** As two lawyers, we just had to chat with Karin about writing from the perspective of a lawyer and how she gets it so right. She is a “Twitter Stanford lawyer” so that must explain it! (11:02)

** Karin writes propulsive thrillers, but her character development is what truly sets her apart in this genre. Listen to hear the deeply personal reasons Karin wanted to write character-driven narratives that humanize the behavior and lives off her characters. (14:13)

** Karin is a daydreamer with a deep interest in stories and she shares how that has inspired her characters and her novels. (17:38)

** We talk astrology and Karin hits all the marks of a Capricorn. (23:09)

** Karin shares what she’s reading and watching right now. (25:49)

** We love Karin’s instagram so we can’t let her leave without asking about her approach there! (27:44).

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