Plot Twist: Life, Craft, and the Messy First Draft: A Memoir on Writing

#1 New York Times bestselling author Harlan Coben offers a look behind the curtain at his own writing process in an inspiring, candid memoir filled with indispensable insights and techniques.

"For aspiring writers, Harlan's advice, stories, and anecdotes are wise, proven, and valuable. For published authors, his book evokes memories of what it was like back then. It's a romp, a riot, and a joy to read." --John Grisham

With 100 million books in print world-wide and over twenty blockbuster television and film adaptations of his work, Harlan Coben has much to teach us about the creative process. Part deeply personal memoir, part masterclass in storytelling, Plot Twist is a refreshingly honest look at the life of a writer whose stories have thrilled us for decades.

Plumbing memories from his suburban childhood and his early years trying to break into publishing, Coben tells his own story for the first time, revealing the real-world inspirations for some of his most beloved characters as well as the innovative plots that drive his propulsive novels. Filled with useful tips and techniques on the creative process, Coben does away with the traditional "categories" of writing--characters, plot, setting, etc--and looks at the process holistically.

Plot Twist is a masterclass on the act of being a writer, and everything that comes with it: the self-doubt, the hubris, the contradictions, the passion and dedication. At the end of the day, his calculus is a simple one: "If it helps me produce pages, good. If it doesn't, bad." This book will help every aspiring writer produce pages.

Honest, funny, insightful, and at times deeply moving, this is both a captivating memoir and an essential guide for anyone looking to master the art of storytelling from one of our most beloved authors.

Author: Harlan Coben
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Published: 09/08/2026
Pages: 432
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.75lbs
Size: 8.20h x 5.50w x 1.10d
ISBN: 9781538786529

About the Author
Harlan Coben is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and one of the world's leading storytellers. His suspense novels are published in forty-six languages and have been number one bestsellers in more than a dozen countries. His Myron Bolitar series has earned the Edgar, Shamus, and Anthony Awards. Coben is also the creator and executive producer of many television shows, including adaptations on Netflix of the #1 global hits Missing You and Fool Me Once, Stay Close, The Stranger, The Innocent, Gone for Good, Hold Tight, and The Woods as well as the Amazon Prime series adaptation of Shelter. Recent TV adaptations include Run Away and I Will Find You on Netflix, Lazarus on Amazon Prime and many more in the works.