Plot Twist: Life, Craft, and the Messy First Draft

"You can always fix bad pages. You can't fix no pages. Write. Just write." ~ 56%

Plot Twist is the book I didn't know I needed. Bestselling author Harlan Coben pulls the curtain back for a look into his own writing process. If anyone has the expertise to teach us the art of storytelling, it is Harlan Coben with 100 million books in print and over a dozen TV and film adaptations. Plot Twist is layered with writing tips, humor and anecdotes of his real life, from his suburban childhood to early years of publishing to present day.

There are so many books on the market full of classic writing tips. But Coben's is different...for real. He does not focus on the traditional categories of characters, plot, setting, outlines, etc. He breaks down ways to produce pages. Yes, there are contradictions but you'll understand why while reading. And yes, there are moments that made me literally LOL. It's really a Masterclass.

Every aspiring writer should add Plot Twist to their personal library right alongside Stephen King's On Writing. I will reference the many highlights and writing tips when I finally pick up the pen to draft my own memoir. I feel inspired to do as Coben instructed: "go forth and create." Thank you to one of the best to ever do it! 

Happy Pub Day to Harlan Coben! Plot Twist: Life, Craft, and the Messy First Draft: A Memoir on Writing is officially on shelves.

Disclaimer: An advance copy was received directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins. ~LiteraryMarie

Title: Plot Twist
Author: Harlan Coben
Published: September 2026
Pages: 320
Edition: Galley
Genre: Memoir on Writing
Rating: 🖤 🖤 🖤 🖤