How to Write a Thriller: Lessons from Ian Fleming
In looking at my old Notion pages, I happened over a fairly lengthy article by Ian Fleming. I think his advice goes beyond the genre in question. What follows summarizes what he wrote. His narrative style was too stilted and the article suffers from being too long.
In 1963, just a year before his death, James Bond creator Ian Fleming published an insightful essay revealing his approach to writing thrillers. With characteristic frankness, Fleming admitted he wrote for pleasure and money rather than literary acclaim. Yet his methods offer valuable lessons for any aspiring writer seeking to master the art of popular fiction.
At the heart of Fleming's philosophy was a simple goal: make the reader turn the page. To achieve this, he advocated for clean, straightforward prose unmarred by complicated plots or confusing character relationships. He warned against common pitfalls like lengthy recaps or internal monologues that might slow the story's momentum. Instead, he encouraged writers to engage all the reader's senses, even including detailed descriptions of meals and environments to create a more immersive experience.
Fleming grounded his fantastic plots in reality by weaving in authentic details from his wartime experience in naval intelligence. He balanced outlandish adventures with specific, real-world references – from brand names like Ronson lighters to precise details about cars and hotels. This technique helped readers accept the more incredible elements of his stories by anchoring them in familiar reality.
His writing process was equally practical. Fleming maintained a strict routine, writing for three hours each morning and one hour in the evening. He typed everything using six fingers and refused to look back or edit until completing the first draft. This approach allowed him to maintain momentum, producing roughly 2,000 words daily and finishing a first draft in about six weeks. Only then would he revise and polish his work.
The environment played a crucial role in Fleming's process. He did most of his writing at his Jamaican retreat, Goldeneye, where isolation created what he called a "vacuum" that could only be filled by creative work. For writers lacking such an exotic hideaway, he suggested finding any quiet, anonymous space—even a hotel room—far from daily distractions.
While Fleming acknowledged that thriller writing wasn't particularly lucrative from book royalties alone, he noted that film rights and serialization could make it financially worthwhile. More importantly, he found that writing made him more attuned to the world around him. This heightened awareness, he believed, enriched his life beyond any monetary rewards.
The enduring popularity of James Bond suggests Fleming's methods were sound. His approach balanced craftsmanship with entertainment, creating stories that were both sophisticated and accessible. For modern writers, his essay offers a practical blueprint for creating compelling thrillers that keep readers eagerly turning pages.
In 1963, just a year before his death, James Bond creator Ian Fleming published an insightful essay revealing his approach to writing thrillers. With characteristic frankness, Fleming admitted he wrote for pleasure and money rather than literary acclaim. Yet his methods offer valuable lessons for any aspiring writer seeking to master the art of popular fiction.
At the heart of Fleming's philosophy was a simple goal: make the reader turn the page. To achieve this, he advocated for clean, straightforward prose unmarred by complicated plots or confusing character relationships. He warned against common pitfalls like lengthy recaps or internal monologues that might slow the story's momentum. Instead, he encouraged writers to engage all the reader's senses, even including detailed descriptions of meals and environments to create a more immersive experience.
Fleming grounded his fantastic plots in reality by weaving in authentic details from his wartime experience in naval intelligence. He balanced outlandish adventures with specific, real-world references – from brand names like Ronson lighters to precise details about cars and hotels. This technique helped readers accept the more incredible elements of his stories by anchoring them in familiar reality.
His writing process was equally practical. Fleming maintained a strict routine, writing for three hours each morning and one hour in the evening. He typed everything using six fingers and refused to look back or edit until completing the first draft. This approach allowed him to maintain momentum, producing roughly 2,000 words daily and finishing a first draft in about six weeks. Only then would he revise and polish his work.
The environment played a crucial role in Fleming's process. He did most of his writing at his Jamaican retreat, Goldeneye, where isolation created what he called a "vacuum" that could only be filled by creative work. For writers lacking such an exotic hideaway, he suggested finding any quiet, anonymous space—even a hotel room—far from daily distractions.
While Fleming acknowledged that thriller writing wasn't particularly lucrative from book royalties alone, he noted that film rights and serialization could make it financially worthwhile. More importantly, he found that writing made him more attuned to the world around him. This heightened awareness, he believed, enriched his life beyond any monetary rewards.
The enduring popularity of James Bond suggests Fleming's methods were sound. His approach balanced craftsmanship with entertainment, creating stories that were both sophisticated and accessible. For modern writers, his essay offers a practical blueprint for creating compelling thrillers that keep readers eagerly turning pages.