“Writing is not just putting your fingers on the keys. Writing is thinking, imagining, and playing games in your head.” — Fiona Barton
In this episode of Uncorking a Story, host Mike Carlon sits down with New York Times bestselling author Fiona Barton, known for her psychological thrillers The Widow, The Child, The Suspect, and Local Gone Missing. Fiona opens up about her journey from seasoned journalist to novelist, offering insight into her writing process, character development, and the power of letting ideas “cook” in your mind before putting pen to paper.
Transitioning from journalism to fiction: Fiona reflects on her 35-year journalism career and how it influenced her shift to writing novels. Character-driven storytelling: She shares her approach to developing complex characters based on real-life experiences. Writing under pressure: Lessons learned from rushing through her second book and the importance of taking time to think. The power of a good deadline: How entering a writing competition pushed her to complete her first novel. Multiple narrators in thrillers: Fiona discusses the challenge and excitement of writing from multiple perspectives. Exploring loneliness and grief: A sneak peek into her latest novel, Talking to Strangers, and the deep emotional themes contained within. Creative advice for aspiring authors: Fiona’s advice on embracing change, taking risks, and not being afraid to let stories develop over time.
Buy Talking to Strangers
More conversations
From Newsroom to Novelist
Former Wall Street Journal deputy editor-in-chief Neal Lipschutz on turning to fiction full-time after retirement, being edited after decades as an editor, and his new Scott Morgan suspense novel, Long Arm of the Past.
Listen →
The Answer 500 Authors Keep Giving
For the 500th episode, Mike Carlon turns the mic on himself: where writing careers begin, why there are no overnight successes, grief, and the 3 a.m. download that became The Waiting Room.
Listen →
Bouncing Back
Ellen Holtzman on her award-winning debut Bouncing Back, teaching herself to write, why you can't tell the story while you're still in the wound, and how women lose and find themselves in marriage and divorce.
Listen →