274: Speculating from Reality and Building a Dystopia - Interview with Rob Hart

Published: Oct. 9, 2019, 12:15 p.m.

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Hey there word nerds!

Today, I have the pleasure of interviewing Rob Hart about his latest book The Warehouse. When I heard Rob\\u2019s editor talk about this book at the BookExpo Editors\\u2019 Buzz Panel, I knew I had to have Rob on the show.

Now, if you guys don\\u2019t know about Book Expo, it\\u2019s a big literary trade show that happens every May in New York City. They have these panels where they feature a selection of books that are getting a ton of buzz. There\\u2019s a panel all about books for adults, and another featuring YA and Middle Grade. Now, when I used to go to Book Expo, I\\u2019d get very overwhelmed with all the books! But these days, after many Book Expos, I\\u2019m a little more measured, and it takes a bit more for a book to grab my attention. The Warehouse\\xa0was one of the books that really made me sit up and take notice.\\xa0

But first, a little bit about our guest.

Rob Hart is the author of the Ash McKenna series, as well as the short story collection Take-Out, and the novella Scott Free, which he co-wrote with James Patterson. His latest book, The Warehouse, has sold in more than 20 countries and has been optioned for film by Ron Howard. A fellow New Yorker, Rob lives in Staten Island, NY, with his wife and daughter.

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In this episode Rob and I discuss:

  • The inspiration behind The Warehouse
  • How adding a third point of view strengthened the story
  • Crafting an immersive world without info-dumping
  • Under-writing instead of over-writing a draft
  • Using a map to plan a world
  • Moving from outlining and research to writing

Plus, his #1 tip for writers.

For more info and shownotes: diymfa.com/274

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