Extended interview: Harlan Coben tackles shocking murders in new true crime series "Final Twist"

Key Concepts

• True Crime vs. Fiction: The inherent unpredictability and complexity of real-life events often surpass the bounds of believability in fictional narratives.
• Human Condition: The capacity for both extraordinary good and profound darkness within individuals drives compelling storytelling.
• Victim-Centric Storytelling: The importance of giving voice and agency to victims and their families in true crime narratives.
• The Illusion of Simplicity in Police Work: The reality of investigations is far more nuanced and fraught with errors than often portrayed in media.
• Incremental Ambition: Achieving success through a series of smaller, attainable goals, fostering appreciation and sustained motivation.
• The Writing Process: A flexible, evolving approach focused on consistent page production, culminating in a concentrated burst of completion.

The Unpredictability of Reality & True Crime Storytelling

The conversation centers around Harlon Coben’s new TV series, Final Twist, and explores the fascinating dynamic between true crime and fiction. Coben emphasizes that the stories featured in Final Twist are often “crazier” than anything he could invent, stating, “If I had written them in a novel…you’d be throwing the book in my head saying this is so unrealistic.” He attributes this to the inherent complexity and unpredictability of human behavior, noting that “human beings are more varied, more interesting, more complex, and also more benile and more predictable than something you might invent.” This sentiment is echoed in his experience with his Netflix show Runaway, where viewers often express disbelief at the events unfolding, despite their factual basis. Coben highlights the “gravitas” that comes with presenting reality – “It did happen.” – a power that fiction simply cannot replicate.

Balancing Storytelling with Victim Advocacy

Coben stresses the importance of balancing compelling storytelling with respect for the victims and their families. He believes a successful true crime narrative must “stir your mind and stir your pulse,” but equally importantly, “stir your heart.” Final Twist aims to “give voice and agency to the victims and the families,” recognizing that caring about the people involved enhances the impact of the story. This approach stems from Coben’s early career as a police reporter, where he experienced firsthand the emotional weight of interacting with victims immediately after tragedy. He notes that even with distance, the “visceral emotion” remains potent. The first episode, “Billy and Billy,” exemplifies this, focusing on a young couple’s murder and the impact on their surviving baby, with the goal of allowing the audience to truly “know Billy and Billy Gene and their family and friends.” The show deliberately minimizes narration, allowing those directly involved to tell the story.

Deconstructing the Myth of Efficient Law Enforcement

Coben challenges the often-simplified portrayal of police work in fiction and media. He argues that the “easy” solutions depicted – finding a single piece of evidence and immediately identifying the killer – are rarely reflective of reality. Final Twist aims to showcase “the human mistakes, the frailty of our system,” highlighting the complexities and potential for error within law enforcement, the legal system, and the justice system as a whole. He points out that many cases take “over 20 years to solve,” debunking the expectation of swift resolution. This focus on the intricacies of investigation is a key element of the show’s appeal.

The Writing Process: A Fluid and Instinctive Approach

Coben describes his writing process as highly adaptable and driven by consistent page production. He rejects rigid daily word count goals, instead focusing on maintaining momentum and finding routines that “produce pages.” He identifies as a “streak writer,” experiencing a surge of productivity towards the end of a project, often completing significant portions of the manuscript in a short timeframe. He emphasizes knowing the ending from the beginning, allowing him to build towards a pre-determined conclusion. He states, “I see that, man. And it never needs that much changing.” This approach is contrasted with the need for meticulous planning and adherence to rules in fiction, where plausibility is paramount. He notes that in reality, “you can’t say that [something] couldn’t happen. So you can’t necessarily argue with that.”

Incremental Ambition & The Pursuit of Creative Fulfillment

Coben advocates for “incremental ambition” as a strategy for achieving success and maintaining motivation. He describes a series of escalating goals, starting with simply publishing one novel and gradually aiming for higher levels of recognition. This approach allows for appreciation of each milestone and prevents discouragement. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on the work itself, stating, “The only thing you can control in this business is what I actually write or work on.” He also acknowledges the importance of maintaining balance in life, ensuring that writing remains a source of fulfillment rather than a burden.

Cultural Fascination with True Crime

When asked about the public’s enduring fascination with true crime, Coben suggests it’s a fundamental aspect of the human condition. He notes that crime has always been a compelling theme in storytelling, citing its presence in classic literature. He believes true crime offers a unique opportunity to learn about human nature from multiple perspectives – victim, perpetrator, law enforcement, and family – and provides a “safe distance” for exploring dark themes. He also points out that the inherent unpredictability of real events adds to the allure. He states, “It’s not a new thing that we are fascinated by crime, but it’s really the human condition.”

Influences & The Evolution of Taste

Coben discusses his early influences, citing Columbo as a particularly impactful show due to its innovative structure and compelling characters. He also mentions Hill Street Blues for its realistic portrayal of police station dynamics. He acknowledges that his tastes have evolved over time, and while he appreciates the work of authors like Truman Capote, it doesn’t necessarily rank among his personal favorites. He emphasizes the importance of reading widely and allowing inspiration to fuel creative growth, rather than being intimidated by the work of others. He also recounts knowing both Dan Brown and Chris Christie in their youth, recognizing their potential for success even then.

Conclusion:

Harlon Coben’s insights reveal a nuanced perspective on true crime storytelling, emphasizing the importance of respecting victims, acknowledging the complexities of the justice system, and embracing the inherent unpredictability of reality. His flexible and instinctive writing process, coupled with his philosophy of incremental ambition, offers valuable lessons for aspiring creatives. Ultimately, Final Twist aims to deliver compelling narratives that are both emotionally resonant and intellectually stimulating, prompting viewers to confront the darker aspects of the human condition while appreciating the power of storytelling.