Setting the Scene in Genre Fiction: Research for Thriller Novels by Kaaron Warren and Daniel O’Malley

A thriller novel is one that grabs you by the lapels and drags you into the story. You’re caught up in the mood, the action, the characters. And no matter what your preferred genre, be it historical, crime, horror, science fiction or fantasy, there’s a thriller for you (and maybe one inside you, waiting to be written).
When reading or writing a book, the details of a novel’s setting can make all the difference. The right element can add that spark that makes it all feel believable, while a jarring factor can undermine a story and push a reader away.

Join award-winning novelists Kaaron Warren and Daniel O’Malley at Kippax Library as they talk about the genres in which they write, their strategies for laying out stories, and the invaluable role that research plays in setting the scene and inspiring the plot.

The hosts:

Shirley Jackson award-winner Kaaron Warren has published around 250 short stories, six multi-award winning novels, and seven short story collections. She’s been Guest of Honour at World Fantasy, Stokercon and the New Zealand National Convention. Her latest novel, The Underhistory, from Viper Books, was described in the Guardian as ‘a beautifully constructed, suspenseful gothic tale’.

Daniel O’Malley was born and raised in Canberra. His first book, The Rook , won the Aurealis Award for best science fiction novel, and was later adapted into a television miniseries. Since then, he’s added three more novels to his series of supernatural thrillers set in the British public service.