“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. Key Themes 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 Amazon: https://amzn.to/4d6h5Rt Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/54587/9781984803078 Connect with Fiona Website: https://www.fionabartonauthor.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fionabartonauthor Twitter: https://x.com/figbarton Connect with Mike Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSvS4fuG3L1JMZeOyHvfk_g Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncorkingastory/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uncorkingastory Twitter: https://twitter.com/uncorkingastory Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uncorkingastory LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uncorking-a-story/ If you like this episode, please share it with a friend. If you have not done so already, please rate and review Uncorking a Story on Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. #FionaBarton #PsychologicalThriller #UncorkingAStory #WritingProcess #CharacterDevelopment #Storytelling #BestsellingAuthor #CreativeJourney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ask this episode

“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.