Thrillers have long captivated readers with their intense suspense, unexpected twists, and relentless pacing. For J.J. Carson, author of gripping novels like Baghdad Heist and Pillars of Evil, writing a thriller isn’t just about plotting action scenes or creating dangerous villains—it’s about immersing readers in a world where every chapter pushes the boundaries of tension and intrigue. In this post, we take a deep dive into Carson’s writing process and uncover the techniques behind his captivating stories.
- Starting With a Spark
Every thriller begins with an idea that refuses to be ignored. For Carson, inspiration often strikes from real-world events, historical enigmas, or “what if” questions that spiral into something much larger. For example, Curse of the Catalan Atlas emerged from his fascination with ancient maps and the legends they inspire. He believes that a thriller must begin with a strong central premise—something that evokes curiosity and promises high stakes.
“A good thriller doesn’t start with the hero; it starts with the question. What happens if…? That question fuels the entire journey,” says Carson.
- Creating Characters with Depth
In Carson’s novels, characters aren’t just vessels for action—they’re complex individuals with flaws, motivations, and secrets. Whether it’s a rogue intelligence agent or a morally torn journalist, Carson spends a considerable amount of time developing backstories before writing even begins.
He outlines character arcs, motivations, and relationships so that each decision made in the story feels organic and emotionally charged. Readers connect not just with what the character does, but why they do it.
- Plotting the Puzzle
Plotting is where Carson’s analytical side kicks in. He views a thriller as a puzzle that must be intricately designed to surprise and satisfy. Using a combination of storyboarding and beat sheets, he maps out the twists, reveals, and cliffhangers long before writing the first chapter.
A key part of this process is misdirection. Carson ensures that while the reader is looking one way, something is happening elsewhere that changes everything.
“You have to respect your reader’s intelligence. The best twists are the ones they almost saw coming.”
- Building Relentless Tension
One hallmark of a J.J. Carson thriller is its pacing. Carson crafts scenes with rising tension, carefully controlling when to speed up and when to pause. He often ends chapters on cliffhangers, forcing the reader to keep turning pages.
He also uses time pressure and limited information to heighten anxiety. The protagonists in his books are often racing against the clock or piecing together truths from incomplete puzzles—an approach that keeps readers on edge.
- Setting the Scene
From war-torn cities to shadowy underground networks, Carson uses vivid settings that enhance the emotional tone of his narratives. He believes that setting should act as more than just a backdrop; it should reflect the stakes, the mood, and even the characters themselves.
He spends time researching locations, politics, and cultures to create believable and immersive environments. In Baghdad Heist, for instance, the chaos and danger of post-war Iraq become central to the story’s urgency and realism.
- Dialogue That Drives
Authenticity in dialogue is another cornerstone of Carson’s process. He aims for conversations that do more than fill space—they must reveal character, build tension, or move the plot forward. He reads his dialogue aloud during revisions to ensure it flows naturally and serves a purpose.
- The Revision Gauntlet
“Writing the first draft is like pouring clay,” Carson explains. “Revising is where you sculpt.”
After finishing a draft, Carson goes through multiple rounds of revision. He cuts redundancies, tightens prose, enhances pacing, and clarifies plot points. Trusted beta readers also provide feedback, helping him refine the manuscript before publication.
- Staying Inspired
Writing thrillers can be mentally exhausting, especially with the emotional and psychological depth Carson demands of himself. To stay inspired, he reads widely—not just thrillers, but history, science, philosophy, and literary fiction. He also takes breaks to travel, walk, and observe life—gathering material from the world around him.
“The world is full of stories just waiting to be told. You just have to pay attention.”r
Final Thoughts
J.J. Carson’s writing process is a blend of discipline, curiosity, and passion. His commitment to story, character, and structure makes each of his thrillers a compelling journey. For readers and aspiring writers alike, his method offers not just insight into his novels but a roadmap to crafting stories that grip, surprise, and endure.
