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Freakonomics Radio · August 5, 2026 · 00:44:59

Does it Take a Twisted Mind to Write Twisted Stories? | Better In Person

Harlan Coben joins Stephen Dubner to discuss his writing, including his use of suburbia as a backdrop, his struggles with impostor syndrome, and what he learned from his college friend David Foster Wallace.

This summary was generated from show notes and public descriptions, not from a full transcript review. Details may contain inaccuracies.

Editorial

Writing Twisted Stories Doesn't Require a Twisted Mind
Harlan Coben argues that writing dark, suspenseful stories doesn't require a personal darkness.
The Suburban Setting as a Source of Suspense
Coben discusses why suburbia is a fertile setting for suspense stories.
The Persistence of Impostor Syndrome Among Successful Authors
Even a mega-best-selling author grapples with feelings of being a fraud.
Lessons from David Foster Wallace on Writing and Ambition
Coben reflects on what his college friendship with David Foster Wallace taught him about the writing life.
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