Harlan Coben Reveals: Why NJ Fuels His Netflix Empire & New Memoir
Harlan Coben: The Master of Twists Shares His Own Life Story
Who Is Harlan Coben?
Imagine writing a book that millions of people rush to buy. Now imagine doing that 38 times! That’s Harlan Coben. He’s a superstar author whose mystery and thriller novels have hit the New York Times bestseller list over and over again.
Quick Facts About Harlan:
- 38 New York Times bestsellers
- Many of his books have been turned into movies and TV shows
- Born and raised in Livingston, New Jersey — now lives in Ridgewood, NJ
- Brand new memoir coming September 8: Plot Twist: Life, Craft, and the Messy First Draft
What’s a memoir?
A memoir is like a diary, but published as a book. It’s a true story about the author’s own life — their memories, lessons learned, and personal journey.
The Netflix Smash Hit: I Will Find You
The interviewer just binge-watched Harlan’s latest Netflix series, I Will Find You, in a single night. And guess what? The numbers are mind-blowing:
- Top 10 of ALL TIME on Netflix
- Biggest original series debut of the year
That’s like opening a lemonade stand and suddenly having the longest line in the history of the neighborhood!
Why Write a Memoir Now?
"Cleanse the palate"
This is a fancy phrase writers use. Imagine eating a really rich, heavy meal. You might want a sorbet or a glass of water to "reset" your taste buds before the next course. Harlan wrote two novels in one year — that’s a LOT of writing. The memoir was his "sorbet" — a refreshing change of pace.
Writing Nonfiction: A Surprise Discovery
When Harlan switched from making up stories (fiction) to writing about his real life (nonfiction), he learned something shocking:
He actually HAD a writing process all along!
For years, Harlan would say: "I don’t have a process. I just make stuff up."
But while writing the memoir, he realized: Every single story he’s ever written connects back to his childhood or past experiences. It was like finding a secret map he’d been following without knowing it.
What the memoir gives readers:
- A peek behind the curtain at how he writes
- An insider’s guide to the writing craft
- Encouragement and tips for anyone who wants to write or create
"Can You Teach Me to Write a Novel?"
Harlan gets this question all the time. Here’s why:
| What People Think | The Reality |
|---|---|
| "I can’t be a pro basketball player" | True — needs height, training, genetics |
| "I CAN write a book" | Also true — everyone has stories inside them |
The best news? It’s NEVER too late to start.
Real-life proof: Delia Owens
She wrote Where the Crawdads Sing — a massive worldwide hit — when she was almost 70 years old!
People are realizing they can chase creative dreams at any age, and they’re hungry for guidance.
Why New Jersey? The Perfect Thriller Playground
Harlan sets his books in New Jersey. The interviewer asked: "Why NJ? What makes it so good for thrillers?"
Harlan’s Love Letter to the Garden State:
- It’s a "magic state" with attitude — "We have a little chip on our shoulders" (in a good way!)
- Cultural legends were born here:
- The Sopranos (iconic TV show)
- Frank Sinatra (Hoboken’s favorite son)
- Bruce Springsteen (The Boss!)
- The "Battleground of the American Dream" — People fight hard for their dreams here, which makes those dreams fragile — and fragile dreams = great thriller tension
- Smart and diverse — Extraordinarily intelligent population with rich variety
- The Secret Sauce: Specific = Universal — Harlan sells MORE books overseas than in the US. He discovered: The more specific he is about New Jersey, the MORE people everywhere connect with it. Readers in Bulgaria and Bolivia feel the NJ experience in their bones.
ELI5 Moment: Specific = Universal
Think about it: If I tell you "a kid had a bad day at school," you might nod. But if I tell you "a kid in Livingston, NJ dropped his Taylor ham sandwich in the cafeteria and everyone laughed," you see it. You feel it. Specific details make stories feel REAL — no matter where you live.
IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER
- Harlan Coben = 38 bestsellers + hit Netflix shows
- New memoir Plot Twist drops September 8 — part life story, part writing masterclass
- He discovered his "secret process" while writing it — all stories trace back to childhood
- Writing has no age limit — Delia Owens proved it at ~70!
- New Jersey isn’t just a setting — it’s a character — specific details create global connection
- Your unique background is your superpower — the more "you" your story is, the more everyone relates
Summary
Harlan Coben, the thriller king with 38 bestsellers, just wrote his first memoir: Plot Twist: Life, Craft, and the Messy First Draft (out Sept 8). After cranking out two novels in one year, he needed a creative "palate cleanser." Writing nonfiction surprised him — he discovered his "make stuff up" approach was actually built on a lifetime of personal experiences. The memoir shares his writing secrets and encourages late bloomers (like Delia Owens, who hit it big at ~70). He also explains why New Jersey — with its chips, legends, fragile dreams, and diversity — is the ultimate thriller backdrop. His golden rule? Be wildly specific, and the whole world will understand.
FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered
Q: Do I need to be a writer to enjoy Plot Twist?
A: Not at all! Harlan wrote it for two audiences: people who love memoirs and people who want to write. It’s a life story with bonus creative inspiration.
Q: Is I Will Find You based on one of his books?
A: Yes! Like many of his 38 novels, this Netflix series is an adaptation. His books are popular source material for screen adaptations.
Q: Why does he say "specific = universal"?
A: It sounds backwards, but it’s true. When you write hyper-specific details (a Taylor ham sandwich in Livingston), readers everywhere recognize the feeling — embarrassment, hunger, being watched. The details make it real; the emotions make it universal.
Q: Can I really start writing at 50, 60, or 70?
A: Absolutely. Delia Owens published her debut novel Where the Crawdads Sing in her late 60s. It became a global phenomenon. Harlan says: "With writing, it’s never too late."
Q: Where can I get the memoir?
A: Plot Twist: Life, Craft, and the Messy First Draft publishes September 8 from Grand Central Publishing. Pre-order at your favorite bookstore or online retailer!