Uncertainty. For some, it’s a frightening state of existence. But for Hank Phillippi Ryan, it’s the force that drives her writing. For this interview, the veteran TV reporter and acclaimed thriller writer talked about the story behind her latest release, her dual careers, and that state of suspense she’s learned to embrace.
With 32 Emmys, 12 Edgar R. Murrow Awards, and multiple awards for her crime fiction, Ryan’s dual careers mean she’s always searching for the next story, and sees the two endeavors as highly complementary. Ryan said, “Writing crime fiction and writing investigative journalism are exactly the same thing—except in writing crime fiction I get to make things up!”
“I know I need a terrific story with a compelling character. A problem that needs to be solved. I know the good guys need to win and the bad guys get what’s coming to them. I know I want justice and I want to change the world a little bit. I want to entertain and I want to inform. That’s exactly the same for a reporter or a crime fiction author.”
It’s a very long distance from concept to a complete novel and Ryan, as she sat down to write the first page of her latest novel, “Truth Be Told,” knew what she needed to do, but not how. She said, “Let me just say to you very, very clearly, I have no idea when I start how the story will develop.”
Ryan confesses that when she was about 60,000 words into the book, she told her husband she had no idea what would happen. He said to her, “At least you know who the bad guys are by now.” Her response was, “No, I don’t.”
Enter the element of uncertainty. “Just like in real life,” said Ryan, “you don’t know who the bad guys are until you discover it. In my job as a reporter, I don’t know what will be at the end. It would be a big mistake for me to assume I do know what the end will be. I can’t afford to make a decision based on assumptions or guesses or theories.”
Ryan added, “I just have this faith that at some point the ending will present itself to me somehow and so far, so good with that. It’s a funny concept. Somebody told me it was called emergent solution design. Some people can’t do it, but writers can. They trust their imagination that the solution will emerge. That’s an astonishing tightrope walk that all authors do. You believe you will get to your destination even though you don’t know exactly where it is.”
Those who are not experienced writers might be scared to death of facing the need to write an entire novel without a detailed roadmap. While Ryan believes implicitly in the emergent solution concept, she’s not immune to having her own concerns. “I’m not saying that there are not moments when I think this is going to be the time that I can’t think of it. But, I’ve been a reporter for forty years and not a story goes by when I don’t think that this is going to be the time I’m never going to find another good one.”
Each time, Ryan finds the solution. She said, “We all have our fears, we all have our apprehensions–can we do it again? Then we do. And then for thirty seconds we think, “Oh, success.” Then we wonder, will I ever be able to do it again? Which is fabulous. I embrace it. It’s a joy to be an author. Even on the bad days I count my blessings.”
Many authors feel the same. They love their jobs. They love the creative process so much that many journalists have turned to writing fiction. Yet, while they might have covered similar stories during their careers, they all write differently. “That’s what I think is so fascinating about the writer’s mind. Each of us has our own experiences and our own thought processes. So, each of us puts the puzzle pieces together in a different way. That’s why nobody could write the same book as someone else, even given the same topic.”
Ryan describes her writing process as solving the mystery along with her protagonists. Ryan believes the allure of solving the mystery is one reason the genre is so popular. She said, “That’s why we all watch crime movies and that’s why we all read crime fiction because solving the crime is, well, fun. It’s interesting. It’s intriguing. It’s making your brain work and your imagination work. That’s what I do as an author.”
A common sentiment among professional writers is that they don’t believe in writers block. Ryan said, “I’ve been a reporter for forty years. I can’t say, ‘Oh, I don’t feel like writing today.’ So, I sit down and that’s it. I write and some days its terrible and I think, fine, that’s terrible, I’d better fix that later, but I go on.”
Despite her dedication, Ryan felt that dreaded uncertainty while writing “Truth Be Told.” She said there were days when she complained to her husband that she couldn’t go on. However, immediately after her outbursts, she’d tell him, “Okay fine, I’m finished complaining now. Thirty seconds of drama over. I’m going to go back to work.”
In addition to writing, Ryan is on the road almost constantly. In between writing and promoting, however, she finds time for another love, efforts to improve literacy. She said, “I am incredibly grateful that my parents bombarded me with books and let me go to the library and let me sit by myself up in the hayloft and read. Now, she describes helping others as one of the joys of her life.
“When I think about what a difference reading made to me as a child,” said Ryan, “I’m eager to make sure that as many kids as possible have the same experience, whether it’s in a hayloft or wherever they discover a place of their own. Reading, as a child, was a key to my life, so I’m happy to offer that key to as many other people as I can, as many other kids as I can.”
Learn more about Hank Phillippi Ryan and her writing on hankphillippiryan.com.
Sounds like a very interesting book.
Thank you, would love to win it..
I am assuming this is where I comment on winning a copy of the book Truth Be Told…..Would love to win it..
Have fun at your launch today – I am on the opposite coast, but will look for a copy of your latest to read.
Terrific contest.
YAY…can’t wait 🙂
This book sounds so great! Can’t wait to read. Thanks for a chance to win.
“Do what you love and love what you do” could be Hank’s motto. I’m grateful for her dedication.
I’m glad everyone is enjoying this interview. I’ll be posting a review of Truth Be Told tomorrow!
Thank you for giving us another fabulous story to anticipate. It’s facinating to hear about the process. I would imagine that having a story develop as it’s written can be exhilarating, scary, but exciting. It must keep the process fresh for you. Thank you for sharing.
I like the info about writing- nobody could write the same book as someone else, even given the same topic. which would be so true
Sounds busy
Would love to win!
Great post~thank you for sharing! This sounds like an awesome series that I need to get into. 🙂
ANOTHER GREAT INTERVIEW! THANKS FOR THE GIVEAWAY!
YOu know, the days before a book launch are very stressful..but you all are making it wonderful! Thank you!
Sally Cootie! That is SO exciting..I am truly looking forward to it.
I have not read any of your books yet, but I think I would definitely love too. They sound like my kind of book. Thanks for the chance! 🙂
Writers are very special people and share so much with their readers.
Your awards are amazing. I am totally impressed by your reasoning.
Great interview! Would love to win!
Terrific interview. I’m always interested in the writing process. I can barely write a letter and make it interesting. But, I do love reading great books.
Oh, thank you! I am so excited about TRUTH BE TOLD! Anyone near Boston? Come to the launch party Tuesday Oct 7 at 7 at Brookline Booksmith! (CHeck my Facebook events for details! )
Well, I don’t think I can make it to Boston, but I am going to try to see you in Oakland, CA next Sunday.
I enjoyed reading this informative interview and look forward to reading more of Hank’s books.
I enjoyed the post. It’s particularly nice to hear about your efforts to promote literacy. I’m looking forward to reading Jane’s newest adventure!
It is so true. In real life, we never who are our friends really are until that moment when we really know who are our true friends are.
Thank you,all! I am reading thesewith great delight. Do come follow me on Facebook, okay? At Hank Phillippi Ryan Author Page. Lots of fun giveaways and contests..love to see you there!
Here’s the direct link!
http://www.HankPhillippiRyan.com/other-woman.php
And psst…the first of the series, THE OTHER WOMAN is briefly on sale for $2.99 on every eplatform! check it out at http://www.HankPhillippiRyan.com
YOur comments are so insightful and terrific–and Rosemary K, I am having a great time! HAving people love my books is wonderful fuel. I am about to go on the road for a national tour–check my website for the schedule! I’d adore to see you! http://www.HankPhillippiRyan.com
MArgie, thank you! And that’s exactly how it works. Since I don’t know what’s going to happen, the reader certainly can’t know! And that’s what makes it exciting. (And what makes me so delighted when I finally figure it out!)
Mortgage fraud is such a hot topic right now. They indicted three people earlier this year on 45 counts here in Honolulu, plus there have been singular arrests since then. It’s amazing how far this scam reaches and how easy it seems to be to pull it off…
I can’t believe how hectic your life and work is. I’m impressed. Your article made me tired.
Fact is sometimes really stranger than fiction, but sometimes presenting it as fiction is the only way to get it out to the public.
Oh, Michael, Robbie, Deb, and Margie, thanks for the compliments!
Very interesting post! I would love to read this book.
On your toes and never a dull moment and you are a beautiful woman . I think it is great not sure where you have time for the hubby part but so glad that he is supportive of you i’m sure so proud also. This was a great interview .
From a PR and Marketing perspective I can say well done. Engaging your audience while promoting both the blogs and the books. Smart and savvy – just like both of you.
ONE CAREER HELPS THE OTHER. ENTERTAINMENT AND MAKING PEOPLE THINK IS TRICKY BUT RYAN IS VERY GOOD AT THAT.
Loved your tell of the two lives of Ms Ryan
Great interview can’t wait to read the book
Interesting that she didn’t know who the bad guys were, 60000 words into the book. I’m sure this will make exciting reading since the ending won’t be obvious.
Thanks for the giveaway.
Very interesting interview–I think it should help me understand the book just a little better.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com
Hi, Sue! So nice to meet you! And yes, I love to do interviews like this –and read about other authors, too. It really changes how I feel about their books!
BArbara and MArk, yes, indeed! There’s always a story idea somewhere–a plot, a character, a motivation. I’m so fortunate that my job puts me in the midst of those every day!
Aw, Terry, I am blushing! Thank you! xox
Thank you, Sally Cootie and Mary! So lovely of you!
Interesting interview. The writer became a real person. Nice to get more background information about her characters.
These dual careers definitely seem to be working for you.
Great background for crime fiction.
I’ve met Hank, and she’s a marvelous person … Congrats to her on both her careers.
I love Hanks books. Would love to win this one.
Hank is so full of energy. I enjoy following her reporting as well as her fiction. Can’t wait for “Truth to be Told” and to hear her speak at Bouchercon.