James Ellroy writes novels about the darker side of life ("L.A. Confidential," "Blood's a Rover") and an interview in Shortlist magazine revealed some surprising information about how he does it:
First, what accounts for the fast pace and caffeinated prose of his novels? He says, "I've suffered from insomnia; I know what it's like to be in a state of mental agitation. My books are often written in [this] state, which is why they are so assiduously plotted in outline and diagram--because I fear mental chaos. I make every conscious effort to slow down the pace of the book and it's still quite a piece of work to read."
How assiduously plotted? The article says "Blood's a Rover" had a 400 page outline.
He also uses a mix of elements to give the books a sense of historical accuracy, including transcripts of phone calls, articles from gossip magazines, and memos between secret government departments. And his cast of characters frequently includes real people such as J. Edgar Hoover, Howard Hughes, Castro, and the Kennedys.
Ellroy had a wild life himself, involving drugs, alcohol, obsession, and loss of control, but he cautions aspiring young novelists, "Don't think that because I did it, it's necessary."
(For tips on healthy ways to write your novel, see "Your Writing Coach," published by Nicholas Brealey and available from Amazon and other online and offline booksellers--you'll find more information at www.yourwritingcoach.com)
