In the world of writing, the path to becoming a published author is often shrouded in mystery. For many, it's a journey filled with rejection, self-doubt, and the tireless pursuit of a story. But what happens when that journey not only leads to publication, but to a place on the prestigious Sunday Times Bestseller list?This is the story of B.P. Walter, a master of psychological thrillers and horror. In a fascinating interview on The Writing Community Chat Show podcast, Walter shares his insights on crafting compelling fiction, the power of persistence, and how a surprising change of plans turned his dream into a full-time career.The Turning Point: When a Pandemic Helped Launch a Bestseller.One of the most compelling parts of the interview is the behind-the-scenes look at how Walter’s third book, The Dinner Guest, became a game-changer. Despite having two previous novels published, it was this book that captured the attention of readers and the industry.He reveals a stroke of good timing: the book was released in April 2021, just as UK retail shops were reopening after lockdown. People poured into bookshops, and The Dinner Guest was ready and waiting to be discovered. This momentum, combined with an "incredible promotion," propelled the book to number one on the Times chart, changing his life and allowing him to commit to writing full-time.Demystifying the Writing Process.For aspiring authors, B.P. Walter offers invaluable, practical advice. He candidly discusses how his writing process has evolved over 10 books. Initially, he didn't focus on word count, but a tight deadline forced him to adopt a more disciplined approach. Now, he aims for 3,000 words a day when actively drafting a manuscript.Perhaps his most surprising tip came from the Faber Academy, where he learned the power of planning. He now meticulously plans his novels chapter by chapter with a short summary for each, a method he now considers essential. Walter believes that knowing where the story is going allows for a more structured and efficient creative flow.Crafting Fear: Tips for Thriller, Horror & Gothic WritersB.P. Walter is a true genre-jumper, and he shared his best advice for writers tackling psychological thrillers, horror, and Gothic fiction.* For Horror: He suggests writers consider what genuinely scares them personally. While not every detail has to be autobiographical, drawing on personal fears can help conjure a more authentic sense of dread for the reader.* For Psychological Thrillers: Walter emphasizes the importance of rhythm. He advises writers to pay close attention to the pacing of the plot, ensuring twists and climaxes happen at the right moments to keep readers hooked.* For Gothic Fiction: He describes this genre as being all about atmosphere and feeling. He recommends that aspiring writers read extensively within the genre to understand how to create that unsettling vibe.A New Mystery on the Horizon.In the interview, Walter offers an exciting pitch for his new book, The Winter Visitor. He describes it as his "most Agatha Christie-ish book" yet—a murder mystery set in a Scottish castle during a storm. When a mysterious stranger is found dead with a Christmas ornament in his heart, everyone in the locked-down castle becomes a suspect.Connect with B.P. Walter:* Instagram:
@BPWalterAuthor* Twitter:
@BarnabyWalter* Buy his books: Available on
Amazon,
Waterstones, and
