PIP COWLEY
Harlan Coben will discuss his new “memoir on writing” at four New Jersey events, in September.
Harlan Coben — the Livingston native and 2017 New Jersey Hall of Fame inductee, who is one of today’s most successful novelists — will offer an inside look at his career, his writing process, and the craft of creating page-turning suspense at several upcoming events that will promote his book “Plot Twist: Life, Craft, and the Messy First Draft — a Memoir on Writing.”
“For aspiring writers, Harlan’s advice, stories, and anecdotes are wise, proven, and valuable,” author John Grisham writes in a blurb used on the jacket of the book, which will be published on Sept. 8. “For published authors, his book evokes memories of what it was like back then. It’s a romp, a riot, and a joy to read.”
The cover of Harlan Coben’s “Plot Twist: Life, Craft, and the Messy First Draft — a Memoir on Writing.”
After an online Facebook Live/YouTube Live discussion presented by Poisoned Pen on Aug. 24, Coben will appear at events at The Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Montclair on Sept. 8; the Strand Bookstore in New York on Sept. 9; The Surflight Theatre in Beach Haven on Sept. 13; The Spring Lake Theatre on Sept. 14; and LifeTown in Livingston on Sept. 16. For information on all events, visit harlancoben.com/appearances.
In his 36-year career as a novelist, Coben has set many of his stories totally or partially in New Jersey. Several of them — including “Fool Me Once,” “The Stranger” and “Stay Close” — have been made into Netflix series.
The Montclair event is being presented by The Montclair Literary Festival. Coben was interviewed by novelist Christina Baker Kline at a 2024 festival offering that celebrated the release of his novel “Think Twice,” the latest installment in his series featuring Myron Bolitar, a sports agent and former pro basketball player with a knack for solving crimes.
The festival celebrated its 10th anniversary in May, presenting more than 60 authors, including Joyce Carol Oates, Colm Tóibín, Eugene Robinson and Maria Semple. It was founded to promote literature, civil discourse and community engagement while raising funds for Succeed2gether, the Montclair nonprofit that provides free academic enrichment, mentoring and college and career preparation for underserved students in Montclair and neighboring Essex County communities.
On Oct. 29, Coben will be honored for his contributions to the arts at a Monmouth Arts Gala in Asbury Park. George Clinton, Nicole Atkins, Dorothea Bongiovi and The PNC Bank Arts Center will also be honored.
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