Dive into the world behind the bestselling novel, “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder,” with exclusive insights from the author, Holly Jackson, and her editor, Lindsey Heaven. Discover the inspirations, challenges, and collaborative process that brought this gripping murder mystery to life, offering a unique guide for aspiring writers and avid readers alike.
Q&A with the Author: Holly Jackson on Crafting “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder”
What sparked your interest in writing a murder mystery, eventually leading to “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder”?
My fascination with murder mysteries and crime thrillers has always been strong, whether in books or on screen. However, the real catalyst for “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” was the captivating realm of true crime. Immersing myself in true crime podcasts and documentaries inspired me to create a book that mirrored the engaging perspective of an amateur detective navigating a complex case, much like in those real-life investigations.
As a writer, what advantages did you find in having a teenage girl lead the investigation in “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder”?
I never perceived a teenage detective as a limitation; quite the opposite. It felt like a powerful advantage, brimming with narrative possibilities. One of the most enjoyable aspects of writing was devising inventive ways for Pip, my protagonist, to leverage everyday technology as crime-solving tools. Being a teenager, she lacks the extensive resources of law enforcement, but this ingenuity becomes her strength. Furthermore, the adults around her often underestimate her, a bias Pip cleverly turns into a strategic asset in her pursuit of the truth. This dynamic is central to the thrilling narrative of “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder.”
Could you share your experience collaborating with Lindsey Heaven on “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder,” and what aspects of your collaboration were most fruitful?
Given the true crime inspiration behind “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder,” I was determined to infuse the book with an authentic ‘true crime’ atmosphere. This vision included incorporating multimedia elements and found-footage style items to deeply immerse the reader in Pip’s world. Lindsey wholeheartedly embraced this concept from the outset. While integrating these multimedia components presented formatting complexities during editing, they ultimately enriched the final book. I deeply appreciate Lindsey’s unwavering support for this dual format and her role as a champion for the unique vision of “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder.”
What was the most challenging aspect of writing “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder,” and what element are you most proud of achieving in the book?
In crafting any crime thriller, the pressure to deliver a significant twist is immense. It’s a genre expectation, and the goal is to strike a delicate balance – surprising the reader while ensuring the twist feels plausible in retrospect. Devising an original surprise for readers well-versed in crime thriller tropes was the most challenging part. Books in this genre often hinge on their final reveal, and I wanted to ensure “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” delivered a satisfying and unexpected conclusion. Based on reader reviews, I believe I largely succeeded in this, which is a great relief and a point of pride.
For aspiring authors, particularly those interested in writing their own “good girl’s guide” style stories, what key advice would you offer?
My main piece of advice, which I often had to remind myself, is to reconnect with the fundamental joy of storytelling. The publishing process can sometimes overshadow this joy, especially when you’re meticulously editing at late hours or stressing over word counts and other business details. It’s easy to get caught up in the stress, but it’s crucial to remember that your core mission is to craft a story that you, yourself, would love to read. That passion for storytelling is truly the most rewarding aspect of this profession.
Q&A with the Editor: Lindsey Heaven on Shaping “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder”
What initially captivated you about Holly Jackson’s manuscript for “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” when you first read it?
It was simply the most compelling manuscript I had ever encountered. From the very first page of “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder,” we, as editors, were completely hooked by Pip’s investigation. The editorial team was excitedly messaging each other late into the night, eager to see what happened next in the unfolding mystery.
In your professional opinion, what qualities distinguish Holly’s writing and mark her as a significant talent in the YA and mystery genres, especially within the “good girl’s guide” narrative style?
Holly’s profound sense of social justice resonates powerfully through her writing, matched by an incredibly authentic YA voice and an addictive mystery narrative. Her writing style transcends typical YA boundaries, attracting a growing adult readership. She is commercially astute, distinct in her voice, brave in her storytelling, and deeply meticulous about every detail, from character nuances to the final punctuation. This dedication is evident throughout “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder.”
Could you describe your collaborative editing process with Holly on “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder”? Were there specific aspects you asked her to revise or rethink?
Crime novels often rely on extraordinary coincidences – the improbable event that sets the plot in motion. In editing “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder,” Holly and I discussed extensively how far we could push the boundaries of believability while maintaining reader engagement. Holly’s exceptional skill lies in taking readers on a seemingly implausible journey and still securing their complete investment in the narrative. She masterfully navigates this tension, pushing the limits just enough, which I believe ultimately enhances the reader’s enjoyment of her books.
What inspired you to become an editor, and what principles guide your work, particularly when nurturing debut authors working on projects like “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder”?
My initial experience in publishing was at Barrington Stoke, a publisher focused on books for children with reading difficulties. Barrington Stoke’s mission—to provide engaging books for children with dyslexia and similar challenges, using mainstream authors—was transformative for me. Witnessing how children’s books could entertain, change lives, and unite children through a shared love of reading, regardless of reading ability, solidified my career path. I knew then that editing was my calling.
Drawing from your experience in shaping “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder,” what essential advice would you give to debut authors embarking on their publishing journey?
Know your story intimately and understand your unique voice, but also remain open to constructive criticism. Through the editorial process, you’ll discover what truly matters to you in your story and identify areas where you can elevate good writing to incredible. This openness is key to refining your work and making it the best it can be.
This Q&A offers valuable insights into the creation of “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder,” providing a behind-the-scenes look at the author’s and editor’s perspectives. It serves as an informative resource for readers, aspiring writers, and anyone interested in the intricacies of crafting a compelling murder mystery novel.
