Characters to die for – how James Phelan and L.A. Larkin create thrilling characters

Compered by Sisters in Crime’s Lindy Cameron

Action thrillers are often associated with heart-pounding, high stakes plots, but it is the central characters that win our hearts and make us want to read the next book in the series. How do authors James Phelan and L.A. Larkin create their engaging characters and what is involved in writing for a series? Phelan and Larkin have very different protagonists – ex-CIA operative Jed Walker and British investigative journalist, Olivia Wolfe – and they will discuss the creative challenges this presents.

James Phelan is the award-winning author of twenty-seven novels and one work of non-fiction. From his teens he wanted to be a novelist but first tried his hand at a real job, studying and working in architecture, before turning to English literature. He spent five years on staff at The Age newspaper, while obtaining his MA in Writing. He followed up with a PhD (Young Adult Literature), and has been a full-time novelist since 2006, selling over two million books world-wide. He divides his time between Australia and the USA, and is currently working on suspense thrillers, and young adult fiction. Info: www.jamesphelan.com; www.whosay.com/jamesphelan

L.A. Larkin is highly acclaimed for her action and conspiracy thrillers, and writes ‘in the vein of a feminised Fleming or … the adrenalin-fuelled series 24’ – The Age. Newly released, Devour (from Hachette) is the first in a series featuring investigative journalist, Olivia Wolfe, whose search for the truth takes her to dangerous places. International best-selling author, Peter James, says Devour ‘delivers action and intrigue in spades,’ and Kathryn Fox says, ‘Devour will keep you gripped from the very first page to the last.’ Info: http://www.lalarkin.com/; https://www.facebook.com/LALarkinAuthor/

6 for 6.30 pm Wednesday 19 October

Readings Carlton, 309 Lygon Street, Carlton

Free but please book.