An Evening with Harlan Coben

Presented by Carroll County Public Library and Park Books on Main.

Ticket includes author talk and a signed copy of Plot Twist.

In conversation with bestselling author Richard Chizmar.

PLOT TWIST: Life, Craft, and the Messy First Draft, A Memoir on Writing by Harlan Coben (Grand Central, 9/8/26)

“For aspiring writers, Harlan’s advice, stories, and anecdotes are wise, proven, and valuable. 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.”—John Grisham

With 100 million books in print worldwide and over a dozen blockbuster television and film adaptations of his work, Harlan Coben has much to teach us about the creative process. Part deeply personal memoir, part masterclass in storytelling, PLOT TWIST is a refreshingly honest look at the life of a writer whose stories have thrilled us for decades. Plumbing memories from his suburban childhood and his early years trying to break into publishing, Coben tells his own story for the first time, revealing the real-world inspirations for some of his most beloved characters as well as the innovative plots that drive his propulsive novels, television shows and films.

Filled with useful tips and techniques on the creative process, Coben does away with the traditional "categories" of writing—characters, plot, setting, etc.—and looks at the process holistically. PLOT TWIST is a masterclass on the act of being a writer -- or any type of creative artist -- and everything that comes with it: the self-doubt, the hubris, the contradictions, the passion and dedication. At the end of the day, his calculus is a simple one: “If it helps me produce pages, good. If it doesn’t, bad.” This book will help and inspire every aspiring writer and creative to produce more of their art.

Honest, funny, insightful, and at times deeply moving, this is both a captivating memoir and an essential guide for anyone looking to master the art of storytelling from one of our most beloved authors.

Harlan Coben is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and one of the world’s leading storytellers. His thirty-eight suspense novels are published in forty‑six languages and have been number one bestsellers in more than a dozen countries. His Myron Bolitar series has earned the Edgar, Shamus, and Anthony Awards.

Coben is also the creator and executive producer of many television shows, including adaptations on Netflix of the #1 global hits Missing You and Fool Me Once, Run Away, Stay Close, The Stranger, The Innocent, Gone for Good, Hold Tight, and The Woods as well as Shelter and Lazarus on Amazon Prime. His newest series adaptation on Netflix -- I Will Find You starring Sam Worthington -- will premiere globally on June 18.

Richard Chizmar is the author of New York Times bestselling novels Chasing the Boogeyman, Becoming the Boogeyman, Memorials, and Widow’s Point: The Complete Haunting (cowritten with son, W.H. Chizmar), and coauthor (with Stephen King) of the New York Times bestselling novella Gwendy’s Button Box, the novel Gwendy’s Final Task, and the solo novella Gwendy’s Magic Feather. His short fiction has appeared in dozens of publications, most recently, the bestselling anthology, The End of The World as We Know It: New Stories of Stephen King’s The Stand. He is the founder and publisher of the specialty press publisher of horror and dark suspense, Cemetery Dance. He has won two World Fantasy awards, four International Horror Guild awards, and the HWA’s Board of Trustees award. Chizmar’s work has been translated into more than fifteen languages throughout the world, and he has appeared at numerous conferences as a writing instructor, speaker, panelist, and guest of honor. Visit his website at RichardChizmar.com.

Additional books will be available for purchase from Park Books on Main.

Requests for refund will be accepted up to two weeks before the event.