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If I Tell You I'll Have to Kill You
What is the secret to good crime writing? No one better to ask than a group of Australia's leading crime writers. Their conclusions are fascinating, provocative, often surprising, and they are all drawn from the hard school of personal experience. What pieces of advice do the writers have in common? That there is no substitute for hard work! One tells us there is no such thing as writer's block - "just do it" is a common theme. There is a fun part though: research. The writers could not vary more in their research and the way they approach it; from Shane Maloney's near-death experience in a freezer to Leigh Redhead's adventures as a stripper, Barry Maitland's endless walks through the streets of London to Gabrielle Lord's night out at a Gangster and Molls party, the search for ideas and atmosphere is never done and never dull. These writers also read voraciously, and they all give us their five 'must reads' - it's interesting how much they coincide. As do their Rules for Writing. All in all a treasure trove for all fans of crime fiction, be they aspiring writers or simply want to get to know their favourite writers better.
Contributors: Kerry Greenwood, Shane Maloney, Peter Corris, Barry Maitland, Garry Disher, Michael Robotham, Gabrielle Lord, Katherine Howell, Liz Porter, Leigh Redhead, Leah Giarratano, Lindy Cameron, Angela Savage, Malla Nunn, Geoffrey Mcgeachin, Lenny Bartulin, Lindsay Simpson, Marele Day, Peter Lawrance, Tara Moss And Adrian Hyland.
Contributors: Kerry Greenwood, Shane Maloney, Peter Corris, Barry Maitland, Garry Disher, Michael Robotham, Gabrielle Lord, Katherine Howell, Liz Porter, Leigh Redhead, Leah Giarratano, Lindy Cameron, Angela Savage, Malla Nunn, Geoffrey Mcgeachin, Lenny Bartulin, Lindsay Simpson, Marele Day, Peter Lawrance, Tara Moss And Adrian Hyland.
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First published July 24, 2013
28 people are currently reading
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About the author
Michael Robotham
52 books7,125 followersTwo-times Gold Dagger winner (2015 and 2020), twice Edgar best novel finalist (2016 and 2020) and winner of the Ian Fleming Steel Dagger (2021), Michael Robotham was born in Australia in November 1960 and grew up in small country towns that had more dogs than people and more flies than dogs. He escaped became a cadet journalist on an afternoon newspaper in Sydney.
For the next fourteen years he worked for newspapers and magazines in Australia, Europe, Africa and America. As a senior feature writer for the UK’s Mail on Sunday he was among the first people to view the letters and diaries of Czar Nicholas II and his wife Empress Alexandra, unearthed in the Moscow State Archives in 1991. He also gained access to Stalin’s Hitler files, which had been missing for nearly fifty years until a cleaner stumbled upon a cardboard box that had been misplaced and misfiled.
In 1993 he quit journalism to become a ghostwriter, collaborating with politicians, pop stars, psychologists, adventurers and showbusiness personalities to write their autobiographies. Twelve of these non-fiction titles have been bestsellers with combined sales of more than 2 million copies.
His first novel 'THE SUSPECT', a psychological thriller, was chosen by the world’s largest consortium of book clubs as only the fifth “International Book of the Month”, making it the top recommendation to 28 million book club members in fifteen countries.
Since then, Michael's psychological thrillers have been translated into twenty-five languages and his Joe O'Loughlin series is are currently in development for TV by World Productions. A six-part TV series based upon his standalone novel THE SECRETS SHE KEEPS was aired on BBC1 in 2020, and a second series begins filming in 2021.
Michael lives in Sydney with his wife and a diminishing number of dependent daughters.
For the next fourteen years he worked for newspapers and magazines in Australia, Europe, Africa and America. As a senior feature writer for the UK’s Mail on Sunday he was among the first people to view the letters and diaries of Czar Nicholas II and his wife Empress Alexandra, unearthed in the Moscow State Archives in 1991. He also gained access to Stalin’s Hitler files, which had been missing for nearly fifty years until a cleaner stumbled upon a cardboard box that had been misplaced and misfiled.
In 1993 he quit journalism to become a ghostwriter, collaborating with politicians, pop stars, psychologists, adventurers and showbusiness personalities to write their autobiographies. Twelve of these non-fiction titles have been bestsellers with combined sales of more than 2 million copies.
His first novel 'THE SUSPECT', a psychological thriller, was chosen by the world’s largest consortium of book clubs as only the fifth “International Book of the Month”, making it the top recommendation to 28 million book club members in fifteen countries.
Since then, Michael's psychological thrillers have been translated into twenty-five languages and his Joe O'Loughlin series is are currently in development for TV by World Productions. A six-part TV series based upon his standalone novel THE SECRETS SHE KEEPS was aired on BBC1 in 2020, and a second series begins filming in 2021.
Michael lives in Sydney with his wife and a diminishing number of dependent daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
July 29, 2013
Crime fiction is one of my favourite genres and I am not too choosy about the type - police procedurals, cozies, detective fiction, psychological thrillers - as long as there is a crime involved, I am willing to pick it up. My bookshelves were once dominated by authors such as Ed McBain, Jonathon Kellerman, Patricia Cornwall, Janet Evanovich and Sue Grafton but slowly they are being edged out by the homegrown talent it has taken me a shamefully long time to discover.
If I Tell You...I'll Have To Kill You is a fabulous collection of essays from some of Australia's best crime writers. I was pleased discover I was unfamiliar with only one of the contributors and thrilled to learn more about some of my favourite authors like Malla Nunn, Adrian Hyland, Katherine Howell, Leigh Redhead and of course, editor Michael Robotham.
If I tell You... is undoubtedly a valuable resource for aspiring crime authors, offering a plethora of advice about plotting, character and more, followed by the author's own list of self imposed 'Rules'. Shane Maloney's rules are pretty simple and includes 'Read some f**ing books', Lenny Bartulin recommends you 'Do not drink more than one bottle of red wine per day - Unless you Can', Angela Savage, more sensibly suggests, 'Carry something to write on at all times...' and Gabrielle Lord bluntly advises 'Make writing your first priority. It comes before everything else.'
Even if you are simply a fan of crime fiction, like me, you will find these author's stories fascinating. I was surprised to discover Peter Corris has never accepted an advance for any of his 30+ Hardy novels because he dislikes the pressure of deadlines, and I was also amused by Leigh Redhead's account of her first foray into the seedy world of peepshows and strip clubs.
Each author has also been asked to nominate five Must-Reads which will grow your wishlist exponentially. The book mentioned most often is Raymond Chandler's The Big Sleep, though surprisingly The Lord of the Rings is also listed more than once.
If I Tell You...I'll Have To Kill You is a great collection, both informative and entertaining and I think it is a must have for Australian crime fiction fans. In addition, the royalties from the sale of this book are going towards the Australian Crime Writers Association which runs the annual Ned Kelly Awards. Show your support for our talented Aussie crime writers and purchase a copy today.
July 24, 2013
The great thing about collections like IF I TELL YOU... I'LL HAVE TO KILL YOU is that it will appeal to readers and writers alike. Published by Allen & Unwin, edited by Michael Robotham, with a terrific Introduction by him into the bargain, this collection of writing from some of Australia's best crime writers reveals their writing secrets. It also asks them for their Five Must-Reads. So why not Five Why-This-Collection-Is-A-Must-Reads in return.
1. For budding, or dreaming writers, this collection has more than enough hints, tips, warnings and suggestions to make any of you sit up and pay attention.
2. For readers, this is the equivalent of attending the world's best possible Readers Festival Panel. Not only do you get to hear a bit of what goes on behind the scenes of some favourite books, you get to hear about it in each writer's own unique voice. You also get to read their Must-Read lists and jot down a suggested reading list to die for.
3. There are some writers in this collection that simply cannot help themselves. Revealing their secrets they might be, but along the way they are telling yarns. From getting stuck in freezers leading to an idea for a debut novel, through to the way to get yourself a start as a stripper. From indepth research and Google searching locations, to the way that life just can't help but line itself up for art's purposes. Then there's the hilarious reality check straight from the mouths of children. Not only is this an informative collection, it's clever and it's funny.
4. If for no other reason - the Five Must-Reads is a real eye-opener. Sure there are some that you'd be forgiven for expecting - Five Go to Smuggler's Way by Enid Blyton and Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky. But the unexpected were a real pleasure - Why I Am Not a Christian by Bertrand Russell and The Man Who Mistook his Wife for a Hat by Oliver Sacks as a couple of examples. Regardless of how you feel about the list - it's one hell of a Mt TBR and a lot of the suggestions were added back into my "Must Read Before I Drop Dead List". Which, after IF I TELL YOU, is now about 20 years longer than it was.
5. Best of all, in ensuring that we're getting a really good read, and that little bit of insight into the inner workings of our favourite authors, we're also doing our bit to support Australia's own Ned Kelly Awards. Since 1995 the Neds have supported and awarded some of the best crime writing in this country. Bit of a win-win really.
Declaration of Interest - I was recently very honoured to be asked to join the Committee of ACWA (Australian Crime Writers Association - the body responsible for the Ned Kelly Awards and http://www.austcrimewriters.com). A long time after the idea, the contributions and the compilation of this book came into fruition, and believe me, I'd have read it with eagerness regardless of that connection.
http://www.austcrimefiction.org/revie...
1. For budding, or dreaming writers, this collection has more than enough hints, tips, warnings and suggestions to make any of you sit up and pay attention.
2. For readers, this is the equivalent of attending the world's best possible Readers Festival Panel. Not only do you get to hear a bit of what goes on behind the scenes of some favourite books, you get to hear about it in each writer's own unique voice. You also get to read their Must-Read lists and jot down a suggested reading list to die for.
3. There are some writers in this collection that simply cannot help themselves. Revealing their secrets they might be, but along the way they are telling yarns. From getting stuck in freezers leading to an idea for a debut novel, through to the way to get yourself a start as a stripper. From indepth research and Google searching locations, to the way that life just can't help but line itself up for art's purposes. Then there's the hilarious reality check straight from the mouths of children. Not only is this an informative collection, it's clever and it's funny.
4. If for no other reason - the Five Must-Reads is a real eye-opener. Sure there are some that you'd be forgiven for expecting - Five Go to Smuggler's Way by Enid Blyton and Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky. But the unexpected were a real pleasure - Why I Am Not a Christian by Bertrand Russell and The Man Who Mistook his Wife for a Hat by Oliver Sacks as a couple of examples. Regardless of how you feel about the list - it's one hell of a Mt TBR and a lot of the suggestions were added back into my "Must Read Before I Drop Dead List". Which, after IF I TELL YOU, is now about 20 years longer than it was.
5. Best of all, in ensuring that we're getting a really good read, and that little bit of insight into the inner workings of our favourite authors, we're also doing our bit to support Australia's own Ned Kelly Awards. Since 1995 the Neds have supported and awarded some of the best crime writing in this country. Bit of a win-win really.
Declaration of Interest - I was recently very honoured to be asked to join the Committee of ACWA (Australian Crime Writers Association - the body responsible for the Ned Kelly Awards and http://www.austcrimewriters.com). A long time after the idea, the contributions and the compilation of this book came into fruition, and believe me, I'd have read it with eagerness regardless of that connection.
http://www.austcrimefiction.org/revie...
October 11, 2013
If you are looking for the A to Z of crime writing do not pick this book up. This book will not plan a novel for you or tell you how to get published. This is a great collection of Australian crime writers giving insight into the craft. They will tell you about the highs and lows of writing. How they have struggled, about those novels stuck in the bottom draw, never to be seen, helped them to become a success. That even if you have written 5, 10 or 15 books there will be still moments when washing the windows in the rain seems easier than writing.
The main advice all authors give is that you need to strap yourself into the chair and just write. Write through the good, the bad, the blockages, the inspiration and keep doing it.
What I really did like about this essays was the chattiness as each essay came across as a conversation. The authors were willing to reveal themselves and their struggle to find their voice. They talked about where that character came from, how many years they worked to have that overnight success.
I really liked the suggested readings each author offered as it showed so much variety and gave me some future reading material.
This is a really good collection and a wonderful read. Highly recommend.
The main advice all authors give is that you need to strap yourself into the chair and just write. Write through the good, the bad, the blockages, the inspiration and keep doing it.
What I really did like about this essays was the chattiness as each essay came across as a conversation. The authors were willing to reveal themselves and their struggle to find their voice. They talked about where that character came from, how many years they worked to have that overnight success.
I really liked the suggested readings each author offered as it showed so much variety and gave me some future reading material.
This is a really good collection and a wonderful read. Highly recommend.
November 23, 2014
This is a series of essays by Australian crime writers about their work, their progression from wanting to write to actually being published, and their advice to wannabe crime writers.
It includes recommended reading and each author gives ten tips for new writers under the heading: My Rules.
Highly recommended for anyone thinking of writing crime/mystery.
It includes recommended reading and each author gives ten tips for new writers under the heading: My Rules.
Highly recommended for anyone thinking of writing crime/mystery.
August 18, 2016
Perfect to read in snippets to whet your appetite for your own writing sessions. Not a how-to-write-a-novel guide but full of inspiration from some of Australia's leading crime authors on how they go about the business of writing and gain inspiration, their suggested must-reads and rules or tips.
February 21, 2014
Excellent read and insight into the minds and methods of some of Australia's best crime writers.
January 6, 2015
Loved the individuality of the authors and their generosity in sharing their trade secrets. I recommended to my book club.
March 20, 2014
Opening lines: ‘…So far I’ve killed around seventeen people …’
Blurb: What is the secret to good crime writing? No one better to ask than a group of Australia's leading crime writers. Their conclusions are fascinating, provocative, often surprising, and they are all drawn from the hard school of personal experience. What pieces of advice do the writers have in common? That there is no substitute for hard work! One tells us there is no such thing as writer's block - "just do it" is a common theme. There is a fun part though: research. The writers could not vary more in their research and the way they approach it; from Shane Maloney's near-death experience in a freezer to Leigh Redhead's adventures as a stripper, Barry Maitland's endless walks through the streets of London to Gabrielle Lord's night out at a Gangster and Molls party, the search for ideas and atmosphere is never done and never dull. These writers also read voraciously, and they all give us their five 'must reads' - it's interesting how much they coincide. As do their Rules for Writing. All in all a treasure trove for all fans of crime fiction, be they aspiring writers or simply want to get to know their favourite writers better.
Contributors: Kerry Greenwood, Shane Maloney, Peter Corris, Barry Maitland, Garry Disher, Michael Robotham, Gabrielle Lord, Katherine Howell, Liz Porter, Leigh Redhead, Leah Giarratano, Lindy Cameron, Angela Savage, Malla Nunn, Geoffrey Mcgeachin, Lenny Bartulin, Lindsay Simpson, Marele Day, Peter Lawrance, Tara Moss And Adrian Hyland.
My thoughts: The opening line is from Shane Maloney’s chapter, and he goes on to explain who he has killed off various character’s in his books and how he first decided to kill off the first one. When he has finished telling us – and you have shifted uncomfortably in your seat the next author takes up the baton. I really loved getting into the minds of some of my favourite Crime authors and meeting new ones. Each of the twenty-one authors wrote a chapter giving backgrounds of how they got into writing, what originally inspired them, where they get their inspiration and the lengths that some of them went to in order to find out if they could actually kill a character in the way their muse wanted them to. All of them struggle at times, and all of them have a novel that is hidden away in the back of a drawer never to see the light of day. All of them also recommend that you just sit down and write – doesn’t matter if words flow but put something down. Each chapter is short, easy to read and very chatty, just as if they were sitting in a bar or coffee shop having a yarn with you.
As well as words of wisdom, at the end of the chapter each of the contributing authors was asked to give five rules of writing – even if the first rule is there are no rules! They’re also asked to recommend five must-read books. They range from everything from Enid Blyton’s ‘Famous Five’ to Tolkien's ‘The Lord of the Rings.’ Interestingly the work that got the most recommendations was Raymond Chandler's ‘The Big Sleep.’
You don’t need to be a writer to enjoy IF I TELL YOU... I'LL HAVE TO KILL YOU the stories are aimed at anyone who is interested in crime, and maybe those who aren’t yet but would like to know what it is all about.
The royalties from this book go towards the Australian Crime Writers Association, which runs the annual Ned Kelly Awards and was established to promote crime writing and reading in Australia.
Blurb: What is the secret to good crime writing? No one better to ask than a group of Australia's leading crime writers. Their conclusions are fascinating, provocative, often surprising, and they are all drawn from the hard school of personal experience. What pieces of advice do the writers have in common? That there is no substitute for hard work! One tells us there is no such thing as writer's block - "just do it" is a common theme. There is a fun part though: research. The writers could not vary more in their research and the way they approach it; from Shane Maloney's near-death experience in a freezer to Leigh Redhead's adventures as a stripper, Barry Maitland's endless walks through the streets of London to Gabrielle Lord's night out at a Gangster and Molls party, the search for ideas and atmosphere is never done and never dull. These writers also read voraciously, and they all give us their five 'must reads' - it's interesting how much they coincide. As do their Rules for Writing. All in all a treasure trove for all fans of crime fiction, be they aspiring writers or simply want to get to know their favourite writers better.
Contributors: Kerry Greenwood, Shane Maloney, Peter Corris, Barry Maitland, Garry Disher, Michael Robotham, Gabrielle Lord, Katherine Howell, Liz Porter, Leigh Redhead, Leah Giarratano, Lindy Cameron, Angela Savage, Malla Nunn, Geoffrey Mcgeachin, Lenny Bartulin, Lindsay Simpson, Marele Day, Peter Lawrance, Tara Moss And Adrian Hyland.
My thoughts: The opening line is from Shane Maloney’s chapter, and he goes on to explain who he has killed off various character’s in his books and how he first decided to kill off the first one. When he has finished telling us – and you have shifted uncomfortably in your seat the next author takes up the baton. I really loved getting into the minds of some of my favourite Crime authors and meeting new ones. Each of the twenty-one authors wrote a chapter giving backgrounds of how they got into writing, what originally inspired them, where they get their inspiration and the lengths that some of them went to in order to find out if they could actually kill a character in the way their muse wanted them to. All of them struggle at times, and all of them have a novel that is hidden away in the back of a drawer never to see the light of day. All of them also recommend that you just sit down and write – doesn’t matter if words flow but put something down. Each chapter is short, easy to read and very chatty, just as if they were sitting in a bar or coffee shop having a yarn with you.
As well as words of wisdom, at the end of the chapter each of the contributing authors was asked to give five rules of writing – even if the first rule is there are no rules! They’re also asked to recommend five must-read books. They range from everything from Enid Blyton’s ‘Famous Five’ to Tolkien's ‘The Lord of the Rings.’ Interestingly the work that got the most recommendations was Raymond Chandler's ‘The Big Sleep.’
You don’t need to be a writer to enjoy IF I TELL YOU... I'LL HAVE TO KILL YOU the stories are aimed at anyone who is interested in crime, and maybe those who aren’t yet but would like to know what it is all about.
The royalties from this book go towards the Australian Crime Writers Association, which runs the annual Ned Kelly Awards and was established to promote crime writing and reading in Australia.
May 26, 2014
A very inspiring and encouraging read with 21 of Australia's leading crime writers talking about how they started writing, why they write, setting down their "rules" for writers (even if they don't have any)and listing their "must read" titles. Not only plenty of food for thought but a doorway into the minds of several authors I was previously unaware of but who sound terrific and whose books I will now have to try out. I was a strong fan of Michael Robotham and Malla Nunn before this but can now probably add Barry Maitland and several others to the list. Also included is a brief history of the Ned Kelly Awards (Australia's crime fiction prize). A great read. - BH.
September 22, 2013
While nothing in this book feels groundbreaking or relevatory, it is truly inspiring for the budding author and a very accessible read. It is reassuring to know how 'human' writers are, how they all had doubts, how similar (and straight forward) their 'breaking in' stories are, and how their separate tidbits of advice are generally congruent. It is also a book that is easy to pick-up and read again for that spark of inspiration.
April 8, 2014
I quite enjoyed this book as it gave me an insight into various authors and exposed and introduced me to other authors now on my list to read.
It was an interesting read, providing tasty little morsels for the budding writer within, perfect to read in a sitting but flexible enough to be read on work breaks without losing its momentum.
The common theme among all the authors? Read, and read a lot and when not reading, write and write some more.
It was an interesting read, providing tasty little morsels for the budding writer within, perfect to read in a sitting but flexible enough to be read on work breaks without losing its momentum.
The common theme among all the authors? Read, and read a lot and when not reading, write and write some more.
December 9, 2015
'If I Tell You...I'll Have to Kill You' is a collection of essays, writing advice and book recommendations from some of Australia's best crime writers.
I loved reading about each writer's background on how they got into crime writing.
I found the writing advice straight to the point and extremely helpful.
I'm definitely going to read the books each author recommended.
I loved reading about each writer's background on how they got into crime writing.
I found the writing advice straight to the point and extremely helpful.
I'm definitely going to read the books each author recommended.
January 31, 2016
This was a fun read.
A group of Australian crime writers write an explanation of who they are, how they write, why they write and throw in their "Rules" and "Five Must-Reads". They write with humour.
It's dangerous to read anthologies like this if you have a "To Be Read" pile as big as mine.
A group of Australian crime writers write an explanation of who they are, how they write, why they write and throw in their "Rules" and "Five Must-Reads". They write with humour.
It's dangerous to read anthologies like this if you have a "To Be Read" pile as big as mine.
July 10, 2014
This book is excellent. Not only is there a plethora of Australian crime fiction writers telling you not only how they write crime, but how they write, it is also a wonderful insight into the backgrounds of the authors as well. Highly entertaining. I loved it.
July 9, 2015
A fantastic read. I haven't read a lot of crime fiction but after reading how these passionate authors go about their craft, I have a list of books I now want to read.
A great insight for would-be authors - of any genre.
A great insight for would-be authors - of any genre.
April 14, 2016
I don't write, or read much crime, but this was a fascinating and exciting read. I came away feeling like I'd learned plenty, and now have a bit of curiosity to try some more crime reads. I certainly was provided with plenty of recommendations from the interviewed authors!
April 17, 2019
Edited by Michael Robotham this is a very entertaining, not to mention informative, compilation of essays by Australian crime writers. Each offers insights into her or his fascination for the genre as well as their individual approaches to the process of writing. There were quite a few authors I hadn't read before but I was so charmed by their contributions I will now be seeking them out. Obviously, this won't be for everyone but, if you'd like a peek behind the curtain, grab a copy.
August 24, 2019
An overlooked yet helpful reference book full of tips, stories and insights into the writing processes of great Australian crime writers. Some of their research work is hair-raising! An excellent companion for any crime reader's bookshelf.
June 13, 2017
This was an enjoyable read, giving good insights into detective/crime writing.
September 24, 2021
Full of treasure - good advice for readers and writers.
January 12, 2022
Fun look at how a dozen or so Aussie crime story authors go about writing their books. The range of processes makes it clear that the only piece that works for everyone is to just write. The authors each recommended a half dozen or so books they deemed worth reading to examine the style. Over a hundred (because some were series) are conveniently listed in a bib at the end. I've read 33+ (I didn't count how many were in each of the series). I'll keep this book in the Kindle, for reference... and I started getting some of the recommended books for reading.
July 18, 2019
Loved this anthology of crime writers discussing how they became crime writers, either by accident or design and their very different methods. They all listed their five must reads and it was a surprise to me, though I’m not sure why it was, that so many love Ray Bradbury.
December 4, 2013
Great, though some bits better than others.
January 13, 2019
This book was filled with wonderful essays that were both incredibly entertaining as well as informative about crime fiction as a genre and how each author handled the writing process. The general consensus that writing is both extremely difficult but incredibly rewarding was quite comforting, especially since most of the authors claimed they were “pantsers” such as myself. This will be a book I will come back to every now and again when I need a boost or a pick me up during the creative process just as a reminder that fiction writing is not easy and even the most seasoned professionals hit blocks only to overcome them.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews