126 | How to keep readers hooked with Christian White, author of The Long Night

In episode 126, internationally bestselling author Christian White describes, in graphic detail, how he thinks of his readers as lobsters. He also shares how his grandmother convinced him to fear trees (but only at night) and why he finds comfort in horror stories, like his latest novel, The Long Night. Plus, he shares his one key takeaway – and it's not what you'd expect.  Christian White is an Australian author and screenwriter whose credits include feature film Relic and Netflix series Clickbait. His debut novel The Nowhere Child was one of Australia's bestselling debut novels ever, with rights sold in 17 international territories and a major screen deal. The Wife and the Widow, Wild Place and The Ledge were all instant bestsellers. The Long Night is his fifth novel. Find The Long Night and Christian's other books at Booktopia or from your local bookshop or library. Books and authors discussed in this episode: Odd Thomas by Dean Koontz  The Gambler by JP Pomare  The Safekeep by Yael van der Wouden  Different Seasons by Stephen King  -The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon by Stephen King  Four Past Midnight by Stephen King Bag of Bones by Stephen King  Aubrey Wants to Die by Pip Knight (aka Pip Drysdale from ep 113)  Upcoming events:  Ashley is teaching Year of the Novel for Writing NSW starting 4 February 2026  Like, Follow, Die launches in Brisbane at Avid Reader on Saturday 14 March  Ashley is Teaching Unexpected Editing Strategies in person at Avid Reader on Sunday 15 March  James is teaching Setting & Landscape for Writers at the Woolshed on Saturday 21 March Ashley is teaching Online: Crime Writing for Faber Academy starting 12 May Learn more about Ashley's thrillers, Dark Mode and Cold Truth, and get your copies from your local bookshop or your library. Plus check out Like, Follow, Die from Audible.  Learn more about James's award-winning novel Denizen and get your copy from your local bookshop or your library. Get in touch! ashleykalagianblunt.com jamesmckenziewatson.com Instagram: @akalagianblunt + @jamesmcwatson