Season 2, Episode 5: Getting into character (with guest John Byrne)

Why is writing a book similar to starting a business? Dahlia is joined by John Byrne, founder and entrepreneur turned author. John released his first book 'The Rich List' under the pen name Ben Saxon in 2023. Dahlia and John discuss why writing a book is similar to starting a business and talk about what it takes to get pen down on paper and create a story. John explains how he created the characters that bring his story to life. He explains how he developed the characters, striking the balance between enough detail to draw a picture of them in the reader's mind and enough space for the reader to paint their own picture of the story. Now the story is on bookstore shelves, John talks about how the characters will stay with him and recognises that just like friends or colleagues they now have a role in his life..meaning that they definitely have a next chapter. Join Dahlia and John to hear more about the commitment to writing a novel and what it took to get into character - including how to get into the mind of an assassin!