WithThe Fury, Alex Michaelides Learned To Let Go

Bustle Book Club

The celebrated author ofThe Silent PatientandThe Maidensfound a new way of working.

For a long time, Alex Michaelides was squarely in the former camp.

I’m usually very, very controlled.

The cover of ‘The Fury’ by Alex Michaelides.

I planeverything, he tells Bustle.

With his latest novel, though, Michaelides had a sudden conversion.

I let [The Furynarrator] Elliot tell me the story, he says.

I’ve never had someone come alive to that degree.

I was just tapping away, and it was all appearing.

It was joyful, to allow yourself to submit to it, and not be afraid.

The resulting book is a dazzling whodunit, much like his bestselling novelsThe Silent PatientandThe Maidens.

Then I cook myself a huge meal at the end.

Then, when I edit, it’s a whole different story.

So I’ve always stuck to that.

I think people like that are more interesting.

I would write a plot but it was just really shallow.

Otherwise, you’re just selling just cheap thriller plots.

It gave me such joy and writing at the kitchen table somehow brings that back.

ForThe Furyit was thePhilip Glass soundtrack toThe Hours.

But now if I ever listen to it again, I’m going to be violently ill.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

This article was originally published onJan.