Writers Ma Boyong and Na Duo recently shared their insights on genre literature writing at Shanghai Bookstore’s Fuzhou Road store over the weekend. The two authors discussed how various writers have influenced their work and shared the books that have inspired them.
According to Ma Boyong and Na Duo, writing suspense novels can be a challenging task for authors. While it may be easy to create a suspenseful beginning, the real test lies in maintaining the intrigue and delivering a satisfying climax. The key, they emphasized, is not only in solving the mystery but also in navigating the characters’ growth paths and self-exploration throughout the story.
Naduo revealed that he constantly challenges himself to break free from conventional writing formulas and explores new ideas. For his latest novel, “Please Remember Paradise,” Naduo reveals the murderer at the beginning, shifting the focus to other aspects to engage readers and keep them hooked.
Ma Boyong emphasized the importance of integrating hot topics and social issues into his writing. He believes that writers have a responsibility to record history and express their own perspectives. By delving into the details of human nature within the gaps of history, Ma Boyong seeks to uncover genre writing possibilities.
The authors highlighted the evolution of their writing styles, from focusing on strict suspense narratives to exploring socialist reasoning and reflecting on social issues. Ma Boyong’s work, such as “The Twelve Hours of Chang’an,” intertwines historical events with contemporary themes to shed light on human behavior and societal dynamics.
Overall, the discussion with Ma Boyong and Na Duo shed light on the complexities of genre literature writing and the creative processes that authors undergo to craft engaging and thought-provoking stories.