In this three-part series, I share my process for dissecting the Mitch Rapp series, how I prepared to write the first book after Vince’s death, and how Rapp is now evolving and responding to today’s threats. I first posted about this in September 2015. Here I’ve updated my thoughts on the process now that it has been more than three years since I tackled this monumental project.
This was my view on day 1 of starting The Survivor, a daunting but exciting project.
I’ve received thousands of emails from fans, most enthusiastic, but some pointing out things they think I got wrong. What were the most called out?
Introducing Humor
There’s probably more humor in just one of my books than the entire series combined—a fact that was first noticed by the amazing audiobook reader, George Guidall. This was largely unintentional on my part and I considered dialing it back, but then changed my mind. As time moves forward, I think it makes sense for me to allow some of my style to peek through. I worry that trying to write an endless stream of Vince Flynn forgeries would turn the series stale.
Opening Action
I opened with action sequences. It’s interesting that Vince, one of the greatest action writers in history, never started his books that way. This change was intentional—something I thought fans would enjoy.
Consistency
Anna Reilly. Notice anything different? It always drove me nuts that Vince spelled her name Rielly. I always chalked it up to his dyslexia and snuck in a fix.
A Truly Worthy Opponent
I gave Mitch an enemy who is nearly his equal. The Russian Grisha Azarov is very different in personality than Rapp, but very similar in skill and ruthlessness. Having Mitch go up against an opponent who might actually get the better of him was something Vince never fully explored. I thought it would be fun to put the character in that situation and see how he reacted!
Staying Current
As time moves forward, my books and Vince’s will necessarily continue to diverge. To feel urgent and timely, thrillers have to track what’s happening in the world at that moment and what might be right around the corner. Instead of a rigid framework, I now have to look at past books in the series as a guideline. If Vince were here today, what would he think of the implosion of the Iran nuclear deal? The evolution of ISIS? Russia’s unconventional war on the West? And more important, how would he weave them into his next story?
Part 2, Stepping Into Vince Flynn’s Shoes: Who Is Mitch Rapp
Part 3, Stepping Into Vince Flynn’s Shoes: Studying Rapp’s Universe