Stig Abell, author of 'A Twist in the River' - Breakfast Show host discusses golden age crime fiction, why planning sets you up for failure, and why AI will kill culture
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In this episode of Writer's Routine, host Dan Simpson interviews Stig Abel, author of the Jake Jackson series and newly released novel A Twist in the River. Abel, a national breakfast radio host and former literary editor, shares his unconventional writing routine—writing in fragmented bursts across his home, train commutes, and even while lying on the floor amid family clutter. He emphasizes the power of momentum over rigid planning, often writing 10,000 words a week and finishing books years ahead of schedule. Abel reflects on the emotional and creative rewards of writing, likening it to a sanctuary from a troubling real world. He also delivers a stark warning about the future of culture, arguing that AI will soon render traditional books obsolete, reducing them to niche artifacts like vinyl records. Despite this, he remains deeply committed to the craft, believing that the act of writing—especially with lyrical prose and emotional depth—must be preserved. His love for golden age crime fiction, meticulous attention to language, and the immersive power of reading underscore his view that books are not just stories but acts of empathy and shared human thought. Abel discusses how his fragmented schedule shapes his creative process: using music as a Pavlovian trigger, ending each session with a lead-in to the next, and relying on instinct rather than rigid outlines. He acknowledges the risks of over-planning, admitting that plot decisions made early on often need major revision. Yet, he finds joy in the process itself, even as publication brings inevitable disappointment. His new novel, rooted in a real news story of a woman’s disappearance, explores themes of mystery, toxic masculinity, and the fragility of modern life. With a blend of nostalgia and urgency, Abel calls for readers and writers alike to protect the cultural value of books, resisting the commodification and automation of storytelling. The episode closes with a poignant reflection on legacy: writing not for fame, but for the quiet, personal joy of creation—and the hope that someone, somewhere, will one day read it and feel seen.
Prioritize momentum over rigid planning—writing daily, even in short bursts, keeps creative energy flowing.
Use environmental cues (like music) to signal your brain that it’s time to write, especially when your workspace is chaotic.
End each writing session with a clear lead-in to the next, so you can pick up where you left off without starting cold.
AI is poised to replace most traditional books within a decade, turning literature into a niche, collectible art form.
The true value of books lies in empathy and shared human thought—not just information or plot, but the emotional connection between reader and writer.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
The Writer’s Routine in Chaos: Writing on the Floor with Kids and Cats
Stig Abel describes his unconventional writing environment—writing on the floor in a cluttered living room, on trains, or in bed—emphasizing that his lack of a formal desk is not a limitation but a reflection of his fragmented, real-life schedule. He shares how his children and daily radio job shape his writing windows.
Momentum Over Planning: The Power of Daily Writing
“There is something about momentum that I'm very attracted by that I think if I do it yesterday and I do it today and I do it tomorrow, it feels like it will keep moving.”
The Golden Age of Crime Fiction and the Art of Language
“I really like looking up a word because also when you learn a new word, you've just learned a little bit extra part of the puzzle of the world.”
AI Will Kill Culture—But We Must Fight to Save the Book
“I think we're probably living in the last flowering. If you think that the history of the novel goes back to the 18th century and we're now at the beginning of the 21st century, that we are seeing the end of that era of storytelling.”
The Emotional Truth of Writing: Joy, Disappointment, and Legacy
“The act of publication is effectively a disappointing experience because the whole world is not going to stop because you've written a book, however much you'd like it to.”
“I think we're probably living in the last flowering. If you think that the history of the novel goes back to the 18th century and we're now at the beginning of the 21st century, that we are seeing the end of that era of storytelling.”
“AI is massively underestimated and it's coming for everybody. And it's certainly coming for culture.”
“Reading is possibly the greatest human achievement because you get to see the world through someone else's eyes and you share the thoughts.”
Host
Guest
Stig Abel
person
Jake Jackson
other
A Twist in the River
book
AI
other
Times Radio
organization
Podcasts
media
The Times Literary Supplement
organization
Vinyl records
product
George Orwell
person
HarperCollins
organization
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