Exploring the Inspirations Behind 24 Bestselling Novels
Chris Bohjalian discusses his inspirations, research methods, and experiences with screen adaptations, offering insights into his creative process and the diverse themes explored in his 24 bestselling novels.
Chris Bohjalian is a literary force whose prolific career has spanned 24 books, including the acclaimed titles Midwives, The Flight Attendant, and the eagerly anticipated The Jackal’s Mistress. His works have not only captivated readers worldwide, being translated into over 35 languages, but have also found their way to the screen, becoming three movies and a TV series. Beyond his novels, Bohjalian is also a playwright, showcasing his versatility and depth as a storyteller. Residing in Vermont with his wife, Victoria Blewer, Bohjalian continues to explore diverse themes and historical periods with a fervor that keeps him at his desk at the crack of dawn.
In this exclusive interview with Reader’s House Magazine, Bohjalian delves into the inspirations behind his varied works, from the historical intricacies of the 17th century in Hour of the Witch to the deeply personal narrative of The Sandcastle Girls, which addresses the Armenian Genocide. He shares insights into his meticulous research process, character development techniques, and the emotional resonance he strives to achieve in his novels. Bohjalian also reflects on the experience of seeing his work adapted for the screen, particularly the success of The Flight Attendant, and offers a glimpse into his latest novel, The Princess of Las Vegas. Join us as we explore the mind of one of today’s most compelling authors.
With a prolific career spanning 24 books and adaptations into movies and TV series, what inspires you to keep writing, and how do you decide on the themes or stories you want to explore in your novels?
My goal is never to write the same book twice. I write about anything that interests me — and interests me with the sort of fervor that will propel me to my desk at six in the morning. If I’m not willing to be at my desk at the crack of dawn, that’s an indication that whatever I’m doing isn’t working, and it’s time to abort mission and explore something new.
Hour of the Witch delves into the historical context of the 17th century and the harrowing experiences of a young Puritan woman. What drew you to this period, and what kind of research did you undertake to authentically portray the challenges and societal norms of that time?
I’ve been fascinated by Puritan theology since I studied it in college. Imagine living in a world where Satan is as real as your neighbor, and you spend much of your life wondering if you’re saved or damned, and always looking for signs. The research wasn’t hard because the Puritans were avid diarists and kept astonishing court records. And the fact that Puritan women divorced their husbands over adultery, cruelty, polygamy, desertion, and impotence was literary gold. Finally, how can you not love material that allows you to name a fierce and wonderful woman Peregrine?
Your novel The Sandcastle Girls addresses the Armenian Genocide, a deeply emotional and historical topic. How did you approach writing about such a sensitive subject, and what impact do you hope the book has on readers’ understanding of this historical event?
I know the impact of the book: it educated countless readers around the world to the horrors of the Armenian Genocide, the Ottoman Empire’s systematic annihilation of 1.5 million Armenians, 300 thousand Assyrians, and countless Greeks. It was an international bestseller published in easily 20 languages. Two of my grandparents survived the Armenian Genocide and eventually emigrated to the United States, so this is a deeply personal novel for me, and its success mattered to me as much as any book I have written.
The Flight Attendant was a major hit both as a novel and a TV series. Can you share your thoughts on seeing your work adapted for the screen and how involved you were in the adaptation process?
I loved the series. I thought Kaley Cuoco was brilliant as my damaged flight attendant. My involvement principally involved trying to stay out of everyone’s way the few times I was on the set, and devouring blueberries and bagels at craft services.
Many of your novels, like The Sleepwalker and The Red Lotus, feature complex characters dealing with extraordinary situations. How do you develop your characters, and what techniques do you use to ensure they resonate with readers on an emotional level?
I do my homework. For The Night Strangers, for instance, which begins with a plane crashing into Lake Champlain near Burlington, Vermont, I spent a full day in the “dunk tank” with naval aviators learning how to exit a plane that has crashed in water and is sinking fast. That sort of research is critical to character development. Also? I ask experts on the subject – sleepwalking, bioweapons, working in an E.R. – questions that likely are none of my business.
Your latest novel, The Lioness, takes readers on a thrilling journey to the Serengeti in the 1960s. What inspired you to set the story in this unique location and time period, and what themes do you explore through the experiences of your characters in this novel?
First of all, that’s not my most recent novel. My most recent novel is The Princess of Las Vegas, a tale of a Princess Diana tribute performer at a shabby, off the strip casino, and her estranged sister. Imagine the TV series, “Hacks” meets “The Crown.”
As for The Lioness, I wanted to explore a lot of things: Hollywood’s golden age, the devastating legacy of colonialism, and how ordinary people behave when – and I mean this literally and metaphorically – the lions are circling. Yes, it’s a thriller, but I hope it also takes a deep dive into what makes us heroes or cowards.
