Exploring the Craft of Realistic Thrillers with Alex Shaw

Feb 20, 2026

83 min

Feb 20, 2026 06:32

Realistic Thrillers: Balancing action, emotion, and authenticity in crime fiction

## The Art of Realistic Thrillers

Bestselling author Alex Shaw delves into the world of realistic thrillers, focusing on the balance between action, emotion, and authenticity. Despite writing about military and intelligence operations, Shaw clarifies that his expertise comes from extensive research rather than personal experience. His characters, often shaped by intense training, grapple with emotional displacement, making them relatable yet extraordinary.

## Crafting Compelling Narratives

Shaw's storytelling approach emphasizes opening with action to engage readers immediately. He avoids overwhelming technical details, instead prioritizing character development and authenticity. His writing process involves meticulous research, even for locations he hasn't visited, ensuring that small, realistic details anchor his narratives.

## Emotional Depth and Reader Engagement

Shaw's characters are often marked by personal loss and complex backgrounds, reflecting the emotional costs of their professions. He believes in maintaining a balance between skill and realism, ensuring that his characters remain relatable. Humor is also a deliberate inclusion to offset the darker themes, catering to diverse reader preferences.

## Audience and Inspiration

Initially expecting his audience to mirror his own demographic, Shaw discovered a broader readership, particularly among women aged 45 to 70 in the UK. He writes with accessibility in mind, avoiding demographic stereotypes. Shaw emphasizes the importance of originality in writing, resisting the use of AI for creative processes.

## The Essence of Crime Fiction

For Shaw, crime fiction is less about gore and more about justice and resolution. He believes readers seek understanding of motives and consequences, desiring a restoration of order. His characters, while initially inspired by his own experiences, evolve into composites of observed and imagined traits, blurring the line between reality and fiction.

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