How to Write a Cult Novel: Christopher J. Yates on His Bestselling Dark Academia Thrillers

LEAVE YOUR MARK: Freshly Brewed Career Advice with Aliza Licht

What makes a novel go from page-turner to cult classic? Aspiring novelists: This one’s for you. In this episode of Leave Your Mark, I sit down with Christopher J. Yates, a British-American novelist known for his works in the dark academia genre. His first novel, Black Chalk, was named best book of the year by NPR, and continues to haunt readers 10 years later. In his latest masterpiece, Yates delivers for his fans with his new novel, The Rabbit Club, which follows an American student at Oxford. Add a secret society with a sinister streak, and it has an unexpected twist you won’t see coming.

But what’s the secret to writing psychological thrillers? Christopher shares his writing process, the evolution of his novels, and the cultivation of a dedicated fan base. The conversation delves into character development, the significance of plot twists, and the challenges of navigating the publishing industry, including rejection and reader feedback. Tune in to discover Yates’s insights on storytelling and learn how you can elevate your own writing.

00:00 Introduction to Leave Your Mark Podcast

00:24 Exploring Dark Academia with Christopher J. Yates

02:13 Cultivating a Fan Base: The Black Chalk Experience

04:39 The Writing Process: From Black Chalk to The Rabbit Club

06:35 Character Development and Dialogue

09:58 Writing Timelines: Black Chalk vs. The Rabbit Club

11:24 Daily Writing Routines and Overcoming Writer's Block

13:47 Plotting and Puzzles in Storytelling

15:39 The Role of Secret Societies in The Rabbit Club

19:02 Target Audience and Themes in The Rabbit Club

22:18 Navigating Plot Twists and Character Development

24:45 Feedback and the Writing Process

28:01 The Journey to Finding an Agent

29:54 Dealing with Rejection and Reader Feedback

33:46 Leaving a Mark in the Literary World