Advice for Thriller Writers...

I received by post today a request from a young gentleman asking if I might provide some advice for the thriller-writer on how to deal with the subject of gnus. Of course, I would be delighted to share my wisdom with those who need it…

The most important overall point the thriller-writer must continually bear in mind is that aficionados of the genre expect certain details about gnus to be presented to them. It is not enough to refer to a gnu generically, as that lacks authenticity and suggests the author may have performed insufficient research before starting to type their story. But what details should be provided? There are six key aspects of the gnu which your reader will expect you to mention:

Calibre

The reader of the thriller will always want to know what calibre of gnu they are dealing with. What are the animal’s capabilities? Is it a run-of-the-mill specimen or an outstanding example of its kind?

Range

How far can the gnu roam without having to stop for rest?

Sights

Readers enjoy nothing more than lengthy descriptions of sights of vast herds of gnus thundering across the Serengeti.

Stock

The reader will always be grateful for a line or two about the gnu’s breading and lineage.

Trigger action and the bolt

It is important to give an example of the gnu being triggered to bolt, perhaps by the sudden appearance of a hungry lioness with cubs to feed.

Handling history

Is the gnu totally wild, or has it been accustomed to human handling? Readers particularly like to know if the gnu has been handled by a lady called Pearl.

Finally, always remember that by by convention gnus is thrillers must end-up being shot.