Michael Connelly: How to Write Unforgettable Characters | How I Write

Michael Connelly: How to Write Unforgettable Characters | How I Write

From How I Write by David Perell

March 11, 2026 · 1h 12m

About this episode

Michael Connelly discusses how to create unforgettable characters and the intricacies of writing in the crime genre.

This episode is presented by Mercury, the banking platform that makes this show possible. I can’t imagine trying to run my business without them. Learn more at https://mercury.com Michael Connelly is a crime novelist famous for series like 'Harry Bosch' and 'The Lincoln Lawyer'. Combined, his series have sold more than 100 million books, and they've become TV shows on Netflix, MGM, and Amazon Prime, where he's not just writing but is also the executive producer. His fingerprints are all over the work. I wanted to ask him how he dreams up vivid characters and how he writes about a city, a town, or a place. If you want to write, come up with stories, imagine worlds and put them onto the page, you're in the right place. About the host Hey! I’m David Perell and I’m a writer, teacher, and podcaster. I believe writing online is one of the biggest opportunities in the world today. For the first time in human history, everybody can freely share their ideas with a global audience. I seek to help as many people publish their writing online as possible. Follow me Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DavidPerellChannel…

People in this episode

Host: David Perell

Guest: Michael Connelly

Topics covered

  • writing
  • character development
  • crime novels
  • storytelling
  • publishing

Keywords

  • Michael Connelly
  • writing characters
  • crime novels
  • storytelling
  • Harry Bosch
  • The Lincoln Lawyer
  • David Perell

Sponsors

Mercury

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Netflix, MGM, Amazon Prime

Books & works: Harry Bosch, The Lincoln Lawyer

More episodes of How I Write

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the How I Write podcast page.