Writing Notes: Techno-Thriller
Techno-thriller - a hybrid genre that combines elements of various other literary genres including sci-fi, action-adventure, and thriller.
Techno-thrillers are some of the most commercially successful bestsellers published in both the United States and globally. These books are often adapted into movies and TV shows.
Writing techno-thrillers requires a fair amount of research on the part of authors and often demands knowledge of science, politics, espionage, and history.
Many techno-thriller authors have backgrounds in science, politics, or global intelligence that inform their writing.
They are often full of real-world technical details and delve deep into their subject matter without watering down the high tech specifics that their novels explore.
Elements of Every Techno-Thriller
Techno-thrillers explore many different areas but share certain hallmarks regardless. Some of the most common elements found in techno-thrillers include:
A strong protagonist: Most techno-thrillers have memorable protagonists like Jack Ryan (from Tom Clancy’s Ryanverse novels), Robert Langdon (from Dan Brown’s Robert Langdon series), and Dirk Pitt (from Clive Cussler’s Dirk Pitt series). Part of what keeps readers returning to a series is an identifiable protagonist who they have grown attached to over multiple books.
Technical details: Whether a techno-thriller is centered around spies in the CIA or genetic scientists attempting to create superhumans, it will plumb the depths of its subject matter. Techno-thriller writers should be well versed in their subject matter, and the best techno-thrillers are detail-oriented, whether it be in regard to the byzantine hierarchy of the NSA or the inner workings of technology.
Real world parallels: Most techno-thrillers are influenced in part by real world events. Part of what makes this genre popular is that readers can easily see parallels between the stories they read and events taking place in the real world.
Global scale: A good techno-thriller novel generally has multiple settings around the country or even the world. Part of what makes these books so cinematic is the scope and reach of their settings. Readers will often find upwards of 10 settings in Tom Clancy’s stories, which span the entire globe.
Action: Regardless of what subgenre a techno-thriller falls into, you will most likely find a fair amount of action and adventure. The shape this takes depends on the world in which the book is operating, but fans of the genre are looking for thrills and adventure on every page.
Types of Techno-thrillers
