Nora Roberts is renowned for her remarkable output, so much so that she adopted a pen name to allow her publisher to release more of her works annually.
“I’m a fast writer,” Roberts explained during a rare interview, revealing that she typically publishes four books each year and has maintained this pace for over forty years.
Her writing showcases a broad spectrum as well. With more than 250 titles to her name, her work includes standalone romantic novels, fantasy trilogies, and a police procedural series that she has developed over the last thirty years.
Roberts is set to introduce the 60th installment of her “In Death” series, titled “Bonded in Death,” in February.
Having left a significant mark on the literary landscape, Roberts has no intention of slowing down. She discussed various elements of her craft, her decision not to have the primary characters in the “In Death” series become parents, and her view on the evolving romance genre, clarifying why she no longer identifies herself solely with it.
During her discussion, Roberts explained the rationale behind her dual writing identities. “I didn’t really like the idea of a pseudonym until my agent compared it to soda branding,” she detailed, using the analogy of Diet Pepsi versus regular Pepsi to illustrate that it’s all about marketing and having multiple identities can be beneficial.
Regarding her long-running “In Death” series, she expressed no thoughts of concluding it anytime soon and mentioned she still has numerous ideas for future plots. According to Roberts, these stories transcend typical murder mysteries, instead delving into character relationships and growth over time.
While asked about a potential ending for the series, she noted that she has never envisioned a specific conclusion, simply allowing it to evolve over time. Her investment in the characters fuels her desire to continue sharing their journeys.
When asked if the introduction of a child for the main characters, Roarke and Eve, would signify an end to the series, Roberts confirmed. She acknowledged the transformative impact that children can have on their lives, affecting their ability to interact with the world around them as they did previously.
Transitioning into the topic of the romance genre, Roberts noted that while her early work in romance remains significant to her, she no longer engages in writing romance novels per se. Instead, she emphasizes the relationships among her characters, acknowledging the evolution within the romance genre and her choice to pursue narratives in a different direction.
Roberts succinctly described her current work as simply writing novels, encompassing genres like suspense, thrillers, and fantasy.
Many of Roberts’ works are structured as trilogies, as she aims for a storyline where elements must culminate by the final book, resulting in satisfying resolutions.
On a typical writing day, Roberts dedicates six to eight hours to her craft and can pen her stories almost anywhere, though she prefers quiet environments for concentration.
Her decision to create a futuristic police procedural in the “In Death” series came from a desire to explore new storytelling avenues, allowing her to construct a unique world without being confined to traditional settings.
When reflecting on her legacy, Roberts hopes to be remembered as a compelling storyteller. Retirement is not on her agenda, and her greatest concern lies in the possibility of running out of creative ideas.
Finally, when asked about her favorite book, she shared that “To Kill a Mockingbird” stands out as an exemplary novel, alongside favorites like “Catch-22” and “Jane Eyre.”
