What Psychological Thrillers Teach Us About Limits
Behind the Terror
It’s no secret that being a writer can be a very lonely space. I spend late nights and early mornings, locked away in a cave writing about characters who are also locked away somewhere. I decided last year that I didn’t want to write alone anymore. But this meant I was going to need to step out of my comfort zone and find writer friends.
In case you haven’t done this, trying to find a friend in adulthood is HARD. It’s not like grade school when we could pick up friends at the park or at school. Long gone are the days when the “moms” would set up playdates for us to meet new people. All we have is social media, and if we are lucky, maybe a local in-person writing group where we can bring pages to a room full of complete strangers for feedback.
After trying the in-person thing, I knew it wasn’t for me. I needed a special kind of writer. I needed one that could not only give me feedback, but understand how to interweave psychology into our characters. I wanted someone who I felt comfortable enough with that I could cry in front of and ask for ideas for how to hide a body. (on the page, of course)
I reached out on Substack and begged pleaded asked if anyone would be willing to buddy up with me and exchange feedback on thriller books. It was nicole annbury that came to my rescue. Not only has she become one of my trusted feedback partners, but she led me to the Quill and Cup where I get to sit and write with other incredibly talented women virtually.
In case you don’t know her yet, she is also a psychological thriller writer and her and I share a love for small town terror and black cats. Nicole released her SECOND book today, The Signature Line. I dragged her onto my podcast to talk about it, as well has crafting psychological thrillers, health and writing, and the importance of community in her life.
Psychological Thrillers Are About Pressure
There are many different flavors of thriller books. Noir, Domestic, and Psychological thrillers are probably among the most popular in the bunch, but each one has uniquely different ingredients.
For a psychological thriller, the ingredient is inside the character’s head. It’s understanding more about them and what drives them to make the choices they do.
“The psychology is the story.”
Once you understand the psychology behind your characters, establish your twist and ending. It makes the process a little easier.
Nicole’s Pro Tip:
Know the ending, even if the middle is messy.
Having a directional compass keeps the emotional pressure focused instead of scattered.
Having a North Star to guide you as you build a thriller is key. The story isn’t about piling on events, but understanding the breaking points and the end state.
Writing Through Health Requires Pacing
In addition to the pressures of perfecting the story and publishing, Nicole also navigates through health challenges. She shared how this can impact her routine and how she has learned to live alongside it and still honor her gift.
“I learned how to pace myself—creatively and physically.”
Nicole’s Pro Tip:
Let the story unfold in layers.
You can write the “wrong” version first. You can circle back. You can move slowly.
Sustainable writing is built around pacing, not pressure. Take breaks, listen to your body, and remember that progress is progress.
Community Softens the Edges
When we write psychological thrillers, we often explore themes of isolation. In real life, we choose community over being alone. We seek others who “get” us and are there when we need them.
“Being in community reminds you that the struggle isn’t a personal failure—it’s part of the work.”
Nicole’s Pro Tip
You’re not meant to do this alone.
Creative resilience grows in rooms where other writers are building, too.
I can’t say it enough, having a community behind you is crucial to writing success. Find a place to get feedback, build accountability, and learn.
About The Signature Line
I had a chance to read the very early pages as she prepared it for her editor and then again as a reader who enjoys the love of thrilling books.
This novel is perfect for fans of small town murders, serial killers, and cults. It explores toxic relationships and gets you into the mind of a sociopath.
You can find it everywhere books are sold, just ask if you don’t see it stocked. It’s also on Kindle Unlimited!
Here is the blurb:
The Year of Self is a program many women have manifested. However, for some, the only way out is through death.
The dark reality of Dr. Carmella Carey becomes exposed as her facade of a feminist therapist comes to light. When she promotes her controversial therapy program on TV, it draws the ire of a disgruntled men’s rights advocate, Dylan Foster. When his threats go unheeded, his actions become breaking news.
She built an empire. He plans to tear it down.
A serial killer is after the women in Dr. Carey’s program, and the threats are getting closer to her, but she dismisses them. Dylan harbors anger towards the women in the program and specifically wants to find his ex-girlfriend, who was an early follower of Dr. Carey’s. An assistant and a lawyer joined Dr. Carey’s team; however, neither can control their boss or her actions.
The ultimate price for power and control.
Dr. Carey has a secret life that she keeps hidden from the women of the Year of Self. As Dr. Carey’s empire grows and Dylan’s mission intensifies, they find themselves on a collision course, each seeking their own version of freedom, power, and revenge.
Thank you, Nicole, for sitting with me for this interview!
