CWA Ian Fleming Steel Dagger 2024 – Interview with Kotaro Isaka

Tomorrow evening will see the announcement of the winner of the 2024 CWA Ian Fleming Steel Dagger, and in the run-up we’ve been talking to some of the shortlisted authors to find out more about their novels. Today we’re sharing our interview with Kotaro Isaka, author of The Mantis.

How does it feel to be on the shortlist for the CWA Ian Fleming Steel Dagger?

Many books that won or were shortlisted for the Ian Fleming Steel Dagger have been translated into Japanese, and I really enjoyed them. To be listed among them now is like a dream. I am very honored.

How would you summarise The Mantis and what inspired you to tell this story?

I was chatting with an editor who told me about the many tactics he uses to avoid displeasing his wife. They were interesting and led me to the idea of combining them with the deadly work of an assassin. That was the starting point.

What is your writing process?

I first decide the general direction of the story through conversations with editors. From there, it’s build up and tear down, build up and tear down until completion. For The Mantis, at one point I lost my direction and stopped writing. Three years later, I found a way forward and was able to finish it.

What advice would you give to aspiring thriller writers?

Approaches to writing can vary, but for me, I always try to stay ten steps ahead of the readers so they can’t guess where the story is going.

What is your favourite thriller and why?

I don’t know if they are categorized as thrillers, but Lawrence Block’s Keller stories and the Matthew Scudder series are dear to me, as they are serious stories but always leave room for contemplative or humorous elements.

Our thanks to Kotaro for answering our questions! The 2024 Daggers winners will be announced on 4 July. Find out more about past winners of the Steel Dagger on the CWA site here, and learn more about the rest of the Daggers and shortlists here.