7 Questions with Megan Goldin

Megan Goldin launched into the literary scene last year with her debut novel, The Escape Room, A sleek and sexy corporate thriller that left readers foregoing the elevator and opting, instead, for the stairs.

So, when I saw that her second book would be out this summer, I assumed it would be similar.

But it could not have been more different.

A crisp, clean commentary on the fact that the world still isn’t fucking built for women, The Night Swim was a full departure.

Get to know Goldin better by checking out her answers to our 7 questions. And be sure to grab a copy of her newest novel, The Night Swim, which is available now!

1. What's your favorite drink? 

Right now we've been in lockdown in Australia for almost 100 days with probably another 100 days to go, so a glass of Australian shiraz or merlot in the evening is my drink of choice unless I'm writing late at night in which case I'll have a very strong mug of coffee, or three...

2. Where and when do you write? 

I can only write when it's very quiet and there is no disruption. So I usually write when my kids are at school and then at night once they go to sleep. 

It's been tough writing with them all at home since the coronavirus lockdown began here in Australia and I've been trying to work late at night once they are asleep. That, however, is easier said than done. 

3. What does your prewriting process look like? 

I don't have a prewriting process per se. I usually bounce some ideas around in my head. I might do a bit of research and then I start writing. It's a very organic, character-led process. 

Stephen King once said that when he writes it's like sitting at a campfire and people come out of the dark who turn into his characters. Well, my process is quite similar. 

4. What's up next? 

I'm working on a new novel that I've been writing over lockdown in fits and starts due to all the disruptions. I think it's going well but I won't know for sure until it's done. Fingers crossed!

5.  A true-crime podcast plays a critical role in this novel. Are you a podcast fan? Which one(s) do you like the most? 

I am a huge podcast fan and I listen to a wide variety when I have time. 

Of course, I listen to lots of crime podcasts. There are so many great ones around. 

I am also a huge history buff and there are some terrific history podcasts. A particular favorite is Hardcore History. 

 Then there are the news podcasts. NPR is a favorite and lots of great cultural podcasts as well. 

I tend to listen to podcasts when I'm exercising or cooking! 

6. This novel featured two mysteries woven together to create one beautifully complex storyline. To me, it seemed like the co-existence of these two crimes, almost two-decades apart, illustrated how little things have changed. What do you think needs to happen to reduce the prevalence of these painfully common crimes against women? First of all, there needs to be societal change and awareness. 

That is happening in many countries today. Millennials are much more aware of issues around consent and respecting boundaries than previous generations and the older 'Boomer' generations are learning fast. 

There is still much work to be done in terms of education and changing perceptions but there has certainly been a lot of progress over the past few years since the #MeToo movement began.

7. While The Night Swim was, on the surface, a thriller novel, it was actually full of critical commentary on intense topics, including victim-blaming. Obviously, your goal was to entertain your readers – but is there something more important you hope your readers walk away from this novel with?

I have to admit that when I write novels I try to address more than just the thriller plot of the story. 

When I started writing The Night Swim, I wanted the story to examine the impact of a sexual assault trial on the victim as well as everyone involved and the broader community. 

Sexual assaults damage so many lives - not just that of the survivor - but all the families involved, and even the judge, the jurors and the lawyers on both sides of the courtroom. Beyond that, they damage the fabric of society.

Check out these reads by Megan Goldin:

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