Creativity Isn’t Magic: 7 Practical Lessons from Patricia Highsmith

It starts with a germ in the fog—ends with a snag and persistence

I’ve read more Patricia Highsmith than any other writer—nearly her entire catalog. Her first book, written at 22, Strangers on a Train, was adapted into a film by the legendary Alfred Hitchcock. She’s also the creator of The Talented Mr. Ripley series, which inspired another award-winning Hollywood film. Highsmith’s ability to dig into the darker sides …