Fiction genres typically have certain elements or features that are common or expected for that specific genre of writing. For example, fantasy stories are expected to have magic systems, while thriller novels are known for their faster pacing and suspense. Thriller author believes every great thriller story should have the "3 Cs". These include the contract or promise to the reader, a clock that creates urgency, and the crucible or litany of things that go wrong that challenge your main character. He also advises that thriller writers should capture the "moral grey areas" that make characters and stories relatable, and create a premise that is unique.