Writing a thriller is equal parts conscious and unconscious work. At least, it is for me. And the conscious part, in fact, is often more in retrospect than the writing moment. One of those crossover parts is whether to reveal the plot piece-by-piece or all at once, in either case, relying heavily on invoking the reader's curiosity. 

In the classic mystery thriller, the plot is revealed gradually piece-by-piece with the final piece that brings meaning to everything typically withheld to the last. In many a good techno-thriller, on the other hand, the plot is basically revealed early on, but the meaning of it all is withheld to the last. What makes QUANTUM DEATH (Savant 2016 - https://www.amazon.com/dp/0996325530) a uniquely complex work with a surprisingly "real" feel to it is that the plot is revealed both ways simultaneously, like so many richly thrilling situations in our mundane everyday life. In fact, several plots, one the "action" and the other about a developing relationship, the "feeling" plot, evolve side-by-side in both ways. To me, it's not only what makes a thriller rich, realistic and compelling, but a satisfyingly "adult" read. 

So how conscious was all this when writing QUANTUM DEATH with A. G. Hayes? I'm going to guess maybe 40% at the time, and 60% in retrospect, leaving 40-60% up to the characters and my own "gut" feelings. Oh, yes, I let my characters speak, plot, intrigue and act quite on their own within the plot limitations, and sometimes even beyond. And what do I do when finished with a manuscript? I like to go to JJ's in Honolulu and have celebratory tea and a sweet.