The Story Blender

Listen as I chat with Kathleen Antrim, and D.P. Lyle, both some of the mastermind behind the outliers online writing university program. Doug is one of the countries, foremost, experts on forensic medicine in fiction, catheters written, and planned many writers conferences over the years. I pick their brains about what makes a story work the best advice that their mentors have shared with them how to shape a better story, and what to avoid as you do. Check it out, give it a listen and subscribe!

Listen to the fascinating conversation I have with humorist and acclaimed storyteller Andy Offutt Irwin. He shares insights on coming up with stories of your own to tell by looking at quests, obstacles, choices, and new wisdom. We talk about the difference between a comedian and a humorist, what (actually) makes something funny, vegetarian roadkill, and more. Check it out, give it a listen and subscribe!

This week I catch up with #1 international best selling author Robert Dugoni. As both an acclaimed writer and popular conference speaker, Robert is an expert at both understanding story and delivering thrilling novels. Join us as we chat about trusting your reader, leaving out what readers can presume, what it really means to show and not tell, and creating honest and authentic characters. We also talk about his latest release THE KILLING ON THE HILL. Check it out, give it a listen, and subscribe!

This week I chat with New York Times bestselling author Christopher Reich, about his latest novel, Matterhorn, and his writing process. We talk about the importance of believability in stories (even if they're spy thrillers and international intrigue novels), some of his favorite authors, how to get started if you have the passion to write a story, and the dangers of reaching for a sandwich on a mountain in the Alps. Check it out, give it a listen, and subscribe!

Listen as I chat with novelist and screenwriter Janice Hallett from London. We talked about her latest book, her writing process, her world travels, and her unique style or writing epistolary novels. She has a new novel out now and she shares from her heart about the importance of fiction, or emotion and empathy in stories, and what she hopes you as a reader will take away from your books. Give it a listen!

On this week's episode of The Story Blender, I speak with noted reality television, and unscripted TV show expert Troy Devolld. We talk about how reality TV has matured and grown in recent years, the not-so-secret secrets to developing a great show (hint, hint, it has to do with authenticity not just conflict.) We also discuss what it means to reinvent yourself (and it might not mean what you think it does) and why it's important to get the mustard water out as you write your stories. Give it a listen!

Join me as I speak with the NYT #1 bestselling author of the blockbuster Gray Man series, Mark Greaney. He shares his insights into writing action scenes that really work, avoiding fire and steam warehouses, reaching readers on an emotional level even when you're writing a kinetic story, training with SWAT teams for authenticity, and more. Check it out and be sure to check out his latest book, THE CHAOS AGENT, available now wherever books are sold.

Join me as I speak with New York Times and international bestselling author, Jean Kwok. We chat about her latest book, THE LEFTOVER WOMAN, and her journey from studying poetry to becoming a novelist (via a physics degree from Harvard). Also, you'll learn about her approach of outlining what she's done as well as where she's going, and the job that she really wanted to get in order to become a writer but couldn't land, (PS it has to do with watering plants and removing dead leaves.) Give it a listen!

In this wide-ranging conversation with award-winning author and investigative reporter Hank Phillippi Ryan, we chat about the importance of cause and effect in fiction (an insanely important and yet rarely talked about aspect of storytelling), the difference between mystery and suspense, following the gold coins your imagination lays out for you, trusting the creative process and her latest novel ONE WRONG WORD. Give it a listen!

You've seen him on television on shows like BOSCHE and TRUE DETECTIVE. Now, listen to Jon Lindstrom as he shares insights into the writing process and how his acting career prepared him to write his debut novel HOLLYWOOD HUSTLE. Give is a listen!

This week I talk with Amina Akhtar about her latest book, ALMOST SURELY DEAD, and her advice for overcoming self-doubt, the importance of persistence and finding your voice, how to write a “zero draft,” and being honest in your stories—whether you write humor or thrillers or anything in between. Check it out and subscribe to get our weekly podcast so you never miss an episode.  For more information on Amina, you can visit her website at https://www.aminaakhtar.work/

If you've ever thought about writing a screenplay and don't know where to start, you're going to love this week's episode of The Story Blender. Listen as I chat with Bob Saenz, a screeenwriter, author, and film writing instructor on secrets to humor, horror, characterization, and tons of inside tips to writing for Hollywood (which, you'll soon learn doesn't even exist…) Keep your pen handy to take notes as Bob shares valuable insights from his screenwriting career and his book THAT'S NOT THE WAY IT WORKS, a no-nonsense guide to the craft and business of screenwriting. Check it out!

Listen as I chat with world-renowned artist and motivational speaker, Joe Castillo. He has performed his sandart stories in front of Pope Francis, presidents, kings and in 28 countries. Learn what he looks for in a story, how he connects with audiences world wide and some of the mentors that have encouraged him along the way.  Check him out at https://joecastillo.com

Listen as I chat with novelist Emily Bleeker as we talk about improv (and what writers can learn from it), honesty in fiction, slipping into the skin of your characters, the important of telling yourself that you're a writer, showing compassion to yourself and the drawbacks and rewards of reading your reviews. We also discuss her latest book WHEN WE WERE ENEMIES. Check her out at https://emilybleeker.com/

In this episode, I caught up with acclaimed author, Carol Van Den Hende. Carol's mission is unlocking optimism as a writer, speaker, strategist, Board member and Climate Reality Leader. Listen as we chat about writing tips and her latest book, Always Orchid.  You check her out at https://carolvandenhende.com

Listen to my conversation with international bestselling author Tess Gerritsen as we discuss the weapons at our disposal (that you might include in a story without planning to), writing without an outline, surprising yourself, the importance of writing yourself into a corner, emotional bridges into stories, the centrality of conflict, and what to do if you're a chicken farmer and you find a body in your driveway. Give it a listen and check out her new book THE SPY COAST. https://www.tessgerritsen.com/

Listen as I chat with best-selling international best-selling author, Karen Dionne, about her breakout novel, The Marsh King's Daughter, the differences between the major motion picture, and her story writing tips, perseverance, and the joys of writing in Michigan. You can check her out at https://karen-dionne.com/

Allison Brennan is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of more than 45 books, including the long-running Lucy Kincaid series. She is currently writing the Quinn & Costa FBI and the Angelhart PI series; North of Nowhere is her first stand-alone thriller. Allison lives in Arizona with her husband and her youngest two of five children. She loves cats, hiking, baseball, classic movies, and -- of course -- reading. You can check her out at allisonbrennan.com.

Join Steven James as he talks with siblings Boyd and Beth Morrison on this episode of The Story Blender. They chat about the Black Plague, writing gripping historical thrillers, creating stories that entrain as well as inform readers, the ins and outs of collaboration, and the importance of finishing your novel and striving for brilliance rather than perfection.  You don't want to miss this one! #thestoryblender #readstevenjames

Clare Mackintosh is the multi-award-winning author of New York Times bestseller I LET YOU GO, and Sunday Times bestsellers I SEE YOU, LET ME LIE, AFTER THE END, HOSTAGE and THE LAST PARTY. Translated into forty languages, her books have sold more than two million copies worldwide, and have spent a combined total of 64 weeks in the Sunday Times bestseller chart. Her latest novel is A GAME OF LIES, the second in a crime series featuring Welsh Detective Morgan. Join Steven James and Clare Macintosh on this episode of The Story Blender podcast.

I had the chance to chat with Former judge and award-winning legal thriller author, Martin Clark, about writing legal thrillers, coming up with intriguing moral dilemmas for your characters to face, fly fishing in Montana and Tennessee, trusting in the justice system, the songwriting of Robert Earl Keen, and the provocative ending to his latest thriller, THE PLINKO BOUNCE. You'll also hear about Martin's choice of the best collection of short stories ever (the choice might surprise you!). Give it a listen!

Listen as Steven James chats with award-winning nationally known storyteller, Tim Lowry. As one of the country's premier storytellers, Tim has told stories to more than a quarter million children as well as at festivals and conferences throughout the United States. We talk about his journey toward becoming a storyteller (and how the circus played a part!), how to find moments in your life that are story worthy, and the Ladder to the Moon and how it can help you connect with an audience. Check it out! During a circus performance, Tim was bitten by the show biz bug at six years of age. Waiting for his big break, he filled his childhood with performance opportunities. Cast as Ebenezer Scrooge in a second- grade production of Dickens' “A Christmas Carol” Tim later played Jed Clampett in “A Beverly Hillbillies Christmas.” Demonstrating that he could raise one eyebrow and thereby look “wicked” Tim's Sunday school teacher cast him as King Herod in the annual Christmas pageant. As a young teenager Tim produced puppet shows for children's birthday parties. His fee was $20 per show, but he offered a $5 discount if you could give him a ride because he was not yet old enough to drive. As an award-winning high school drama student Tim toured the East Coast in 1987 with a Broadway style musical. As a theatre major in college he studied Shakespeare and Romantic Opera, but when he took an elective class in storytelling he found himself. After graduation, Tim taught English Language Arts for five years. Drawing on his love of show business his teaching methods were often considered “unorthodox and disruptive.” In 2000 Tim left the classroom to pursue a career as a professional storyteller. To date he has shared his “unorthodox and disruptive” teaching methods with more than a quarter million children! In 2012 Tim began touring the National Storytelling Circuit performing at over fifty different festivals. Occasionally, Tim provides workshops for corporate clients such as the North Carolina County Commissioners, Dollywood Dream More Resort, Ballad Health, and Daramic LLC.

Listen as Steven James interviews award winning, critically-acclaimed crime novelist W.C. Ryan. W.C. shares his insights into writing historical mysteries, on the importance of conflict and risk, on writing scenes drenched in intrigue ,how to keep people flipping the pages and the importance of the sense of place in the stories you tell. They discuss W.C.'s latest book, THE WINTER HOUSE, and his upcoming release, The Constant Solider. This episode of The Story Blender is a good one, don't miss it!

Jess is an Amazon Charts bestselling, ITW, Anthony and 2023 Minnesota Book Award-winning author who's also been shortlisted for Edgar and Agatha awards. She writes crime fiction, nonfiction, children's books, YA adventure, and magical realism.  She is also a retired professor of creative writing and sociology, a recipient of The Loft's Excellence in Teaching fellowship, a Psychology Today blogger, and a TEDx presenter (check out her TEDx Talk about inspiration behind her first published novel).  When she's not leading women's writing retreats, reading, traveling, or fostering kittens, Jess Lourey is drafting her next story. She lives in Minnesota, where twenty-three of her books are also set.  Jess Lourey shares some backstory on her crime fiction: “I grew up in St. Cloud, MN, in the ‘70s, at a time where there were at least two serial killers operating in my neighborhood. We then moved to Paynesville, MN in the ‘80s, when eight boys were abducted and returned in this small town, leading up to the murder of Jacob Wetterling, an eleven-year-old boy who lived nearby. There was so much violence all around me. My entire childhood, I saw women and children being harmed and not much in the way of justice or accountability. That has left an indelible mark on me, and in my thrillers, I strive to give a voice and perspective to those who are hurt.”  This book will be a favorite of true crime lovers as will this interview! Don't miss it!

Listen to a fascinating conversation between Steven James and acclaimed novelist, Will Dean, as they talk about creativity (and how it can thrive in solicitude), living in the middle of a vast forest and staring at the wall, “Exorcism” drafts, and how to get to know characters over time. Dean's new book THE LAST ONE is available now. Visit thestoryblender.com for more information.

Wow! What a great conversation Steven James had with Lee Goldberg, a veteran TV writer and novelist. Get your pen ready to take notes as Lee talks about what characters do in a story (surprise, surprise; they don't change), how to make compelling characters, where humor comes from, the secret to Monk's character, how to use a “living outline,” and his latest novel MALIBU BURNING. Check out this episode of The Story Blender. Author and screenwriter Lee Goldberg has topped bestseller lists, earned wide critical acclaim, and garnered a worldwide devoted fan base for his compelling and meticulously researched police procedurals and spy thrillers. His latest book, MALIBU BURNING, which Thomas & Mercer will publish on September 1, 2023, marks a brand-new direction in crime fiction for the talented storyteller. It's a relentless thriller tracking both a master thief with a conscience and the dogged investigators out to stop him from pulling off the ultimate heist in the midst of a raging wildfire. Lee Goldberg is a two-time Edgar Award and two-time Shamus Award nominee and the #1 New York Times bestselling author of nearly 40 novels, including Lost Hills, True Fiction, fifteen Monk mysteries, and the first five “Fox & O'Hare” books, co-written with Janet Evanovich. He's also written and/or produced many TV shows, including Diagnosis Murder, SeaQuest, and Monk, and co-created the Hallmark movie series Mystery 101. As an international television consultant, he has advised networks and studios in Canada, France, Germany, Spain, China, Sweden, and the Netherlands on the creation, writing, and production of episodic television series. 

Listen to the newest episode of The Story Blender as Steven James chats with Chris Pavone, the author of 5 international thrillers whose latest book TWO NIGHTS IN LISBON is available now. They talk about what to include and what to avoid in writing stories, the importance of setting, credibility and characters and other secrets to keeping people flipping the pages. 

Kelly J. Ford has earned wide critical acclaim for her gritty novels of queer Southern suspense ever since the release of her award-winning debut, Cottonmouths, a Los Angeles Review Best Book of the year, followed by Real Bad Things, which critic Jon Land called “an outstanding literary crime thriller in all respects.” Ford, who is Southern by several generations and grew up in the foothills of the Ozarks, says that “Arkansas is in my roots and made me who I am.”  Ford returns to the rural South for the setting of her third novel, THE HUNT, which Thomas & Mercer will publish on July 25, 2023. Partly set at a plastics factory similar to where she worked as a press operator in college, the story centers on blue collar workers in a small, insular town. It was important to her to highlight family influences and circumstances that can potentially lead people to become accidental criminals, or to be perceived as such due to bias within the criminal justice system.  Kelly shared in an interview for CrimeReads: “Everything I write seems to come from a nugget of my Arkansas upbringing that I can't shake…[like] the sounds of my favorite local radio DJ revealing the latest clue to the annual Hunt for Golden Egg once Easter rolled around. For some reason, this family-friendly event and associated clues filtered through my mind and ears as creepy. I never even went on a hunt. As always, I was in the background as an observer, so I could only imagine what it was like. For years, I've been noodling on how to write a story about that feeling I got. THE HUNT is the outcome of all that noodling.” 

Acclaimed online personality and author Sara Divello shares her insights into writing “true crime fiction,” what it means, the challenges of capturing the essence of a story and being faithful to it while also telling it in an engaging way. Sara DiVello is a true crime novelist and the creator/host of Mystery and Thriller Mavens, a popular interactive Facebook group. For her weekly Mystery and Thriller Mavens live events, she has interviewed more than 300 authors, ranging from the bestselling and world-renowned (Dean Koontz, Patricia Cornwell, Lee Child, Jeffery Deaver, Tamron Hall, Karin Slaughter, Ruth Ware, Lisa Unger, and many more) to the buzziest debuts.  While creative and active on her own social media platforms, DiVello also serves as the director of social media strategy for the International Thriller Writers association. Sara has appeared on CBS, ABC, and CNBC, as well as in the New York Times, Forbes, the San Francisco Chronicle, and more. Her articles have been published in Marie Claire, Elle, Redbook, Cosmopolitan, and Woman's Day, among others. 

Join Steven James for a new episode of The Story Blender featuring Alice Hoffman. As one of our country's most distinguished novelist, Alice has written more than 30 novels, as well as short fiction that has appeared in more than 100 editions worldwide. Her newest novel THE INVISIBLE HOUR releases August 15. Listen as we chat about the importance of fairytales, the power of storytelling to not only capture imagination but shape (and change) lives, and the incredible depths storytelling can take us to.

Join me as a chat with Taylor Adams, the acclaimed novelist of the latest book title as we talk about the dynamics and mechanics of writing twists (while keeping them believable and also surprising) without cheating and while satisfying readers in the process. His book NO EXIT is a Hulu movie and has been published in 32 languages. If you're a writer, or you just love a good story and want to know why the twist works, check it out!

Alli Frank and Asha Youmans bring their very different cultural backgrounds and perspectives together to write in one seamless, cohesive voice, united in their belief that humor and fiction can inspire empathy and learning, and that exposure to diverse experiences can only enrich one's life.  Alli Frank and Asha Youmans share a passion for telling stories that bring a smile to your face and bridge the gaps that lay between us. Listen in as they share insights into writing, storytelling, their approach to collaborating together for their novels. Their latest book, The Better Half is available now. Give this episode a listen for insights and laughs.

Recently I met up with Grammy-award-winning storyteller and family entertainer Bill Harley. We chat about the importance of rehearsing stories, of finding your voice, how to connect with an audience, and how to tap into your own personal experiences for poignant (and often funny!) stories to tell. Give it a listen and check out Bill's storytelling at www.billharley.com.

Are you looking for exciting, adventurous stories for your kids or grandkids to read? Bryan Davis has written dozens of fantasy and science-fiction novels for teens and adults. His books feature unlikely heroes who must rise to the occasion using courage, hope, and tenacity. His books have sold over 700,000 copies and you'll love hearing his insights in how he got started, why he's not an outliner and the three novels he recommends everyone should read before they die…one of them for certain will surprise you! Give it a listen!

Megan Collins is the author of Thicker Than Water, The Family Plot, Behind the Red Door, and The Winter Sister. She taught creative writing for many years at both the high school and college level and is the managing editor of 3Elements Literary Review. She lives in Connecticut, where she obsesses over dogs, miniatures, and cake. Listen as she and Steven James discuss how as writers they love being surprised at their character's decisions, book recommendations and more.

Listen as Steven James chats with Wendy Walker, acclaimed author of new novel psychological thriller, What Remains. She talks about her journey as a writer, the importance of letting your characters deal believably with traumatic events. They discuss the psychological depth of characters, and giving them struggles readers can identify with.

On this week's episode of The Story Blender podcast, join me as I talk with Isabella Maldonado whose book "The Cipher" is based becoming a new Netflix series. Listen as we discuss the ins and outs of writing police procedurals and making them both believable and authentic and as well as original and thrilling. We also discuss her latest book, A Killer's Game.  #thestoryblender #isabellamaldonado #readstevenjames #thriller

Listen to an encouraging conversation with Nicole Baart as she shares the inside scoop on her latest novel, THE LONG WAY BACK. We also discus her writing process (it may surprise you) and who inspired her to pursue the writing life. We talked the difference between suspense and mystery, how to create concern and curiosity in the minds of your readers and letting your stories reflect the struggles and questions your'e wrestling with in your own life. Her book is available now. Don't miss this episode of The Story Blender #thestoryblender #nicolebaart #thelongwayback #readstevenjames

Listen in this week as I chat with critically- acclaimed novelist, Buzzy Jackson as we discuss her research about the incredible young woman featured in her new novel, To Die Beautiful. Buzzy shares insights for anyone interested in writing, or reading historical novels as she spent 7 years crafting this story. From the importance of creating memorable characters, to the powerful themes that inhabit fiction and impact us every day. Buzzy shares hard-earned insights into the writing process. Check it out!

Listen in to a powerful conversation with Tyler Merritt as we discuss the curse of being artistic, the importance of both passion and the pursuit of excellence, how Tyler fell in love with Bon Jovi, the power of telling (and listening to) stories, and the importance of viewing others as people of worth. Tyler is the author of I Take My Coffee Black and his videos have been viewed more than 100 million times.  Give it a listen!

David Corbett is the author of seven novels, which have been nominated for numerous awards, including the Edgar. His short fiction has twice been selected for Best American Mystery Stories, and a collaborative novel for which he contributed a chapter—Culprits—was adapted for TV by the producers of Killing Eve for Disney+ in the U.K. He's also written the writing guides The Art of Character and The Compass of Character, and is a monthly contributor to Writer Unboxed, an award-winning blog dedicated to the craft and business of fiction. www.davidcorbett.com

Meg Mitchell Moore released her debut novel, The Arrivals, in 2011 and her newest novel, her eighth, Summer Stage, releasing soon, is being called a “must-read” for the summer of 2023! (summer 2022), is her seventh. Before turning to fiction Meg worked as a freelance journalist for a variety of business and consumer magazines, where she often managed to pitch stories involving dogs. Before that she worked on the staff of a family of technology magazines. Meg received a B.A. from Providence College and a master's degree in English Literature from New York University. In 2012 Meg, her husband, their daughters moved from Massachusetts to northern California. Despite California's many charms, they lasted exactly one year and returned to the beautiful coastal town of Newburyport, Massachusetts, where their busy household now includes a golden retriever who is a certified therapy dog and three daughters who somehow turned into teenagers when nobody was looking. Setting is an important aspect of her stories.

Damyanti's Indian debut literary crime novel You Beneath Your Skin was an Amazon bestseller, and optioned for the screens by Endemol Shine.  Listen as Steven James interviews Indian author, Damyanti, Biswas, and they have an incisive conversation about writing, about the importance of both hubris and humility in the writing process, respecting your readers, trusting your characters, and being honest with your stories. Also, they talk traffic in Hyderabad India and capturing the essence and paradox of Mumbai for Damyanti's novel THE BLUE BAR, released January 2023. Check it out!  

My guest his week on The Story Blender Podcast is MP Woodward, a veteran of both US intelligence ops and the entertainment industry. As a naval intelligence officer with the US Pacific Command, he scripted scenario moves and countermoves for US war game exercises in the Middle East. In multiple deployments to the Persian Gulf and Far East, he worked alongside US Special Forces, CIA, and NSA. Most recently, Woodward led international distribution for Amazon Prime Video and launched Amazon original content in more than forty countries. His new book DEAD DROP will be released May 23! 

Bethany Jett is an author, as well as a literary agent and a book marketing expert. She co-founded Serious Writer, Inc. and recently completed an MFA in Communication. When she's not writing or speaking at events nationwide, she reads reads suspense-novel, manages a busty household with three boys and consults on teh business of writing. Listen as talk agenting, marketing, pitching your book, what agents look for, the important of opening pages, hooks and promises… if you've ever wanted to have a conversation with an agent and not had the chance, this is your opportunity to listen in as we discuss the craft of writing and secrets to getting agent to read—and love—what you'v written. Check it out!

What an interesting conversation I had with Elle Marr, the author of the new tense, thriller, THE FAMILY BONES. We discussed the ideas of psychology to develop characterization what makes a psychopath, a psychopath, and the most terrifying moment that I personally ever had writing one of my novels.

Don Bentley is the New York Times Bestselling author of the Matt Drake series  and two Tom Clancy Jack Ryan, Jr. novels. Don spent a decade as an Army Apache helicopter pilot, and while deployed in Afghanistan, was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and the Air Medal with “V” for valor.  Following his time in the military, Don worked as an FBI special agent focusing on foreign intelligence and counterintelligence and was a Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team member. Don lives with his family in Austin, Texas.