Podcasts about thrillerfest

Send us a textIn this episode of Authors Who Lead, I sit down with Brian Andrews and Jeffrey Wilson, the powerhouse writing duo behind the riveting thriller Dark Rising. Both veterans with storied pasts—Brian, a former submarine officer with business acumen, and Jeffrey, a trauma surgeon and Navy veteran—found common ground far from the battlefield: at a thriller writing conference.Their partnership, as Jeffrey jokes, was born of “stalking” at the International Thriller Writers' ThrillerFest, where their shared backgrounds and values—family, faith, and service—formed a natural foundation for creative collaboration. But it wasn't instant coauthoring. As Jeffrey explains, “Once we decided that we were gonna do this thing, we went into it knowing we're either gonna become better friends or destroy this friendship forever. Let's see." Thankfully, the outcome was a deeper bond and a writing team that has delivered years of explosive storytelling.Timestamp:00:00 Teamwork in writing: military ethos05:05 Balancing writing with distractions09:39 Inspiration cycles for writers13:14 Embracing pantser writing surprises14:23 Characters' voices shape the story17:11 Curiosity and predictability in writing21:46 Teaching writing to nonfiction leaders26:19 Embrace imperfection in writing27:52 Antagonist's two-week mission33:01 Balancing passion and obligations36:33 Supporting veterans in new ventures38:49 Principled characters in chaotic times40:43 Honoring unsung heroes through fictionFull show notesCOMMUNITY PROGRAMS

New York Times bestselling author TESS GERRITSEN returns to BOOKSTORM Podcast to discuss THE SUMMER GUESTS!We love this group of ex-spies who are trying to live a low-key life in Maine – I mean, who doesn't want to join the Martini Club and sample the antipasti!? We talk with Tess about all the fascinating aspects of this thriller, including the mentoring relationship between the town's top cop and this colorful group of retired spies, a character with writer's block who needs to confront his family's dark past, the natural setting for this story and how it highlights the ugliness of what people can do to one another. We discuss the tensions between the haves and the have-nots … the summer guests and the residents. We talk about living with the stigma of past trauma and so much more! Join us!You can find more of your favorite bestselling authors at BOOKSTORM Podcast! We're also on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube!

#1 New York Times bestselling author MARSHALL KARP joins BOOKSTORM Podcast to discuss his newest release Don't Tell Me How to Die! Love, betrayal, murder, revenge – we explore it all in our fantastic interview with Marshall. Have you ever thought about what would happen to your spouse if you died? Would you go to the extreme of choosing a replacement? We talk about generational trauma, including a fear a mother instills in her daughters. Is that what drives Maggie to want to control who her husband chooses to marry after Maggie is gone? Maggie's mother told her you're as “sick as your secrets.” Is that true? And what about that powerful force of shame? Does it lead to self-sabotage for some? Marshall shares incredible wisdom about a host of other subjects – we talk about birth order, writing to ourselves and our children, why he was willing to die on the hill of this book … and wait until you hear about his visit to a maximum security prison. We laughed and teared up during this incredible interview with a master storyteller – join us!You can find more of your favorite bestselling authors at BOOKSTORM Podcast! We're also on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube!

Award-winning author Lee Lindauer has a BS in Architectural Engineering and a MS in Civil Engineering and was a principal of a consulting structural engineering firm he founded in Western Colorado. He is a member of the International Thriller Writers, has appeared on author panels at ThrillerFest and has served as co-editor on the Big Thrill magazine. He and his wife Teri divide their time between Colorado and Nevada.

Marjorie (M.M.) DeLuca was born in England, studied at the University of London, then moved to Canada, where she studied Advanced Creative Writing with Pulitzer Prizewinner Dr. Carol Shields. She's the author of five self-published novels and four traditionally published historical and contemporary suspense novels: Amazon bestseller, THE PERFECT FAMILY MAN (Canelo 2021), Bookscan Top 100 bestseller, and Apple Books Top 100 bestseller, THE SECRET SISTER (Canelo 2021), critically acclaimed literary historical suspense, THE SAVAGE INSTINCT (Inkshares 2021). This book received starred reviews from Publishers' Weekly and Booklist as well as being one of Kate Quinn's monthly picks on Instagram. Her newest novel, THE NIGHT SIDE (psychological thriller), was published on December 5th 2023 by Severn House, a division of Canongate Books.She's appeared on author panels at Thrillerfest 2024, and Bouchercon 2024. She's also been featured on the following podcasts: The Thriller Zone, The Poisoned Pen Bookstore, Crime Writers Canada and Killing the Tea. When she's not writing, she's either traveling to get away from the snow in winter or golfing in the summer.Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/marjoriedelucawriterInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mmdelucaauthor/Blue Sky Handle: https://bsky.app/profile/mmdeluca.bsky.socialThreads Handle: @mmdelucaauthorWebsite: https://www.marjoriedeluca.com *****************About SinCSisters in Crime (SinC) was founded in 1986 to promote the ongoing advancement, recognition and professional development of women crime writers. Through advocacy, programming and leadership, SinC empowers and supports all crime writers regardless of genre or place on their career trajectory.www.SistersinCrime.orgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sincnational/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/sincnational.bsky.socialThreads: https://www.threads.net/@sincnationalFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/sistersincrimeTikTok:: https://www.tiktok.com/@sincnationalThe SinC Writers' Podcast is produced by Julian Crocamo

“Life's tragedies can light the way to our greatest stories.” — Barbara Nickless On this episode of Uncorking a Story, Mike Carlon welcomes Barbara Nickless, a #1 Amazon Charts and Wall Street Journal bestselling author whose journey into writing was shaped by a lifetime of adventure and an unshakable resilience. From cave rescues to falconry, Barbara's path to success is as captivating as her novels. She discusses how losing everything in the Waldo Canyon wildfire fueled her passion for storytelling and dives into her latest book, The Drowning Game, an espionage thriller set against the high-stakes world of superyachts and international intrigue. Key Topics: Resilience Through Tragedy: How the Waldo Canyon wildfire became a turning point in Barbara's writing journey. Crafting Complex Characters: Exploring Barbara's character-driven approach to thrillers and espionage stories. The Art of Research: From interviewing CIA experts to studying yacht culture, how Barbara brings authenticity to her work. The Journey to Publication: Barbara's whirlwind experience at ThrillerFest and the serendipitous meeting with her agent. Meditation and Creativity: How Barbara uses mindfulness to combat the pressures of writing under tight deadlines. The World of Espionage: Insights into Barbara's first foray into the spy genre with The Drowning Game. Life Lessons and Detours: Why taking time to live and learn has shaped Barbara's storytelling. Buy The Drowning Game: Amazon: https://amzn.to/40XZDfy Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/54587/9781662510014 Connect with Barbara Website: ​​https://barbaranickless.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barbara.nickless/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barbarannickless LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbara-nickless-81674a50/ Connect with Mike Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSvS4fuG3L1JMZeOyHvfk_g Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncorkingastory/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uncorkingastory Twitter: https://twitter.com/uncorkingastory Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uncorkingastory LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uncorking-a-story/ If you like this episode, please share it with a friend. If you have not done so already, please rate and review Uncorking a Story on Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. #UncorkingAStory #BarbaraNickless #TheDrowningGame #EspionageThriller #ThrillerBooks #WritingJourney #CreativeResilience #StorytellingCraft #BookLaunch #CharacterDrivenStories Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

L.K. Bowen's debut novel FOR WORSE was named a "Best Debut Novel" by CrimeReads and follows a wife who is diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa-a diagnoses that author Bowen also has received-and must survive at the hand of her abusive husband while simultaneously learning how to support herself on her own as she quickly loses her vision. Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a degenerative eye disease that affects over 2 million people worldwide, slowly causing people to lose their vision over time until they become fully blind. With Pulitzer Prize finalists such as The Country of the Blind by Andrew Leland putting focus on their life with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and celebrities such as Jake Gyllenhaal opening up about legal blindness, there is no better time to champion books by authors and featuring characters who have disabilities as we look ahead to Disability Pride Month (July). Bowen's journey has been a long one: one full of introspection, resilience, and hope. This is a journey that echoes throughout the pages of her debut, with the added intrigue of a psychological thriller reminiscent of Audrey Hepburn's Wait Until Dark. Bowen wrote an emotionally wrought, yet hopeful essay for The Nerd Daily about her diagnosis, and recently appeared on a panel at ThrillerFest to discuss her debut novel and her work with RP. Compelled to bring light to her disease, Bowen became dedicated to putting a character like herself at the center of her novel, hoping her story (though fictional in many aspects) would reach people worldwide.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/arroe-collins-unplugged-totally-uncut--994165/support.

L.K. Bowen's debut novel FOR WORSE was named a "Best Debut Novel" by CrimeReads and follows a wife who is diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa-a diagnoses that author Bowen also has received-and must survive at the hand of her abusive husband while simultaneously learning how to support herself on her own as she quickly loses her vision. Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a degenerative eye disease that affects over 2 million people worldwide, slowly causing people to lose their vision over time until they become fully blind. With Pulitzer Prize finalists such as The Country of the Blind by Andrew Leland putting focus on their life with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and celebrities such as Jake Gyllenhaal opening up about legal blindness, there is no better time to champion books by authors and featuring characters who have disabilities as we look ahead to Disability Pride Month (July). Bowen's journey has been a long one: one full of introspection, resilience, and hope. This is a journey that echoes throughout the pages of her debut, with the added intrigue of a psychological thriller reminiscent of Audrey Hepburn's Wait Until Dark. Bowen wrote an emotionally wrought, yet hopeful essay for The Nerd Daily about her diagnosis, and recently appeared on a panel at ThrillerFest to discuss her debut novel and her work with RP. Compelled to bring light to her disease, Bowen became dedicated to putting a character like herself at the center of her novel, hoping her story (though fictional in many aspects) would reach people worldwide.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/arroe-collins-like-it-s-live--4113802/support.

Welcome everyone to today's show where I will be chatting with bestselling author and publicist, Deborah Levison.  Her bestselling first book, THE CRATE, won seven literary awards. Reviewers described it as "heart-wrenching," "harrowing," "lyrical," and "a brilliant story." Jerusalem Post said: "Exquisite. Lee Child, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the JACK REACHER Series said, “THE CRATE is an impressive and important piece of work."Please enjoy this wide-ranging conversation that takes us to ThrillerFest, her writing, a murder that rocked her family to the core, and her experience as a child of holocaust survivors. In today's episode we discuss:·      Debbie takes us on a guided tour of ThrillerFest.·      Her award winning and bestselling book, The Crate! ·      How she writes with such detail pulling her audience into the experience.·      The heartbreaking family tree story of her youth.·      Growing up as a child of immigrants and not fitting into her new culture.·      The growing antisemitic rhetoric that is gaining steam.·      Her writing process and her newest project.·      The Crime Trio!Please visit Deborah Levison's website to learn more about her and her books.Check out the new Cops and Writers YouTube channel!Check out Field Training (Brew City Blues Book 1)!!Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series.Please visit the Cops and Writers website. The Breakfast Jury by Ken Humphrey. Pick it up today at http://kenhumphrey.comSupport the Show.

This week, Olivia Day Wallace and Lori Brand join the podcast and tell me all about their experiences at ThrillerFest!  They share their most memorable moments, their favorite panels and new books that grabbed their attention.Books We Talked AboutThe DenSuch a Bad InfluenceA Friend in the DarkThe Drowning WomanSyndicate SpyFor WorseSing Her Down

On today's 183rd episode of The Thriller Zone we've a special treat. If you're a fan of Thriller & Crime Fiction, then you've no doubt heard of The Real Book Spy. Well, today we sit down with Ryan Steck to discuss his latest thriller OUT FOR BLOOD.This latest entry picks up where the last Matthew Redd thriller left off…with one exception. Redd's danger is deeper. And the read is not only longer, but richer in scope. Yeah, it's a good one! On today's show Ryan and I discuss a whole plethora of items like OUT FOR BLOOD, plus his first two thrillers, you'll also hear Ryan and I discuss a few things about New York Times Bestselling Author Jack Carr. We discuss in depth the process of writing substantial thrillers, learn about Ryan's home life which involves no less than 11 mouths to feed, we cover a bit of Thrillerfest, and we hear about how Ryan got his start as The Real Book Spy. All is all, it's a fully-packed hour of all things Thriller Fiction, with Real Book Spy Ryan Steck.Learn more about Ryan and his Real Book Spy World at RyanSteck.comLast thing before I sign off: A reminder that this is our Anniversary Month, and how we're excited to also welcome New York Times Bestselling Author MEG GARDINER on June 10th, where we'll cover her latest in the UNSUB Series, SHADOWHEART!Then, the following week, the 17th to be exact, I'll let you in on a closely held secret. Recall my very first guest…the person who took a chance talking to a then-yet-mostly-unknown podcast host of a little-startup pod called The Thriller Zone? If not, it was May Cobb. Well, she's promised to return to celebrate our THREE YEAR ANNIVERSARY, as we discuss her latest thriller THE HOLLYWOOD ASSISTANT. So, do yourself a favor, and add Meg Gardiner's book SHADOWHEART and May Cobb's HOLLYWOOD ASSISTANT to your Summer Reading lists, as you'll want to devour both of them.Join us again soon for another exciting edition of TheThrillerZone.com … Your Front Row Seat to the Best Thriller Writers in the World.

Book Besties Season 6, Episode 12: Liv Constantine & The Senator's WifeThis Week the Besties are joined by very special Guests writing duo Liv Constantine. Join them as they talk about the writing process, how two people can have the same idea and run with it, and book twists you don't see coming. Things talked about in this episode:Liv Constantine: https://livconstantine.com/L.C. Shaw: http://lcshawauthor.com/Illuminae: https://rss.com/podcasts/bookbesties/802477/ThrillerFest: https://thrillerfest.com/ Meet Molly and April, they bonded over books and became Book Besties. So, what do you do when you find your book bestie? Start a podcast of course. Hang out with April and Molly as they talk about everything they love and hate about books.

Whenever I see a writer on social media incessantly talking about their own work, their own book, and their own launch, the thing that comes to mind is this: “They're not being a good literary citizen.” Being a good literary citizen is, among other things, showing up for the community you are a part of, uplifting other writers, and doing what you can to make sure that all voices are heard. We often think that the time to help others is after you've made it, but in this episode I'm talking to a writer who is doing this in a big way before she herself has made it into the spotlight. For years she has volunteered at the Thrillerfest conference – and this year, she was asked to become a paid co-director of the event. I think you'll find her story inspiring.Links from the Pod:ThrillerfestSamantha Skal, Book CoachTessa Wegert's Shana Merchant series starts with Death in the FamilyDuring the pandemic, there was an explosion of people who wanted to write memoir, and many of those writers are now struggling to make sense of their drafts and figure out how to approach the marketplace. It's a great time to be a book coach who specializes in memoir, and in March 2024, Author Accelerator is launching a certification course to give memoir coaches the skills, tools, and experience to meet writers where they are.Our year-long program is robust and intense. I'm inviting any listeners of this show who are interested in our coaching program to sign up for a one-on-one session with me to strategize about whether or not this course is right for you. Just go to bookcoaches.com/amwriting to sign up for a time that works for you. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

From the moment I read my first Patrick Bowers novel, I've been a huge fan of Steven James' books. Then I met him at ThrillerFest. Since then we've interacted through ACFW and other organizations, and I've come to admire Steven as a master writer and teacher of writing. That's why I'm excited to introduce you to Steven in this episode of Book Talk. In his latest novel, Broker of Lies, Steven has created a hero who isn't an action hero. Unlike Patrick Bowers, who is a profiler in the FBI, Travis Brock is an attorney who is a redactor of FOIA requests for the Pentagon. In Fatal Domain, Brock and the rest of the Red Team are back and on a hunt that leads Travis deeper into a collision with his past. One of the things I love about Steven's books is the way they twist and turn, and this one is no exception. He's showing us what might be possible with tech and taking us to a place where we might feel uncomfortable. In this episode, Steven and I talk about the books, but we also talk about his writing process. For Steven, it's always about the characters first and then the story emerges as he writes. He calls story a collision of desires. What is pursued? and What setbacks and desires occur along the way? What would make an honest response for the character in that situation? I also love how Steven talks about wanting the climax to be a moment where he has written himself into a corner and has to find a way out. He wants to play to readers' expectations and then twist them. These are just a few of the techniques Steven shares with us in this chapter of Book Talk with Cara. I can't wait to hear what you think and if you've read any of his books. Connect with Steven James Facebook | Twitter

Welcome to Episode 26 of Thrillers by the Bookclub Podcast! Join your hosts Chelsea and Olivia as we talk about the latest in thrillers including shout outs for Pub Day and a deep dive into two books we love. Chelsea's Book: THE VILLA by Rachel Hawkins (available now!) - Similar Suggestions: Nice Girls by Catherine Dang, We Were Never Here by Andrea Bartz, Her Dark Lies by JT Ellison Olivia's Book: I DIDN'T DO IT by Jaime Lynn Hendricks (out 5.23.23!) - Similar Suggestions: And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie, It Could be Anyone by Jaime Lynn Hendricks Christianna's Book: COLD DECIET by Toni Anderson (available now!) - Similar Suggestions: Other books in the Cold Justice series, Concrete Evidence by Rachel Grant, the Killer Instinct series by Cynthia Eden Jeff's Book: DROWNING by T. J. Newman (out 5.30.23!) - Similar Suggestions: 70s disaster movies (Towering Inferno), Falling by T. J. Newman Contact Us! Email: thrillersbythebookclubpod@gmail.com Instagram: Chelsea: ⁠⁠@thrillerbookbabe⁠⁠   Olivia: ⁠⁠@oliviadaywrites⁠⁠     ITW: ⁠⁠⁠@internationalthrillerwriters Happy Pub Day! A CRUEL LIGHT by Cyndi MacMillan BEFORE WE WERE INNOCENT by Ella Berman THE SOULMATE by Sally Hepworth YOU SHOULD HAVE KNOWN by Rebecca Keller AFTER HE'S GONE by Katherine Bolger Hyde DIRTY LAUNDRY by Disha Bose Other Entertainment Mentioned: (Twitter)  https://twitter.com/MPaloozaNxt2Die

Gretchen Stelter is a freelance book editor & writer from Madison, Wisconsin. She was diagnosed with breast cancer at 39. She has volunteered with Girls, Inc. for nine years and co-chaired the Safety & Security Committee for ThrillerFest, which is a conference for thriller writers. In this episode, Gretchen reads her piece “Let Me Hear Your Body Talk” from the Wildfire book, “Igniting the Fire Within” and which was originally published in our 2022 “Cancer Culture” issue. Gretchen's essay is about the ways we share our body by choice - or not. April and Gretchen will discuss the ways our bodies are objectified sexually and medically, reconciling receiving unwanted body attention pre-cancer to becoming invisible sometimes after a cancer diagnosis, and the loneliness that can come with breast cancer both inside and outside the cancer community. They will also talk about choosing when to step out of the cancer closet and the possibility of when sharing can backfire. More about Gretchen: https://twitter.com/editorStethttps://www.instagram.com/editorstet/https://www.facebook.com/GretchenSWriterEditor/https://www.gretchenstelter.com/Purchase a copy of the “Cancer Culture” issue of Wildfire Magazine: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shop/printcc22Get the free Wildfire email newsletter: https://www.wildfirecommunity.orgLearn about Wildfire writing workshops: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/workshopsShop Wildfire merch & more: https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/shopSend your voice recording testimonial to editor@wildfirecommunity.org*Free* The Burn Writing Companion: Guided Prompt Journal (Vol. 1): https://www.wildfirecommunity.org/the-burnBuy the Wildfire book “Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor, Inside Today's Young Breast Cancer Community”: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVJ629F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860

On today's 98th episode of The Thriller Zone, we welcome New York Times Bestselling Author, Riley Sager. Riley is the mastermind behind The House Across The Lake, a thriller with "A Hitchcockian premise that is given an exciting new spin," according to NYT Bestselling author, Alex Michaelides, author of The Silent Patient. On today's show, Riley and I dig deep into what makes a thriller such a page-turner, and--without giving away any secrets--discuss some of the tricks to crafting a novel people will talk about for months after its release. I met Riley at Thrillerfest in New York, where I heard him speak on a panel of authors. He gave solid advice to that crowd, and he shares even more solid advice on today's podcast. My favorite moment comes when Riley shares the nearly fantastical and thoroughly random story of how Stephen King came to read this book, and turn around to write a blurb that Riley says, "literally changed my life overnight." To learn more, visit: https://RileySagerBooks.com (RileySagerBooks.com), and follow him on Twitter @riley_sager. As always, I invite you to join this podcast wherever you enjoy listening to your favorite podcasts, or at https://TheThrillerZone.com (TheThrillerZone.com), and we always appreciate listeners/viewers who SUBSCRIBE to our https://YouTube.com/TheThrillerZone (YouTube.com/TheThrillerZone) Channel. Until next time, keep reading! David Temple, host of TheThrillerZone.com Mentioned in this episode: Warwicks - Meg Gardiner - 081122 Warwick's is one of America's oldest family owned & operated bookstores, and as author Meg Gardiner and I can attest, it's one of the very best & most enjoyable shopping experiences you can have, either in-person or online at Warwicks.com AB-Do Like Me-082522 There was a time when I built my own website. Yeah, that worked out really well. Until it didn't. Talking about hassles. Listen, don't do like the "old me" do like the "new me" and hire AuthorBytes.com for your new website.

What can I say about a gal who is one of the best thriller writers in the world today? I'll tell you: She's done it again. Topped herself, that is. On today's 84th Episode of The Thriller Zone, Meg Gardiner has teamed up with the legendary filmmaker Michael Mann to craft an epic saga that is part prequel, part sequel, and incorporates references to the original Heat, making it one helluva second effort, while standing strong as a stand-alone. You no doubt know Mann's work in Blackhat, Miami Vice, Collateral, Ali, The Insider, HEAT, The Last of the Mohicans, and Thief, to name a few. Meg and I met a few years ago when she was signing books at Warwick's bookstore in La Jolla. She appeared with Don Winslow. I saw her again at Thrillerfest 2019, and along the way, she's appeared on both of my podcasts, The Thriller Zone, and the former Naked Monday. Each time she sits down behind the microphone with me, I sit in wonder at the depth of her amazing talent. And I should mention that I first discovered he work by reading her Caitlin Hendricks UNSUB series, but soon went back and read much of her earlier work. Suffice it to say that if you love page-turning thrillers that educate and enlighten, while scaring the crap out of you, you MUST read Meg Gardiner. On today's show we discuss a good many things: her home fire, her UNSUB Series, writing conferences and more. She shares terrific insights through her writing advice, and we share more than several good laughs. I hope you enjoy the show today; it's soon to be a favorite. Furthermore, I trust you'll read HEAT 2, a truly electrifying novel that'll keep you glued to your seat...or in my case, to my hammock (a favorite reading spot). To learn more about Meg, visit: https://MegGardiner.com (MegGardiner.com), and follow her on Twitter @meggardiner1. As always, please follow us on both Twitter & Instagram @thethrillerzone, and visit our website at https://TheThrillerZone.com (TheThrillerZone.com). Thanks for listening, for watching, for subscribing, and for sharing with your friends. I've got to get back to reading and recording. I'll see you next time on another edition of The Thriller Zone! -David, https://bio.link/davidtemple (bio.link/davidtemple)

Cathi and Christie continue their conversation about their experiences in NYC at ThrillerFest 2022. 

On today's show, I'm honored to bring back Retired F.B.I Special Agent Jerri Williams!  Jerri was my guest way back on April 11, 2021, episode #11, which is still one of the most popular episodes to date! Jerri Williams served 26 years as a Special Agent with the FBI. During her FBI career, Jerri investigated many crimes, including bank robberies, and later she specialized in cases targeting major economic crime and corruption. Her investigation of a $350 million Ponzi scheme perpetrated against unsuspecting nonprofit organizations, high-profiled philanthropists, and beneficiary donors resulted in a 12-year prison sentence and multiple forfeitures. Toward the end of her federal law enforcement career, Jerri was appointed as the spokesperson for the Philadelphia Division of the FBI, taking on the responsibility of educating and informing the media and public about the Bureau.On today's show, Jerri does a thorough analysis of Thrillerfest, podcasting, and her author career.  In today's episode, we discuss:·      Jerri's fiction and nonfiction books.·      Her wildly successful podcast, F.B.I. Retried Case File Review, and her advice to new podcasters.·      What Thrillerfest is and who attends it.·      How Thrillerfest has changed her career.·      Her experience giving a class and being on a panel with bestselling authors.·      The costs of attending Thrillerfest.·      The stigma that was attached to being an indie author and how that is changing.·      Hoping that Jerri attends 20books Vegas.·      The exciting projects Jerri is involved with. All of this and more on today's episode of the Cops and Writers podcast.Check out Jerri's website, which has links to her books, podcast, and much more!Listen to episode #11 of the Cops and Writers Podcast with Jerri as my guest!Enjoy the Cops and Writer's book series.Please visit the Cops and Writers website.If you have a question for the sarge, hit him up at his email.Come join the fun at the Cops and Writers Facebook groupModem MischiefTrue stories from the digital underground.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Killin Missin HiddenThe podcast about bad things! Hosted by a former criminal defense trial attorney,...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the show

Christie and Cathi share their favorite parts of day one at ThrillerFest 2022 in NYC. Along with the panels for the day, they also discuss ConsultFest. To be continued in Part Two.

Today's 72nd episode of The Thriller Zone welcomes debut author Steve Stratton to the podcast. With an illustrious and varied career, which includes working at The White House alongside both Presidents Ford and Carter, as well as working inside The Secret Service, Steve brings authenticity to his debut work in "Shadow Tier." On today's show, we begin by catching up after having spent time together in New York at this year's Thrillerfest. Steve walked away with terrific education, solid contacts, and strong input from some power agents. We also discuss the craft of writing, the business of publishing, and what it takes to survive in the author landscape. I'm happy Steve has agreed to be a part of our Discovering New Author Series, and I think he's got a terrific career ahead of him. To learn more, visit: SteveStrattonUSA.com, and follow him on Twitter @strattonbooks and on Instagram @stevestrattonusa. And as always, THANK YOU for listening to and supporting The Thriller Zone podcast. Follow us at: TheThrillerZone.com, on YouTube at YouTube.com/TheThrillerZone and on both Twitter & Instagram @thethrillerzone. Finally, be sure to join us next week as we celebrate with a ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY SPECTACULAR!

On today's 71st episode of TheThrillerZone, I'm honored to welcome back the multi-talented author of not only the Tom Clancy thriller #ZeroHour, but the #MattDrakeSeries of thrillers: Don Bentley. Yes, Don joins The TZ for a healthy round of information dispersal, intriguing conversation about the military, epic thrillers, the Tom Clancy legacy, his masterful editor Tom Colgan, and so much more. Sure, we cover his Matt Drake Series, which includes: #WithoutSanction, #TheOutsideMan, and #HostileIntent, but we also drill into his Tom Clancy thrillers, #TargetAcquired and his latest, #ZeroHour. We also talk writing tools, ball-caps vs. Stetsons, Cowboy boots, ribs 'n beer, guns 'n knives, helicopters and vacation spots. That's right, you can't get this sort of entertainment just ANYwhere! Don also sheds some healthy insights and pearls of wisdom about what it takes to make it as a successful writer today. "You have to know and respect the business," Don says. "Because if you don't give the audience what they want, you'll have a tough time selling your books." When Don quotes the world-famous Stephen King, and shares King's take on "the blue collar part and the magic part" of successful writing, well I, along with most all my friends whom are writers, perked up and listened to the promo on Twitter that provided a sneak peek into what was to come on today's show. Bentley was premiered on my show last August ('21), and I'm thrilled to have him back. Side note, THIS Don Bentley has seasoned and grown wiser with age (and page count), and I for one just lapped up his words-of-wisdom; as I'm sure you will too. Kick back and enjoy our talk about #ThrillerFest and the magic of #writingcommunity and attending #writingconferences, as well as practices you can incorporate into your work every day. Lastly, we do our fair amount of name dropping; not to impress you, but to simply share some of the insights of those whom have led the way. They include: Mark Greaney, Nick Petrie, Don Winslow, Brad Taylor, Andrews & Wilson, Chris Hauty, Eric Bishop & Steve Stratton, to name a few. If you'd like to dig deeper, and perhaps pick up one (or more) of Don's books, go to: https://DonBentleyBooks.com (DonBentleyBooks.com), and be sure to FOLLOW him on both Twitter & Facebook @bentleydonb. And as always, I thank you for listening to our podcast on https://TheThrillerZone.com (TheThrillerZone.com), or any and all the places you enjoy your podcasts. Follow us on Twitter & Instagram @thethrillerzone, and of course subscribe to our YouTube Channel at https://YouTube.com/c/TheThrillerZone/videos (YouTube.com/TheThrillerZone). Thanks for listening. Thanks for subscribing. And thanks for being such a terrific audience who supports those of us who love podcasting. I'm David Temple your host, and I'll see you next time for another episode of The Thriller Zone!

Shawn and Lane chat about her new book The Collector, the first in The Big Picture trilogy, art heists, the art of leaving clues, how long it takes to drink a beer, cheap dates, and upcoming author events. Recorded live from ThrillerFest in New York City!

Jeff Ayers has been a freelance writer and reviewer since 1999. He has reviewed for Library Journal, where he is a former Fiction Reviewer of the Year, for Booklist, and for The Associated Press. Jeff recently retired from his reference librarian position after almost 30 years after interviewing hundreds of authors in print, audio, and video, including James Patterson, Harlan Coben, and Dan Brown. In addition to this and moderating panels at BookExpo America, ThrillerFest, and various other conferences, he has published several titles in both fiction and nonfiction, including Voyages of Imagination: The Star Trek Fiction Companion, where he covered over 550 novels and interviewed over 350 people, including William Shatner. He currently has several manuscripts out for submission and is under contract for a nonfiction book for Grand Central Publishing. Jeff is a Co-Executive Director of ThrillerFest, the annual conference for the International Thriller Writers.

On today's 41st episode of The Thriller Zone, join Podcast Host David Temple as thriller writer Nick Kolakowski joins the show. His book #Love&Bullets has been called "Visceral & Vivacious" by author S.A. Cosby...with "Take-No-Prisoners Prose" says author Frank Bill. Love & Bullets: Megabomb Edition is chock full of slick, seedy characters, and a racing plot that'll keep you anxious, nervous and laughing all at the same time, while turning pages as you race to the end. Join us as we chat: #murder @mayhem #violence #romance #revenge #NewYorkCity #PulpNoir #heroes and #heroines and #ThrillerFest  TO LEARN MORE: http://NickKolakowski.com (NickKolakowski.com)  Twitter: @nkolakowski  Instagram: nickkolakowski TheThrillerZone.com

This episode is part of the Happy Campers Interview series. Since April 2020, Nicole Rivera has been hosting an online writing community intensive called the Happy Campers Club. Now Nicole is writing the Stop Writing Alone book about all of her experience with writing community, and wanted to the perspective from the members in the club. This is one interview toward that end.   Audrea Martin is a cozy mystery writer getting ready to release her debut novel Blue Blue Christmas. In this episode she discusses how she fell in love with cozy mystery, strove to find herself in the genre and then worked to create the stories she craved. She shares her experiences within writing community, in writing conferences, and her love of books on the craft that she has turned into a new venture with Amy Strong on their YouTube channel The Write Crowd.    Mentioned in this episode:   Audrea Martin's  Website https://audreajackmartin.com/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/soveryaud/  YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpr-7kh4ySX7AQ3Y5WQNFVQ/featured  Clubhouse @soveryaud Communities mentioned  Crime Writers of Color https://www.crimewritersofcolor.com/ Sisters in Crime https://www.sistersincrime.org/  Conventions mentioned 20 Books To 50K  https://www.facebook.com/groups/20Booksto50k/about/  Bouchercon https://www.bouchercon.com/ Thrillerfest https://thrillerfest.com/ Writers Police Academy https://writerspoliceacademy.online/  Books mentioneed Jane Cleland MASTERING SUSPENSE https://bookshop.org/a/10928/9781599639673 Sara Rosette HOW TO OUTLINE A COZY MYSTERY https://bookshop.org/a/10928/9780998843155  Nina Harrington https://ninaharrington.com/the-prolific-author/ STORY HOARDER Substack (The new home for Nicole's writing): https://storyhoarder.substack.com Music for coffee break from freesound by lemoncreme https://freesound.org/people/Lemoncreme/sounds/186942/  Stop Writing Alone FB group https://www.facebook.com/groups/2205774733034348/ Stop Writing Alone Bookshop https://bookshop.org/shop/Stopwritingalone  NV Rivera YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpPlp1EVzQhDFPdGp5w2KoQ?view_as=subscriber  Stay connected to learn about all Stop Writing Alone stuff -- get on Nicole's email list: https://mailchi.mp/ff8df93e57dc/penpals  Buy Nicole a coffee (AKA support the podcast!) https://ko-fi.com/stopwritingalone   Places to connect to the STOP WRITING ALONE community and introduce yourself: Stop Writing Alone FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/stopwritingalone/ Join the Stop Writing Alone with Nicole Rivera FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2205774733034348/ Stop Writing Alone website: https://stopwritingalone.com/ Join the Stop Writing Alone email list: https://mailchi.mp/ff8df93e57dc/penpals  Stop Writing Alone Instagram account https://www.instagram.com/stopwritingalone/  Nicole's Twitter: https://twitter.com/nv_rivera  The Stop Writing Alone voice number (call to introduce yourself!): (646) 907-9607    When you find a group of people who lift you up on a daily basis, it is important to share their awesome. Here are links to the women in Nicole's Mastermind group (currently going by the name The Voxer Vixens!). Please support these women who do so much to support Nicole on a daily basis! Kim A. Flodin https://www.kelekilove.com/  Lisa Murray https://ihavedreamsdammit.com/ Claire Oldham West https://slimmingstories.podbean.com/ Johanna Jaquez-Peralta https://www.instagram.com/latina_livin_keto/ Emma Isaacs https://www.instagram.com/emmaisaacsdesign/   

Mark interviews Deborah Levison, a multi award-winning author, freelance writer, publicist and the author of THE CRATE: A Story of War, a Murder, and Justice - a true crime story with echoes of the Holocaust. Prior to the interview, Mark reads comments from recent episodes, shares a personal update, and talks about this episode's sponsor. This episode is sponsored by Findaway Voices. You can learn more about how you can get your work distributed to retailers and library systems around the world at starkreflections.ca/Findaway.   During their conversation, Mark and Debbie talk about: How much of a bookworm Debbie was from an early age, and that she'd always dreamed of being an author One of the earliest essays she had to write for school about her, her mother, and her grandmother going to visit the bears at dusk at the local garbage dump Debbie's lonely childhood growing up spending summers in the Muskoka region of Ontario, and how that helped fuel her imagination and love of fictional characters from books Her work as a professional writer (a journalist, publicist, etc) Debbie's true crime book, The Crate, which was about a very grizzly and gruesome crime that personally impacted her family Family history that includes paralleling evil from the past (Debbie's parents being Holocaust survivors) with evil in the present The surreal 2010 life-changing phone call Debbie received from her brother informing her about this crate he discovered hidden under the crawl space of their family cottage The challenge and experience of reaching out to the victim's mother and sister and learning about who she was -- which was the focus of the second half of the book How the media painted the situation in a very "blame the victim" manner The "memoir" elements in the structure of this book The process of pitching the book, and the first agent she'd reached out to who graciously spent time and energy helping Debbie make the book better for her pitch, and then recommended her to another agent How Canadian publishers are heavily subsidized by the Canadian government, which led to them passing on Debbie's book because she was no longer a Canadian resident (those publishers only get grant money when they publish books from Canadian authors) The third agent Debbie worked with who found a publisher in Colorado that worked quickly to get the book out The cover promotional blurbs Debbie got from Lee Child and James Rollins after connecting at ThrillerFest in New York Some of the logistics about the research and writing of this book The numerous live events she has done talking about The Crate, and what Debbie is working on now   Links of Interest: Deborah Levison's Website Episode 206 - No One Will Believe In You More Than You, with Steena Holmes Episode 204 - Overcoming Self Doubt with Tessa Smith McGovern Episode 203 - A Rant on Unprofessional Author Behavior Episode 191 - Insights from the Immersive Media & Books 2020 Consumer Survey The Relaxed Author Publishing Pitfalls for Authors Patreon for Stark Reflections An Author's Guide to Working with Libraries & Bookstores Wide for the Win Mark's Canadian Werewolf Books This Time Around (Short Story) A Canadian Werewolf in New York Stowe Away (Novella) Fear and Longing in Los Angeles Fright Nights, Big City   The introductory, end, and bumper music for this podcast (“Laser Groove”) was composed and produced by Kevin MacLeod of www.incompetech.com and is Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0

British Thriller Novelist & Screenwriter, Adam Hamdy, knows more than a thing or two about conspiracy. As author of the Pendulum Series, and his latest, Black 13—the Scott Pearce series, Adam is also co-writer of Private Moscow & Private Rogue, alongside James Patterson. Besides author, Adam is also on the board of both https://thrillerwriters.org/ (International Thriller Writers) (home of Thrillerfest), and is co-founder of https://www.capitalcrime.org/ (Capital Crime). You'll quickly see that Adam is a creative we are sure to read for years to come. Join me in this hour+ of adventurous storytelling and author insights. To learn more about Adam , visit his website: https://AdamHamdy.com (AdamHamdy.com), and follow him on Twitter @adamhamdy. On his website, you can read about and purchase his thriller, BLACK 13, the first in the Scott Pearce Series; a TOP 20 Kindle & International Bestseller. His sequel, RED WOLVES, will release soon. Follow Adam and learn of his plans for three exciting new releases that include: Private Bejing with James Patterson; White Fire, a Scott Pearce sequel, and a speculative fiction novel entitled, The Other Side of Night. Be sure to keep listening in order to hear: (a) Adam's 3-step process for writing thrillers, (b) his take on “finding...then losing your writing voice,” and (c) what it's like to live on the edge as a rock climber. Adam provides a fascinating listen and I trust you'll enjoy it. Learn more at: https://DavidTempleBooks.com (DavidTempleBooks.com)

I first met thriller author K.J. Howe at the 2019 #Thrillerfest conference in New York City. I found her to be a delightful woman, always willing to help writers be the best they can be. I had her on my other podcast, Naked Monday, but the interview was so good, I wanted to introduce her to my Thriller Zone audience. So, excuse the mid-pandemic comments (12/20), and enjoy the gold nuggets she shares with us. To buy her book and learn more about her, please visit: http://kjhowe.com/ (KJHOWE.com).

In this redux episode, Cathi and Christie go to ThrillerFest in New York City to interview as many authors as they can! They interviewed K.J. Howe, David Albertyn, Cate Holahan, and Elizabeth Wilkerson. Wines are Nine Lives Reserve Sauvignon Blanc and Love Noir Pinot Noir. ThrillerFest 2021 starts next week and there is still time to sign up for this virtual conference!

On today's show, we are going back to Canada! My special guest is a best-selling author and former Constable, Simon Gervais (Retired) of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Simon's first posting was in Toronto, where he served as a drug investigator. During this time, he worked on many international drug-related cases in close collaboration with his American colleagues from the DEA. However, in 2004, his career switched gears and he was placed with a federal anti-terrorism unit based in the Ottawa Region. During the following years, he was deployed in numerous European and Middle Eastern countries. In 2009, he became a close-protection specialist tasked with guarding foreign heads of state visiting Canada. Among many others, he served on the protection details of Queen Elizabeth II, US President Barack Obama, and other dignitaries.We also discuss his writing methods and his transition from being a cop to being a full-time writer and a New York Times and Amazon bestselling author.Simon is the author of Hunt Them Down (January 2019), Trained To Hunt (September 2019), and Time To Hunt (November 2020). His new thriller The Last Protector will be published in November 2021. Simon also wrote the Mike Walton series: The Thin Black Line(2015), A Red Dotted Line (2016), and A Thick Crimson Line (2018).Go visit Simon's website where you will find all of his books and social media links. Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series.Please visit the Cops and Writers website.If you have a question for the sarge, hit him up at his email.Come join the fun at the Cops and Writers Facebook groupGo back to episode #3 of the Cops and Writers podcast with Constable Forest Macek of the Royal Canadian Mounted PoliceSupport the show (https://patreon.com/copsandwriters)

The Last Tea Bowl Thief by Jonelle PatrickFor three hundred years, a stolen relic passes from one fortune-seeker to the next, indelibly altering the lives of those who possess it.In modern-day Tokyo, Robin Swann’s life has sputtered to a stop. She’s stuck in a dead-end job testing antiquities for an auction house, but her true love is poetry, not pottery. Her stalled dissertation sits on her laptop, unopened in months, and she has no one to confide in but her goldfish.On the other side of town, Nori Okuda sells rice bowls and tea cups to Tokyo restaurants, as her family has done for generations. But with her grandmother in the hospital, the family business is foundering. Nori knows if her luck doesn’t change soon, she’ll lose what little she has left.With nothing in common, Nori and Robin suddenly find their futures inextricably linked to an ancient, elusive tea bowl. Glimpses of the past set the stage as they hunt for the lost masterpiece, uncovering long-buried secrets in their wake. As they get closer to the truth—and the tea bowl—the women must choose between seizing their dreams or righting the terrible wrong that has poisoned its legacy for centuries.Jonelle Patrick is the author of five novels set in Japan, and has been writing about Japanese culture and travel since she first moved to Tokyo in 2003. In addition to The Last Tea Bowl Thief and the Only In Tokyo mystery series, she produces the monthly newsletter Japanagram, and blogs at Only In Japan and on her travel site, The Tokyo Guide I Wish I’d Had.She also teaches at writing workshops, appears as a panelist at Thrillerfest, and was the keynote speaker at the Arrow Rock Writing Workshop.She’s a graduate of Stanford University and the Sendagaya Japanese Language Institute, she’s also a member of the Mystery Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, and Sisters in Crime. She divides her time between Tokyo and San Francisco.Author website: https://jonellepatrick.comOnly In Japan blog: http://jonellepatrick.meMonthly newsletter: https://japanagram.meFacebook: JonellePatrickAuthorTwitter: @jonellepatrickInstagram: @jonellepatrick

The ninth episode of CROSS EXAMINATION, a new podcast and video talk show hosted by international bestselling author Ethan Cross. Today, Ethan welcomes special guest Simon Gervais (simongervaisbooks.com)... Ethan and Simon discuss meeting each other at ThrillerFest, Simon's background as a former federal agent, his next book release, writing advice, and so much more.

The first time I met Gregory James, I felt as though I had been reunited with an old friend. We had a pint together while attending Thrillerfest 2019 in New York City; what turned out to be a highlight for both of us.Now, a year later, and with a novel under both of our belts, we reconnect to talk about the joy of producing a story, the hard work and drive that's required to be successful, and perhaps most importantly, the passionate craft of writing that keeps us "creatives" going!Today, I welcome Gregory James to Naked Monday to talk about his past life as a Cop, and his current career as both a Private Detective and Author.BORDERTOWN is his first novel.  A Broken Man’s Odyssey.A Broken Community’s Only Hope.Promising young detective Robert “Bo” Campbell is in a stack of trouble.After accidentally shooting and killing his best friend and partner during a bungled inner city drug raid, he faces the sack or, even worse, jail. With his career and freedom hanging by a thread, he’s outcast to a remote posting on the border.But something isn’t quite right in this frontier country. When he’s asked to cover up yet another murder on his very first day, he suspects he’s been set up to fail. But by whom?Bo will battle for his own survival, but is he prepared to risk everything to save a community that’s already broken?Bordertown, a debut novel set in the Australian bush, is a story of redemption, survival and determination by one man to rise against the odds and do what’s right. And a journey that will keep you on the edge of your seat.Visit: GregoryJamesAuthor.com to learn more about his book, Bordertown, and his upcoming sequel.

ThrillerFest Co-Executive Director Jeff Ayers is dedicated to exposing authors to useful but commonly avoided marketing techniques. Through ThrillerFest, Jeff and others like him teach underappreciated skills like pitching a book to an agent, writing a query letter, and reflecting on edits and feedback. Jeff is an accomplished author who has published both fiction and non-fiction works. He is well known for his Star Trek companion, Voyages of Imagination, writing book reviews under The Associated Press, and for his contributions to the International Thriller Writers. To contact Jeff, write to jeffayersauthor@gmail.com. Guest Bio: Jeff Ayers is the author of several works of fiction and non-fiction, including Voyages of Imagination: The Star Trek Fiction Companion, in which he covered over 550 novels and interviewed 350 authors to cover the history of the Star Trek publishing landscape. He wrote the upcoming Sigma Guide for author James Rollins and his agent is currently shopping to various publishers a mystery, a conspiracy thriller, and a non-fiction project. He is a freelance book reviewer for The Associated Press, a retired public research librarian, and the Co-Executive Director of Thrillerfest for the International Thriller Writers. He co-hosts a podcast with John Raab of Suspense Magazine called Beyond the Cover, and earlier this month produced the Night of a Thousand Authors for the Atria Mystery Bus. Whether you're traditionally published or indie, writing a good book is only the first step in becoming a successful author. The days of just turning a manuscript into your editor and walking away are gone. If you want to succeed in today's publishing world, you need to understand every aspect of the business - editing, formatting, marketing, contracts. It all starts with a good book, then the real work begins. Join international bestselling author J.D. Barker and indie powerhouses, J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon, as they gain unique insight and valuable advice from the most prolific and accomplished authors in the business. In this episode, you'll discover: How Jeff became an author Why you need to know how to pitch a story Other marketing tips that most writers forget about How to learn new skills through the ITW If ThrillerFest will happen in 2021 Links: J. D. Barker - http://jdbarker.com/ J. Thorn - https://theauthorlife.com/ Runes, Ravens, & Revenants (J.'s 2021 short story experiment). Offer expires on January 8, 2021 - https://jthorn.net/2021shortstories/ Jeff Ayers - jeffayersauthor@gmail.com Voyages of Imagination: The Star Trek Fiction Companion by Jeff Ayers - https://mybook.to/voyages ThrillerFest - https://thrillerfest.com Proudly sponsored by Kobo Writing Life - https://kobowritinglife.com/ Music by Nicorus - https://cctrax.com/nicorus/dust-to-dust-ep Voice Over by Rick Ganley - http://www.nhpr.com and recorded at Mill Pond Studio - http://www.millpondstudio.com Contact - https://writersinkpodcast.com/contact/ *Full disclosure: Some of the links are affiliate links. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/writersink/support

K.J. Howe is an award-winning author and the Executive Director of Thrillerfest, the annual conference of International Thriller Writers. A three-time Daphne du Maurier Award Winner, Kimberly is an avid traveler and the creator of the "kidnap & ransom thrillers," The Freedom Broker and her latest, Skyjack. Born in Toronto, and having lived in Africa, the Middle East, and the Caribbean, KJ is not only a world-traveler, but is one of the kindest, most generous, and talented people you'll ever meet.Carve out an hour and enjoy hearing from someone who works every day to be the best writer she can be. And listen closely, as she will share invaluable secrets on how to make it in the competitive field of publishing.Trust me, you'll walk away with insights you may not find anywhere else. 

The fifth episode of a new podcast and video talk show hosted by international bestselling author Ethan Cross. Today, Ethan welcomes fellow author and friend, Steven James…Steven James is a national bestselling novelist whose award-winning, pulse-pounding thrillers continue to gain wide critical acclaim and a growing fan base.His latest novel, SYNAPSE, a near-future thriller, is set to release on October 8, 2019.Suspense Magazine, who named Steven’s book EVERY WICKED MAN one of their “Best Books of 2018,” says that he “sets the new standard in suspense writing.” Publishers Weekly calls him a “master storyteller at the peak of his game,” and RT Book Reviews promises that “the nail-biting suspense will rivet you.”Steven deftly weaves intense stories of psychological suspense with deep philosophical insights. As critically-acclaimed novelist Ann Tatlock put it, “Steven James gives us a captivating look at the fine line between good and evil in the human heart.”Equipped with a unique Master’s Degree in Storytelling, he has taught writing and storytelling on four continents over the past two decades and has spoken more than two thousand times at events spanning the globe.Steven’s groundbreaking books on the art of fiction writing, STORY TRUMPS STRUCTURE and TROUBLESHOOTING YOUR NOVEL, have both won Storytelling World Awards. Widely recognized for his story-crafting expertise, he teaches regularly as a Master Class instructor at ThrillerFest, North America’s premier training event for suspense writers.In his podcast “The Story Blender,” he interviews leading storytellers in film, print, and web. Listen now to any of the dozens of archived podcasts for free by visiting his website www.thestoryblender.com.When Steven isn’t writing or speaking, you’ll find him trail running, rock climbing, or drinking dark roast coffee near his home in East Tennessee.

International thriller author KJ Howe has mastered the art of writing fresh and believable fiction. Armed with an extensive knowledge of her subject matter and a commitment to shedding light on underrepresented character traits, she is able to write novels that feel impressively accurate and relatable. KJ is well known for her Freedom Broker series, which follows the elite hostage negotiator Thea Paris as she takes on the world’s most dangerous kidnapping cases. She is also the Interim Executive Director of the International Thriller Writers organization and has previously been the Executive Director of ThrillerFest. Howe’s most recent publication, Skyjack, is available now.From KJHowe.com:While honing her fiction skills, KJ worked as a medical, health, and fitness writer. She then became involved with the International Thriller Writers as the Executive Director of ThrillerFest, the organization’s annual conference held every July in New York City. In preparation for writing THE FREEDOM BROKER series, which focuses on elite kidnap negotiator Thea Paris, KJ spent extensive time researching the dark world of kidnapping. She has interviewed former hostages, negotiators, hostage reintegration experts, special forces operatives, and K&R insurance executives. Whether you’re traditionally published or indie, writing a good book is only the first step in becoming a successful author. The days of just turning a manuscript into your editor and walking away are gone. If you want to succeed in today’s publishing world, you need to understand every aspect of the business - editing, formatting, marketing, contracts. It all starts with a good book, then the real work begins. Join international bestselling author J.D. Barker and indie powerhouse, J. Thorn, as they gain unique insight and valuable advice from the most prolific and accomplished authors in the business.In this episode, you’ll discover:How to write something fresh and novelThe importance of accuracy and believabilityWhy you need to learn from authors in other genresHow to work out plot issuesHow to craft relatable charactersWhy non-fiction elements are still important in when writing fictionLinks:J. D. Barker - http://jdbarker.com/J. Thorn - https://theauthorlife.com/The Career Author Summit 2021 - https://thecareerauthor.com/summit2021/ KJ Howe - http://www.kjhowe.com/The Freedom Broker by KJ Howe - https://books2read.com/TheFreedomBrokerSkyjack by KJ Howe - https://books2read.com/SkyjackMusic by Nicorus - https://cctrax.com/nicorus/dust-to-dust-ep Voice Over by Rick Ganley - http://www.nhpr.com and recorded at Mill Pond Studio - http://www.millpondstudio.comContact - https://writersinkpodcast.com/contact/ “Muggable” quote by Harley Christensen - https://www.mischievousmalamute.com/*Full disclosure: Some of the links are affiliate links. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

ThrillerFest XV has been cancelled, or has it? Kim Howe executive director, tells us how ThrillerFest XV will continue and how you can participate. Due to the pandemic this year, we've canceled the in-person ThrillerFest Conference at the Grand Hyatt in New York City this July. The health and safety of our attendees is our top priority. But we have fantastic news! We are offering a virtual conference so our attendees can remain safe in the comfort of their homes yet still participate in the learning and camaraderie that is the hallmark of the annual conference of the International Thriller Writers. No travel, no hotel stay, but an even more extensive array of bestselling ITW authors who can help you polish your thrillers and top drawer New York agents and editors to whom you can pitch—along with attractive prices! We have an outstanding array of guests and publishing professionals, with this year's event including a Free Debut Authors' Presentation, Free ITW Author Videos, and a Free Awards Presentation. Our Mega CraftFest, Master Class, Pitching Sessions, Consulting Sessions, and CareerFest will all be offered this July.

David M. Salkin, Author of Battle Scars, discusses the book and the brave military men behind the stories that inspired it. Matthew and David discuss how civilians reading this book can gain a better understanding of the struggles of veterans returning home. “Battle Scars is an incredible story of brothers in arms and the bonds formed in combat. The struggles that are faced by combat veterans returning from war are real and nothing I’ve read brings that story to life like Battle Scars. This is a must read!” LTCOL T. Kevin White “TK” 150th Special Operations Wing   David M. Salkin is the author of fourteen published thrillers in various genres, including military espionage, crime, horror, science-fiction, action-adventure and mystery. With a writing style reminiscent of the late, great Michael Crichton, Salkin’s work keeps his readers turning pages into the late hours. His books have received Gold and Bronze medals in the Stars & Flags book awards, and David has appeared as a guest speaker all over the country, including three times as a panelist at Thrillerfest in NYC. David has also written two screenplays, and continues to work on getting those produced. David served as an elected official in Freehold Township, NJ for twenty-five years in various roles including Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Township Committeeman and Police Commissioner. He was inducted into the NJ Elected officials Hall of Fame in 2019. Dave is a 1988 graduate of Rutgers College with a BA in English Literature. When not working or writing, David prefers to be Scuba diving or traveling. He’s a Master Diver and “fish geek”, as well as a pretty good chef and wine aficionado.

Hey there word nerds! Today, I have the pleasure of interviewing Jeff Garvin. Jeff is an author, musician, and podcaster and his debut novel, Symptoms of Being Human has received a ton of accolades. It is an ALA Best Fiction for Young Adults Selection, Lambda Literary Award Finalist, and has garnered starred reviews from Booklist and Publishers Weekly.  Before becoming a novelist, Jeff acted on TV and toured as the lead singer of a rock band. He has a BFA in Film from Chapman University and lives in Southern California. Now, I have been looking forward to this episode since last July, when Jeff and I met at a ThrillerFest cocktail party. We connected right away and when Jeff told me about his new novel The Lightness of Hands I knew I just had to have him on the show. This book grapples with some heavy topics, but one in particular that really hits home for me: mental health. I am so thrilled to be recording this interview (finally! After 8 months!) and to introduce Jeff and his moving (sometimes gut-wrenching) YA novels to my word nerd listeners. In this episode Jeff and I discuss: How real life experiences inspired Lightness of Hands Living with Bipolar II Breaking the stigma around mental illness Starting a book with a question you can’t answer Writing a character that is hyper-attuned to her inner life The power of mindfulness meditation The hero’s journey, applied to writing and life Plus, his #1 tip for writers. For more info and show notes: www.diymfa.com/301

K.J. Howe is the executive director of ThrillerFest, the annual conference of the International Thriller Writers, in addition to her penning international thrillers showcasing kidnap and ransom expert Thea Paris. For the last six years, K.J. has immersed herself in the world of kidnapping to bring authenticity to the page. K.J.’s first novel, The Freedom Broker, won a Thriller Award for Best First Novel and garnered a Starred Review from BookList and Kirkus. Her second book, Skyjack, received a Boxed and Starred Review from Publishers Weekly and a Starred Review from Library Journal. Adventure and travel are her passions. Toronto, Canada, is home, but she is often missing in action. www.kjhowe.com   *********************************************** More from ImaginePublicity on Air: http://imaginepublicity.com/podcasts/ Follow on Twitter @ImaginePublicty Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ImaginePublicity/ Music: Bensound.Com  

A New Podcast for WritersJ.D. and J. met at Thrillerfest in New York City and developed an instant connection around the love of dark fiction, podcasting, introversion, and helping other authors navigate the business of writing.Both Barker and Thorn have an extensive background in author education and mentoring, therefore a new podcast seemed like the perfect venture in which to join forces and help struggling writers become career authors.Welcome to the show!Links:J. D. Barker - http://jdbarker.com/J. Thorn - https://theauthorlife.com/Music by Nicorus - https://cctrax.com/nicorus/dust-to-dust-ep Voice Over by Rick Ganley - http://www.nhpr.com and recorded at Mill Pond Studio - http://www.millpondstudio.comContact - https://writersinkpodcast.com/contact/ Links:J. D. Barker - http://jdbarker.com/J. Thorn - https://theauthorlife.com/Music by Nicorus - https://cctrax.com/nicorus/dust-to-dust-ep Voice Over by Rick Ganley - http://www.nhpr.comRecorded at Mill Pond Studio - http://www.millpondstudio.comContact - https://writersinkpodcast.com/contact/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Cathi and Christie go to ThrillerFest in New York City to interview as many authors as they can! In Part 3, they interview Gary Grossman, Reagan Keeter, and William Miller. Wines are Nine Lives Reserve Sauvignon Blanc and Love Noir Pinot Noir.

Cathi and Christie go to ThrillerFest in New York City to interview as many authors as they can! In Part 2, they interview Jon Land, Elena Hartwell Taylor, Jack Soren, and Alexia Gordon. Wines are Nine Lives Reserve Sauvignon Blanc and Love Noir Pinot Noir.

What better way to kick off ThrillerFest then to have one of the founding members of the ITW (International Thriller Writers) bestselling author and the creator of RAMBO, David Morell. We didn't stop there, also joining us is the Kimberly Howe, the Executive Director of ThrillerFest, basically the person that makes this all happen. They talk about the inside and outside of ThrillerFest and so much more. This is not an episode to skip over.

Marla Cooper is the author of Terror in Taffeta, a humorous cozy mystery about a destination wedding planner that is the first in a series. As a freelance writer, Marla has written all sorts of things, and it was while ghostwriting a guide to destination weddings that she found inspiration for her first novel. Marla lives in Oakland, California, with her husband and her polydactyl tuxedo cat. Dr. J.L. Delozier attended Thomas Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia (now the Sidney Kimmel Medical College) and has been a practicing physician for over 20 years. She's spent much of her career as a federal servant, assisting America's veterans and providing disaster care during Hurricanes Katrina, Ike and Gustav. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and four rescue cats. Lisa Hall loves words, reading and everything there is to love about books. She has dreamed of being a writer since she was a little girl and after years of talking about it, was finally brave enough to put pen to paper (and let people actually read it). Lisa lives in a small village in Kent, surrounded by her towering TBR pile, a rather large brood of children, dogs, chickens and ponies and her long-suffering husband. Robert Rapoza is the author of THE VILCABAMBA PROPHECY, a 2015 Adventure Writers Competition Semi-Finalist. A member of the Southern California Writers Association since 2013, he was recently selected to the 2015-16 Debut Authors program of the International Thriller Writers Association and will be among several new authors featured at the Debut Author session at this July's ThrillerFest in New York City.  

DP Lyle, MD is an award-winning author of numerous fuction and nonfiction titles, including Forensics for Dummies and the forthcoming Deep Six. He is also one of the founders of the International Thriller Writers organization, the creator of Craftfest (part of the annual Thrillerfest conference in NYC) and the host of Crime and Science Radio. Thrill Seekers host Alex Dolan is a writer and musician based in California. His first book, The Euthanist, is published through Diversion Books and represented by the Sandra Dijkstra Literary Agency. His second novel, with a working title of The Empress of Tempera, is scheduled for publication in September 2016. His is an executive committee member of the San Francisco Bay Area's Litquake and a member of International Thriller Writers and Sisters in Crime.  This is a trademarked copyrighted podcast solely owned by the Authors on the Air Global Radio Network LLC.  

Steven James joins me Thursday, April 2nd at 6pm EST. He is a national bestselling novelist whose award-winning, pulse-pounding novels continue to gain wide critical acclaim and a growing fan base. Suspense Magazine, who named James' book The Bishop their book of the year, says that he “sets the new standard in suspense writing.” Publishers Weekly calls him a “master storyteller at the peak of his game.” And RT Book Reviews promises, “the nail-biting suspense will rivet you.” With a Master's Degree in Storytelling, James has taught writing and storytelling around the world and is one of the seven Master CraftFest instructors at ThrillerFest, North America's premier training event for suspense writers.  Respected by some of the top crime writers in the world, James deftly weaves intense stories of psychological suspense with deep philosophical insights.    Book Blurb When a clandestine FBI facility is attacked, Special Agent Patrick Bowers is drawn into the vicious, ruthless story that a killer from his past is bent on telling the world. Clues lead to long-forgotten secrets buried deep beneath Uptown Charlotte, North Carolina. Now Bowers is caught up in trying to stop one of the deadliest attacks ever planned on American soil. Smart, tense, and full of mind-bending twists and turns, Checkmate explodes onto the scene, bringing this cycle of the Bowers Files to an unforgettable conclusion.