Thriller 101 podcast

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Exile

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Episode 10: From Refugee to Radical 44:09

for 2 years siden44:09

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When a young Eva Kollisch arrives as a refugee in New York in 1940, she finds a community among socialists who share her values and idealism. She soon discovers ‘the cause’ isn’t as idyllic as it seems. Little does she know this is the beginning of a lifelong commitment to activism and her determination to create radical change in ways that include belonging, love and one's full self. In addition to Eva Kollisch’s memoirs Girl in Movement (2000) and The Ground Under My Feet (2014), LBI’s collections include an oral history interview with Eva conducted in 2014 and the papers of Eva’s mother, poet Margarete Kolllisch, which document Eva’s childhood experience on the Kindertransport. Learn more at www.lbi.org/kollisch . Exile is a production of the Leo Baeck Institute , New York | Berlin and Antica Productions . It’s narrated by Mandy Patinkin. Executive Producers include Katrina Onstad, Stuart Coxe, and Bernie Blum. Senior Producer is Debbie Pacheco. Associate Producers are Hailey Choi and Emily Morantz. Research and translation by Isabella Kempf. Sound design and audio mix by Philip Wilson, with help from Cameron McIver. Theme music by Oliver Wickham. Voice acting by Natalia Bushnik. Special thanks to the Kollisch family for the use of Eva’s two memoirs, “Girl in Movement” and “The Ground Under My Feet”, the Sophia Smith Collection at Smith College and their “Voices of Feminism Oral History Project”, and Soundtrack New York.…

Thriller 101

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A podcast for readers and writers of thriller, mystery, suspense, and crime fiction.

129 episoder

#Books #Arts #Podcasting Education #Audio Drama #David

Thriller 101

updated for 4 dager siden

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A podcast for readers and writers of thriller, mystery, suspense, and crime fiction.

129 episoder

#Books #Arts #Podcasting Education #Audio Drama #David

Alle episoder

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Literary Agent Amy Nielsen on How to Write a Query Letter that Gets Attention 31:23

for 4 dager siden31:23

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Send me a Text Message! Learn more about the Storyteller's Society Learn more about Amy Nielsen Having reviewed thousands queries in the past two years, literary agent Amy Nielsen shares exclusive writing tips specifically tailored for thriller writers on the traditional publishing route. This agent interview with Amy dives deep into query structure, comp titles, and how to craft a pitch that perfectly matches your opening pages. Whether you're writing thriller, mystery, suspense, or crime fiction, Amy's professional insights will help you avoid common pitfalls and significantly improve your chances of catching an agent's attention with your query. Learn how to write query letters that stand out from the slush pile with practical advice from one of the industry's most approachable literary agents. The exact structure of a winning query letter, including where to place metadata, how to craft a personal introduction, and how to keep your word count tight at 300-350 words Why comparative titles are crucial to query success, with a real-life example of how changing just one comp title led to representation and publication offers How to ensure your query pitch accurately reflects your opening pages (especially if you have a prologue), and why this alignment is essential for thriller writers working with agents Bio: Amy Nielsen spent nearly 20 years as a youth librarian. Daily immersion in story took root and she penned her YA debut WORTH IT behind her circulation desk. In addition to being an author, Amy is an editorial literary agent at The Purcell Agency. She is also a freelance editor and runs Mayflower Media where she helps authors make book trailers and other video marketing materials. Click Here to learn more about the Storyteller's Society Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society…

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Community 101: What you need to know 13:22

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Send me a Text Message! Click here to sign up for the Storyteller's Society Enter your name and email address. I'll reach out with more information to see if we're the right fit. Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society

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90% of Writers Make THESE Writing Mistakes Interview with Ex-Literary Agent Karyn Fischer 11:29

for 18 dager siden11:29

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Send me a Text Message! Learn more about Karyn Fischer Jessica Berg Literary Agent Interview Want to know what literary agents really think when they read your submission? In this interview, former literary agent and current book coach and writing expert Karyn Fischer shares insider knowledge on how to write a novel that stands out. Discover the top mistakes writers make, why 90% of submissions aren’t ready , and the essential writing tips you need to elevate your work. Whether you're preparing to query or refining your first 10 pages , this episode will help you improve your craft and increase your chances of landing an agent. The top 10 writing mistakes that make agents reject manuscripts—and how to fix them How to hook a literary agent in the first 10 pages of your novel What stakes really mean in thriller writing and why they’re critical to success Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society…

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Literary Agent Jessica Berg Shares How to Catch an Agent's Eye 29:14

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Send me a Text Message! Storyteller's Society Waitlist Learn more about Jessica Berg Listen to Daria White Osah's Episode Want to write a thriller that stands out in today’s crowded market? In this episode, literary agent Jessica Berg shares expert insights into what makes a manuscript irresistible to agents and publishers. We dive into essential thriller writing techniques, including... The power of a strong character voice The importance of genre mashups How to balance plot, tension, and stakes . If you’re looking for writing tips , querying advice, or an insider’s perspective on how to write a gripping thriller, this is a literary agent interview you won’t want to miss! We cover... How a compelling character voice can make or break your manuscript – and why agents will forgive other flaws if your character shines. Why genre mashups are the future of thriller writing – and how blending suspense with horror, mystery, or humor can make your book more marketable. What agents really look for in a query and full manuscript – plus, the biggest mistakes authors make when pitching their books. Click Here to learn more about the Storyteller's Society Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society…

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Time Pockets: Could This Tip Revolutionize Your Writing Process? 12:36

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Send me a Text Message! Storyteller's Society Waitlist Learn more about Daria White Osah Listen to David McCloskey's Episode Struggling to find time to write? In this episode, Daria White Osah (author and book coach) discusses a great strategy for busy writers—Time Pockets. If you’ve ever wondered how to write more efficiently while juggling work, family, and life, this episode is packed with actionable writing tips to help you prioritize your craft. Whether you’re deep into thriller writing or working on your first novel, Daria’s approach will help you stay consistent, avoid burnout, and finally finish that book. Actionable Tips: ✔️ How to prioritize your writing like a business meeting and make it non-negotiable ✔️ The Time Pockets method —how to identify hidden opportunities in your schedule to write consistently ✔️ Strategies to overcome writing slumps and get back into your routine when life gets in the way Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society…

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How to Write an Opening Chapter that Keeps Readers Reading with Author David McCloskey 27:17

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Send me a Text Message! Storyteller's Society Waitlist Leslie Conner's Episode Connect with David Find David on Instagram In this episode, we’re joined by David McCloskey, a former CIA analyst and author of the thrillers The Seventh Floor , Moscow X , and Damascus Station . David brings a wealth of real-world experience into his fiction, and today, we’ll explore how his background as a CIA agent has shaped his writing. You’ll will learn how to blend real-world expertise with gripping fiction, we’ll also dive deep into character development, and master pacing and high-stakes in your opening chapter. If you’re looking to craft stories that feel authentic, compelling, and full of tension, this conversation is for you. How to use real-world experience to enhance your thriller writing. Writing an opening chapter that readers will love Pacing techniques that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Click Here to learn more about the Storyteller's Society Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society…

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Thriller Writing Secrets: Building a Writing Process with Leslie Conner 16:57

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Send me a Text Message! Storyteller's Society Waitlist Alex Kenna's Episode Connect with Leslie In this episode, thriller author Leslie Conner joins us to share expert tips on crafting suspenseful mysteries. She shares valuable resources and an insight into her writing practice that will help writers see how to develop a series! Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society…

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How to Hook Readers with Alex Kenna’s Expert Thriller-Writing Advice 19:52

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Send me a Text Message! Download the One-Page Study of Alex Kenna's Writing Storyteller's Society Waitlist Elle Grawl's Episode Connect with Alex on Instagram Join me for an in-depth author interview with Alex Kenna, the brilliant mind behind What Meets the Eye. This episode is packed with writing tips for aspiring thriller authors, including how to write gripping characters, avoid backstory pitfalls, and use word choice to reveal personality and mood. If you’re passionate about thriller writing, this conversation offers actionable advice you can implement immediately. Don’t miss these insights from an expert storyteller! What You’ll Learn: How intentional word choice reveals character personality and mood. Why intriguing lines can replace heavy backstory to keep readers hooked The importance of setting up character goals early in your story. Actionable Tip: This week, experiment with introducing a new character using Alex’s techniques. Write one paragraph that: Reflects their personality through word choice. Hints at their backstory without giving too much away. Clearly shows what they’re striving for. Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society…

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Pacing and Process: Writing Thrillers and Mysteries with Elle Grawl 14:41

for 9 weeks siden14:41

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Send me a Text Message! Storyteller's Society Waitlist Learn more about Elle In this episode, I talk with Elle Grawl, author of the psychological thrillers One of Those Faces and What Still Burns . Elle shares how she wrote her debut novel while balancing a demanding day job, how her writing process has evolved, and her best advice for writers navigating pacing and productivity challenges. What You’ll Learn: How Elle finished her debut novel while working full-time. The importance of pacing in thrillers and mysteries and how to refine it. Tips for evolving your writing process as life and creative needs change. Why experimenting with different methods can reignite your creativity. Actionable Tip: Take a moment to evaluate your current writing process. Is it still working for you? Try incorporating one new technique this week—whether it’s experimenting with drafting out of order, bullet-pointing your next few chapters, or carving out time during your lunch break to write. See how it feels and adjust as needed. Flexibility is key to keeping your momentum! Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society…

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The Secret to Writing Twists Readers Will Never Forget with Bestselling Author J.T. Ellison 17:50

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Send me a Text Message! Previous episode with Aaron Philip Clark Learn more about J.T. Ellison Join J.T. Ellison's Substack Bestselling thriller author, J.T. Ellison shares how she create the unforgettable twists and characters that define her work. Whether you're an aspiring writer or an experienced author, this episode is packed with actionable writing tips, insider insights, and inspiration from one of the best in the genre. How to create plot twists that are surprising yet inevitable and avoid “cheat” endings. J.T. Ellison’s process for juggling multiple points of view in thriller writing. The importance of trusting your subconscious and revisiting earlier sections of your story for foreshadowing opportunities. Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society…

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How to Develop Characters and Themes with Author Aaron Philip Clark 44:05

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Send me a Text Message! Download the 50 editing mistakes authors make as shared by an editor for Lake Union Publishing! In this episode, Aaron Philip Clark shares invaluable writing tips on crafting compelling characters, weaving meaningful themes into your stories, and making your thrillers stand out in today’s market. If you’re an aspiring or experienced author looking for actionable advice on character development, plot construction, and building deeper layers into your writing, this episode is for you. In this episode, we talk about: How to incorporate meaningful themes into your thrillers and mysteries to create stories that resonate with readers on a deeper level. Actionable advice for developing rich, multi-dimensional characters who feel authentic and drive your story forward. Insights into Aaron Philip Clark’s writing process and career journey, including lessons he’s learned about storytelling and publishing. Here's the episode with Carla Conti Find out more about Aaron HERE Click Here to learn more about the Storyteller's Society Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society…

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From Journalist to True Crime Memoir: Carla Conti’s Writing and Publishing Tips 15:42

for 14 weeks siden15:42

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Send me a Text Message! Download the 50 editing mistakes authors make as shared by an editor for Lake Union Publishing! In this episode, we talk about: Using Documentation to Enhance Authenticity Setting Deadlines for Momentum How to Know When a Story Is Ready Find out more about Carla HERE Carla Conti is a true crime journalist, storyteller, and prison reform advocate who previously covered the police beat and criminal courts as a newspaper reporter in the Midwest and Northeast. In 2011, she was asked to write about federal inmate Kevin Sanders, who was incarcerated inside the brutal, torturous conditions of Pennsylvania’s Lewisburg Prison. Carla then became part of the legal team that defended Kevin against unjust assault charges and remained his advocate and friend on the outside ever since. Because of her exclusive access to Kevin’s first-person accounts, she knows the stories that led to the 2018 shutdown of USP Lewisburg’s Special Management Unit, one of the bloodiest experimental prison programs in the country. For a decade, Carla followed Kevin’s journey inside various federal prisons to write an exposé on the world of prison abuse, corruption, and violent prison gangs he experienced. However, she became imperiled by association after two separate prison gangs tried to kill Kevin and learned she was writing a tell-all book about his case. You can read more about Carla on her Author Profile pages at Amazon , Bookbub , and Goodreads , where you can also ask her questions via the Goodreads forum. Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society…

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Meet a Storyteller's Society Cohort #1 Member: Timothy Hedden 10:40

for 16 weeks siden10:40

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Send me a Text Message! Learn more about the Storyteller's Society Listen to the episode with Stacy Frazer Connect with Timothy on Twitter (X) Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society

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Meet a Storyteller's Society Cohort #1 Member: Stacy Frazer 11:10

for 16 weeks siden11:10

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Send me a Text Message! Learn more about the Storyteller's Society Listen to the episode with Anne Brooks Learn more about Stacy Frazer Connect with Stacy on Instagram Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society

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Meet a Storyteller's Society Cohort #1 Member: Anne Brooks 13:42

for 16 weeks siden13:42

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Send me a Text Message! Learn more about the Storyteller's Society Learn more about Anne Brooks Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society

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Benefits of Being in a Community & Storyteller's Society Exclusive Sneak Peek 8:02

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Send me a Text Message! Thriller 101 Storyteller's Society Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society

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Introduction to the Brand New Storyteller's Society 11:33

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Send me a Text Message! Learn more about the Thriller 101 Storyteller's Society Stay up to date on everything going on with the community Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society

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Halloween Special: Understanding How Your Theme can Improve Your Story with Jeremy Dauber 15:33

for 18 weeks siden15:33

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Send me a Text Message! Thriller 101 Community Waitlist Episode with Jenna Satterthwaite How horror reflects societal fears and anxieties throughout different periods in history. What's next for societal fears reflected in our themes Insights into why certain genres remains a unique genre for exploring the darker side of human nature and social issues. Connect with Jeremy Dauber Learn more about Jeremy Dauber Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society…

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Literary Agent Jenna Satterthwaite on Character Voice and Submissions She Can't Put Down 50:13

for 19 weeks siden50:13

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Send me a Text Message! Thriller 101 Community Waitlist Episode with Jason Rekulak Connect with Jenna Satterthwaite Jenna's Substack Click Here to learn more about the Storyteller's Society Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society

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How to Develop Intense Twists and Memorable Characters with Jason Rekulak 18:48

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Send me a Text Message! Episode with Marybeth Mayhew Whalen Learn more about the Thriller 101 Community Learn more about Jason Rekulak Connect with Jason Rekulak Jess Munday's Article Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society

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Tying Past and Present Together: How to Write Satisfying Resolutions in Suspense Fiction with Marybeth Mayhew 20:14

for 21 weeks siden20:14

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Send me a Text Message! Episode with Michelle Chouinard Learn more about the Thriller 101 Community Learn more about Marybeth Mayhew Whalen Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society

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The Secret to Gripping Stories: How (and Why) to Weaving Personal and Professional Tension with Michelle Chouinard 21:29

for 23 weeks siden21:29

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Send me a Text Message! Learn more about the Thriller 101 Community Connect with Michelle Chouinard Listen to Liz Alterman's interview Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society

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5 Techniques to Craft Unforgettable Antagonists in Your Thriller 12:16

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Send me a Text Message! Thriller 101 Community Founding Member Waitlist Thriller 101 Community Episode Antagonist Checklist JM Donellan Episode Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society

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You Want In? Now's Your Chance! 4:04

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Send me a Text Message! Click here for more information about the Thriller 101 Community Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society

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The Art of Dual POV & Crafting Psychological Thrillers with Liz Alterman 19:42

for 29 weeks siden19:42

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Send me a Text Message! Thriller 101 Newsletter Last week's episode with Kathy Reichs Learn more about Liz Alterman Listen to the last conversation I had with Liz Eloise Corvo: How to Navigate a Book Contract Ever wondered how to master the intricate art of crafting multi-perspective thrillers? You're in for a treat with our latest episode of Thriller 101 featuring the brilliant Liz Alterman. Liz, the celebrated author behind the gripping novel "The House on Cold Creek Lane," unpacks her unique approach to writing from multiple viewpoints. We dive into the narrative structure and character dynamics that make her stories so compelling, with practical advice for both new and seasoned writers. Liz offers a treasure trove of insights into the challenges and rewards of maintaining timeline consistency and creating authentic voices for her characters. Don't miss this chance to learn from one of the best in the business! Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society…

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Thriller Writing Advice from Kathy Reichs Who's Books Inspired 12 Seasons of an Award Winning Television Show 13:52

for 30 weeks siden13:52

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Send me a Text Message! Thriller 101 Newsletter Learn more about Kathy Reichs 3 Story Elements You Need in Your Opening Paragraphs EPISODE INFO: How about some writing advice from an author who’s books inspired twelve seasons of an award winning television show? You know the show Bones? It’s is a drama series created for Fox and ran from 2005 to 2017, airing for 246 episodes over 12 seasons. It starred Emily Deschanel and David Boreanaz. The woman who wrote those books, Kathy Reichs, is here to talk to us about writing. We're going to talk about how to effectively incorporate your expertise into your writing without overwhelming your readers. This is especially crucial for genres like police procedurals, legal thrillers, and medical thrillers, but it’s useful for anyone who does research on their novels and has wondered how much to keep and how much to cut… BIO: Kathy Reichs’s first novel Déjà Dead catapulted her to fame when it became a New York Times bestseller and won the 1997 Ellis Award for Best First Novel. Her other Temperance Brennan books include Death du Jour, Deadly Decisions, Fatal Voyage, Grave Secrets, Bare Bones, Monday Mourning, Cross Bones, Break No Bones, Bones to Ashes, Devil Bones, 206 Bones, Spider Bones, Flash and Bones, Bones Are Forever, Bones of the Lost, Bones Never Lie, Speaking in Bones and the Temperance Brennan short story collection, The Bone Collection . In addition, Kathy co-authored the Virals young adult series with her son, Brendan Reichs. The best-selling titles are: Virals, Seizure, Code, Exposure , Terminal , and the novella collection Tr ace Evidence . The series follows the adventures of Temperance Brennan’s great niece, Tory Brennan. Dr. Reichs’ latest novel, Two Nights , was released July 11 and features Sunday Night, a tough-talking, scarred heroine. Dr. Reichs was also a producer of the hit Fox TV series, Bones, which is based on her work and her novels. From teaching FBI agents how to detect and recover human remains, to separating and identifying commingled body parts in her Montreal lab, as a forensic anthropologist Kathy Reichs has brought her own dramatic work experience to her mesmerizing forensic thrillers. For years she consulted to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in North Carolina and to the Laboratoire de Sciences Judiciaires et de Médecine Légale for the province of Québec. Dr. Reichs has traveled to Rwanda to testify at the UN Tribunal on Genocide, and helped exhume a mass grave in Guatemala. As part of her work at JPAC (Formerly CILHI) she aided in the identification of war dead from World War II, Korea, and Southeast Asia. Dr. Reichs also assisted in the recovery of remains at the World Trade Center following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Dr. Reichs is one of only 100 forensic anthropologists ever certified by the American Board of Forensic Anthropology. She served on the Board of Directors and as Vice President of both the American Academy of Forensic Sciences and the American Board of Forensic Anthropology, and is currently a member of the National Police Services Advisory Council in Canada. She is a Professor in the Department of Anthropology at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte. Dr. Reichs is a native of Chicago, where she received her Ph.D. at Northwestern. She now divides her time between Charlotte, NC and Montreal, Québec. Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society…

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3 Keys to Nailing the Opening of Your Novel 16:05

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Send me a Text Message! Thriller 101 Newsletter Check out the Thriller Opening Data Tracker HERE Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society

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Publishing Industry: Hot Take or Conspiracy Theory? 10:15

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Send me a Text Message! Click here for more information about the pitching system that guarantees full requests or your money back. Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society

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Bring Your Characters to Life Through Voice with Author Lisa Kusel 27:51

for 33 weeks siden27:51

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Send me a Text Message! Thriller 101 Newsletter Learn more about Lisa Kusel Jessica Payne Episode Heather Levy Episode Lisa Unger Episode EPISODE INFO: Ever wondered how authors create those unforgettable characters that seem to linger in your mind after the last page? You know, those characters that feel like they’re living and breathing? Well, today, we’re talking to a master at character voice. Lisa is going to help us develop a process for character voice that can make your characters come alive for readers. BIO: Lisa Kusel was born in New Jersey and raised in California, Lisa Kusel lived in various exotic locales across the globe before she made a home in Vermont with her family. She is the author of a memoir, a short story collection, and the novel Hat Trick. Learn more about her at www.lisakusel.com . Click Here to learn more about the Storyteller's Society Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society…

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100th Episode with Major News and Updates 4:40

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Send me a Text Message! Thriller 101 Newsletter Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society

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Edit Your Novel with Author Jessica Payne 29:04

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Send me a Text Message! Thriller 101 Newsletter Learn more about Jessica Payne Previous episode with Jessica Payne Jennifer Chevais Episode EPISODE INFO: You’re going to get insights into exactly how Jessica writes her books now that she’s a seasoned author. And then you’ll hear why she says you should, under no circumstances, copy her process. We’re going to talk about all that and more in today’s episode and you’ll walk away with a plan for how to better edit your novels. Because we all need that. By the end of this episode, you'll have a better understanding of: How to edit your novel like a pro How to keep track of the lessons you learned What experienced writers like Jessica do to maintain their book writing pace BIO: Jessica Payne is a thriller author living in the Pacific Northwest where the mountains and Puget Sound are home. Beyond writing, she loves to run, rock climb, and explore the great outdoors with her daughter and husband. She is also an RN and host of #MomsWritersClub on YouTube. When holding still, which isn’t often, you’ll find a book in her hand and a cat /dog/small child in her lap. Jessica is the author of MAKE ME DISAPPEAR, THE LUCKY ONE, THE GOOD DOCTOR, and NEVER TRUST THE HUSBAND. Click Here to learn more about the Storyteller's Society Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society…

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Literary Agent Jennifer Chevais Shares What Grabs Attention in a Query Submission 21:55

for 37 weeks siden21:55

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Send me a Text Message! Thriller 101 Newsletter Learn more about Jennifer Chevais Dr. Leslie Dobson Episode Read Roxie Key's Article Connect with David on Twitter EPISODE INFO: If you ever find yourself wondering what agents think about while reading your submission, then you’re in the right place. If you ever find yourself wondering what agents think about while reading your submission, then you’re in the right place. By the end of this episode, you'll have a better understanding of: What agents are looking for in submissions How to hook an agent's attention Why subverting tropes can be a great way to grab an agent's attention And so much more! BIO: Jennifer Chevais is currently building her list of authors specialising in fantasy, science fiction, and horror, but she also has a soft spot for thrillers, upmarket fiction, memoir, graphic novels, and many more. Jennifer’s experience includes freelance acquisition reading and translating for a French publisher as well as nearly a decade in advertising. Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society…

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How to Use Character Motivation to Develop Your Stories with Dr. Leslie Dobson 20:56

for 38 weeks siden20:56

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Send me a Text Message! Thriller 101 Newsletter Learn more about Dr. Leslie Dobson Alex Kenna Episode Connect with David on Twitter EPISODE INFO: Dr. Leslie Dobson is not my typical guest on Thriller 101. But when I say she delivered for the writing community, I mean it. By the end of this episode you’ll have a better sense of how to build character motivation—and why it might be just as important to think about your audience as about your character, how to navigate themes of mental illness, and so much more! BIO: Dr. Leslie Dobson is a licensed clinical and forensic psychologist in California. She has over 20 years of psychology experience. She has worked in maximum security settings with individuals who committed violent felonies and were found to have a severe mental illness. Over the past three years, Dr. Dobson has primarily focused on civil law. She is an expert in psychological evaluations to determine the truth. Through a variety of assessment measures, she determines the truthfulness of claims regarding emotional distress, especially sexual abuse allegations. In her clinical practice, she focuses on trauma, and also empowering clients to set interpersonal boundaries. Dr. Leslie spent years with psychopaths, and she is passionate about educating and empowering clients, especially women, to live their best life and set boundaries with toxic people, preserving their energy. Dr. Dobson’s first book, The Friend Cleanse: How to identify energy vampires, set boundaries & balance your glass of life, will be published on January 1, 2024. Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society…

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Keeping Readers Hooked: Mastering a Two-Tier Tension Method with Alex Kenna 18:24

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Send me a Text Message! Thriller 101 Newsletter Pitch Your Article to Thriller 101 Learn more about Alex Kenna Roxie Key Episode Viviana Vasiu's article: 3 Agent Offers in 48 Days Connect with David on Twitter EPISODE INFO: I firmly believe that quality thrillers, mystery, suspense, and crime fiction use this technique where there’s tension in the main plot (or what I call the professional plot). This is the dead body or missing person plot line that is omnipresent in these genres. But the thing that differentiates really great stories is that there’s also this running tension in the main character’s personal life that makes them feel more real. This has to be done well, though. And that’s what we’re talking about today. In this episode, you’ll learn about how Alex balanced the personal and professional tension in her story, and how she developed the kind of backstory necessary to keep that tension high and keep readers on the edge of their seats throughout the entirety of her novel. That way you’ll be able to apply it to your story. BIO: Alex Kenna is a mystery writer, prosecutor, and amateur painter based in Los Angeles. Her first novel, WHAT MEETS THE EYE, was a 2023 Shamus Award Finalist for best first P.I. novel. Her second novel, BURN THIS NIGHT, is coming November 2024. Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society…

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What to Include in Your Opening Chapter (and Should You Prologue?) with Roxie Key 16:36

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Send me a Text Message! Thriller 101 Newsletter Pitch Your Article to Thriller 101 Learn more about Roxie Key Daniel Hurst Episode Eloise Corvo's article: Turning a Standalone Mystery into the First in a Series Connect with David on Twitter EPISODE INFO: How should you start your novel? Should you have a prologue? Should you jump right into the action? Or spend time with the characters? Today’s guest is going to talk us through the how and why she started her novel the way she did. And I have to tell you, it might be her debut novel, but she knocked this out of the park. BIO: Roxie Key lives in Northampton, UK, with her wife and daughter. Currently working as a creative copywriter for a global brand, Roxie has a degree in creative writing and an unhealthy obsession with crime thrillers. Roxie’s debut thriller, The Deadly Spark, is a dark, compelling crime novel about the fallout after a deadly house fire, perfect for fans of Lisa Jewell, Jane Casey and Clare Mackintosh. Published by HQ, an imprint of HarperCollins, it's available in paperback, ebook and audiobook. Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society…

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Self vs. Indie Publishing and Writing Great Hooks with Author Daniel Hurst 19:22

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Send me a Text Message! Thriller 101 Newsletter Thriller 101 Agent Pitch Contest Learn more about Daniel Hurst Michelle Jackson Episode Jody Wenner's "On Brand " article Connect with David on Twitter EPISODE INFO: By the end of today’s episode you’ll understand Why Daniel decided to go from self-publishing to working with an independent press His writing process You’ll have a better understanding of how he writes the kinds of clear, compelling hooks that make readers buy his novels. He shares the biggest reasoning behind his decision to sign with a publisher. BIO: Daniel Hurst was born in the northwest of England, a part of the world famous for its comedians, pasties and terrible weather. He has been employed in several glamorous roles in his lifetime, including bartending, shelf stacking and procurement administration, all while based in some of the most exotic places on the planet, like Bolton, Preston and South London. Since following his lifelong passion for writing in 2020, he has amassed a loyal and devoted set of readers, and regularly has several books in the top 100 of the Psychological Thriller Charts on Amazon. His title The Passenger became the #1 selling psychological thriller in the UK in October 2021, and his bestselling book to date is his title The Doctor’s Wife , which topped the Amazon UK Kindle Chart on February 16th 2023. He remembers that date because he stayed up all night celebrating. Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society…

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Literary Agent Michelle Z. Jackson Helps Writers Navigate the Querying Process 29:11

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Send me a Text Message! Thriller 101 Newsletter Thriller 101 Agent Pitch Contest Learn more about Michelle Z. Jackson as an agent Learn more about Michelle Z. Jackson as an author Heather Levy Episode Connect with David on Twitter EPISODE INFO: If you’re hoping to land an agent this year, you’re going to love this conversation with Michelle. We talk about: Connecting your pitch to your opening How to maintain tension The benefits of active voice, What agents look for in a submission And what makes them pass on a project. BIO: Michelle Z. Jackson represents books that evoke heartfelt emotions and fervent conversations among its readers. Her mission is to mentor and develop authors, particularly those from underrepresented communities, and help them build a brand of quality and authentic reads. Originally from Jamaica, West Indies, she is now a literary agent with LCS Literary. She began her agenting career as an intern and then a Literary Associate with Olswanger Literary. She is also a published author and has earned educational degrees from New York University, SUNY at StonyBrook, Teachers College Columbia University and Argosy University. She is a member of AALA and SCBWI. Click Here to learn more about the Storyteller's Society Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society…

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Dual Timelines and Strong Characters with Heather Levy 28:13

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Send me a Text Message! Thriller 101 Newsletter Want to Hear More about a Thriller Community? Learn more about Heather Levy Catherine Mack Episode Connect with David on Twitter EPISODE INFO: Should you be writing characters first? Or maybe you should develop your plot? How do you write books with multiple timelines? Do you write them chronologically? Or linearly in relation to the thread of the story? Heather Levy is going to cover all this and more! Plus, she struck up a really interesting debate and I’m curious about your take! BIO: Heather Levy is a born and bred Oklahoman and graduate of Oklahoma City University’s Red Earth MFA program for creative writing. The New York Times called her Anthony-nominated debut Walking Through Needles “a spellbinding novel at the nexus of power, desire, and abuse that portends a bright future” and the L.A. Times called it “a standout for its frank but sensitive exploration of trauma and desire.” Publisher’s Weekly says her thriller Hurt for Me “delivers both heat and heart.” Her novels focus on kink-positive stories centered around badass women. She lives in Oklahoma with her husband, two kids, and three murderous cats. Readers can follow her on X and IG @heatherllevy or on her website at www.heatherlevywriter.com Click Here to learn more about the Storyteller's Society Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society…

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How to Write Unique Characters and Plan Sequels with Catherine Mack 26:46

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Send me a Text Message! Thriller 101 Newsletter Submit an Article to Thriller 101 Learn more about Catherine Mack Matt Shao Episode Connect with David on Twitter EPISODE INFO: We’ve all had those moments where we wonder if it’s time to take on something new with our writing. Something bolder or more daring. Maybe it’s a new genre, new point of view, different structure or something else entirely. Well imagine if, by making that brave choice, you absolutely nail it. My guest today did just that. And she pulled it off so well that the NYT reviewed her book. BIO: CATHERINE MACK (she/her) is the pseudonym for the USA Today and Globe & Mail bestselling author of over a dozen novels. Her books are approaching two million copies sold worldwide and have been translated into multiple languages including French, German, Portuguese, and Polish. Television rights to Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies and its forthcoming sequels sold in a major auction to Fox TV for development into a series, with Mack writing the pilot script. A dual Canadian and US citizen, she splits her time between Canada and various warmer locations in the US. Click Here to learn more about the Storyteller's Society Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society…

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From Manuscript to Market: The Indie Author's Journey Revealed 29:15

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Send me a Text Message! Click here to submit to the Thriller 101 Pitch Contest Thriller 101 Newsletter Learn more about M.E. Shao Ellie Monago Episode Connect with David on Twitter EPISODE INFO: On the Thriller 101 podcast, we hear a lot from authors who are published. I also get the opportunity to share writers who are submitting to agents through the Thriller 101 pitch contest. However, it's rare that we get to hear from someone who's in the middle of that publishing process.. My guest today has signed with an indie press and his book comes out in 2024, but he's in the process of editing and revising before the book can go to publication. This is an interesting perspective that, honestly, as writers, we can learn a lot from and we don't hear enough about. BIO: Born in Baltimore, MD, Matt Shao, who writes under the pen name M.E. Shao, grew up in a suburb of Music City in what was then a very small town called Mount Juliet, TN. He attended the local public high school before being recruited to play baseball at nearby Nashville’s Vanderbilt University. Graduating in Spring of 2009 with a degree in Economics and Corporate Strategy, he still carries the life lessons and influence inspired by legendary college ball coach Tim Corbin. Matt first began writing in August of 2015, immediately following the loss of his beloved mother, Elizabeth Louise. His debut work, a science fiction novel entitled "Continuity", was published in April 2016, and was followed by a sequel called “Continuity: Coalescence” two years later. The two books have since been compiled into one installment as the first in what will become a series, and is scheduled for release in December of 2024 care of Wild Ink Publishing, LLC. Matt’s writing portfolio includes columns & short stories for newspapers, published poetry, business copy, and more. His freely available content can be found on his website, howtheworldshouldwork. Click Here to learn more about the Storyteller's Society Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society…

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Pros and Cons of Different Publishing Options with Ellie Monago 22:04

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Send me a Text Message! Click here to submit to the Thriller 101 Pitch Contest Thriller 101 Newsletter Learn more about Ellie Monago Michelle Glogovac Episode Connect with David on Twitter EPISODE INFO: There are more avenues to publication now than there have ever been. Whether it’s publishing by partnering with a literary agent, or small or independent publishers, or even self-publishing, there’s so many ways to get your book out there. Which way is the best? Well, today we’re going to hear from an author with a variety of publishing backgrounds. That way you can decide what’s right for you. BIO: Ellie Monago is a novelist and practicing therapist. She moved from California to Canada three years ago with her family. Her novel, THE CUSTODY BATTLE, was just released, and a related novel called THE DIVORCE LAWYER is available for pre-order now and comes out in May. Ellie also writes under the name Holly Brown Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society…

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How to Build Your Author Platform with Interviews and Podcasts with Michelle Glogovac 28:44

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Send me a Text Message! Click here to submit to the Thriller 101 Pitch Contest Thriller 101 Newsletter Learn more about Michelle Glogovac Connect with Michelle on Twitter (X) Connect with Michelle on Instagram Learn more about the MLG Collective Carey Blankenship-Kramer Episode Connect with David on Twitter EPISODE INFO: Have you ever thought about being a guest on a podcast? It’s never to early to build your author platform. And in today’s episode my guest is going to talk about why you should want to be on a podcast as a writer and author, and how to do it. Today’s guest is something a little bit different than my normal interviews but I had the chance to talk to Michelle and I couldn’t be more excited. So whether you’re planning on being on podcasts this year or it’s in the future plans to happen for you at some point, you’re going to love this episode. BIO: Michelle Glogovac is THE Podcast MatchmakerTM, an award- winning publicist, host of the My Simplified Life podcast and author of How To Get On Podcasts (McGraw Hill, 2024). Michelle is working with clients who make an impact by defining their stories and matching them with the perfect podcasts. She has helped entrepreneurs, authors, nonprofits and advocates hone their storytelling abilities, grow their businesses, and elevate themselves as thought leaders on over 1,000 podcasts. Michelle is a sought-after speaker in this niche and has presented to thousands of publicists and groups on how to not only perfectly pitch a podcast but to create marketing content from every interview. She has coached 14,000 authors through the process of creating and launching a podcast book tour through the Nonfiction Writers Association. Michelle is a wife, mom of two, stepmom of two, and a fur mom. She has her B.A. and M.S. in Law, and is the Founder + CEO of The MLG Collective®. Michelle resides in the Bay Area and is a sushi lover. Click Here to learn more about the Storyteller's Society Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society…

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How to Find Your Literary Agent with Carey Blankenship-Kramer 33:38

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Send me a Text Message! Click here to submit to the Thriller 101 Pitch Contest Thriller 101 Newsletter Learn more about Carey Blankenship-Kramer Connect with Carey on Twitter (X) Mel Mattison Episode Connect with David on Twitter EPISODE INFO: Should you include a theme in your summary? How do agents read queries anyway? And what do you need in your opening to catch an agent’s attention? All this and more on this episode of Thriller 101 where Belcastro literary agent shares all her top tips for hooking a literary agent. BIO: After growing up surrounded by books and people who loved to read them, Carey debut novel, GHOST SCOUTS HONOR, is being published by Scholastic January 2025. And yes, she does have experience with how ghosts have zero respect for personal space. She is currently repped by Sheyla Knigge at High Line Literary Collective. Carey graduated from Berry College with a dual degree in English and Creative Writing. She later received her master’s in Writing and Digital Communications from Agnes Scott College. She has experience working with both publishing houses and literary agencies and loves her role as Junior Agent at Belcastro Agency. Outside of work and writing, you can usually find Carey spending time with her small zoo and husband, getting way too competitive on the tennis court, gardening, playing video games, or eating candy. Click Here to learn more about the Storyteller's Society Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society…

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How to Write Thriller Characters that Keep Readers Reading with Author Mel Mattison 22:19

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Send me a Text Message! Click here to submit to the Thriller 101 Pitch Contest Thriller 101 Newsletter Learn more about Mel Mattison Connect with Mel on Twitter (X) Ash Clifton Episode Connect with David on Twitter EPISODE INFO: If you want to learn how to effectively introduce characters to your readers, you’re going to love today’s guest. Mattison talks about finding a big idea that will carry you through a novel. And often those ideas come from two or three ideas mashed together. You'll hear that in Mattison's story of how he came up with the idea for his novel, QUOZ. Writers often talk about how best to introduce a character but in a lot of ways less is more. In today's episode, we hear how to create concise character descriptions to keep readers engaged without overloading them with character description BIO: Mel Mattison is a writer and financial services veteran. Leveraging over twenty years’ experience in the realm of high finance, he brings real-world authenticity to his fictional narratives. Mel holds an MBA from Duke University and studied creative writing at Loyola University Chicago. Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society…

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Uncover Characters Who Write Themselves with Author Ash Clifton 16:45

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Send me a Text Message! Click here to submit to the Thriller 101 Pitch Contest Thriller 101 Newsletter Learn more about Ash Clifton Connect with Ash on Twitter (X) Lisa Unger Episode Connect with David on Twitter EPISODE INFO: How much backstory is too much backstory? Can there be any backstory at all? I mean, your characters have to have something going on…right? But what does that look like? Luckily, Ash Clifton is here to help us with that and so much more! BIO: Ash Clifton was raised in Gainesville, Florida, where he attended the university and got a B.A. in English. He then earned an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from the University of Arizona. His short fiction has appeared in The Missouri Review, The Massachusetts Review, Cutthroat: A Journal of the Arts , and StepAway Magazine . His debut novel, Twice the Trouble , is forthcoming from Crooked Lane Books on March 5, 2024. Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society…

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Writing Thriller Characters with Author Lisa Unger 28:45

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Send me a Text Message! Click here to submit to the Thriller 101 Pitch Contest Thriller 101 Newsletter Learn more about Lisa Unger Connect with Lisa on Twitter (X) Sandy Lu Episode Connect with David on Twitter EPISODE INFO: Do you want to write characters with as much depth as a New York Times and international bestselling author? Today, we’re going to hear how Lisa Unger writes the kinds of characters that feel so incredibly real. This episode contains advice and a mindset around character development that I’ve never heard before. It might change how you think about writing your characters. BIO: LISA UNGER is a New York Times and internationally bestselling author of twenty novels, including Confessions on the 7:45 and Secluded Cabin Sleeps Six . An award-winning and acclaimed writer with millions of readers worldwide, Lisa is widely regarded as a master of suspense. Her books are published in thirty-three languages and have been voted "Best of the Year" or top picks by the Today show, Good Morning America , Entertainment Weekly , Amazon, IndieBound and many others. In 2019, her novel Under My Skin and her short story "The Sleep Tight Motel" were both nominated for the prestigious Edgar Award. Her nonfiction work has appeared in the New York Times , Wall Street Journal , NPR and Travel + Leisure . Lisa lives on the west coast of Florida with her family. Click Here to learn more about the Storyteller's Society Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society…

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How to Impress a Literary Agent with Sandy Lu 29:36

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Send me a Text Message! Click here to submit to the Thriller 101 Pitch Contest Thriller 101 Newsletter Learn more about Sandy Lu Connect with Sandy on Twitter (X) Vera Kurian Episode Connect with David on Twitter EPISODE INFO: If you’re hoping to sign with your agent this year, you’re going to love this episode today. We’re going to dive deep into a fantastic submission to the Thriller 101 podcast! And my guest is going to share so many tips you’re going to want to pay close attention with this one. If your goal is to land a literary agent as soon as possible, then this will be one of the most valuable things you do for your writing career this week. BIO: Sandy Lu founded Book Wyrm Literary Agency in 2020 after working as a literary agent for more than a decade at other boutique agencies, most recently the L. Perkins Agency. Her client list includes Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Publishers Weekly, USA Today, and The New York Times bestsellers, Anthony Award, Hammett Prize, and Stoker Award nominees, Goodreads Choice Awards finalists, and New York Times Best of the Year recipient. Born and raised in Taiwan, Sandy immigrated to the United States when she was sixteen and has lived in New York ever since. She holds BAs in psychology and sociology from Queens College, with minors in music, business, and Japanese. Prior to becoming an agent, she worked in various business positions in the theater industry. Her areas of study and work experience greatly inform her interest in submissions. Click Here to learn more about the Storyteller's Society Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society…

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Top Setting Writing Advice from Author Vera Kurian 18:53

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Send me a Text Message! Click here to submit to the Thriller 101 Pitch Contest Thriller 101 Newsletter Learn more about Vera Kurian Vera Kurian Substack Jason Powell Episode Connect with David on Twitter EPISODE INFO: You know when people say that the setting became like it’s own character ? And you sit there thinking… how do I make readers feel like that? Well Vera Kurian is going to give us some advice on how she absolutely crushed the setting of her new novel A STEP PAST DARKNESS out now. I read an advanced reader copy for this one and, seriously, this is going to be one of those books people talk about for years to come.. Go grab a copy. You won’t be disappointed. But before you go buy her book , she’s going to teach us how to write a setting as epic and all-encompassing as hers. BIO: Vera Kurian is a writer and scientist based in Washington DC. Her debut novel, NEVER SAW ME COMING (Park Row Books, 2021) was an Edgar Award nominee, was named one of the New York Times’ Best Thrillers of 2021, and has sold in 15 countries. A STEP PAST DARKNESS, is out now. She has a PhD in Social Psychology, where she studied intergroup relations, ideology, and quantitative methods. You can find her on Substack or Instagram Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society…

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Writing Unique Openings to Grab Literary Agent Attention: Jason Powell Author 28:02

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Send me a Text Message! Click here to submit to the Thriller 101 Pitch Contest Thriller 101 Newsletter Learn more about Jason Powell Elle Grawl Episode Connect with David on Twitter EPISODE INFO: If you want the kind of opening that gets an agent's attention, you'll want to listen to what Jason Powell has to say. The opening for his novel, No Man's Ghost opening might be the most unique one I’ve covered on the podcast and Jason will share why he thinks it works so well. Plus, the slight change he made with his agent to make it even stronger. BIO: Jason Powell is an Author and New York City Firefighter. When he isn't at the firehouse or at a desk, he can be found in the city with his back pack filled with snacks, water, a notebook and a novel. Born the youngest of 9 kids, his household of eleven people taught him to appreciate alone time and sweet escapes. He has found there is no better place to escape to than in between the covers of a book. Click Here to learn more about the Storyteller's Society Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society…

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How to Use Subgenres to Make Your Story Stand Out with Author Elle Grawl 19:23

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Send me a Text Message! Click here to submit to the Thriller 101 Pitch Contest Connect with Elle Grawl Last time I talked to Elle Grawl Tori Westminster Episode Connect with David on Twitter EPISODE INFO: If all you’re doing is writing a thriller the way they used to be written, you might be missing out on some untapped potential. I’ve been reading a lot of thrillers recently that have some extra, added elements that work toward building tension. My guest today is going to share the two she used in her most recent novel and why she chose them. If you want to level-up your writing and stand out in your query, you're going to love this interview today. BIO: Elle Grawl is a lawyer and author of ONE OF THOSE FACES and WHAT STILL BURNS. After obtaining her B.A. in English Literature, she took a detour into law before returning to her love of writing. Her lifelong interest in true crime and experiences as an attorney have provided her with plenty of writing material. Elle enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband and their two dogs. Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society…

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BONUS: A Literary Agent's 3 Rules for Writing Thriller Hooks that Get Requests 6:20

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Send me a Text Message! Download the Official Thriller 101 Hook Checklist Here Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society

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2 Strategies to Build Your Author Platform with T.C. Westminster of The Host 22:25

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Send me a Text Message! Refer 3 Friends for Query Letter and Pages Feedback Connect with T.C. Westminster Grab your copy of THE HOST Natasha C. Sass Episode Connect with David on Twitter EPISODE INFO: The words “author platform” can make any writer roll their eyes. However, it’s also one of those important aspects of being a writer that isn’t much about actually being a writer. Luckily, today’s guest makes author platforms fun! So if you want to improve the quality and quantity of your author platform this year, there’s a simple framework my guest today used to get more than 20k followers on social media. And honestly, it’s way simpler than I expected it to be. Tori’s new novel, THE HOST, is out now. It’s a phenomenal thriller that I’ll let her talk about, but it’s one of those books that gets under your skin and you just can’t seem to get it out. She also shares the harrowing story of how the book came to be, and her method of finding the right kind of followers on social media. BIO: Some of Tori Westminster’s closest author friends joke that she lives in a bunker, much like the one in her book, THE HOST. She doesn't often leave the house because she lives with chronic illness and a neurological disorder that involve extended periods of intense pain. During those periods, she has learned to distract herself with stories. These stories and characters have kept her spirits up when her body failed her. Outside of writing, she’s homeschooled her gifted children and do her best to keep up with her adventuring family despite her physical limitations. They're even willing to cart her around the wilderness in a wheelchair when necessary, so she doesn’t miss out. They go the extra mile for an experience. Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society…

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Is This the Year of the Cozy Mystery? An Interview with Natasha C. Sass 20:10

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Send me a Text Message! Join the Thriller 101 newsletter for exclusive updates Download Natasha's Cozy Mystery Workbook Episode with Erin Flanagan Connect with David on Twitter EPISODE INFO: Does it feel like Cozy Mysteries are making a come back? Well it did to me. So I reached out to Cozy expert, Natasha C. Sass. She quite literally wrote the book on cozy mysteries. BIO: Natasha has been in the publishing industry for 20 years. She's helped to organize regional conferences for authors, and teaches classes on writing and self-publishing. As a former corporate trainer, she breaks down the complex into understandable pieces to make the business of writing faster and easier. She loves to see her students succeed. Visit her and find her workshops at natashacsass.com She's been in the cozy mystery space since 2021 where she publishes under the pen name Julia Koty. Her bestselling book How to Write a Cozy Mystery Step-by-Step is now available. Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society…

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How to Build Tension in Your Thriller Novel with Author Erin Flanagan 27:21

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Send me a Text Message! Join the Thriller 101 newsletter for exclusive updates Click here to rate and review the podcast! Find out more about Erin Flanagan Episode with Mandy McHugh Connect with David on Twitter EPISODE INFO: The art methodically rising tension is a tricky one...because there really isn’t a hard and fast rule. However, while talking to our guest today, I learned so much about how to incrementally increase tension over the course of a novel. Plus, we cover some major misconceptions about the publishing business. We’re busting myths out here so come along for the ride. BIO: Erin Flanagan is the author of two short-story collections and three novels including Deer Season , winner of the 2022 Edgar for Best First Novel, and the most recent Come with Me . She is an English professor at Wright State University and a regular book reviewer for Publishers Weekly . For more information about her and her writing, please visit www.erinflanagan.net or say hello on Twitter and Instagram at @erinlflanagan. Click Here to learn more about the Storyteller's Society Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society…

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Writing Dialogue and Developing Characters with Author Mandy McHugh 29:36

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Send me a Text Message! Download the Official Thriller 101 Hook Checklist Here Click here to rate and review the podcast! Find out more about Mandy McHugh Connect with David on Twitter EPISODE INFO: If you’re into morally gray characters, then you’re going to love today’s guest. And you’re going to love her even more if you want to write great dialogue. Seriously, if you need to improve your dialogue writing, read Mandy McHugh’s work. BIO: Mandy McHugh is an author from upstate NY. She received her MA in English Lit from the College of Saint Rose in Albany, NY and her BA in English from Le Moyne College in Syracuse, NY. Her debut novel, CHLOE CATES IS MISSING, was one of Popsugar's best mysteries and thrillers of 2022. IT TAKES MONSTERS is out now! Click Here to learn more about the Storyteller's Society Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society…

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How to Hook Readers and Agents with Literary Agent & Author Amy Nielsen 45:23

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Send me a Text Message! Download the Official Thriller 101 Hook Checklist Here Click here to rate and review the podcast! Find out more about Amy Nielsen Listen to Last Time: Catherine McKenzie Connect with David on Twitter EPISODE INFO: If you’re hoping to sign with your agent in the next few months, you’re going to love this episode with my guest today. We’re going to dive deep into a fantastic submission that shows a ton of promise! Amy is going to share so many tips with use that you’ll find yourself pausing, rewinding, and (safely) taking notes. If your goal is to land a literary agent ASAP then this will be one of the most valuable things you do for your writing career this week. BIO: Amy Nielsen spent nearly twenty years sharing her love of books with young readers on the other side of the writing aisle as a youth librarian. Daily immersion in story took root, and she started penning her 2024 YA debut, Worth It , behind her checkout desk. She left the library after her youngest son was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and began writing full-time. She also began working with other authors helping them to elevate their craft and go on to pursue publication deals. While she will always enjoy pursuing her own writing goals, helping other authors has become a passion. She is honored to now serve as an associate literary agent at The Purcell Agency. Amy also has a background in television production and creates book trailers for authors to use as a marketing tool. She started Mayflower Media where she works collaboratively with writers to bring the heart of their stories from the page to the screen. In addition to her debut, Amy is the author of It Takes a Village: How to Build A Support System for Your Exceptional Needs Family , the picture book, Goldilocks and the Three Bears: Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder , and Teaching Television Production, Beyond the Morning Newscast. She is the co-author of the upcoming title Navigating the Wild World of Publishing: A Workbook for Indie and Self-Published Authors and the co-host of the Author(ish) podcast. When not writing or reading she and her family can be found boating in Tampa Bay. You can find Amy at www.amynielsenauthor.com . Click Here to learn more about the Storyteller's Society Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society…

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BONUS: My take on Paula Hawkins' Story Structure Article - 5 Minute Writer 4:46

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Send me a Text Message! Free 5-Day Email Mini Course on Hooking an Agent with Your Opening Paula Hawkins on LitHub Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society

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Writing Multiple POV and Tricky Timelines with Catherine McKenzie 33:06

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Send me a Text Message! Free 5-Day Email Mini Course on Hooking an Agent with Your Opening Click here to rate and review the podcast! Find out more about Catherine McKenzie Link to the last time Catherine was on the podcast Connect with David on Twitter EPISODE INFO: In today’s episode, we’re going to hear from a best-selling author about how she plans and organizes her novels. Anyone who writes in the thriller, mystery, suspense, or crime genre considers multiple points of view and multiple timelines. So few pull it off as well as Catherine McKenzie. Listen to how she does it here! BIO: Catherine McKenzie was born and raised in Montreal, Canada. A graduate of McGill in History and Law, Catherine practiced law for twenty years before leaving the practice to write full time. An avid runner, skier and tennis player, she’s the author of numerous bestsellers including HIDDEN, FRACTURED, THE GOOD LIAR and I’LL NEVER TELL. Her works have been translated into multiple languages and PLEASE JOIN US and I’LL NEVER TELL have all been optioned for development into television series. Click Here to learn more about the Storyteller's Society Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society…

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Literary Agent Shares Insights on Your First Pages with Emmy Nordstrom Higdon 47:37

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Send me a Text Message! Free 5-Day Email Mini Course on Hooking an Agent with Your Opening Click here to rate and review the podcast! Find out more about Emmy Nordstrom Higdon Link to the last time Emmy was on the podcast Connect with David on Twitter EPISODE INFO: In today’s episode, we’re going to hear from a literary agent about what you need in your opening pages. If you’re hoping to sign with an agent this year, then you’ll love the clear, actionable steps outlined in this episode. BIO: emmy (they/them) holds a PhD in justice-oriented social work with a focus on critical animal studies from McMaster University, with peer-reviewed publications in public health and psychology. In 2019, they made a lateral career move into publishing after four years as a bookseller at a local independent bookstore. They are a literary agent at Westwood Creative Artists, a faculty member for the Manuscript Academy, and an advisor for the Festival of Literary Diversity and Sheridan College Creative Writing and Publishing programs. In their agenting work, they use a hands-on, conscious editing approach. emmy is a queer, trans, and non-binary colonizer originally from Ktaqmkuk (Newfoundland), the ancestral homelands of the Beothuk and the Mi’kmaq, now based on the Haldimand Tract, which is the territory of the Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee, and Attawandaran peoples. emmy is autistic, has psychiatric disabilities, and a hormone-related chronic illness. emmy lives with their partner, a Deaf Dalmatian named Pavot, two formerly feral Maine coon cats, Whisper and Willow, and their collection of plants, informally nicknamed The Leafy Bois. They keep busy with vegan cooking, needlework, wholesome games, snail mail, their sticker collection, TTRPGs, and… obviously, reading. Click Here to learn more about the Storyteller's Society Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society…

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BONUS: Audit Your Writing Process - 5 Minute Writer 4:57

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Send me a Text Message! Free 5-Day Email Mini Course on Hooking an Agent with Your Opening Wanda Morris on CrimeReads Interviews Referenced: Literary Agent Kimberly Brower Author James Byrne Author JM Donellan Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society

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5 Keys to Unlocking More Full Requests from Literary Agents 17:47

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Send me a Text Message! Free 5-Day Email Mini Course on Hooking an Agent with Your Opening Agent: Carleen Geisler Author: Brooke Robinson Author: Aaron Philip Clark Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society

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Unlocking a Literary Agent's Wishlist: What Kathleen Foxx is Eager to Find in Your Manuscript 35:46

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Send me a Text Message! Click here to rate and review the podcast! Find out more about Kathleen Foxx Brooke Robinson Episode Carleen Geisler Episode Sign up to be notified when agent submissions reopen! Connect with Kathleen on Twitter Connect with David on Twitter EPISODE INFO: Today, we have another agent interview! I’m so excited to share this conversation with a brand new agent who has a resume that will make you take notice. She gives a masterclass on opening pages! Kathleen Foxx is a new agent at The Rights Factory. She shares some absolutely priceless information for writers. BIO: Kathleen is a new literary agent at The Rights Factory, representing clients from anywhere in the world. She’s also a freelance fiction editor, podcaster, and co-founder/host of #MoodPitch, helping connect writers with agents and publishers around the globe. Kat is most interested in thrillers/suspense, gothic/supernatural horror, light romance and romcom, pre-20th century historical fiction/fantasy, and select nonfiction topics. Her submission guidelines and detailed MSWL can be found at kathleenfoxxagent.com/mswl or on Manuscript Wishlist . Click Here to learn more about the Storyteller's Society Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society…

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Crafting the Perfect Hook: Debut Author Brooke Robinson Reveals Her Opening Chapter Secrets 21:49

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Send me a Text Message! Click here to rate and review the podcast! Sign up to be notified when agent submissions reopen! Connect with Brooke on Twitter Connect with Brooke on Instagram Connect with David on Twitter EPISODE INFO: The opening of your story is something we talk about a lot on, through their one-on-one and that's because it's so important. It's not just important to get an agent's attention. It's also important to hook and hold on to readers. Luckily, we have a debut author who balanced her opening in a way that I personally think is genius. And she's going to talk all about how she pulled it off. BIO: Today’s guest is Brooke Robinson grew up in Sydney, Australia. She worked as a bookseller, university administrator and playwright in Australia and the UK. For a short time she wrote music reviews and interviewed rock musicians for streetpress magazines in Sydney, and for an even shorter time, considered a career in physics. The Interpreter is her first novel. Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society…

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How to Write Memorable Villains with JM Donellan 29:51

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Send me a Text Message! Antagonist Checklist Sign up to be notified when agent submissions reopen! Connect with JM Donellan JM Donellan's YouTube Connect with David on Twitter EPISODE INFO: In thrillers, (maybe more so than in any other genre) an antagonist has a lot of weight to carry. They have to be believable but ruthless. Dangerous and deadly but also sympathetic. I mean, how much time do we spend on our main characters? If you’re anything like me, you create entire backstories for them. You try to understand their goals, ambitions and needs. And of course you do. You should. But do you do the same for your antagonists? Today’s guest is going to share his 3 secrets for writing unique and memorable antagonists. BIO: J.M. DONELLAN is a writer, musician, poet, and teacher. He was almost devoured by a tiger in the jungles of Malaysia, nearly died of a lung collapse in the Nepalese Himalayas and fended off a pack of rabid dogs with a guitar in the mountains of India. He is the author of the novels A Beginner’s Guide to Dying in India and Killing Adonis (which was nominated for the Kirkus prize). His children’s fantasy novel Zeb and the Great Ruckus was described by one child as ‘the best book ever, but it should have had Dr Who in it.’ He has spoken/performed at the Brisbane Festival, the Sydney Opera House, TEDxBrisbane, World Science Festival, and some very distinguished basements. Aside from novels and poetry he has also written plays, video games, the internationally admired podcast series Six Cold Feet and the dance performance INTER. His latest novels are the gothic mystery Lenore’s Last Funeral and the surreal thriller Rumors of Her Death, the film version of the latter is currently in development with Continuance Pictures. He’s won numerous awards in a range of artistic fields but refuses to list them all here because no one likes a braggart. Click Here to learn more about the Storyteller's Society Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society…

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Agent Carleen Geisler Reads a Submission & Shares How Agents Evaluate Opening Pages 38:48

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Send me a Text Message! BONUS: Carleen shares where to put your inciting incident & more! Article Sign up to be notified when agent submissions reopen! Connect with Carleen on Twitter Connect with Carleen on Instagram Connect with David on Twitter EPISODE INFO: Are you wondering what agents are looking for in submissions? Well this agent is going to talk all about what to include in a summary of your novel AND what you need in those opening pages to catch an agent’s eye. Today’s guest is Carleen Geisler, an associate agent at ArtHouse Literary. She started her own author career as well as an agenting career at ArtHouse Literary. Carleen talks about balance and what to put in your opening pages. She also shares her thoughts on a little twist to your summary that can help grab an agent’s attention. You’re going to love this episode! BIO: Carleen is an associate agent actively building her list of adult fiction authors across contemporary genres. She's also open to nonfiction, and though her list mostly focuses on fiction, she would love to find some unique nonfiction projects to work on too. Click Here to learn more about the Storyteller's Society Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society…

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Does James Byrne's Writing Routine Really Work? (5 Minute Writer) 7:36

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Send me a Text Message! The 5 Minute Writer Series is designed to help writers save time. James Byrne Interview Allison Buccola Interview It’s a free weekly article that provides ~5 minute summaries of a longer articles, podcasts, videos, or courses. It’s designed to give you the highlights without the fluff so you can gain the knowledge without wasting time. So you can get back to writing! Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society…

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How to Write Unique Protagonists with Author James Byrne 28:03

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Send me a Text Message! 5 Minute Writer Article Sign up to be notified when agent submissions reopen! Connect with James Connect with David on Twitter 3 BIG TAKEAWAYS Don't get stuck on genre conventions Revamp your writing routine Write unique characters EPISODE INFO: Character voice can make or break a manuscript. And a lot of times, as writers we’re trying to imitate what we see commonly in the genre. Maybe that means moody, angry, or short-tempered characters that fit the tone of our work, But it’s sometimes interesting to flip the script on readers as a way to provide a unique voice. That’s what James Byrne did in his Desmond Limerick novels. And I got the opportunity to ask him about how he develops unique character voices by ignoring common conventions. We talk about so much more than just unique character voice. He also shares about why a top editor told him he needed a prologue, and he gives us his a unique writing process for writing books really fast. All that plus more on this episode of Thriller 101. BIO: Today’s guest is James Byrne, the author of a dozen novels. And, most recently, the second novel in his Desmond Limerick series, which is called DEADLOCK. Click Here to learn more about the Storyteller's Society Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society…

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3 Authors Share How to Develop Compelling Characters in Your Novel 8:20

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Send me a Text Message! Learn more about submitting to the Agent Contest Listen to the episode about the Agent Contest Liz Alterman Interview Josh Stallings Interview Bianca Marais Interview Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society

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Is This My Favorite Piece of Writing Advice EVER? 6:08

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Send me a Text Message! Listen to Wednesday's episode with big announcement here! Thriller 101 Sinem Gunel: Full Interview Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society

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2 Literary Agents & an Author Weigh in on How to Write Your Opening Pages 11:17

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Send me a Text Message! Listen to yesterday's episode with big announcement here! Thriller 101 Paula Munier Lori Galvin Thomas Mullen Write like Lisa Jewell Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society

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Exciting New Opportunity for Writers 4:56

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Send me a Text Message! Hey everyone! Today, I'm introducing Thriller 101, the new podcast that will take over for Writerly Lifestyle! Exciting things are happening and I can't wait to tell you all about it! Click here to submit! Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society

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Writing Your Opening Scene with Thomas Mullen 32:39

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Send me a Text Message! 5 Minute Writer Article Last week's interview with Lori Galvin Connect with Thomas on Twitter Link to Thomas Mullen's website Connect with David on Twitter 3 BIG TAKEAWAYS Writing opening scenes Incorporating big ideas into your writing Using existing literature to fuel your writing EPISODE INFO: How many times do you revise your opening scene? If you’re anything like me, you’re constantly concerned with giving away too much information and boring readers in your opening. Or maybe you're worried about going to far the other way and confusing readers by not providing enough context. Thomas Mullen is going to talk through how he nailed the opening of his new novel, BLIND SPOTS, which is out today! I highly recommend you pick it up! BIO: (From ThomasMullen.net) Thomas Mullen is the author of seven novels, including his internationally acclaimed series set in midcentury Atlanta: Darktown , an NPR Best Book of the Year, which was shortlisted for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize, the Southern Book Prize, the Indies Choice Book Award, and was nominated for two CWA Dagger Awards; Lightning Men, which was named one of the Top 10 Crime Novels of the Year by the New York Times Book Review and was shortlisted for a CWA Dagger; and Midnight Atlanta , which was shortlisted for the CWA Gold Dagger. His first novel, The Last Town on Earth, was named Best Debut Novel of 2006 by USA Today and was awarded the James Fenimore Cooper Prize for excellence in historical fiction. His works have also been named to Year’s Best lists by The Chicago Tribune, USA Today, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, The Irish Times, Kirkus Reviews, The Onion’s A/V Club, The San Diego Union-Times, Paste Magazine, and The Cleveland Plain-Dealer , and have been nominated for or won awards in France, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. His stories and essays have been published in Grantland , Paste , The Huffington Post , Atlanta Magazine, Crime Reads, LitHub, and The Bitter Southerner . He lives in Atlanta with his wife and sons. His new novel, Blind Spots , will be published April 4, 2023. Click Here to learn more about the Storyteller's Society Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society…

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How to Impress a Literary Agent with Lori Galvin of Aevitas Creative Management 27:00

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Send me a Text Message! 5 Minute Writer Article Last week's interview with Author Aaron Philip Clark Connect with Lori on Twitter Connect with David on Twitter 3 BIG TAKEAWAYS What agents are looking for in a client Your first 5-10 pages What it's like working with an agent EPISODE INFO: Are you looking to land an agent in 2024? In this episode, Aevitas Creative literary agent Lori Galvin is going to share the things you need to know if you want to grab an agent’s attention, both in your query letter and bio, but also when talking to an agent, and even those all-important first few pages. She even shares something I hadn’t heard before from agents about what they’re really looking for in a client. BIO: Lori Galvin is a senior literary agent with Aevitas Creative Management. Previously she worked as an editor at Houghton Mifflin and America’s Test Kitchen. And, she also survived running a b&b in coastal Maine. She represents fiction (crime and book club) and select nonfiction (true crime, memoir, and food writing). A few of her clients include Kwame Onwuachi, Wanda M. Morris, and Sara Goudarzi. Click Here to learn more about the Storyteller's Society Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society…

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Writing Action Scenes with Author Aaron Philip Clark 48:32

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Send me a Text Message! 5 Minute Writer Article Last week's interview with Ausma Zehanat Khan Aaron's Website Connect with Aaron on Twitter Connect with David on Twitter 3 BIG TAKEAWAYS How to write action scenes Using our unique experiences to drive our stories Developing your craft EPISODE INFO: No matter what kind of writing you’re doing, you’re going to use have to write movement into your manuscript. So how do you pull off those all-important action moments in a way that helps to reveal character and inform theme? Aaron Philip Clark is here to help us! BIO: Aaron Philip Clark is a native of Los Angeles, CA. He is a novelist, poet, and former Los Angeles Police Department recruit. His first novel, THE SCIENCE OF PAUL: A Novel of Crime (New Pulp Press), was published in 2011. The debut was met with interest and acclaim. Clark followed THE SCIENCE OF PAUL with A HEALTHY FEAR OF MAN (Snubnose Press) published the following year. Both novels featured the morally plagued and emotionally damaged protagonist, Paul Little, as he fought to escape the perils of Philadelphia street culture and return to his deceased grandfather’s farm in North Carolina. Inspired by the works of French existentialists, Clark’s prose reverberated with ideas and philosophies put forth by Jean-Paul Sartre, Jean-Patrick Manchette, and Fyodor Dostoevsky. After leaving his career in law enforcement, Clark returned to higher education and continued his work as an educator teaching college-level English, Creative Writing, and Humanities. During this time, Clark completed THE FURIOUS WAY, a stand-alone thriller, and UNDR COLOR OF LAW, inspired by his experiences with the LAPD. The novel centered on Det. Trevor “Finn” Finnegan, a Black LAPD detective, who is tasked with investigating the murder of a young Black academy recruit amid protests against police brutality and calls for reform. The novel was nominated for an International Thriller Writers Award in 2022, and Clark has more books planned for the series. BLUE LIKE ME, the second Trevor Finnegan novel, will be published on November 8, 2022, by Thomas & Mercer. Clark is completing ALL THE SMOKE, a modern psychological thriller that explores racial identity, Black male trauma, and psychopathy. The story is set in the music industry and takes inspiration from THE TALENTED MR. RIPLEY and other works by Patricia Highsmith. Click Here to learn more about the Storyteller's Society Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society…

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How to Write Tension into Your Story with Ausma Zehanat Khan 28:47

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Send me a Text Message! Your Free Editing Outline 5 Minute Writer Article Last week's interview with Johnny Compton Ausma's Website Connect with Ausma on Twitter Connect with David on Twitter 3 BIG TAKEAWAYS Writing tension into your story The author-agent relationship Sharing stories that matter EPISODE INFO: There are so many ways to write a novel. But the bottom line is this: you just have to find a way to keep readers reading. And that is what my guest today is going to help us with. Ausma’s novel, BLACKWATER FALLS was able to propel readers through the investigation while always keeping us waiting and hunting for that next clue. We talk about outlines, changes in later drafts, and more! BIO: Ausma Zehanat Khan holds a Ph.D. in international human rights law with a specialization in military intervention and war crimes in the Balkans. Blackwater Falls , her new crime novel on racial justice and policing , was published in November 2022 to rave reviews from the New York Times and the Washington Post . Blackwater Falls is also an Apple Books and Publishers Weekly Best Books of 2022 pick. Khan is the author of the award-winning Esa Khattak and Rachel Getty crime fiction series, which begins with The Unquiet Dead , and the author of the critically acclaimed Khorasan Archives fantasy quartet, which begins with The Bloodprint . She is also a contributor to the anthologies Private Investigations, Sword Stone Table, and The Perfect Crime . A British-born Canadian and former adjunct law professor, Khan now lives in Colorado with her husband. Click Here to learn more about the Storyteller's Society Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society…

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Perfecting Your Dialogue with Debut Author Johnny Compton 46:30

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Send me a Text Message! Your Free Editing Outline 5 Minute Writer Article Last week's interview with Liz Alterman Johnny's Website Connect with Johnny on Twitter Connect with David on Twitter 3 BIG TAKEAWAYS Perfecting your dialogue Developing an editing outline Finding your unique idea EPISODE INFO: It’s sometimes hard to notice when you’re reading great dialogue because you end up so sucked into the story that pages and pages go by and you’re just barreling through the story. All of a sudden you look up and think to yourself, “Wait, how did that author just do that?” Today’s guest is going to spill all his dialogue secrets. BIO: Johnny Compton ’s (he/him) short stories have appeared in Pseudopod , Strange Horizons , The No Sleep Podcast and many other markets. He is an HWA member and creator and host of the podcast Healthy Fears. His debut novel, THE SPITE HOUSE is out now! Click Here to learn more about the Storyteller's Society Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society…

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Writing Character Backstory with Author Liz Alterman 37:25

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Send me a Text Message! 5 Minute Writer Article Liz's Website Connect with Liz on Twitter Connect with David on Twitter 3 BIG TAKEAWAYS Character backstory How to find the right community Finding an agent EPISODE INFO: The dreaded backstory. How much to use? How much to cut out? Are you building character or are you boring readers? My guest today is going to help us! Liz Alterman is an absolute master at developing characters. She is the author of a domestic suspense novel, The Perfect Neighborhood , a young adult thriller, He’ll Be Waiting , and a memoir, Sad Sacked . Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, McSweeney’s, and other outlets. I learned so much about writing by reading her novel The Perfect Neighborhood and by picking her brain about building characters. Liz shares how she started writing, why she writes thrillers, and- most importantly -how she writes them. We talk about strategic backstory and using it enough to build a character, but not so much as to bore a reader. There’s a sweet spot you have to hit. Let’s find out what that sweet spot is! BIO: Liz Alterman is the author of a domestic suspense novel, The Perfect Neighborhood, a young adult thriller, He’ll Be Waiting, and a memoir, Sad Sacked. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, McSweeney’s, and other outlets. She lives in New Jersey with her husband, three sons, and two cats, and spends most days microwaving the same cup of coffee and looking up synonyms. When she isn’t writing, she’s reading. Click Here to learn more about the Storyteller's Society Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society…

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Thinking about Theme: What does it mean to be socially conscious? 15:55

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Send me a Text Message! 5 Minute Writer Elle Grawl Interview Interviews referenced in this episode: Editor: Chantelle Aimeé Osman Literary Agent: Amy Elizabeth Bishop Literary Agent: Emmy Norstrom Higdon Author: Rob Hart Author: Josh Stallings Subscribe for Aaron Philip Clark & Ausma Zehanat Khan (Coming in Feburary!) Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society…

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What to Expect from Working with an Agent on Your Debut Novel with Author Elle Grawl 27:02

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Send me a Text Message! 5 Minute Writer Article Elle's Website Connect with Elle on Twitter Connect with David on Twitter 3 BIG TAKEAWAYS Agent author relationship Editing your manuscript Using your life experiences to influence your fiction EPISODE INFO: Are you wondering what happens after you sign with an agent? Will you go through edits? What will that relationship be like? Today’s guest is going to tell us what to expect when we enter into that important relationship. Today’s guest is debut author Elle Grawl. She is a lawyer, professor, and author of psychological thrillers One of Those Faces (out now) and What Still Burns (coming Aug. 2023). In this episode, I asked Elle all about her querying process, as well as what happened after she signed with her agent. It’s a really interesting part of the process that we don’t hear about too much and I thought it was so interesting. BIO: Elle Grawl is a lawyer by day and writer by night. After obtaining her B.A. in English Literature, she took a detour into law before returning to her love of writing. Her lifelong interest in true crime and experiences as an attorney have provided her with plenty of writing material. Elle enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband and their two dogs. Click Here to learn more about the Storyteller's Society Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society…

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Prepare for the Query Process with Literary Agent Helen Lane 46:39

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Send me a Text Message! 5 Minute Writer Article The Jordy Albert Literary Agency Connect with Helen on Twitter Connect with David on Twitter 3 BIG TAKEAWAYS What are agents looking for in an author? How to approach the querying process The state of the publishing industry EPISODE INFO: If you want to land an agent in 2023, you’re going to love this conversation with my guest today. Today’s guest, Helen Lane , is relatively new to this whole agenting thing. She has amazing insights on what it takes to get signed by an agent in 2023! How many queries do agents get? What are they looking for? How are they organizing the workload? All this and more. And as a bonus, she even shares what she’ll be looking for when she reopens this year! So let’s get into the interview!b BIO: Helen Lane started at The Booker Albert Literary Agency as an intern/ assistant having previously interned for other leading agencies. She is a writer of YA and Adult Fantasy. She has a BSc in Environmental Science from the University of East Anglia and a postgrad qualification in Acoustics. She is passionate about books and has spent the last decade working with manuscripts. She lives in London with her family and the world’s naughtiest cocker spaniel. Helen is actively building her list and represents YA, NA, and Adult. Click Here to learn more about the Storyteller's Society Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society…

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BONUS: 3 Ways to Avoid Writer Burnout in 2023 5:13

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Send me a Text Message! 5 Minute Writer Catherine McKenzie Interview Katherine Ramsland Interview Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society

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How to Enjoy Your Writing Journey and Write Through Rejections with Bestselling Author Catherine McKenzie 40:39

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Send me a Text Message! 5 Minute Writer Article Catherine's Website Connect with Catherine on Twitter Connect with David on Twitter 3 BIG TAKEAWAYS Getting and implementing feedback that keeps your story Importance of surrounding yourself with people you trust Planning for your debut now EPISODE INFO: Have you wondered what project you should be taking on? Do you have multiple works in progress rolling around in your head (or on your computer)? You’re not alone. As writers it feels like we face so much rejection that we start to second guess ourselves. What’s going to sell? What’s going to land you an agent? In the end, you already know which project you need to be working on. But let’s have my guest today tell you why you already know! BIO: Catherine McKenzie was born and raised in Montreal, Canada. A graduate of McGill in History and Law, Catherine practiced law for twenty years before leaving the practice to write full time. An avid runner, skier and tennis player, she’s the author of numerous bestsellers including HIDDEN, FRACTURED, THE GOOD LIAR and I’LL NEVER TELL. Her works have been translated into multiple languages and PLEASE JOIN US and I’LL NEVER TELL have all been optioned for development into television series. Her next novel, HAVE YOU SEEN HER, is releasing on June 27, 2023! Click Here to learn more about the Storyteller's Society Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society…

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Season 3 Preview & 2023 Resolutions 5:54

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Send me a Text Message! Happy New Year! I know I've been sporadic about publishing during the last few months. So I wanted to explain WHY and then make a New Year's resolution that pertains to you. But first I want to just say thank you. You've all been amazing about supporting me. You've connected with me on Twitter. You've rated and reviewed the podcast and recommended it to writing friends. I can't thank you enough for all that. But what today is about is about 2023 and what that holds for Writerly Lifestyle. This one is going to be short and to the point! Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society…

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What To Do Now If You Want to Have a Successful Launch of Your Debut Novel 40:28

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Send me a Text Message! 17 Things to Think About When Talking to an Agent/Publisher Article Jessica's Website First Interview with Jessica Interview with Katherine Ramsland Interview with Bryan Young Connect with Jessica on Twitter Connect with David on Twitter 3 BIG TAKEAWAYS Getting and implementing feedback that keeps your story Importance of surrounding yourself with people you trust Planning for your debut now EPISODE INFO: What should you be doing NOW to have a successful debut launch? Jessica Payne helps us understand the ins-and-outs of preparing for a writing career. Are you wondering what you can be doing right now to launch a successful debut book? Whether you’re agented or not, even if you’re just querying or even still editing or drafting. I asked Jessica Payne this exact question. After successfully launching her career with her debut novel MAKE ME DISAPPEAR, then following it up with another great launch of yet another fantastic thriller THE LUCKY ONE. Jessica knows a thing or two about what you can do NOW so that your launch goes smoothly even if it’s months or years from now. Last time on the podcast I talked to Bryan Young who shares how he finds readers for his fiction through his other interests. It’s a great pairing for this episode with Jessica Payne. So if you liked this and want to learn more about what you can do to plan for your writing career, definitely check that episode out. BIO: Jessica grew up in Kansas City, later moving to the Pacific Northwest where the mountains and Puget Sound became home. Beyond writing, she loves to run, rock climb, and explore the great outdoors with her daughter and husband. She is also an RN. When holding still, which isn’t often, you’ll find a book in her hand and a cat or dog in her lap. Jessica writes suspense and thriller and is the host of #MomsWritersClub on Twitter and YouTube. Click Here to learn more about the Storyteller's Society Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society…

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Building a Following for Your Writing with Bryan Young 37:31

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Send me a Text Message! 5 Minute Writer Article Connect with Bryan on Twitter Last week on the interview series I talked to author, Katherine Ramsland. She shared how to turn the true stories we hear into fiction. First Interview with Jessica Payne. (Be sure to subscribe for new Jessica Payne interview in the coming weeks!) 3 BIG TAKEAWAYS Using nonfiction to build a community How to find writing opportunities Writing what you love BIO Bryan Young (he/they) works across many different media. His work as a writer and producer has been called "filmmaking gold" by The New York Times. He's also published comic books with Slave Labor Graphics and Image Comics. He's been a regular contributor for the Huffington Post , StarWars.com , Star Wars Insider magazine , SYFY , /Film , and was the founder and editor in chief of the geek news and review site Big Shiny Robot! IN 2014, he wrote the critically acclaimed history book, A Children’s Illustrated History of Presidential Assassination . He co-authored Robotech: The Macross Saga RPG has written two books in the BattleTech Universe: Honor's Gauntlet and A Question of Survival . He teaches writing for Writer’s Digest, Script Magazine, and at the University of Utah. Follow him on Twitter @swankmotron. Click Here to learn more about the Storyteller's Society Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society…

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BONUS: Using True Crime to Write Better Fiction: 5-Minute Writer Series 6:21

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Send me a Text Message! Join the 5-Minute Writer Series! I'm sharing the 3 most important lessons I learned about storytelling while listening to a True Crime Podcast! My wife and I took our two kids to visit my sister over Thanksgiving. And like any parent knows on a long trip, the kiss of death when traveling with young kids is talking too much once they’ve fallen asleep. So we queued up a podcast, and as soon as we heard snoring from the backseat, we started listening to Up and Vanished, a true crime podcast about a 10 year old cold case of a missing woman. While I listened, it made me think a lot about how we write fiction (and specifically suspense, thriller, mystery, horror, and crime fiction). Interview with Katherine Ramsland Interview with Rob Hart Interview with Josh Stallings Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society…

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BONUS: Learning How to Write Compelling Characters by Studying Best-Selling Author Lisa Jewell 11:32

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Send me a Text Message! 5 Minute Writer Author: Bianca Marais Interview Literary Agent: Kimberly Brower Interview Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society

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How to Turn True Stories into Fiction with Forensic Psychologist and Author Katherine Ramsland 46:49

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Send me a Text Message! 5 Minute Writer Article Connect with Katherine via Facebook Last week on the interview series I talked to author, Emmy Nordstrom Higdon. They shared how to write diversity into our stories. First Interview with Jessica Payne. (Be sure to subscribe for new Jessica Payne interview in the coming weeks!) 3 BIG TAKEAWAYS Turning real life ideas into fiction Trusting your narrative voice Studying great writing BIO Katherine Ramsland has played chess with serial killers, dug up the dead, worked with profilers, and camped out in haunted crime scenes. As a professor of forensic psychology and an investigative consultant (like her main character, Annie Hunter), she’s always vigilant for unique angles and intriguing characters. She spent five years working with “BTK” serial killer Dennis Rader to write his autobiography, Confession of a Serial Killer , and has been featured as an expert in over 200 true crime documentaries. The author of 69 books, she’s been a forensic consultant for CSI, Bones and The Alienist , an executive producer on Murder House Flip and A&E’s Confession of a Serial Killer , and a commentator on 48 Hours, 20/20, The Today Show, Dr. Oz, Nightline, Larry King Live, Nancy Grace and other shows. She blogs regularly for Psychology Today and once wrote extensively for CourtTV’s Crime Library. She’s become the go-to expert for the most extreme, deviant and bizarre forms of criminal behavior, which offers great background for her Nut Cracker Investigations series. I Scream Man is the first novel in the series. Click Here to learn more about the Storyteller's Society Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society…

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Writing Diversity into Your Story: Emmy Nordstrom Higdon 41:21

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Send me a Text Message! 5 Minute Writer Article Emmy's Manuscript Wish List Connect with Emmy on Twitter! Connect with David on Twitter Last week on the interview series I talked to author, Josh Stallings. He shared how to write unique and three-dimensional characters by avoiding cliche's. Interview with Christopher Golden. 3 BIG TAKEAWAYS Writing real characters Finding people you trust to work with How our life experiences can drive our fiction BIO emmy (they/them) holds a PhD in justice-oriented social work with a focus on critical animal studies. They are a member of the planning team for the Festival of Literary Diversity, a faculty member at the Manuscript Academy, and a literary agent at Westwood Creative Artists. They are a queer, trans, and non-binary colonizer based in Tkaronto (Toronto, Ontario). emmy lives with their partner, a Deaf Dalmatian named Pavot, two formerly feral Maine coon cats, Whisper and Willow, and their collection of plants, informally nicknamed The Leafy Bois. They keep busy with vegan cooking, thread painting embroidery, crochet, wholesome video games, snail mail, their sticker collection, and… obviously, reading. Click Here to learn more about the Storyteller's Society Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society…

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Rules for Writing Characters: Author Interview with Josh Stallings 51:06

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Send me a Text Message! 5 Minute Writer Article Josh's Website Connect with Josh on Twitter! Connect with David on Twitter Last week on the interview series I talked to Rob Hart, author of six novels. He shared how he develops suspense early in a novel to keep readers engaged. 3 BIG TAKEAWAYS Writing real characters Finding people you trust to work with How our life experiences can drive our fiction BIO Josh Stallings’ latest book TRICKY, was listed by Library Journal as one of the ten best crime books of 2021. YOUNG AMERICANS, a disco heist novel was nominated for the Lefty and Anthony awards. Born in Los Angeles, and raised by counter-culture activists in Northern California, he grew up an undiagnosed dyslexic and spent some time as a petty criminal and failed actor before becoming a movie trailer editor. He, his wife, and two wonderful mutts now live in Idyllwild. TRICKY, was written in honor of his son Dylan, who is intellectually disabled. Click Here to learn more about the Storyteller's Society Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society…

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5 Minute Writer: Suspense 5:06

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Send me a Text Message! 5 Minute Writer Rob Hart Full Interview Lee Childs Article Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society

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How to Perfect the Opening of Your Novel: Author Interview with Rob Hart 37:43

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Send me a Text Message! 5 Minute Writer Article Rob Hart's Website Connect with Rob on Twitter! Connect with David on Twitter Last week on the interview series I talked to Bianca Marias, author of the new release The Witches of Moonshyne Manor and host of the popular podcast, The Shit No One Tells You About Writing. She shared how she developed unique character voices in her novel 3 BIG TAKEAWAYS Use a variety of ways to develop character voice The importance of a great agent-author relationship Where The Shit Noone Tells You About Writing podcast is headed Today's interview will help anyone who feels like their writing needs a little boost. Rob shares some really important and practical writing tips while giving a behind the scenes look at how he creates his fascinating and suspenseful novels. Let’s get to the interview! BIO Rob Hart is the author of six novels, including The Paradox Hotel and The Warehouse , as well as the short story collection Take-Out , Scott Free with James Patterson, and a Star Wars short story. The Warehouse , sold in more than 20 countries and was optioned for film by Ron Howard! Click Here to learn more about the Storyteller's Society Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society…

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Developing Unique Character Voices & Finding the Right Agent with Bianca Marais 33:52

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Send me a Text Message! 5 Minute Writer Article Bianca Marais Website Connect with Bianca on Twitter! The Shit No One Tells You About Writing Podcast Connect with David on Twitter 3 BIG TAKEAWAYS Use a variety of ways to develop character voice The importance of a great agent-author relationship Where The Shit Noone Tells You About Writing podcast is headed BIO In this week's author interview, I'll be talking to Bianca Marais. She is the author of Hum If You Don't Know the Words and If You Want to Make God Laugh and most recently The Witches of Moonshyne Manor. She teaches at the University of Toronto's School of Continuing Studies where she was awarded an Excellence in Teaching Award for Creative Writing in 2021. She is the co-host of the popular podcast, The Shit No One Tells You About Writing, which is aimed at helping emerging writers become published. Click Here to learn more about the Storyteller's Society Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society…

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5 Minute Writer: Setting 5:51

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Send me a Text Message! 5 Minute Writer Christopher Golden: Full Interview Dwyer Murphy's article Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society

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Finding Your Perfect Literary Agent with Kimberly Brower of Brower Literary & Management 40:34

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Send me a Text Message! 5 Minute Writer Newsletter (Grab Your 1st Edition Here) Article Brower Literary & Management Connect with Kimberly on Twitter! Connect with David on Twitter 3 BIG TAKEAWAYS How to edit your book Intangibles that will help you find an agent What agents are looking for in debut authors EPISODE INFO: In today's episode, Kimberly and I discuss finding the RIGHT literary agent for you. What agents are looking for in a writer. Plus, she shares some of the editing advice she gives her own clients. Last time on the interview series I talked to book coach, Megan Clancy about how to edit your own work. Don't miss it! BIO: Kimberly fell in love with reading when she picked up her first Babysitter’s Club book at the age of seven (Super Special editions were her favorites) and hasn’t been able to get her nose out of a book since. She holds a BS in Business Administration from California State University, Northridge and received her JD from Loyola Law School, Los Angeles. After spending a decade in the business world, it was kismet that she found herself in publishing. She previously worked for over two years at a boutique literary agency before starting her own. When not providing individual attention to her clients, Kimberly manages all of the day-to-day operations of the agency. This includes overseeing the management of the foreign, audio and all other subsidiary rights for all the authors in the agency. Click Here to learn more about the Storyteller's Society Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society…

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Storytelling Lessons from Stranger Things: 5 Minute Writer 6:30

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Send me a Text Message! Sign up to get the 5 Minute Writer Series sent straight to your inbox! Stranger Things became a national phenomenon this summer. So I dug in to this series to try and find out what made it such a powerful example of storytelling. Listen to the entire Jessica Payne Interview Listen to the entire Christopher Golden Interview Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society…

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For Busy Writers: Writing with Persistence and Intension with Megan Clancy Book Coach 55:58

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Send me a Text Message! 5 Minute Writer Newsletter (Grab Your 1st Edition Here) 2 FREE Downloads: 6 Things to Think About When Hiring and Editor & Discover the Heart of Your Story Article Megan's Website Connect with Megan on Twitter! Connect with David on Twitter 3 BIG TAKEAWAYS Are MFA's worth it? Managing guilt and resentment What is book coaching and how do you find the right one? EPISODE INFO: Last time on the interview series I talked to Chantelle Aimée Osman about how to edit your own work. Don't miss it! BIO: Megan Clancy is a published author and Author Accelerator certified book coach. As The Book Coach for Moms, she coaches women who lost their creative spark in the days of early motherhood and are struggling to find a way back to it, moms who had never thought of writing a book before and something in becoming a mother brought out that creative desire, and moms whose kids are now in school and finally have time to write the book they've always wanted. She coaches moms at and through all points of their novel-writing journey. She has a BA in English & Creative Writing from Colorado College, an MFA from the University of Melbourne, has lived and worked in Australia and the United States, and was a high school English teacher before becoming a full-time writer and book coach. She now lives with her husband and two young children in California. Click Here to learn more about the Storyteller's Society Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society…

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How to Edit Your Own Writing with Author & Editor Chantelle Aimée Osman 55:54

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Send me a Text Message! FREE 5 Minute Writer Newsletter (Grab Your 1st Edition Here) 50 Editing Mistakes Authors Make Article Chantelle's Website Connect with Chantelle on Twitter! Connect with David on Twitter PREVIOUS EPISODES FEATURING CHANTELLE How to Become an Editor Rethinking Rejection 3 BIG TAKEAWAYS Writing graphic novels Editing your manuscript How to get into the writing zone EPISODE INFO: Last time on the interview series I talked to Rachel May and Emily Golden of Golden May Editing about the 6 Things You Should Think About BEFORE Hiring and Editor. I learned so much about the editing process by talking to them so definitely check that out if you haven't already! Also, if you're in the revision stage, you'll really enjoy this interview with Paula Munier . As a best selling author and literary agent, she shares what keeps good writers from becoming published authors! BIO: Chantelle is the editor of Agora Books. Agora focuses on "socially and culturally unique crime fiction and horror from award-winning publisher Polis Books ." She was named to Publisher's Weekly Rising Star honoree list in 2020. She's been a freelance editor for over 10 years. She is an instructor at the Virginia G. Piper Center for Creative Writing , Authors at Large and LitReactor . She is the author of The Quick and Dirty Guides To… , which is a non-fiction series on writing that I recommend checking out. Chantelle hosts Words of Prey podcast through the Pipeline Artists Network. Click Here to learn more about the Storyteller's Society Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society…

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Do You Need an Editor? Top 6 Things to Think About BEFORE Hiring an Editor or Book Coach & the Difference between Book Coaches and Editors 48:51

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Send me a Text Message! Discover the Heart of Your Story to Unearth Your Story Point (FREE download from Golden May Editing!) 6 Things to Think About When Looking for an Editor or Book Coach PLUS List of All Questions Suggested by Emily & Rachel Article Golden May Website Connect with David on Twitter 3 BIG TAKEAWAYS The difference between an editor and writing coach 6 Things to think about when looking for an editor Questions to ask yourself and a potential editor Last time on the interview series I talked to debut debut author, Annie Lisenby . She shared all about about independent publishing, finding the right fit for your work, and making your manuscript shine! In this episode, Rachel and Emily share how to decide what kind of editor or book coach you need, what to look for in an editing professional, how to navigate choosing an editor, and what questions to ask yourself as well as questions to ask an editor or book coach! BIO: Emily and Rachel, Golden May’s co-founders, book coaches, and editors met on Twitter through the #WritingCommunity. They believe that it’s impossible to see the holes in your own work and that learning together is infinitely more productive than learning alone. Their goals are to help you identify your book’s potential, teach you how to fulfill it, and connect you with the community needed to sustain your writing journey! Click Here to learn more about the Storyteller's Society Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society…

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Here's What You Need to Know About Working with a Publisher: Annie Lisenby (Season 2 Ep. 6) 44:10

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Send me a Text Message! 17 Things to Think About When Talking to an Agent/Publisher Article Annie's Website Connect with Annie on Twitter Connect with David on Twitter 3 BIG TAKEAWAYS Finding an independent publisher What to know about independent publishing What to look for in a relationship with a publisher EPISODE INFO: Last time on the interview series I talked to debut thriller author, Jessica Payne . She shared all about writing thrillers, finding an agent, and how to navigate picking the right people to work with! Today, we're talking about independent publishing, finding the right fit for your work, and making your manuscript shine! BIO: A native of the Missouri Ozarks, Annie's traveled to exciting places that she bring into my writing. She primarily writes for teens and young adults, but she also enjoys expanding into other areas too. In most of her work, you’ll find a generous dash of romance. Click Here to learn more about the Storyteller's Society Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society…

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How to Find the Right Agent & Develop a Writing Process with Author Jessica Payne (Season 2 Ep. 5) 40:21

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Send me a Text Message! 17 Things to Think About When Talking to an Agent/Publisher Article Jessica's Website Connect with Jessica on Twitter Connect with David on Twitter 3 BIG TAKEAWAYS How to write a great plot The importance of community What she looked for in an agent and what the relationship with your agent should be like Tips for when you finally get that publishing contract EPISODE INFO: Last time on the interview series I talked to author and literary agent Paula Munier . She shared amazing information about her writing process, what agents are looking for, and how to burst out of the slush pile! Today, we're talking about how to find the right agent for you, why it's important to keep writing, and how to build suspense into your work. BIO: Jessica grew up in Kansas City, later moving to the Pacific Northwest where the mountains and Puget Sound became home. Beyond writing, she loves to run, rock climb, and explore the great outdoors with her daughter and husband. She is also an RN. When holding still, which isn’t often, you’ll find a book in her hand and a cat or dog in her lap. Jessica writes suspense and thriller and is the host of #MomsWritersClub on Twitter and YouTube. Click Here to learn more about the Storyteller's Society Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society…

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Battling Out of the Slush Pile with Writer and Literary Agent Paula Munier of Talcott Notch (Season 2 Ep. 4) 48:12

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Send me a Text Message! FREE 5 Minute Writer Weekly Newsletter Article Paula's Website Connect with Paula on Twitter Connect with David on Twitter 3 BIG TAKEAWAYS Writing as a career - making that shift from writer to author What she’s looking for as a literary agent How to pitch your book/story to agents EPISODE INFO: Last time on the interview series I talked to freelance writer, author, and ghostwriter, Paulette Perhach . She had so much information about how to be productive as a writer without overworking yourself. Today, we're talking about going from first draft to a query-ready manuscript. If you've been through the query gauntlet and want to make it through to the other side with an agent, you're going to love this interview! BIO: PAULA MUNIER is Senior Agent and Director of Storytelling and Content for Talcott Notch Literary and the USA TODAY bestselling author of the Mercy Carr mysteries. A Borrowing of Bones, the first in the series, was nominated for the Mary Higgins Clark Award and named the Dogwise Book of the Year. Blind Search also won a Dogwise Award. The Hiding Place appeared on both Lesa Holstine and Dru Ann Love's Best of 2021 Lists. THE WEDDING PLOT debuts in July 2022. Paula credits the hero dogs of Mission K9 Rescue, her own rescue dogs, and a deep love of New England as her series’ major influences. Paula has also written three popular books on writing: Plot Perfect, The Writer’s Guide to Beginnings, and Writing with Quiet Hands, as well as Happier Every Day and the memoir Fixing Freddie. She lives in New England with her family and Bear the Newfoundland-retriever rescue, Bliss the Great Pyrenees-Australian cattle dog rescue, pandemic puppy Blondie, a Malinois rescue (much like Elvis in her books), and Ursula The Cat, a rescue torbie tabby who does not think much of the dogs. Click Here to learn more about the Storyteller's Society Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society…

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What is Gentle Productivity and Why Do Writers Need It? Freelance Writer, Author, Writing Coach Paulette Perhach Explains (Season 2 Episode 3) 37:36

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Send me a Text Message! Writerly Lifestyle Free Newsletter Article Paulette's Website Connect with Paulette on Twitter Connect with David on Twitter 3 BIG TAKEAWAYS Focusing too much on productivity can be...unproductive Writing is a process and focus on the process instead of the results (especially rejections) Don’t be afraid of the business of writing EPISODE INFO: Last time on the interview series I talked to professional editor, Ericka Baldwin . She had so much information about how to find an editor, what to do when you're done with your first draft, and more! But today we're talking about productivity, what to look for in a routine, how to approach your day, how to handle rejection. Plus, what to think about if you're looking for a writing coach and more! Paulette Perhach is an amazing writer, coach, and all around hilarious human being. You're going to really love this interview! BIO: Paulette Perhach has been published in the New York Times , Vox , Elle, Slate, Cosmopolitan , Glamour , Marie Claire , Yoga Journal , McSweeney’s Internet Tendency, Hobart, and Vice . She wrote a book called Welcome to the Writer's Life which was selected as one of Poets & Writers ' Best Books for Writers . On her blog, she talks about writer’s craft, business, personal finance, and joy at welcometothewriterslife.com and leads meditation and writing sessions through A Very Important Meeting . She also works with writers as a coach to help them figure out how to build their writing careers. Learn more about her here . Click Here to learn more about the Storyteller's Society Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society…

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How to Edit Your First Draft with Professional Editor Ericka Baldwin (Season 2 Ep. 2) 38:29

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Send me a Text Message! Writerly Lifestyle Free Newsletter Article Ericka's Website Connect with David on Twitter 3 BIG TAKEAWAYS Before looking for an editor, lay out your strengths and weaknesses so you know what kind of editor you need! What to look for in an editing relationship How to mentally prepare yourself for an edit EPISODE INFO: Last time on the interview series I talked to debut author, Zulie Rane about how to grow your platform through Medium. I learned so much talking to her and it's definitely worth a listen whether or not you'r going to write on Medium. This interview really reminded me of the interview(s) I did with Chantelle Aimée Osman (Part I & Part II) BIO: Ericka loves storytelling! She is a professional editor, writer, and provides coaching for resumes, novels\books, cover letters, curriculum vitae, and website content for authors, business professionals, college graduates, networks, and publishing houses worldwide. She recently published 16 Copy-Editing Enhancements that will improve your writing, increase your novel’s readability, and boost the confidence it takes to become a Best Selling Authors. Click Here to learn more about the Storyteller's Society Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society…

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Building a Platform FOR Your Writing WITH Your Writing: Ep. 15 with Zulie Rane 32:12

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Send me a Text Message! Get Started on Medium! Writerly Lifestyle Free Newsletter 5 Minute Writer - Sometimes all you have is 5 minutes...but it might be all you need! SEE INTERVIEW DETAILS: Interview article HANG OUT WITH Zulie! Website Follow Zulie on Medium HANG OUT WITH DAVID! Follow David on Medium Connect with David on Twitter 3 BIG TAKEAWAYS How fiction writers can use Medium Overcoming self-doubt Being willing to try new forms of writing EPISODE INFO: Medium is a publishing platform where writers can get paid for their words. And my guest, Zulie Rane is one of the top writers there. But there's something very important about Zulie that might make you pay close attention to what she has to say. If you listened to my interview with Sinem Günel a few weeks ago, you'll know there's some pretty great earning potential through Medium's platform. But then I talked to Allison Buccola , a debut author, and I started thinking about how to merge these two writing careers. How can fiction writers improve their book sales using Medium? So if you write fiction, there's this really important added incentive to write on Medium, but before Zulie tells you how to maximize your bookselling potential, I'll tell you that special thing about Zulie: She wants to write fiction! So she's going to share what she would do to build a readership on Medium for our fiction work! Note: I sometimes use affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I may receive compensation for promoting this content. I ONLY promote products and services I have direct experience with. In this instance, I am a Medium user and highly recommend the platform Click Here to learn more about the Storyteller's Society Click Here to Learn more about the Storyteller's Society…

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