Bruce Borgos, author of Shades of Mercy, on Creating Genuine Characters with Personal Experiences

On today’s 204th episode of The Thriller Zone, host David Temple engages with bestselling author Robert Dugoni, exploring his journey as a writer, the intricacies of storytelling, and the challenges of adapting books for Hollywood. With 4 different series, 6 complete stand-alone novels, and a couple of short stories to boot, Bob is a critically acclaimed New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, and #1 Amazon Bestselling author, reaching over 9 million readers worldwide.David & Bob discuss the importance of tension in writing, the influence of Dugoni's legal background on his work, and the emotional weight behind his stories. The conversation also touches on books, chess, the work of perfecting our craft, and a field of dreams, plus the creative process, the significance of antagonists in storytelling, and valuable advice for aspiring authors.Learn more at RobertDugoniBooks.com and Follow us at TheThrillerZone.com...and remember to SUBSCRIBE!Chapters:00:00 The Art of Storytelling as a Conduit00:53 Updates on Robert DeGoni's Writing Journey02:55 Navigating Hollywood: The Long Road to Adaptation06:08 The Influence of Legal Background on Writing08:55 Researching Courtroom Dynamics11:52 The Emotional Weight of Writing15:04 Trusting the Creative Process17:55 Balancing Standalones and Series20:53 The Importance of Antagonists in Storytelling23:51 Advice for Aspiring AuthorsTakeaways: Being a conduit for storytelling is essential.The journey of writing involves constant learning and adaptation.Hollywood adaptations can take years and require patience.Tension is a crucial element in both courtroom settings and writing.Researching courtroom dynamics enhances the authenticity of legal thrillers.Emotional connections to characters can make writing more impactful.Trusting the creative process is vital for writers.Balancing standalones and series depends on reader interest.Antagonists play a key role in sustaining a series.Aspiring authors should not let reality constrain their fiction.Best Sound Bites: "I think it's natural for any human being to have self-doubt.""You just have to trust that voice in your head.""Never kill a good antagonist." The Thriller Zone promises to wrap 2024 in a BIG way...Stay Tuned! Questions? Just write us at "[email protected]"

On today’s 203rd episode of The Thriller Zone, host David Temple welcomes author Taylor Moore to discuss his latest book, Cold Trail. The conversation covers Taylor's experiences at BoucherCon, family updates, and insights into the writing process. Taylor also shares the journey of creating Garrett Kohl’s character and the intertwining themes of adventure and heart in his storytelling. Their discussion touches on Taylor's past as a CIA intelligence officer and how it influences his writing and perspective on current events. In this engaging conversation, the host and guest explore the nuances of writing, the importance of reliable sources, and the influence of outdoor life on creativity. They discuss the significance of strong female characters in literature, share insights on overcoming writing challenges, and reflect on life lessons learned through personal experiences. The episode concludes with valuable writing advice for aspiring authors, emphasizing the importance of starting and finishing a book.Learn more at: TaylorMooreBooks.com and as always Follow, Subscribe and Share TheThrillerZone.com The Thriller Zone promises to wrap 2024 in a BIG way...Stay Tuned! Questions? Just write us at "[email protected]"

On today’s 202nd episode of The Thriller Zone, host David Temple welcomes Andrew Child, who discusses his writing process, the appeal of the Jack Reacher character, and the collaborative effort with his brother, Lee Child. They delve into the simplicity of Reacher's adventures, the importance of reader engagement, and the significance of cover design in storytelling. Andrew also shares insights into his personal projects and the challenges of balancing them with the Reacher series. In this engaging conversation, Andrew discusses his Janitor series, exploring themes of justice and moral dilemmas in fiction. He shares insights into the collaborative writing process with his brother Lee, the evolving landscape of publishing, and offers valuable writing advice for aspiring authors. The discussion highlights the importance of character development, the balance between traditional and self-publishing, and the role of social media in an author's career.Learn more at: AndrewGrantBooks.com and JackReacher.comChapters:00:00 Introduction and Technical Difficulties02:47 The Writing Process and Coffee Consumption06:03 Distractions and Writing Environment09:13 The Simplicity of Reacher's Character11:55 Cover Design and Character Focus15:04 The Appeal of Jack Reacher17:58 The Knight Errant Archetype20:46 Reader Engagement and Storytelling24:01 Andrew Child's Personal Projects and Future Work30:16 The Janitor's Quest for Justice33:09 Moral Dilemmas in Fiction36:28 Collaborative Writing Process49:20 The Evolving Landscape of Publishing56:38 Writing Advice for Aspiring AuthorsKeywords: Andrew Child, Lee Child, Jack Reacher, writing process, storytelling, character development, thriller novels, podcast, author interview, book cover design, Janitor series, justice, moral dilemmas, collaborative writing, publishing, writing advice, thriller genre, character development, self-publishing, social media The Thriller Zone promises to wrap 2024 in a BIG way...Stay Tuned! Questions? Just write us at "[email protected]"

On today’s 201st episode of The Thriller Zone, host David Temple welcomes debut author Ryan C. Coleman to discuss his novel 'Billy the Kid.' Together, Dave and Ryan explore Ryan's journey from Chicago to Los Angeles, his transition from television writing to novel writing, and the inspiration behind his book. The conversation delves into the blending of fact and fiction in storytelling, the themes of family and belonging in Billy's life, and the organized crime elements of the Wild West. Ryan shares his aspirations for a screen adaptation of his novel and offers valuable writing advice. The Thriller Zone promises to wrap 2024 in a BIG way...Stay Tuned! Questions? Just write us at "[email protected]"

In this celebratory 200th episode of The Thriller Zone, host David Temple engages in a lively conversation with Ryan Steck, widely known as the Real Book Spy. They reflect on the evolution of the thriller genre, the impact of influential authors like Ted Bell, and the challenges of navigating the publishing landscape. The discussion also highlights the importance of passion in writing, the reality of author marketing, and the emergence of new talent in the thriller space. With a mix of humor and insight, David & Ryan share personal anecdotes and book recommendations, emphasizing the hard work behind the scenes of creating a successful podcast and writing career.It’s a long and enjoyable show full of rich conversation. Learn more at TheRealBookSpy.com and as always, be sure to CONNECT with us at TheThrillerZone.com. FOLLOW & SUBSCRIBE:X.com/thethrillerzoneInstagram.com/thethrillerzoneYouTube.com/@thethrillerzone/videosCHAPTERS:00:00 Celebrating 200 Episodes of The Thriller Zone02:51 The Evolution of the Thriller Genre06:09 The Journey of a Book Spy08:54 The Impact of Ted Bell12:02 Navigating the Publishing Landscape14:57 The Challenges of Writing and Authorship18:13 Spotlight on Emerging Authors21:05 Reflections on the Industry and Future Trends23:51 The Importance of Passion in Writing27:10 The Reality of Author Marketing29:55 The Next Wave of Thriller Writers33:11 Book Recommendations and Highlights35:56 The Work Behind the Show39:11 The Balance of Passion and Reality42:02 Final Thoughts and Future Aspirations48:35 Navigating Challenges in the Literary World51:58 The Art of Book Reviews and Author Support55:46 The Importance of Technical Quality in Interviews01:00:52 Dream Guests and Influential Authors01:05:42 Personal Reflections on Health and Writing Goals01:10:29 The Journey of Collaboration in Writing01:19:09 Future Aspirations and New ProjectsTAKEAWAYS:The podcast has reached a significant milestone with 200 episodes.The thriller genre has evolved significantly over the years.Ryan Steck's journey as a book spy has been transformative.Ted Bell's mentorship was crucial for Ryan's career.The publishing landscape is increasingly challenging for new authors.Emerging authors need more support and runway to succeed.Passion for writing is essential, but the industry is tough.Marketing and social media responsibilities often fall on authors now.New talent in the thriller genre is promising but faces hurdles.The behind-the-scenes work of podcasting is extensive and often overlooked.SOUNDBITE HIGHLIGHTS:RYAN: "200 episodes, it's a lot."DAVID: "I love this writing community; the way we all help one another in such a tough business."RYAN: "You are the voice of all things thriller."DAVID: "I LOVE what I do, and I hope it shows."RYAN: "There would be no book spy without Ted Bell."DAVID: "You can never read enough thrillers."RYAN: "I only review books that I love." The Thriller Zone promises to wrap 2024 in a BIG way...Stay Tuned! Questions? Just write us at "[email protected]"

Hello and welcome to today’s 199th…and BONUS episode of The Thriller Zone, I’m your host David Temple, and I invite you to an engaging conversation with my new friend and outstanding writer, Rio Youers.Rio and I discuss his latest novel, The Bang Bang Sisters—a non-stop, rock’ n roll vigilante thriller that’s sure to please our hard-core grunge thriller fans.Today, we discuss Rio's writing journey, influences, and the unique style of his work, which blends elements of rock and roll with thrilling narratives. Our conversation also touches on themes of female empowerment in literature, the challenges of the publishing industry, and valuable advice for aspiring writers. Rio shares insights into his creative process and the importance of writing what you love, and making sure you’re writing what you love to read. As we approach 200 episodes, I’m thrilled to welcome Rio into the Thriller Zone fold with this must-listen episode for fans of thrillers and aspiring authors alike.Learn more at: RioYouers.comFollow us at: TheThrillerZone.com On X @thethrillerzoneOn Instagram @thethrillerzoneOn YouTube @thethrillerzoneChapters00:00 Introduction to Rio Uers and The Bang Bang Sisters05:10 Rio's Writing Journey and Influences09:57 The Unique Style of The Bang Bang Sisters15:11 Themes of Female Empowerment in Writing19:50 The Publishing Journey and Industry Insights30:05 Advice for Aspiring Writers The Thriller Zone promises to wrap 2024 in a BIG way...Stay Tuned! Questions? Just write us at "[email protected]"

On today’s 198th episode of The Thriller Zone, host David Temple welcomes author Lee Goldberg to discuss his latest book, 'Ashes Never Lie.' The two men delve into Goldberg's writing process, character development, and the differences between self-publishing and traditional publishing. Goldberg shares candid advice for aspiring authors, emphasizing the importance of making a strong first impression and the value of character-driven storytelling. In today’s engaging conversation, Lee discusses the importance of honesty in providing writing advice, the nuances of crafting engaging narratives, and the evolving landscape of publishing, particularly in relation to Amazon. He also emphasizes the significance of humor in storytelling, the need to avoid clichés, and the balance between writing what you know and what you love. Goldberg also shares insights on navigating adaptations of his work for TV and film, highlighting the importance of author involvement while allowing creative freedom, and the show wraps with Temple’s Signature Close: Best Writing Advice.Learn more at LeeGoldberg.com and TheThrillerZone.com Chapters00:00 Introduction to Lee Goldberg and His Works10:05 The Writing Process and Character Development20:40 Self-Publishing vs Traditional Publishing33:32 Advice on Writing and Career Development49:25 The Importance of Honesty in Writing Advice51:18 Crafting Engaging Narratives: The Secret Sauce56:52 The Evolution of Publishing: Amazon vs. Traditional Publishers01:01:31 The Changing Landscape of Book Retail01:06:49 Analyzing Successful Writing Techniques01:12:05 The Role of Humor in Storytelling01:15:54 Avoiding Clichés in Writing01:21:48 Writing What You Know vs. Writing What You Love01:35:22 Navigating Adaptations: Author Involvement in TV and FilmWinning Sound Bites:"I need some more action and some more sex.""I've been with my current wife, 36 years.""I want to write a detective who's learning.""Don't blow smoke up my skirt.""I want to capture the feeling of watching a TV show.""The secret sauce is not a secret at all." The Thriller Zone promises to wrap 2024 in a BIG way...Stay Tuned! Questions? Just write us at "[email protected]"

On today’s 197th episode of The Thriller Zone, now in Season 7, I’m happy to introduce my listeners & readers to an engaging conversation with my new friend, and fantastic author, DJ Williams, a rising star in the thriller genre.Today, we discuss DJ’s journey from growing up in Hong Kong to becoming a successful author. We delve into the intricacies of the publishing world, comparing traditional and indie routes, and explore the writing process, including the importance of editing and character development. DJ shares valuable advice for aspiring writers, emphasizing the need for authenticity and the significance of building relationships within the writing community, while DT brings up important questions for all aspiring authors.The face-to-face discussion touches on marketing strategies and the role of cover design in attracting readers, and closes with David’s signature Best Writing Advice.Learn more at DJWilliamsBooks.com and as always Follow & Connect with us at our new website TheThrillerZone.com. * * *Takeaways:DJ Williams shares his unique background growing up in Hong Kong.The conversation explores the differences between traditional and indie publishing.DJ emphasizes the importance of finishing the stories you start.He discusses his writing process, including binge writing and outlining.Editing is crucial for enhancing the quality of a story.Building relationships in the writing community is essential for success.Marketing and cover design play a significant role in indie publishing.Authenticity in storytelling is vital for connecting with readers.Taking risks in writing can lead to unexpected opportunities.DJ's character development process is influenced by real-life experiences.Best Sound Bites:"This is mainstream, top-notch New York Times thriller.""Finish the stories you start.""Be authentic and true to your storytelling."Chapters:00:00 Introduction to DJ Williams and His Journey10:44 The World of Publishing: Traditional vs. Indie20:08 The Writing Process: Outlining and Binge Writing30:07 The Importance of Editing and Feedback40:15 Building Relationships in the Writing Community50:36 Marketing and Cover Design for Indie Authors01:00:05 Advice for Aspiring Writers01:10:15 Character Development and Storytelling01:20:44 Final Thoughts and Future Projects The Thriller Zone promises to wrap 2024 in a BIG way...Stay Tuned! Questions? Just write us at "[email protected]"

On today's 196th episode of The Thriller Zone, host David Temple interviews #1 New York Times Bestselling author Kathy Reichs to discuss her latest book, Fire and Bones.David and Kathy also discuss her career as a forensic anthropologist and the inspiration behind her popular character, Temperance Brennan. They also touch on the success of the TV show "Bones," which was based on Reichs' books; it's a character-driven show with humor even as it deals with violent death.FIRE AND BONES follows forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan as she investigates a fire and discovers a sub cellar with another set of remains. Later in the show, Reichs shares her writing advice and emphasizes the importance of perseverance and commitment to the craft. Overall, the conversation highlights Reichs' expertise in forensic science and her ability to create compelling and humorous characters.David challenges his podcast audience to pay close attention to Kathy's insights, as part of David's Signature Best Writing Advice, as it's her personal "formula" for writing successful fiction.Here is a snapshot of that conversation: Reichs emphasizes the importance of perseverance and commitment to writing, encouraging aspiring writers to sit down and write consistently. She believes that it's possible to write about something you don't know, as long as you thoroughly research the subject and consult experts in the field. Reichs advises writers to not be afraid of making decisions and to be open to changing career paths if necessary.To learn more visit: KathyReichs.com, of course tune into TheThrillerZone.com, watch this podcast on https://www.youtube.com/@TheThrillerZone/videos  and learn more about the host at TheDavidTemple.comChapters:00:00 Introduction and Season Seven Kickoff02:16 Living in Charlotte and Chicago04:10 Overview of Fire and Bones05:35 Difference Between Forensic Anthropology and Writing07:29 The Creation of Temperance Brennan09:25 The Success of Kathy Reichs' First Book10:22 The Journey to Getting Published13:45 The Success of Kathy Reichs' Career14:39 The Inspiration Behind Bones16:08 Kathy Reichs' Experience in Television19:01 The Importance of Social Media for Book Promotion20:58 Writing What You Know vs. Writing What You Don't Know24:46 Career Advice for Young Kathy Reichs26:38 Final Writing Advice (00:00) - Introduction and Season Seven Kickoff (03:20) - Living in Charlotte and Chicago (05:14) - Overview of Fire and Bones (06:39) - Difference Between Forensic Anthropology and Writing (08:33) - The Creation of Temperance Brennan (10:29) - The Success of Kathy Reichs' First Book (11:26) - The Journey to Getting Published (14:49) - The Success of Kathy Reichs' Career (15:43) - The Inspiration Behind Bones (17:12) - Kathy Reichs' Experience in Television (20:05) - The Importance of Social Media for Book Promotion (22:02) - Writing What You Know vs. Writing What You Don't Know (25:50) - Career Advice for Young Kathy Reichs (27:42) - Final Writing Advice The Thriller Zone promises to wrap 2024 in a BIG way...Stay Tuned! Questions? Just write us at "[email protected]"

On today’s 195th & Final episode of Season Six of The Thriller Zone, host David Temple interviews New York Times Bestselling Author TJ Newman about her latest book, Worst Case Scenario. They discuss the inspiration behind the book, the research process, and the challenges of writing a plot-heavy thriller. Ms. Newman shares her gratitude for the success of her previous books and the joy of connecting with readers. The conversation also touches on the importance of creating emotional connections with characters and the impact of storytelling on readers. TJ discusses the importance of keeping readers engaged and immersed in the story, comparing books to movies and highlighting the active participation of readers in books. She also talks about the challenges of getting attention in a world filled with distractions and the importance of writing the best story possible. TJ shares her experience of adapting her book into a screenplay and the art of compression in screenwriting. She emphasizes the need for authenticity and pursuing what interests you in writing and life. TJ also reflects on her journey as an author and the support she has received from her family and alma mater.To learn more visit: TJNewmanAuthor.com and Pre-Order Your Copy of Worst Case Scenario Today! (00:00) - Introduction and Welcome (03:47) - The Success of Falling and Drowning (05:18) - The Inspiration for Worst Case Scenario (07:12) - Researching the Vulnerabilities of Nuclear Facilities (09:35) - The Process of Writing and Outlining (14:28) - Creating Emotional Connections with Characters (16:25) - The Enormity of the Situation in Worst Case Scenario (18:22) - Ethical Dilemmas and Gray Areas in Thrillers (20:44) - Gratitude for Success and Connecting with Readers (25:41) - The Power of Thrillers to Evoke Emotions (30:18) - The Writing Process and Character Development (32:45) - The Importance of Reader Experience (37:29) - Creating an Enjoyable Reading Experience (38:48) - Books vs Movies: Active Participation vs Passive Watching (45:19) - Making the New York Times Best Seller List as a Debut Author (47:06) - Cutting Through the Noise: Grabbing Readers' Attention (51:44) - Adapting Books into Screenplays: Compression and Economy of Words (59:25) - Authenticity in Writing and Life (01:05:18) - The Importance of Support on the Writing Journey The Thriller Zone promises to wrap 2024 in a BIG way...Stay Tuned! Questions? Just write us at "[email protected]"