New York Times Bestselling Author Meg Gardiner and The Challenges of Researching Dark Subjects

On today’s 189th episode of The Thriller Zone, host David Temple interviews authors Melinda Lee and Kendra Elliott about their collaborative novel, Echo Road. The two guest authors discuss how they came together to write the book, and their process of alternating chapters and maintaining consistent character voices. Elliot and Leigh also talk about their experiences with author Lee Goldberg and the importance of social media in the publishing industry. The episode ends with a brief elevator pitch for Echo Road.To learn more visit:  KendraElliot.com and/or MelindaLeigh.comWATCH & SUBSCRIBE to our channel at YouTube.com/thethrillerzoneSIGN UP & JOIN us on our website at TheThrillerZone.com FOLLOW us on X.com/thethrillerzone, Instagram.com/thethrillerzone & Facebook.com/thethrillerzone LISTEN to us on ALL the popular Podcast Channels like: ApplePodcasts @ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-thriller-zone/id1577303372Spotify @ https://open.spotify.com/show/4f5vHVcT6DvXpZJ8nopIAU?si=6823127df7044420 The Story Factory is an entertainment company representing some of the best authors in the business.

On today’s 188th episode of The Thriller Zone, host David Temple interviews #1 New York Times bestselling author Jack Carr about his latest thriller, Red Sky Mourning. Jack and Dave discuss Carr's growth as a writer and his commitment to constantly improving his craft. They also touch on topics such as imposter syndrome, complacency, and the importance of emotional connection in storytelling. Carr shares his excitement for book tours and the opportunity to personally thank his readers, while briefly mentioning his upcoming nonfiction book about the Marine Barracks bombing in Beirut. The prevailing theme of Red Sky Mourning is loyalty, which Carr explores through geopolitical events and questions of loyalty in the military. The episode ends with Carr's writing advice: never quit and focus on making the story the best it can be.Learn more about Jack and his current Take Warning Tour at OfficialJackCarr.comWATCH & SUBSCRIBE to our channel at YouTube.com/thethrillerzoneSIGN UP & JOIN us on our website at TheThrillerZone.com FOLLOW us on X.com/thethrillerzone, Instagram.com/thethrillerzone & Facebook.com/thethrillerzone LISTEN to us on ALL the popular Podcast Channels like: ApplePodcasts @ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-thriller-zone/id1577303372Spotify @ https://open.spotify.com/show/4f5vHVcT6DvXpZJ8nopIAU?si=6823127df7044420 The Story Factory is an entertainment company representing some of the best authors in the business.

On today’s 187th episode host David Temple celebrates THE THRILLER ZONE’S three-year anniversary with author May Cobb. They discuss May's journey from being David's first guest to having her book, The Hunting Wives, adapted into a TV series. May shares her experience working in Hollywood and the surreal feeling of seeing her book come to life on set. They also talk about May's writing process and her best advice for aspiring authors. The episode ends with MAY providing some real down-to-earth insights as to her Best Writing Advice, and David closes the show by expressing his gratitude to the listeners for the past three years…while teasing some upcoming surprises in future episodes.Learn more at MayCobb.comWATCH & SUBSCRIBE to our channel at YouTube.com/@thethrillerzoneSIGN UP & JOIN us on our website at TheThrillerZone.com FOLLOW us on X.com/thethrillerzone, Instagram.com/thethrillerzone & Facebook.com/thethrillerzone LISTEN to us on ALL the popular Podcast Channels like: ApplePodcasts @ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-thriller-zone/id1577303372Spotify @ https://open.spotify.com/show/4f5vHVcT6DvXpZJ8nopIAU?si=6823127df7044420iHeartRadio @ https://www.iheart.com/podcast/338-the-thriller-zone-107694289 The Story Factory is an entertainment company representing some of the best authors in the business.

On today's 186th BONUS Episode of The Thriller Zone, host David Temple is happy to welcome two-time Edgar Award-winning Author Lori Roy as she discusses her latest book, Lake County.The book is set in 1950s Florida and follows the story of Addie Ann, a young woman who tells a lie to pursue her dream of becoming a Hollywood actress. However, her lie puts her family in danger and leads to a collision with the Tampa mafia. Lori shares her background as a tax accountant turned writer and her journey to becoming a published author. She also emphasizes the importance of writing the book you want to read and developing all aspects of writing, including plot, characters, and setting.New York Times Bestselling Author Michael Connelly says, "I loved it. Lori's voice is so entrancing you can almost smell the orange blossoms and blood."Now, that will get your attention! To learn more visit: LoriRoy.comWATCH & SUBSCRIBE to our channel at YouTube.com/thethrillerzoneSIGN UP & JOIN us on our website at TheThrillerZone.com FOLLOW us on X.com/thethrillerzone, Instagram.com/thethrillerzone & Facebook.com/thethrillerzone LISTEN to us on ALL the popular Podcast Channels like: ApplePodcasts @ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-thriller-zone/id1577303372Spotify @ https://open.spotify.com/show/4f5vHVcT6DvXpZJ8nopIAU?si=6823127df7044420iHeartRadio @ https://www.iheart.com/podcast/338-the-thriller-zone-107694289Chapters00:00 Navigating Technical Difficulties00:00 The Journey to Becoming an Author15:55 Crafting Compelling Stories The Story Factory is an entertainment company representing some of the best authors in the business.

On today’s 185th episode of The Thriller Zone, host David Temple interviews New York Times bestselling author Meg Gardner. They discuss a wide variety of topics, including Meg's collaboration with Michael Mann on Heat 2, her writing process, and her latest book, Shadowheart.They also deep-dive Meg’s other books, as well as discussing Meg’s experiences with research, and the challenges of writing a sequel to a popular movie. A terrific insight comes when Meg discusses researching dark and disturbing subjects, which can be challenging, but Meg balances it by finding joy in other activities and maintaining a positive mindset.The conversation is filled with humor and insights into Meg's writing journey, and as is the case of her third appearance, Meg entertains in a truly engaging way.To learn more visit: MegGardiner.comWATCH & SUBSCRIBE to our channel at YouTube.com/thethrillerzoneSIGN UP & JOIN us on our website at TheThrillerZone.com FOLLOW us on X.com/thethrillerzone, Instagram.com/thethrillerzone & Facebook.com/thethrillerzone LISTEN to us on ALL the popular Podcast Channels like: ApplePodcasts @ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-thriller-zone/id1577303372Spotify @ https://open.spotify.com/show/4f5vHVcT6DvXpZJ8nopIAU?si=6823127df7044420iHeartRadio @ https://www.iheart.com/podcast/338-the-thriller-zone-107694289Chapters00:00 Introduction and Welcome02:37 Talking about Art and Getting Started03:19 Collaborating with Michael Mann on Heat 205:13 Recovering from a House Fire06:12 Congratulating Meg on Her Collaboration with Michael Mann07:37 Geeking Out over Jeopardy08:40 Favorite Crime Headlines09:59 Talking about Meg's New Book, Shadowheart11:17 Upcoming Book Tour12:15 Praising Meg's Writing13:12 Discussing Meg's Writing StyleMeg Gardner, interview, collaboration, Michael Mann, Heat 2, writing process, research, Shadowheart, The Thriller Zone, David Temple (00:00) - (00:18) - Introduction and Welcome (02:55) - Talking about Art and Getting Started (03:37) - Collaborating with Michael Mann on Heat 2 (05:31) - Recovering from a House Fire (06:30) - Congratulating Meg on Her Collaboration with Michael Mann (07:55) - Geeking Out over Jeopardy (08:58) - Favorite Crime Headlines (10:17) - Talking about Meg's New Book, Shadowheart (11:35) - Upcoming Book Tour (12:33) - Praising Meg's Writing (13:30) - Discussing Meg's Writing Style The Story Factory is an entertainment company representing some of the best authors in the business.

On today's 184th episode of The Thriller Zone, a BONUS episode at that, we're pleased to welcome Washington Post Contributor and New York Times Bestselling Author David Ignatius.On this podcast, David talks with us about his latest thriller, Phantom Orbit, and shares the inspiration and research behind his latest thriller, as well as the real-world events that influenced the plot. Our hefty conversation delves into the complexities of satellite warfare, the role of technology in espionage, and the geopolitical landscape of Russia and Ukraine. Best of all perhaps is when David shares insights into his writing process and offers advice for aspiring authors. Learn more at DavidIgnatius.com.WATCH & SUBSCRIBE to our channel at YouTube.com/thethrillerzoneSIGN UP & JOIN us on our website at TheThrillerZone.com FOLLOW us on X.com/thethrillerzone, Instagram.come/thethrillerzone & Facebook.com/thethrillerzone LISTEN on ALL the popular Podcast Channels like: ApplePodcasts @ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-thriller-zone/id1577303372Spotify @ https://open.spotify.com/show/4f5vHVcT6DvXpZJ8nopIAU?si=6823127df7044420iHeartRadio @ https://www.iheart.com/podcast/338-the-thriller-zone-107694289#DavidIgnatius, #PhantomOrbit, #thriller, #espionage, #satellitewarfare, #technology, #Russia, #Ukraine, #CIA, #writingadvice, #authorinterview #podcast #thethrillerzone @davetemple @davidtempleauthor #DavidTemple Chapters00:00 Introduction and Author Introduction02:55 Crafting Realistic Thrillers05:08 The Geopolitical Landscape of Espionage and Satellite Warfare16:00 The Plot of Phantom Orbit and Real-World Influence25:11 Writing Advice and Conclusion The Story Factory is an entertainment company representing some of the best authors in the business.

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

On today's 182nd episode of The Thriller Zone, host David Temple interviews #1 International bestselling author John Katzenbach about his book Jack's Boys. They discuss the nature of storytelling in thrillers and the importance of creating complete and psychologically attuned characters. Katzenbach also shares how his experience as a criminal court reporter influenced his fiction writing. John also talks about growing up in the shadow of his father, former US Attorney General Nicholas Katzenbach, and how it shaped his perspective on government and history. The conversation touches on various topics, including the making of three of John's books that were made into the movies: THE MEAN SEASON, starring Kurt Russell and Mariel Hemingway, JUST CAUSE, starring Sean Connery, Laurence Fishburne and Ed Harris; and HART'S WAR, starring Bruce Willis and Colin Farrell.David and John discuss other topics such as the impact of climate change in Miami, some of their favorite movies and movie stars, plus the inspiration behind the story, Jack's Boys, the importance of accuracy in thrillers, and the differences in reader reactions across different cultures.Finally, the two men touch on the use of references to music and films in Katzenbach's writing, and their conversation ends with Katzenbach sharing his advice for writers.Learn more at JohnKatzenbach.com, TheThrillerZone.com and be sure to subscribe to YouTube.com/thethrillerzone, as well as follow this podcast on X, Instagram and Facebook @thethrillerzone. The Story Factory is an entertainment company representing some of the best authors in the business.

On today's 181st episode of The Thriller Zone, host David Temple interviews New York Times Bestselling author Eric Rickstad about his book "Lilith." Lilith explores the theme of school shootings and the emotional impact on the victims and their families. Mr. Rickstad discusses his background as a writer and the influences that shaped his storytelling style. He also shares his thoughts on writing series versus standalone novels and the challenges of addressing previous events in a series. The conversation delves into the inspiration behind Lilith and the societal issues it addresses, including gun violence and the politicization of tragedies. In this episode, Temple talks to Eric about the themes of gun violence, mental health, and the role of women in society. Rickstad explains how the character of Lilith, the first wife of Adam, serves as a metaphor for women's struggle for autonomy and the myth of violence in America. Rickstad wraps by sharing his writing advice, emphasizing the importance of consistency and trusting the creative process.To order your copy of Lilith, and to learn more about Rick, visit: Rickstad.comAs always, be sure to join The Thriller Zone Podcast via our website: TheThrillerZone.com, FOLLOW us on Twitter, Instagram & Facebook @thethrillerzone. You can also listen to the podcast on ALL Podcast Channels, as well as watch the show on YouTube.com/thethrillerzone The Story Factory is an entertainment company representing some of the best authors in the business.

On today’s 180th episode of The Thriller Zone, host David Temple interviews film director and debut author James Cox about his breakout hit novel, Grand Theft AI. The conversation covers Cox's background in directing, his influences, and the process of writing the book. They discuss the cyberpunk landscape of the story, the immersive technology called Wetwire, and the future history of the world. Cox also shares his passion for detail and authenticity in science fiction and the blending of reality and fiction in his work, and shares how he explores the themes of artificial intelligence (AI), human-machine interaction, the impact of AI on labor, and the ownership and control of AI technology. David and James discuss the novel, which focuses on people trying to navigate a world that has been accelerated by AI, and emphasize how the fear of AI rising up and the idea of machines becoming self-aware and human-like are intriguing. The conversation concludes with the importance of relationships in thrillers, the role of music in storytelling, and the challenges of building an online presence as a writer.Thank you for following TheThrillerZone.com and for subscribing to our YouTube.com/thethrillerzone (00:03) - Introduction (06:34) - Meeting Shane Salerno (18:20) - Inspiration for Grand Theft AI (21:54) - The Process of Writing (25:30) - Evolution into a Novel (26:35) - Screenplay to Prose Transformation (28:04) - Painting Future History (29:30) - Reality and Accelerated Innovation (34:09) - Technology: Good and Harm Perspectives (35:07) - Impacts of AI on Employment (37:48) - Ownership and Control of AI (41:42) - Writing Advice and Process (43:02) - Future History and Genre Preferences (45:40) - Directing and Collaborating in the Industry (48:57) - Serialization and Story Structure (50:52) - Relationship Dynamics and Technology (56:27) - Influence of Music and Soundtracks (58:06) - Online Presence and Branding (59:53) - Book Pre-order Details and Release Date The Story Factory is an entertainment company representing some of the best authors in the business.