Hello and welcome to the 236th episode of The Thriller Zone with Dave Temple, Your #1 Thriller FIction Film & TV Podcast in the world!

Today we dive into the thrilling world of Steve Berry, the mastermind behind the gripping new book, "The List."

Spoiler alert: this episode reveals how the book was almost completely destroyed, and trust me, you’ll want to hear the wild tale behind that! We’ll also chat about the intricacies of writing thrillers, including some spicy advice on how to keep readers on the edge of their seats.

Steve shares his journey from a small-town lawyer to a bestselling author, highlighting the real-life inspirations that shaped his work.

So grab your favorite drink, sit back, and let’s unravel the secrets behind crafting stories that not only entertain but also provoke thought about the darker sides of human nature.

Takeaways:

• In this episode, we chatted with Steve Berry about the importance of writing structure, emphasizing the six C's that help create a compelling narrative.
• Steve shared a funny story about a book getting soaked by a cannonball splash, proving that not all book mishaps are tragic!
• We dove into the significance of outlining a novel before writing, noting that it can save a writer from many headaches down the line.
• Steve's advice for aspiring writers is straightforward: write every day to improve your craft, because practice makes perfect!
• The discussion also highlighted how thrillers differ from mysteries, focusing on the suspense of 'what will happen next' rather than just solving a crime.
• Lastly, we explored how real-world experiences can fuel fictional stories, with Steve revealing that his own legal background inspired many plot elements in his novels.

Links referenced in this episode:

• thethrillerzonemail.com
• thethrillerzone.com
• steveberry.org

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Steve Berry
• Mark Greeny
• Tim Chandler
• Blake Snyder
• Lee Child
• John Grisham
• Cotton Malone

KEYWORDS, thriller podcast, writing tips, Steve Berry, author interviews, thriller novels, book masterclass, storytelling techniques, character development, plot structure, suspense writing, creative writing advice, publishing industry insights, reader engagement, novel pacing, moral conflict in fiction, outlining a novel, writing process, fiction writing tips, literary themes in thrillers, book recommendations

Host and former radio star David "Dave" Temple interviews the biggest, brightest, and best thriller writers of thriller fiction, thriller and mystery films, thriller and suspense television, and more. With four years on the podcast, nearly 25 years of radio experience, and another 15 years as an actor and voiceover narrator, Dave has the credibility required to access and interview the very best and New York Times bestselling authors in the world. Tune in each week as he breaks down the magic, or the "secret sauce" of his guests. During his segment called "Best Writing Advice," Dave's audience learns the very best insights to what makes a super successful thriller fiction writer.

New to The Thriller Zone? Start here: https://www.thethrillerzone.com

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Listen to our podcast -...

Welcome to the 235th episode of The Thriller Zone with Dave Temple. Get ready to dive into the thrilling world of Adam Plantinga, whose latest book, *Hard Town*, promises to keep you on the edge of your seat!

Right off the bat, we’re unpacking the gritty reality of policing, which Plantinga knows all too well after 24 years on the job. He shares some surprising insights about human nature and the hectic life of a street cop that’ll make you rethink everything you thought you knew from the movies.

We chat about Adam's journey from the police beat to penning captivating thrillers, with plenty of laughs and some serious moments sprinkled in.

So, grab your favorite drink, settle in, and join us as we explore the wild ride of writing and the fascinating tales that come from the front lines of law enforcement on your #1 Podcast For Thriller Fiction, Film & TV...TheThrillerZone.com!

Takeaways:

• In this episode, we chat with Adam Plantiga about his book 'Hard Town', which takes readers on a thrilling ride through unexpected twists.
• Adam shares insights about police work that challenge common perceptions, revealing the complexities faced by street cops every day.
• We dive into the importance of realistic depictions of violence in thrillers and how it affects storytelling with genuine consequences.
• The conversation highlights Adam's evolution as a writer, sharing invaluable lessons learned from his journey in crafting compelling narratives.
• Listeners will discover how humor plays a role even in serious discussions about policing and the intricacies of human nature.
• We also touch on the collaborative nature of writing, including how feedback from editors shapes the final product of a novel.

Links referenced in this episode: adamplantinga.com

People and companies mentioned in this episode:

• Universal
• Adam Plantinga
• Harlan Coben
• Gregg Hurwitz
• Meg Gardner
• Nick Petrie
• Joseph Finder
• Jeffrey Deaver
• Rachel Howzell Hall
• Bruce Borgos
• Jay Bell
• Jack Stewart

ARE YOU NEW TO THE THRILLER ZONE?

Host and former radio star David "Dave" Temple interviews the biggest, brightest, and best thriller writers of thriller fiction, thriller and mystery films, thriller and suspense television, and more. With four years on the podcast, nearly 25 years of radio experience, and another 15 years as an actor and voiceover narrator, Dave has the credibility required to access and interview the very best and New York Times bestselling authors in the world. Tune in each week as he breaks down the magic, or the "secret sauce" of his guests. During his segment called "Best Writing Advice," Dave's audience learns the very best insights to what makes a super successful thriller fiction writer.

• New to The TZ? Start here: https://www.thethrillerzone.com
• Follow us across all social media @thethrillerzone
• Follow us on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/thethrillerzone
• Follow us on X/twitter - https://www.x.com/thethrillerzone
• Follow us on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thethrillerzone
• Like us on Facebook - https://facebook.com/thethrillerzone
• Listen to our podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-thriller-zone/id1577303372
• Listen to our podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/4JgE6SbRqXsVJWyUKqUIk7?si=c891564b7adb4fc7

Keywords: podcast episode, Adam Plantinga interview, Hard Town book, thriller fiction, police insights, law enforcement stories, writing thrillers, character development, realistic fight scenes, street cop experiences, crime fiction, author...

On today's 234th episode of The Thriller Zone, host Dave Temple sits down with Rachel Howzell Hall for a return performance to discuss her latest thriller FOG AND FURY.

As always, Rachel is a superb guest, and she provides insights and instincts like few other writers. There's a reason she's atop the best-selling charts!

Fog and Fury is the star of today’s show, and trust me, you won’t want to miss this conversation! Rachel our fantastic guest and prolific author, is back to chat about her new thriller that feels like both a fresh start and a cozy return to familiar vibes.

We're diving into the heart of her latest protagonist, who navigates a world of moral ambiguity and emotional depth, all while dealing with the foggy complexities of life in a small town. With a mix of personal anecdotes and insights into her writing process, Rachel shares how her characters come to life, reflecting the intricate layers of human experience.

So, grab your favorite beverage and settle in, because we’re about to embark on a thrilling journey filled with laughs, deep thoughts, and a sprinkle of literary magic and...

Thanks for joining us here in Season 9!

Learn more at RachelHowzell.com and follow us at TheThrillerZone.com

Takeaways:

• In this episode, we celebrate Season Nine of the Thriller Zone and dive into the fascinating world of author Rachel Housel Hall, who has a new book titled 'Fog and Fury'.
• Rachel Housel Hall shares her excitement about writing, revealing how her latest book feels like both a departure and a comfort zone at the same time, showcasing her unique style.
• The conversation touches on Rachel's personal journey through her writing career, including her experiences with illness and how they influenced her storytelling approach.
• Listeners get a peek into the research process behind 'Fog and Fury', as Rachel explains the importance of understanding small town dynamics and the intricacies of real estate development.
• We discuss the significance of character development in thrillers, emphasizing Rachel's commitment to creating multi-dimensional characters who grapple with moral ambiguity and personal struggles.
• The episode wraps up with some quick-fire questions, where Rachel emphasizes that the key to writing is simply to put your butt in the seat and write every day, no matter what.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Scripps
• Cedars
• UCLA
• Blackstone
• Thomas and Mercer

KEYWORDS: Fog and Fury, Rachel Housel Hall, thriller podcast, writing advice, character development, suspense novels, psychological thrillers, small town mysteries, literary interviews, storytelling techniques, book covers, author interviews, crime fiction, literary inspiration, writing process, plot twists, book recommendations, literary voice, publishing industry insights, first-person narratives