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.

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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

Today, host Dave Temple is diving into the nitty-gritty of the publishing world with the legendary Robert Gottlieb, the chairman of Trident Media Group.

Robert has the inside scoop on how books go from mere words on a page to bestsellers that everyone’s talking about. We’re pulling back the curtain on what it really takes to run a top-tier talent agency and what separates a good writer from a great one.

As we chat, Robert shares his journey from being an assistant at the William Morris Agency to establishing himself as a titan in the literary agency world. He highlights the importance of understanding the unique qualities that make an author stand out in a sea of submissions.

We explore the nuances between literary and commercial fiction, uncovering what truly captivates editors and readers alike. Robert's insights into the shifting dynamics of publishing—especially with the rise of eBooks and the influence of social media on book sales—paint a vivid picture of today's literary landscape.

Get ready for a masterclass in how to navigate the complexities of getting published, with plenty of anecdotes and wisdom from Robert's extensive career. Whether you're a budding author or just a curious listener, there's gold to be mined in this conversation.

Learn more at TridentMediaGroup.com and WATCH/LISTEN/FOLLOW us at TheThrillerZone.com

Companies and people mentioned in this episode:

• Trident Media Group
• William Morris Agency
• Knopf
• Bertelsmann
• Alba Michel
• Frank Herbert
• Brian Herbert
• Leon Uris
• Random House
• Dune
• Sony
• Lionsgate
• Putnam Group

Keywords: thriller podcast, literary agent insights, Robert Gottlieb interview, publishing industry trends, how to write a bestseller, author career development, Trident Media Group, best practices for authors, commercial fiction vs literary fiction, storytelling techniques, international book markets, marketing for authors, navigating publishing contracts, building an author brand, literary agency secrets, author representation tips, the future of publishing, writing craft advice, book marketing strategies, understanding genre fiction