Acclaimed novelist Deborah Raney joins me to talk about writing women’s fiction and romance, how she crafts stories without using an outline, what she does when her characters surprise her, and how important it is—or isn’t—to keep stories believable. We also talk about her latest novel, WHO NAMES THE STARS. Check it out!
Season 10 - Episode 38: Mark Gottlieb
This week, I'm thrilled to speak with literary agent Mark Gottlieb. He has represented many award-winning and bestselling authors and offers a look under the hood of the publishing industry, sharing what literary agents are looking for, what turns them off, and why it's important to have a strong query letter. We also discuss whether or not you should follow publishing trends, verbal breakdancing, and what we can learn from Shakespeare. If you're wondering what goes on inside the publishing industry from the perspective of a literary agent, give it a listen.
Season 10 - Episode 37: Rachel Howzell Hall
Acclaimed and bestselling mystery writer Rachel Howzell Hall joins me to talk about how to craft a great mystery, the importance of receptivity rather than rigidity when writing, why main characters should be both vulnerable and admirable (without being perfect), and her latest book, MIST AND MALICE.
Season 10 - Episode 36: Anderson Boyd
Veteran screenwriter and author Anderson Boyd joins me to talk about his advice for writing a novel, what he learned from screenwriting that transferred into writing fiction, some of his favorite authors, and specific thoughts on shaping and telling the stories you have within you. We also chat about his novel THE LEASE OF NATURE. Check it out!
Season 10 - Episode 35: Josh Goforth
Award-winning musician and acclaimed storyteller Josh Goforth joins me to talk about his journey to becoming one of the most sought-after storytellers in the country, who influenced him most, and what he's learned from his mentors over the years—especially his colorful family members while growing up in the mountains of western North Carolina.
Learn why it's so important to be aware, authentic, and responsive to your listeners when telling your stories. And be sure to visit http://joshgoforth.com for performance dates and to order his latest album.
Season 10 - Episode 34: Liv Constantine
Bestselling author Liv Constantine comes on the show to share thoughts about writing domestic suspense, the keys to characterization, and how to (and why to) keep your stories believable. We also talk about our newest thriller PROMISE ME NEVER. Check it out!
Season 10 - Episode 33: J.T. Ellison
This week, New York Times bestselling author J.T. Ellison joins me to talk about ghost cats, why she’s a gardener rather than an architect as a writer, the differences (and surprising similarities) between mystery and suspense, serendipity, believability, and more. We also discuss her latest novel, YOU KNOW WHY.
Season 10 - Episode 32: Eriq La Salle
In this week’s conversation with actor, director, and producer Eriq La Salle, you'll learn why your characters are only as fascinating as the problems they face, why it’s more important to be interested in your story than to be interesting, why you should never judge your characters, and why you should always do your research. We also discuss the challenge of creating a hero who’s just as compelling as your villains and why stakes and complexity are two of the most important elements of characterization. Check out the episode, and be sure to pick up his latest literary thriller, LAWS OF SOLOMON.
Season 10 - Episode 31: Alex Finlay
International bestselling author Alex Finlay joins me to talk about trusting your readers, letting them fill in the gaps, how much planning to do (or not do) before writing your book, and how to handle clichés in a way that lets you get away with using them.
We also discuss his latest thriller, THE ANNIVERSARY.
Season 10 - Episode 30: J.D. Barker
With books sold in 150 countries, author J.D. Barker has become a name synonymous with suspense. He joins me to talk about his writing process, the economy of language, how to start scenes (and how not to), and why the emotional impact of stories matters so much. We also talk about Bram Stoker’s novel, Dracula, how he actually believed in vampires, the missing 102 pages, and J.D.’s latest thriller, THE FIRST SCARLET DOOR.