Emily Carpenter, who is known as the master of southern gothic suspense, joins me to chat about why we like scary stories, what a gothic story is, how setting and atmosphere contribute to her stories, and what motivated her to write her latest book, A SPELL FOR SAINTS AND SINNERS. (We somehow also talk about Bigfoot, voodoo, ghosts, the Loch Ness monster, and more.) Check it out.
Season 10 - Episode 16: Dr. John Paul Abner
This week, internationally known psychologist Dr. John-Paul Abner joins me to talk about the psychology of story, its power to draw people together, and how stories help us share our values and build bridges between people. If you’ve ever wondered about the impact of your stories on others or how to reframe the stories you tell to yourself, give it a listen. See the show notes for a free PDF of story sparks to ignite your memories and share stories of your own with the next generation.
FREE “A Month of Memories” PDF
https://stevenjames.net/resources
Season 10 - Episode 15: Clay Stafford
My guest this week is bestselling, award-winning author, poet, screenwriter, and playwright Clay Stafford. With millions of books sold, he’s also the founder of the annual Killer Nashville International Writers’ Conference. We talk crime writing, how improv can help authors, and how I almost ended up a prisoner of the infamous Ministry of Tolerance. Check it out!
Season 10 - Episode 14: Nat Cassidy
This week, horror author, actor, and playwright Nat Cassidy joins me to talk all things horror. You may have seen him playing a villain on the TV shows Quantico, FBI, or Law & Order: SVU, or read one of his acclaimed novels. Listen as he shares insights into why people love scary stories, what draws us in (and what drives us out), how they honor the human experience, and what Shakespeare has to do with horror. We also chat about his forthcoming collection of short stories, I KNOW A PLACE. If you’re a fan of horror, don’t miss this episode.
Season 10 - Episode 13: Jon Lindstrom
This week, I catch up with veteran Hollywood actor Jon Lindstrom, who has appeared in thousands of hours of television over the last three decades. He’s also a bestselling author with a new book out, a Los Angeles crime novel, Hollywood Payback. Join us as we talk about what actors can teach writers, the difference between ambiguity and moral complexity, and why it’s easier to write villains than heroes. Also—you’ll learn Jon’s movie recommendations, which might surprise you.
Season 10 - Episode 12: Jane Friedman
For decades, Jane Friedman has been keeping her finger on the pulse of the writing industry. Each month she shares her insights with tens of thousands of writers through her newsletter The Bottom Line. This week she joins me to talk about some of the most prickly topics in publishing: whether or not to use a prologue, whether or not to outline, how many points of view to include, and the pet peeves of editors and agents. Tune in this week to get an insider’s scoop on the publishing industry.
Season 10 - Episode 11: Nick Petrie
Critically acclaimed, bestselling novelist Nick Petrie, who is known for his propulsive action stories and suspenseful plots, joins me this week. He shares how to create suspense, what lies at the heart of a great story, the importance of surprise, insights into the writing process, and more. We also talk about his latest book in the popular Peter Ash series, THE DARK TIME. Don’t miss it!
Season 10 - Episode 10: Jayne Ann Krentz
New York Times bestselling novelist Jayne Ann Krentz joins me to talk about what romantic suspense actually is (and is not), how to identify your strengths in the stories you tell, true heroism, how a love story is different from a romance story, and the most interesting character in PARADISE LOST. We also chat about her latest romantic suspense novel THE SHOP ON HIDDEN LANE. Check it out!
Season 10 - Episode 9: Bede Blake
This week, I caught up with screenwriter Bede Blake, one of my favorite instructors on the craft of writing and story, and the host of the YouTube channel PillarBoxer. On the channel, Bede shares ideas and insights into screenwriting—what works, what doesn’t, and why. He’s an expert at breaking down stories and has a fresh perspective you’re not going to get anywhere else. Listen in and be sure to subscribe to PillarBoxer on YouTube.
Season 10 - Episode 8: C.J. Box
C.J. Box, the #1 New York Times bestselling author, joins me this week to talk about his iconic character, Joe Pickett, and his latest novel, THE CROSSROADS. Learn why he’s named “Joe,” what makes him so appealing, and how he has grown over the years. C.J. shares his thoughts about believability, authenticity, the importance of the West in his stories, and his personal advice to all aspiring authors. Check it out!