Today's Bonus Episode of The Thriller Zone with Dave Temple dives into a thrilling discussion with new author Gary Quesenberry, who's just dropped his debut book, *Homecoming*.

We kick things off by exploring the gripping world of his main character, Case Younger, an air marshal who's trying to escape a violent past but soon finds himself in a small town where chaos reigns.

Gary’s got a unique perspective on this, having been an army veteran and a Federal Air Marshal himself, which means he’s serving up some real-life insights mixed in with the fiction.

We get into everything from the nuts and bolts of being an air marshal—like how to blend in on a flight—to the emotional rollercoaster that comes with high-stakes situations.

So grab your headphones and settle in because this episode is packed with juicy tidbits and a sprinkle of wisdom for aspiring writers!

Takeaways:

• In this episode, Gary Quesenberry shares his exciting journey from being an Air Marshal to becoming an author, highlighting how real-life experiences shape storytelling.
• Dave and Gary discuss the importance of blending emotional depth with action in writing, making characters relatable and their situations believable.
• Gary's character, Case Younger, deals with trauma and the quest for peace, showing that sometimes, finding calm can come with unexpected challenges.
• The duo dives into the nitty-gritty of writing, emphasizing that having fun and letting characters guide the story can lead to unexpected and satisfying outcomes.
• Listeners get a glimpse into the writing process, where Gary reveals he uses personal experiences to create authentic narratives that resonate with readers.
• The episode encourages aspiring writers to embrace their unique stories and share their journeys, reminding us that every writer has something valuable to contribute.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• GaryQuesenberry.com

KEYWORDS: podcast episode, Gary Quesenberry, Homecoming book, thriller novel, Federal Air Marshal, writing advice, thriller zone podcast, Case Younger character, military veterans, PTSD in fiction, human trafficking themes, book cover design, author interview, emotional reactions in writing, situational awareness, aviation security, writing process tips, character development, storytelling techniques, crime fiction

Mentioned in this episode:

LITC New 12-21-25

Life In Two Columns: Shit That Matters. And Everything Else. Get it now for ONLY $.99 in ebook or $9.99 in paperback on Amazon, and you can get in audiobook, read by me, for only $10.99 at DavideTemple.com

LITC New 12-21-25

Life In Two Columns: Shit That Matters. And Everything Else. Get it now for ONLY $.99 in ebook or $9.99 in paperback on Amazon, and you can get in audiobook, read by me, for only $10.99 at DavideTemple.com