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.

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