Five Compelling Questions with Shawn

In this episode of "Five Compelling Questions," host Shawn Simmons engages with Jennifer Trevelyan, a writer from New Zealand, discussing her journey into writing and her debut novel, "A Beautiful Family." The conversation begins with a light-hearted exchange about New Zealand's beauty and culture, leading into Jennifer's background in photography and children's publishing. She shares her experiences growing up in New Zealand and how they influenced her writing, particularly the setting of her novel, which is a coming-of-age mystery set in 1985. Jennifer reflects on the challenges of writing from a child's perspective and the importance of capturing the innocence and curiosity of youth.

In this engaging conversation, Shawn Simmons interviews Valerie Burns, an acclaimed mystery writer, about her latest book 'Icing on the Murder.' They discuss the protagonist Maddie's journey, the culinary cozy mystery genre, character development, and the challenges of writing within this genre. Valerie shares insights into her writing process, her advice for aspiring authors, and where listeners can find her books.

In this engaging conversation, Shawn Simmons interviews author Jane Loeb Rubin about her latest historical novel 'Over There,' which explores the lives of medical professionals during World War I. They discuss the characters, themes, and the impact of war on society and medicine, as well as the importance of family dynamics and the lessons history teaches us. Jane shares her personal connection to the story and her ongoing writing journey, emphasizing the role of women in historical narratives and the significance of understanding our past to shape a better future.

In this episode of Five Compelling Questions, host Shawn Simmons welcomes back author Rob Hart to discuss his latest book, The Medusa Protocol, a sequel to Assassin's Anonymous. They delve into the challenges of writing sequels, the importance of character development, and the unique perspective of writing from different points of view. Rob shares insights on the balance of humor and brutality in storytelling, the influence of personal experiences in martial arts on his writing, and valuable advice for aspiring writers. The conversation highlights the significance of recovery and personal growth in Rob's characters, making for a compelling discussion about the writing process and the literary world.

In this episode of Five Compelling Questions, host Shawn Simmons interviews bestselling author Brett Battles about his latest book, 'Finders Keepers.' They discuss the intricacies of writing in the style of the late Stuart Woods, the challenges and joys of creating layered characters, and the writing process behind producing multiple books a year. Brett shares valuable writing advice and personal insights, including the importance of maintaining a writing schedule.

In this engaging conversation, Shawn Simmons interviews Eloise Corvo, a debut novelist who writes cozy crime fiction. They discuss Eloise's journey from a background in marine biology and environmental policy to becoming a writer, the inspiration behind her debut novel 'Off the Beaten Path', and the importance of setting in her work. Eloise shares insights into her character development process, the challenges she faced on her path to publication, and her love for writing.

In this engaging conversation, Shawn Simmons interviews author and editor Victoria Zachheim about her writing journey, particularly focusing on her novel 'The Curtain Falls in Paris.' They discuss the creative process, the challenges of writing and editing, and the importance of having a structured outline. Victoria shares insights into her characters and the themes of her book, as well as her experiences in the literary world. The conversation highlights the collaborative nature of writing and the joy of storytelling.

In this engaging conversation, Shawn Simmons interviews accomplished entertainment finance attorney and novelist, Jeffrey Konvitz, about his latest book, 'Circus of Satan'. The discussion delves into the historical context of the Irish mob, the evolution of publishing, and the importance of thorough research in writing. Konvitz shares insights on the differences between writing novels and screenplays, the influence of the horror genre in his works, and his personal writing journey.

In this engaging conversation, Shawn Simmons interviews Liza Tully, a multifaceted author who discusses her latest book, 'The World's Greatest Detective and Her Just Okay Assistant.' Liza shares her journey from editing and teaching to writing fiction, her love for the Golden Age of detective fiction, and the importance of humor in her writing. The discussion also delves into character development, generational dynamics, and valuable advice for aspiring writers

In this engaging conversation, M.P. Woodward discusses his latest novel, 'Line of Demarcation', exploring themes of geopolitics, character development, and the intricacies of writing thrillers. He shares insights into how real-world events inspire his storytelling, the importance of creating relatable characters, and the balance between action and depth in his narratives. Woodward also offers valuable advice for aspiring writers.