The Thriller Zone

In this celebratory 200th episode of The Thriller Zone, host David Temple engages in a lively conversation with Ryan Steck, widely known as the Real Book Spy. They reflect on the evolution of the thriller genre, the impact of influential authors like Ted Bell, and the challenges of navigating the publishing landscape. 

The discussion also highlights the importance of passion in writing, the reality of author marketing, and the emergence of new talent in the thriller space. With a mix of humor and insight, David & Ryan share personal anecdotes and book recommendations, emphasizing the hard work behind the scenes of creating a successful podcast and writing career.

It’s a long and enjoyable show full of rich conversation. Learn more at TheRealBookSpy.com and as always, be sure to CONNECT with us at TheThrillerZone.com.

FOLLOW & SUBSCRIBE:
X.com/thethrillerzone
Instagram.com/thethrillerzone
YouTube.com/@thethrillerzone/videos

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Celebrating 200 Episodes of The Thriller Zone

02:51 The Evolution of the Thriller Genre

06:09 The Journey of a Book Spy

08:54 The Impact of Ted Bell

12:02 Navigating the Publishing Landscape

14:57 The Challenges of Writing and Authorship

18:13 Spotlight on Emerging Authors

21:05 Reflections on the Industry and Future Trends

23:51 The Importance of Passion in Writing

27:10 The Reality of Author Marketing

29:55 The Next Wave of Thriller Writers

33:11 Book Recommendations and Highlights

35:56 The Work Behind the Show

39:11 The Balance of Passion and Reality

42:02 Final Thoughts and Future Aspirations

48:35 Navigating Challenges in the Literary World

51:58 The Art of Book Reviews and Author Support

55:46 The Importance of Technical Quality in Interviews

01:00:52 Dream Guests and Influential Authors

01:05:42 Personal Reflections on Health and Writing Goals

01:10:29 The Journey of Collaboration in Writing

01:19:09 Future Aspirations and New Projects

TAKEAWAYS:

1. The podcast has reached a significant milestone with 200 episodes.
2. The thriller genre has evolved significantly over the years.
3. Ryan Steck's journey as a book spy has been transformative.
4. Ted Bell's mentorship was crucial for Ryan's career.
5. The publishing landscape is increasingly challenging for new authors.
6. Emerging authors need more support and runway to succeed.
7. Passion for writing is essential, but the industry is tough.
8. Marketing and social media responsibilities often fall on authors now.
9. New talent in the thriller genre is promising but faces hurdles.
10. The behind-the-scenes work of podcasting is extensive and often overlooked.

SOUNDBITE HIGHLIGHTS:

• RYAN: "200 episodes, it's a lot."
• DAVID: "I love this writing community; the way we all help one another in such a tough business."
• RYAN: "You are the voice of all things thriller."
• DAVID: "I LOVE what I do, and I hope it shows."
• RYAN: "There would be no book spy without Ted Bell."
• DAVID: "You can never read enough thrillers."
• RYAN: "I only review books that I love."

The Thriller Zone promises to wrap 2024 in a BIG way...Stay Tuned! Questions? Just write us at "[email protected]"

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

Hello and welcome to today’s 199th…and BONUS episode of The Thriller Zone, I’m your host David Temple, and I invite you to an engaging conversation with my new friend and outstanding writer, Rio Youers.

Rio and I discuss his latest novel, The Bang Bang Sisters—a non-stop, rock’ n roll vigilante thriller that’s sure to please our hard-core grunge thriller fans.

Today, we discuss Rio's writing journey, influences, and the unique style of his work, which blends elements of rock and roll with thrilling narratives. Our conversation also touches on themes of female empowerment in literature, the challenges of the publishing industry, and valuable advice for aspiring writers. 

Rio shares insights into his creative process and the importance of writing what you love, and making sure you’re writing what you love to read. As we approach 200 episodes, I’m thrilled to welcome Rio into the Thriller Zone fold with this must-listen episode for fans of thrillers and aspiring authors alike.

Learn more at: RioYouers.com
Follow us at: TheThrillerZone.com 
On X @thethrillerzone
On Instagram @thethrillerzone
On YouTube @thethrillerzone

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Rio Uers and The Bang Bang Sisters

05:10 Rio's Writing Journey and Influences

09:57 The Unique Style of The Bang Bang Sisters

15:11 Themes of Female Empowerment in Writing

19:50 The Publishing Journey and Industry Insights

30:05 Advice for Aspiring Writers

The Thriller Zone promises to wrap 2024 in a BIG way...Stay Tuned! Questions? Just write us at "[email protected]"

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

On today’s 198th episode of The Thriller Zone, host David Temple welcomes author Lee Goldberg to discuss his latest book, 'Ashes Never Lie.' 

The two men delve into Goldberg's writing process, character development, and the differences between self-publishing and traditional publishing. Goldberg shares candid advice for aspiring authors, emphasizing the importance of making a strong first impression and the value of character-driven storytelling. 

In today’s engaging conversation, Lee discusses the importance of honesty in providing writing advice, the nuances of crafting engaging narratives, and the evolving landscape of publishing, particularly in relation to Amazon. He also emphasizes the significance of humor in storytelling, the need to avoid clichés, and the balance between writing what you know and what you love. 

Goldberg also shares insights on navigating adaptations of his work for TV and film, highlighting the importance of author involvement while allowing creative freedom, and the show wraps with Temple’s Signature Close: Best Writing Advice.

Learn more at LeeGoldberg.com and TheThrillerZone.com 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Lee Goldberg and His Works

10:05 The Writing Process and Character Development

20:40 Self-Publishing vs Traditional Publishing

33:32 Advice on Writing and Career Development

49:25 The Importance of Honesty in Writing Advice

51:18 Crafting Engaging Narratives: The Secret Sauce

56:52 The Evolution of Publishing: Amazon vs. Traditional Publishers

01:01:31 The Changing Landscape of Book Retail

01:06:49 Analyzing Successful Writing Techniques

01:12:05 The Role of Humor in Storytelling

01:15:54 Avoiding Clichés in Writing

01:21:48 Writing What You Know vs. Writing What You Love

01:35:22 Navigating Adaptations: Author Involvement in TV and Film

Winning Sound Bites:

"I need some more action and some more sex."

"I've been with my current wife, 36 years."

"I want to write a detective who's learning."

"Don't blow smoke up my skirt."

"I want to capture the feeling of watching a TV show."

"The secret sauce is not a secret at all."

The Thriller Zone promises to wrap 2024 in a BIG way...Stay Tuned! Questions? Just write us at "[email protected]"

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

On today’s 197th episode of The Thriller Zone, now in Season 7, I’m happy to introduce my listeners & readers to an engaging conversation with my new friend, and fantastic author, DJ Williams, a rising star in the thriller genre.

Today, we discuss DJ’s journey from growing up in Hong Kong to becoming a successful author. We delve into the intricacies of the publishing world, comparing traditional and indie routes, and explore the writing process, including the importance of editing and character development. 

DJ shares valuable advice for aspiring writers, emphasizing the need for authenticity and the significance of building relationships within the writing community, while DT brings up important questions for all aspiring authors.

The face-to-face discussion touches on marketing strategies and the role of cover design in attracting readers, and closes with David’s signature Best Writing Advice.

Learn more at DJWilliamsBooks.com and as always Follow & Connect with us at our new website TheThrillerZone.com. 

* * *

Takeaways:

• DJ Williams shares his unique background growing up in Hong Kong.
• The conversation explores the differences between traditional and indie publishing.
• DJ emphasizes the importance of finishing the stories you start.
• He discusses his writing process, including binge writing and outlining.
• Editing is crucial for enhancing the quality of a story.
• Building relationships in the writing community is essential for success.
• Marketing and cover design play a significant role in indie publishing.
• Authenticity in storytelling is vital for connecting with readers.
• Taking risks in writing can lead to unexpected opportunities.
• DJ's character development process is influenced by real-life experiences.

Best Sound Bites:

"This is mainstream, top-notch New York Times thriller."

"Finish the stories you start."

"Be authentic and true to your storytelling."

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to DJ Williams and His Journey

10:44 The World of Publishing: Traditional vs. Indie

20:08 The Writing Process: Outlining and Binge Writing

30:07 The Importance of Editing and Feedback

40:15 Building Relationships in the Writing Community

50:36 Marketing and Cover Design for Indie Authors

01:00:05 Advice for Aspiring Writers

01:10:15 Character Development and Storytelling

01:20:44 Final Thoughts and Future Projects

The Thriller Zone promises to wrap 2024 in a BIG way...Stay Tuned! Questions? Just write us at "[email protected]"

On today's 196th episode of The Thriller Zone, host David Temple interviews #1 New York Times Bestselling author Kathy Reichs to discuss her latest book, Fire and Bones.

David and Kathy also discuss her career as a forensic anthropologist and the inspiration behind her popular character, Temperance Brennan. They also touch on the success of the TV show "Bones," which was based on Reichs' books; it's a character-driven show with humor even as it deals with violent death.

FIRE AND BONES follows forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan as she investigates a fire and discovers a sub cellar with another set of remains.

Later in the show, Reichs shares her writing advice and emphasizes the importance of perseverance and commitment to the craft. Overall, the conversation highlights Reichs' expertise in forensic science and her ability to create compelling and humorous characters.

David challenges his podcast audience to pay close attention to Kathy's insights, as part of David's Signature Best Writing Advice, as it's her personal "formula" for writing successful fiction.

Here is a snapshot of that conversation: Reichs emphasizes the importance of perseverance and commitment to writing, encouraging aspiring writers to sit down and write consistently. She believes that it's possible to write about something you don't know, as long as you thoroughly research the subject and consult experts in the field. Reichs advises writers to not be afraid of making decisions and to be open to changing career paths if necessary.

To learn more visit: KathyReichs.com, of course tune into TheThrillerZone.com, watch this podcast on https://www.youtube.com/@TheThrillerZone/videos  and learn more about the host at TheDavidTemple.com

Chapters:

• 00:00 Introduction and Season Seven Kickoff
• 02:16 Living in Charlotte and Chicago
• 04:10 Overview of Fire and Bones
• 05:35 Difference Between Forensic Anthropology and Writing
• 07:29 The Creation of Temperance Brennan
• 09:25 The Success of Kathy Reichs' First Book
• 10:22 The Journey to Getting Published
• 13:45 The Success of Kathy Reichs' Career
• 14:39 The Inspiration Behind Bones
• 16:08 Kathy Reichs' Experience in Television
• 19:01 The Importance of Social Media for Book Promotion
• 20:58 Writing What You Know vs. Writing What You Don't Know
• 24:46 Career Advice for Young Kathy Reichs
• 26:38 Final Writing Advice

• (00:00) - Introduction and Season Seven Kickoff

The Thriller Zone promises to wrap 2024 in a BIG way...Stay Tuned! Questions? Just write us at "[email protected]"

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

On today’s 195th & Final episode of Season Six of The Thriller Zone, host David Temple interviews New York Times Bestselling Author TJ Newman about her latest book, Worst Case Scenario. 

They discuss the inspiration behind the book, the research process, and the challenges of writing a plot-heavy thriller. 

Ms. Newman shares her gratitude for the success of her previous books and the joy of connecting with readers. The conversation also touches on the importance of creating emotional connections with characters and the impact of storytelling on readers. 

TJ discusses the importance of keeping readers engaged and immersed in the story, comparing books to movies and highlighting the active participation of readers in books. She also talks about the challenges of getting attention in a world filled with distractions and the importance of writing the best story possible. 

TJ shares her experience of adapting her book into a screenplay and the art of compression in screenwriting. She emphasizes the need for authenticity and pursuing what interests you in writing and life. 

TJ also reflects on her journey as an author and the support she has received from her family and alma mater.

To learn more visit: TJNewmanAuthor.com and Pre-Order Your Copy of Worst Case Scenario Today!

• (00:00) - Introduction and Welcome

The Thriller Zone promises to wrap 2024 in a BIG way...Stay Tuned! Questions? Just write us at "[email protected]"

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

On today’s 194th episode and FINAL SHOW of SEASON SIX, we welcome Henry Wise, author of the debut thriller Holy City, as he joins David Temple on The Thriller Zone. 

David and Henry discuss Henry's Southern roots and how they influenced his writing, his experience at both Virginia Military Institute and Ole Miss. MORE importantly they discuss the process of getting his book published.

Best of all, we explore the themes and characters in Holy City, highlighting the complexity of the South and the importance of writing about what is most important to you. 

The conversation ends with Henry sharing his best writing advice.

It’s the perfect way to wrap Season 6 and gives The Thriller Zone a bit of a Summer Vacation break as we prepare to launch Season Seven very soon!

Learn more about Henry at HenryWise.com

CHAPTERS: 

00:00 Introduction and Southern Roots

02:20 From VMI to Ole Miss

04:10 Choosing Holy City as the Debut Novel

07:20 Exploring the Complexity of the South

12:00 Writing About What Matters Most

15:14 Capturing a Sense of Home and Atmosphere

TOPICS:
The importance of writing about what is most important to you

The complexity of the South and the need to portray authentic characters

The persistence and determination required in the publishing process

The value of receiving validation and support from other writers

The significance of capturing a sense of home and atmosphere in writing

The Thriller Zone promises to wrap 2024 in a BIG way...Stay Tuned! Questions? Just write us at "[email protected]"

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

On today’s 193rd episode of The Thriller Zone, host David Temple interviews author Bruce Borges about his latest book, Shades of Mercy. 

They discuss the process of writing and the fear of not being able to recreate the success of previous books. They also touch on topics such as imposter syndrome and the importance of giving oneself permission to acknowledge their own talent. 

The conversation then shifts to the experience of attending writer conferences and the value of connecting with other authors. Borges shares his secret sauce for creating genuine characters and discusses the challenges faced by the protagonist in his book, including a physical malady and the opioid epidemic. 

The conversation concludes with Borges offering advice to writers, emphasizing the importance of believing in oneself and developing a writing habit.

As part of a new feature on The TZ, called Overtime, David shares his personal story about surviving prostate cancer, something that Bruce fears he may be facing. Temple goes on to share how he intends to release a non-fiction book about his cancer journey in the near future.

To learn more visit: BruceBorgos.com

WATCH & SUBSCRIBE to our channel at YouTube.com/thethrillerzone

SIGN UP & JOIN us on our website at TheThrillerZone.com 

FOLLOW us on X.com/thethrillerzone, Instagram.com/thethrillerzone & Facebook.com/thethrillerzone 

LISTEN to us on ALL the popular Podcast Channels like: 

ApplePodcasts @ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-thriller-zone/id1577303372

Spotify @ https://open.spotify.com/show/4f5vHVcT6DvXpZJ8nopIAU?si=6823127df7044420

The Thriller Zone promises to wrap 2024 in a BIG way...Stay Tuned! Questions? Just write us at "[email protected]"

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

On today’s 192nd episode of The Thriller Zone, host David Temple interviews author Brian Freeman about his latest book, Break Every Rule. 

They discuss the importance of engaging readers' emotions, the balance between description and pacing, and the challenges of writing a second book in a series. 

Freeman shares his writing process and emphasizes the significance of pre-orders for authors. Temple praises Freeman's ability to create authentic characters and compelling settings. 

The episode concludes with a discussion about the secret sauce of Freeman's writing and his advice for aspiring writers.

To learn more visit: bfreemanbooks.com

WATCH & SUBSCRIBE to our channel at YouTube.com/thethrillerzone

SIGN UP & JOIN us on our website at TheThrillerZone.com 

FOLLOW us on X.com/thethrillerzone, Instagram.com/thethrillerzone & Facebook.com/thethrillerzone 

LISTEN to us on ALL the popular Podcast Channels like: 

ApplePodcasts @ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-thriller-zone/id1577303372

Spotify @ https://open.spotify.com/show/4f5vHVcT6DvXpZJ8nopIAU?si=6823127df7044420

The Thriller Zone promises to wrap 2024 in a BIG way...Stay Tuned! Questions? Just write us at "[email protected]"

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

On today's Bonus Episode of The Thriller Zone, host David Temple interviews author Steve Stratton to discuss Steve's journey as an author, the success of his audiobook, and the release of his novella.

They also touch on the challenges of the publishing industry and the importance of networking and community in the thriller genre.

The conversation highlights the themes of perseverance, adaptation, and the power of short stories/novellas in the industry.

To learn more and take advantage of Steve's book sale, go to: SteveStrattonUSA.com

The Thriller Zone promises to wrap 2024 in a BIG way...Stay Tuned! Questions? Just write us at "[email protected]"

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