On today's 184th episode of The Thriller Zone, a BONUS episode at that, we're pleased to welcome Washington Post Contributor and New York Times Bestselling Author David Ignatius.

On this podcast, David talks with us about his latest thriller, Phantom Orbit, and shares the inspiration and research behind his latest thriller, as well as the real-world events that influenced the plot.

Our hefty conversation delves into the complexities of satellite warfare, the role of technology in espionage, and the geopolitical landscape of Russia and Ukraine.

Best of all perhaps is when David shares insights into his writing process and offers advice for aspiring authors. Learn more at DavidIgnatius.com.

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#DavidIgnatius, #PhantomOrbit, #thriller, #espionage, #satellitewarfare, #technology, #Russia, #Ukraine, #CIA, #writingadvice, #authorinterview #podcast #thethrillerzone @davetemple @davidtempleauthor #DavidTemple 

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Author Introduction
02:55 Crafting Realistic Thrillers
05:08 The Geopolitical Landscape of Espionage and Satellite Warfare
16:00 The Plot of Phantom Orbit and Real-World Influence
25:11 Writing Advice and Conclusion

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

On today’s 183rd episode of The Thriller Zone we’ve a special treat. If you’re a fan of Thriller & Crime Fiction, then you’ve no doubt heard of The Real Book Spy. Well, today we sit down with Ryan Steck to discuss his latest thriller OUT FOR BLOOD.

This latest entry picks up where the last Matthew Redd thriller left off…with one exception. Redd’s danger is deeper. And the read is not only longer, but richer in scope. Yeah, it’s a good one! 

On today's show Ryan and I discuss a whole plethora of items like OUT FOR BLOOD, plus his first two thrillers, you'll also hear Ryan and I discuss a few things about New York Times Bestselling Author Jack Carr. We discuss in depth the process of writing substantial thrillers, learn about Ryan’s home life which involves no less than 11 mouths to feed, we cover a bit of Thrillerfest, and we hear about how Ryan got his start as The Real Book Spy. All is all, it’s a fully-packed hour of all things Thriller Fiction, with Real Book Spy Ryan Steck.

Learn more about Ryan and his Real Book Spy World at RyanSteck.com

Last thing before I sign off: A reminder that this is our Anniversary Month, and how we're excited to also welcome New York Times Bestselling Author MEG GARDINER on June 10th, where we'll cover her latest in the UNSUB Series, SHADOWHEART!

Then, the following week, the 17th to be exact, I’ll let you in on a closely held secret. Recall my very first guest…the person who took a chance talking to a then-yet-mostly-unknown podcast host of a little-startup pod called The Thriller Zone? If not, it was May Cobb. Well, she’s promised to return to celebrate our THREE YEAR ANNIVERSARY, as we discuss her latest thriller THE HOLLYWOOD ASSISTANT. 

So, do yourself a favor, and add Meg Gardiner’s book SHADOWHEART and May Cobb’s HOLLYWOOD ASSISTANT to your Summer Reading lists, as you’ll want to devour both of them.

Join us again soon for another exciting edition of TheThrillerZone.com … Your Front Row Seat to the Best Thriller Writers in the World.

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

On today's 182nd episode of The Thriller Zone, host David Temple interviews #1 International bestselling author John Katzenbach about his book Jack's Boys. 

They discuss the nature of storytelling in thrillers and the importance of creating complete and psychologically attuned characters. Katzenbach also shares how his experience as a criminal court reporter influenced his fiction writing. John also talks about growing up in the shadow of his father, former US Attorney General Nicholas Katzenbach, and how it shaped his perspective on government and history. 

The conversation touches on various topics, including the making of three of John's books that were made into the movies: THE MEAN SEASON, starring Kurt Russell and Mariel Hemingway, JUST CAUSE, starring Sean Connery, Laurence Fishburne and Ed Harris; and HART'S WAR, starring Bruce Willis and Colin Farrell.

David and John discuss other topics such as the impact of climate change in Miami, some of their favorite movies and movie stars, plus the inspiration behind the story, Jack's Boys, the importance of accuracy in thrillers, and the differences in reader reactions across different cultures.

Finally, the two men touch on the use of references to music and films in Katzenbach's writing, and their conversation ends with Katzenbach sharing his advice for writers.

Learn more at JohnKatzenbach.com, TheThrillerZone.com and be sure to subscribe to YouTube.com/thethrillerzone, as well as follow this podcast on X, Instagram and Facebook @thethrillerzone.

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

On today's 181st episode of The Thriller Zone, host David Temple interviews New York Times Bestselling author Eric Rickstad about his book "Lilith."

Lilith explores the theme of school shootings and the emotional impact on the victims and their families. Mr. Rickstad discusses his background as a writer and the influences that shaped his storytelling style. He also shares his thoughts on writing series versus standalone novels and the challenges of addressing previous events in a series.

The conversation delves into the inspiration behind Lilith and the societal issues it addresses, including gun violence and the politicization of tragedies.

In this episode, Temple talks to Eric about the themes of gun violence, mental health, and the role of women in society. Rickstad explains how the character of Lilith, the first wife of Adam, serves as a metaphor for women's struggle for autonomy and the myth of violence in America.

Rickstad wraps by sharing his writing advice, emphasizing the importance of consistency and trusting the creative process.

To order your copy of Lilith, and to learn more about Rick, visit: Rickstad.com

As always, be sure to join The Thriller Zone Podcast via our website: TheThrillerZone.com, FOLLOW us on Twitter, Instagram & Facebook @thethrillerzone. You can also listen to the podcast on ALL Podcast Channels, as well as watch the show on YouTube.com/thethrillerzone

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

On today’s 180th episode of The Thriller Zone, host David Temple interviews film director and debut author James Cox about his breakout hit novel, Grand Theft AI. 

The conversation covers Cox's background in directing, his influences, and the process of writing the book. They discuss the cyberpunk landscape of the story, the immersive technology called Wetwire, and the future history of the world. 

Cox also shares his passion for detail and authenticity in science fiction and the blending of reality and fiction in his work, and shares how he explores the themes of artificial intelligence (AI), human-machine interaction, the impact of AI on labor, and the ownership and control of AI technology. 

David and James discuss the novel, which focuses on people trying to navigate a world that has been accelerated by AI, and emphasize how the fear of AI rising up and the idea of machines becoming self-aware and human-like are intriguing. 

The conversation concludes with the importance of relationships in thrillers, the role of music in storytelling, and the challenges of building an online presence as a writer.

Thank you for following TheThrillerZone.com and for subscribing to our YouTube.com/thethrillerzone

• (00:03) - Introduction

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

In this 179th episode of The Thriller Zone, host David Temple interviews thriller writer Joe Reid, also known as Parker Adams, about his latest book, The Lock Box.

The conversation covers various topics, including the inspiration behind the book, the use of pen names, and Reid's background as a marine biologist and patent lawyer. He discusses the process of writing fiction and how it relates to his work as a litigator.

The discussion also delves into the character of Monna Locke, a female army vet turned safecracker, and the possibility of a sequel, plus Joe discusses his writing journey and the influences that have shaped his career.

Joe (aka Parker) talks about the importance of accumulating experiences and listening to your instincts as a writer, and also emphasizes the need to finish what you start and not be afraid of criticism.

Some highlights include the themes of complex characters, the influence of personal backgrounds on writing, and the importance of starting a story in the right place.

The interview concludes with a discussion about the impact of COVID-19 on storytelling plus an upcoming speaking event at the Carlsbad library with Christopher Reich on May 17th at Noon.

Learn more at JosephReidBooks.com, and as always, be sure to visit us at TheThrillerZone.com, follow us on Twitter, Instagram & Facebook  @TheThrillerZone and you can catch us on all the podcast channels, like @applepodcasts  @Spotify  @iHeartRadio and more.

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

On today’s 178th episode of The Thriller Zone, David Temple and Scott Carson, author of Lost Man's Lane, discusses his writing process and the importance of voice in storytelling. He shares his experience working with a private investigator and how it influenced his latest novel.

Carson also talks about the power of face-to-face interviews and the impact of feedback on the writing process.

Scott offers advice to aspiring writers, emphasizing the importance of reading widely and keeping goals close to the vest. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the magic of voice and the thrill of having respected authors read and praise your work.

Takeaways

• Using a pen name can help differentiate between different genres and target specific readerships.
• Supernatural stories can be challenging to write well and appeal to skeptics, but the satisfaction of success is greater.
• Readers often have preferences for certain genres and may be more open to different types of stories within those genres.
• As a writer, it's important to challenge yourself and try new things to continue growing and producing your best work.
• Building a connection with readers is crucial, and they will follow you across genres if they enjoy your writing style and storytelling. 
• The importance of having fun and taking risks in life and art
• The power of voice in writing and the uniqueness each writer brings
• The value of reading widely to improve writing skills
• The benefits of keeping writing goals private and avoiding early feedback

Sound Bites

• "If people like your prose, be whatever flavor it is, they're going to follow you wherever you go."
• "The supernatural stories are by far the more difficult ones for me. But the satisfaction of sticking the landing is maybe a little bit greater."
• "I don't think you're ever going to get your best work by staying in the familiar. It's going out there and getting a little bit dangerous."
• "We only get one crack at this life. So why don't we just have fun with it?"
• "The thing that makes your heart beat a little faster, whatever your emotional cues and triggers are, those are going to still be there no matter how different the story world might be."
• "Write the first draft with the door shut.”
• "Voice is the magic, the thing that makes it work."
• "Read widely because it's all grist for the mill."
• "Keep your goals close to the vest for as long as possible."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Face-to-Face Interviews
05:15 The Impact of Face-to-Face Interviews
09:33 Advice for Aspiring Writers
14:45 The Magic of Having Respected Authors Read Your Work

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

Welcome to the latest episode of The Thriller Zone with special guest, Christopher "Chris" Reich. In this episode, we dive deep into the world of Chris Reich, a renowned author known for his thrilling novels. The host, David, engages in a captivating conversation with Chris, exploring his journey as a writer and the inspiration behind his successful series and standalone novels.

Chris shares insights into his writing process, revealing how he transitioned from a corporate career to pursue his passion for writing. He discusses the challenges and triumphs he faced along the way, highlighting the importance of perseverance and never giving up on one's dreams.

The conversation delves into the intricacies of Chris's latest book, "Matterhorn," which promises to be a blockbuster hit. The host and guest discuss the characters, setting, and themes of the book, offering a glimpse into the thrilling world of espionage, action, and emotional depth that readers can expect.

Throughout the episode, the host and guest touch on various elements of storytelling, from crafting compelling characters to creating immersive settings. They also explore the evolving landscape of the publishing industry and the impact of technology on espionage and intelligence operations, drawing parallels between fiction and reality.

As the conversation unfolds, the host and guest share personal anecdotes, including a fascinating story about Stan Getz's iconic song "Desafinado" and its influence on their lives. The episode is filled with engaging discussions, literary insights, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into the creative process of a successful author.

In the end, the episode leaves listeners intrigued and eager to explore Chris Reich's thrilling novels, offering a blend of action, suspense, and emotional depth that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Tune in to TheThrillerZone.com for a captivating journey into the world of storytelling with Chris Reich. And to learn more about our guest, visit: ChristopherReich.com

BEST CHRIS REICH QUOTES:

• "I love what I do. So it beats working for a living." - 00:00:47
• "I got to write a book that is as exciting as The Bourne Identity. And that book became Rules of Deception." - 00:03:46
• "The days when the public unites around a central title, a central book that kind of captures the national interest, the zeitgeist. Very rare now, very rare." - 00:05:48
• "Social media is killing attention span, where people want that dopamine hit every 15 seconds, new page, new picture." - 00:06:38
• "I want to be part of this box theory where I keep a certain level, and then boom, you drop dead or something, you know, at age 85." - 00:10:23
• "Revenge is not a dish best served cold. Revenge is a dish best served hot and bloody right in your face." - 00:35:45
• "I don't know, revenge is not a dish best served cold. Revenge is a dish best served hot and bloody right in your face." - 00:35:45
• "Stan Getz is one of the greatest alto players ever. I mean, one of the greatest players of anything ever." - 00:42:18
• "I try to aim for a certain level of a skill level, let's say. So, you know, but thank you. I'm glad you like it." - 00:44:24

BEST DAVE TEMPLE QUOTE:

"I put it [STAN GETZ} on the drive up from San Diego today so I could get in the mood, because whenever I feel if I'm too preoccupied or down, I put on Bossa Nova, or Stan Getz, and it just makes the world a better place." - 00:40:26

• (00:00) - to the Thriller Zone: 00:00:00

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

On today's 176th episode of The Thriller Zone, host David Temple interviews Brian Andrews and Jeff Wilson, the authors of the book 'Four Minutes.'
The conversation starts with some lighthearted banter having to do with "silly hats,' but soon delves into the authors' busy writing schedule and their upcoming projects. A highlight comes when they share their collaboration with Tom Clancy's estate and the research they conducted with the US Navy for their Clancy novels.

The authors also explain the concept behind their latest military thriller, Four Minutes, which involves a special operations team using advanced technology to predict future events.

The show wraps with a brief discussion about the challenges and limitations of time travel in the book, how it could be possible through the use of modular fusion reactors, as well as the potential benefits and risks of artificial intelligence in writing and warfare.

To learn more visit: Andrews-Wilson.com

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Show Updates
08:06 Collaborating with Tom Clancy's Estate and the US Navy
21:54 Creating Realistic Rules for Time Travel
22:51 The Importance of Family Support and Military Dedication
22:57 Exploring the Intersection of the Human Condition and Technology
23:25 Time Travel through Modular Fusion Reactors
24:24 Limitations and Consequences of Time Travel
26:43 The Potential Benefits and Risks of Artificial Intelligence
38:19 Gratitude for Opportunities in the Entertainment Industry

Some take-aways:

• Brian Andrews and Jeff Wilson have a busy writing schedule, but they are grateful for the opportunities they have been given.
• The authors collaborated with Tom Clancy's estate and conducted extensive research with the US Navy for their Clancy novels.
• 'Four Minutes' explores the concept of using advanced technology to predict future events and its implications for special operations teams.
• The authors wanted to create realistic rules and limitations for time travel in the book.
• The episode highlights the importance of family support and the dedication of military personnel. The hosts are interested in exploring the intersection of the human condition and technology.
• Time travel in their book is made possible through the use of modular fusion reactors.
• Time travel has limitations and unintended consequences.
• Artificial intelligence can be a valuable tool if humans are in control of it.
• The hosts are grateful for the opportunities they have in the entertainment industry.

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

On today’s 175th Episode of The Thriller Zone, now in our 6th Season, we’re happy to invite Don Winslow into our home for a face-to-face interview that, as you’ll quickly notice, is truly a one of a kind opportunity for this host, and for you as an audience member.

Don, as you may know, is a renowned thriller writer who has decades of experience as a seasoned writer, creating one hit after another. Today, Don discusses his journey as an author and the challenges he faced in the publishing industry. 

Despite initial rejections and being labeled a cult writer, Winslow persevered and eventually achieved success. He credits his partnership with agent Shane Salerno as a turning point in his career. Together, they started a rebellion against the limitations imposed by publishers and Hollywood. 

In our in-depth conversation, Winslow reflects on the impact of his mother, a librarian, who instilled in him a love for books and the belief that he could achieve anything. He also shares his thoughts on retirement and the future of the publishing industry. 

Digging deeper and opening up, Don reveals the evolution of storytelling and the impact of technology and AI on the industry. He emphasizes the authenticity of human communication and the importance of bringing heart and soul to writing. 

As our show begins to wrap, Don allows us an inside peek, as he shares advice for aspiring writers, encouraging them to never give up and set doable writing goals. He reflects on the emotional impact of his City Trilogy, which includes City On Fire, City Of Dreams and City In Ruins, as well as the upcoming film adaptation, and concludes by discussing his future plans, including his commitment to fighting against neo-fascism and—on a much lighter note—spending more time with his wife, Jean.

All in all, this will stand out as one of the very finest episodes of The Thriller Zone since I launched the podcast nearly three years ago. I’m your host, David Temple, now let’s meet the man of the hour, my friend Don Winslow here in TheThrillerZone.com

To learn more visit: DonWinslow.com and purchase his book #CityInRuins wherever you buy your books!

* * * * *

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:22 Early Days and Challenges

06:03 The Turning Point

09:25 Dealing with Rejection

13:19 Meeting Shane Salerno

22:57 The Moment of Confidence

26:41 Retirement and Future Plans

32:13 The Publishing Industry Today

35:13 The Evolution of Storytelling

36:10 The Impact of Technology and AI

37:31 The Authenticity of Human Communication

38:29 Advice for Aspiring Writers

40:57 Setting Doable Writing Goals

45:12 The Emotional Impact of the City Trilogy

47:09 Film Adaptation of the City Trilogy

49:32 Austin Butler as Danny in the Film Adaptation

52:51 Overview of the City Trilogy

56:13 The Emotional Impact of the Epilogue

59:05 Reflecting on Gratitude and the Writing Journey

01:04:35 Opening Line and Takeaway for a Writing Class

01:08:10 Future Plans and Priorities

Takeaways

• Don't give up on your dreams, even in the face of rejection and setbacks.
• Success often comes after years of hard work and perseverance.
• Having a supportive partner or mentor can make a significant difference in your career.
• The publishing industry is evolving, but books and storytelling will always have a place in society. 
• The storytelling industry has evolved throughout history, with changes in platforms & technology, but the desire for stories remains constant.
• Artificial intelligence may never be able to replicate the authenticity and emotional impact of human communication in storytelling.
• Aspiring writers should never give up and set doable writing goals to make progress.
• The City trilogy by Don Winslow which includes City On Fire, City Of Dreams & City In Ruins, explores timeless themes from classical literature in a modern setting, with a focus on character development and emotional depth.

• (00:00) -

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