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Every thriller, mystery, suspense, and crime writer faces the same dilemma…

How do you craft a story that keeps readers turning pages? 

In this episode, Julie Tyler Ruiz reveals a simple framework that separates forgettable genre fiction from the stories readers obsess over for years. 

You'll discover…

• How to identify the one central question that must drive your entire manuscript
• Learn the specific prompts that will transform vague plot ideas into page-turning gold
• Master the art of creating payoffs that leave readers breathless. 

Whether you're stuck in the middle of a manuscript or planning your next story, this conversation will give you the confidence to craft questions worth answering. 

And (most importantly) answers that readers will never forget.

What You'll Learn:

• How to transform questions into page-turning hooks
• Why character stakes must connect to your main question
• How to build toward answers that create lasting impact

Click here to learn more about Julie Tyler Ruiz

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Guest Bio: Julie Tyler Ruiz, PhD, is a writer, educator, and creator of StoryBold. With a decade of experience in higher education and a PhD in English, she combines business savvy with a deep passion for storytelling to help writers craft their best work. Through self-study courses, group masterminds, in-depth articles, and private coaching, Julie empowers writers to unlock their authentic voice and bring their stories to life. Now a sought-after voice in the writing world, she’s dedicated to guiding storytellers toward clarity, confidence, and creative success.

Episodes I think you'll love…

1. Pacing and Process: Writing Thrillers and Mysteries with Elle Grawl

2. Thriller Writing Secrets: Building a Writing Process with Leslie Conner

3. How to Hook Readers with Alex Kenna’s Expert Thriller-Writing Advice

4. Literary Agent Jennifer Chevais Shares What Grabs Attention in a Query Submission

Get the list of 125+ Literary Agents who rep Thriller, Mystery, Suspense, and Crime Fiction

Study the Opening Paragraphs of the Top Authors Writing Thrillers Right Now

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Liz Alterman joins the podcast to discuss her latest novel, "You Shouldn't Have Done That", and reveals the unconventional strategies that have shaped her successful writing career. 

From her unique character development process involving weekly read-aloud sessions to her bold decision to switch from traditional publishing to a nimble indie press offering 99-cent e-books, Alterman shares practical insights that challenge conventional wisdom about both craft and business.

She opens up about how she tests story premises, develops authentic character voices, and why she believes flexibility is the key to getting your work into readers' hands.

 
Whether you're struggling with character development or navigating publishing decisions, this conversation offers actionable advice for writers at every stage of their journey.

What You'll Learn:

• How to test story premises before committing months to writing.
• The weekly feedback system that prevents major character voice problems.
• Why pricing strategy can dramatically impact your book's reach and success.

Click here to learn more about Liz Alterman.

Guest Bio: Liz Alterman is the author of the award-winning memoir, Sad Sacked, the young adult thriller, He’ll Be Waiting, the suspense novels The Perfect Neighbourhood, The House on Cold Creek Lane, and You Shouldn't Have Done That, as well as the romcom Claire Casey's Had Enough. Her work has been published by The New York Times, The Washington Post, McSweeney's Internet Tendency, and other outlets. Subscribe to her Substack where she shares the ups and downs of the writing life (and cat photos). Liz lives in New Jersey with her husband and three sons. When she isn't writing, Liz spends most days reading, microwaving the same cup of coffee, and looking up synonyms.

Episodes I think you'll love…

1. The Art of Dual POV & Crafting Psychological Thrillers with Liz Alterman
2. Writing Character Backstory with Author Liz Alterman
3. Literary Agent and Author Jenna Satterthwaite on Making it in the Publishing Industry
4. First Page Formula: Author and Writing Coach April Davila on What Agents & Readers Want to See in Your Thriller Manuscript Opening

Get the list of 125+ Literary Agents who rep Thriller, Mystery, Suspense, and Crime Fiction

Study the Opening Paragraphs of the Top Authors Writing Thrillers Right Now

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Ever wondered what it's really like behind the scenes of being a literary agent?

What You'll Learn in this episode:
• Why agents prioritize story over polished prose
• The brutal financial reality of the publishing industry
• What makes manuscripts stand out in queries

Jenna's honesty about the industry might just shift how you approach your writing career. 

Join Jenna's Substack HERE

Get the list of 125+ Literary Agents who rep Thriller, Mystery, Suspense, and Crime Fiction

Study the Opening Paragraphs of the Top Authors Writing Thrillers Right Now

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Writing coach April Davila reveals the non-negotiable elements that make first pages irresistible to readers and agents. 

Learn why most manuscripts fail in the opening paragraph, discover the strategic approach to character revelation that transforms boring descriptions into magnetic hooks. 

Then find out which common opening mistakes instantly kill reader interest. 

Plus, April shares her surprising advice about when to actually write your first page (hint: it's not when you think).

What You'll Learn:

• The essential elements every first page needs
• Why dream sequences and flashbacks kill reader interest
• Strategic character reveals through environmental details

Click here to learn more about April Davila. 

Guest Bio: April Davila is an award-winning author, speaker, and writing coach. Publisher's Weekly called her debut novel, 142 Ostriches, a "vivid, uplifting debut" and the book went on to win the WILLA Award for Women Writing the West. Writer's Digest listed her blog (at aprildavila.com) as one of the Best 101 Websites for Writers and she is the creator of the Sit Write Here writing coaching program, which integrates mindfulness meditation techniques to help writers quiet their inner critics, overcome writer's block, and edit more effectively. Her second novel is forthcoming.

Episodes I think you'll love…

1. Literary Agent Amy Nielsen on How to Fix Your Opening Pages (Part 2)
2. How to Write an Opening Chapter that Keeps Readers Reading with Author David McCloskey
3. 3 Keys to Nailing the Opening of Your Novel
4. Agent Carleen Geisler Reads a Submission & Shares How Agents Evaluate Opening Pages
5. Writing Your Opening Scene with Thomas Mullen

Get the list of 125+ Literary Agents who rep Thriller, Mystery, Suspense, and Crime Fiction

Study the Opening Paragraphs of the Top Authors Writing Thrillers Right Now

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Storyteller's Society Sneak Peek: This Creative Silos method can make you way more efficient in your writing practice.

Creativity coach Cindy Cisneros reveals why traditional productivity advice fails creative writers, her game-changing "Silos" method that stops the destructive cycle of switching between writing and querying, and the "cross-modality" technique that breaks through even the most stubborn creative blocks.

What You'll Learn:

• The "Creative Silos" strategy that lets you batch writing and other tasks for maximum flow
• Why waiting for natural motivation beats forcing daily word counts every time
• The real reason creative people need "incubation time" and how to use it strategically

Click here to learn more about Cindy 

Episodes I think you'll love...

1. Time Pockets: Could This Tip Revolutionize Your Writing Process?

2. Writing Your Series & Developing Dynamic Characters with Author Stephen Spotswood

3. 90% of Writers Make THESE Writing Mistakes Interview with Ex-Literary Agent Karyn Fischer

4. Literary Agent Jessica Berg Shares How to Catch an Agent's Eye

Get the list of 125+ Literary Agents who rep Thriller, Mystery, Suspense, and Crime Fiction

Study the Opening Paragraphs of the Top Authors Writing Thrillers Right Now

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Your opening page has 30 seconds to hook an agent or it's as good as a rejection.

Literary agent Amy Nielsen reveals the cliché openings that kill manuscripts, the scene structure 90% of authors get wrong, and her "General-Specific-Personal" formula that eliminates info-dumping while building irresistible voice.

What You'll Learn: 

- How to avoid cliché openings that scream "amateur"

- A literary agent's simple test to tell if your opening is actually a scene 

- The inciting incident strategy that finds your perfect entry point 

Episodes to Check Out Next

- 2 Literary Agents & an Author Weigh in on How to Write Your Opening Pages

- Agent C.L. Geisler Reads a Submission & Shares How Agents Evaluate Opening Pages

- Literary Agent Amy Nielsen on How to Write a Query Letter that Gets Attention

- 90% of Writers Make THESE Writing Mistakes Interview with Ex-Literary Agent Karyn Fischer

Get the list of 125+ Literary Agents who rep Thriller, Mystery, Suspense, and Crime Fiction

Study the Opening Paragraphs of the Top Authors Writing Thrillers Right Now

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Find out more about Eloise here.

In this interview, I talk to author Eloise Corvo about her debut novel OFF THE BEATEN PATH. Eloise reveals her practical three-part framework for crafting effective red herrings, which is a vital skill for any thriller, mystery, suspense, or crime fiction writer.

You’ll discover essential writing tips for balancing misdirection with reader satisfaction and gain insider insights into publishing options beyond traditional routes.

Whether you're drafting your first mystery or refining your tenth thriller, Eloise's practical advice on how to write compelling suspense will transform your approach to planting clues and creating satisfying twists.

This episode packed with actionable writing techniques is perfect for mystery authors looking to elevate their craft and engage readers from page one to the final reveal.

What Listeners Will Learn

• The Three-Element Formula for Red Herrings
• Mystery Structure and Pacing
• Publishing Journey Insights

Get the list of 125+ Literary Agents who rep Thriller, Mystery, Suspense, and Crime Fiction

Study the Opening Paragraphs of the Top Authors Writing Thrillers Right Now

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Find out more about Stephen Spotswood

Listen to the episode with Douglas Corleone

Come hang out for an interesting conversation with author Stephen Spotswood as he shares his creative process behind his successful Pentecost Parker thriller series. 

In this episode, Stephen shares his writing tips for crafting engaging mystery series characters that evolve across multiple books while maintaining reader interest. 

Whether you're interested in the writing techniques, genre-blending strategies, or the practical aspects of planning a multi-book series, this interview delivers valuable insights for writers at any stage. 

Discover how Spotswood approaches the revision process, balances character development with plot mechanics, and maintains his passion for characters throughout a long-term writing project.

• Series Development Strategy: Learn how to plan and structure a multi-book series
• Genre-Blending Techniques: Discover how Spotswood successfully combines elements of classic mystery, hard-boiled crime, and noir to create a unique series that stands out in the marketplace
• Revision Process for Character Evolution: Understand Spotswood's two-phase revision approach

Get the list of 125+ Literary Agents who rep Thriller, Mystery, Suspense, and Crime Fiction

Study the Opening Paragraphs of the Top Authors Writing Thrillers Right Now

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Find out more about Douglas Corleone

This interview is with Douglas Corleone, author of the new thriller "Falls to Pieces." 

In this episode, Douglas shares essential thriller writing techniques that have helped him successfully navigate multiple sub-genres, from legal thrillers to psychological suspense. 

Learn practical writing tips for incorporating meaningful themes into commercial fiction and discover how to push genre boundaries while still meeting reader expectations. 

• How to identify and skillfully navigate the boundaries between thriller sub-genres to create distinctive fiction that still satisfies reader expectations
• Techniques for incorporating meaningful personal themes into commercial thriller writing, particularly when handling sensitive or challenging subject matter
• Strategies for crafting memorable twist endings that readers won't forget, avoiding the common pitfall of formulaic conclusions that fail to leave a lasting impression

Get the list of 125+ Literary Agents who rep Thriller, Mystery, Suspense, and Crime Fiction

Study the Opening Paragraphs of the Top Authors Writing Thrillers Right Now

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Learn more about the Storyteller's Society

Learn more about Amy Nielsen

Having reviewed thousands queries in the past two years, literary agent Amy Nielsen shares exclusive writing tips specifically tailored for thriller writers on the traditional publishing route. 

This agent interview with Amy dives deep into query structure, comp titles, and how to craft a pitch that perfectly matches your opening pages. 

Whether you're writing thriller, mystery, suspense, or crime fiction, Amy's professional insights will help you avoid common pitfalls and significantly improve your chances of catching an agent's attention with your query. 

Learn how to write query letters that stand out from the slush pile with practical advice from one of the industry's most approachable literary agents.

• The exact structure of a winning query letter, including where to place metadata, how to craft a personal introduction, and how to keep your word count tight at 300-350 words
• Why comparative titles are crucial to query success, with a real-life example of how changing just one comp title led to representation and publication offers
• How to ensure your query pitch accurately reflects your opening pages (especially if you have a prologue), and why this alignment is essential for thriller writers working with agents

Bio:

Amy Nielsen spent nearly 20 years as a youth librarian. Daily immersion in story took root and she penned her YA debut WORTH IT behind her circulation desk. In addition to being an author, Amy is an editorial literary agent at The Purcell Agency. She is also a freelance editor and runs Mayflower Media where she helps authors make book trailers and other video marketing materials. 

Get the list of 125+ Literary Agents who rep Thriller, Mystery, Suspense, and Crime Fiction

Study the Opening Paragraphs of the Top Authors Writing Thrillers Right Now