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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

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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

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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

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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. 

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I'll reach out with more information to see if we're the right fit.

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Learn more about Karyn Fischer

Jessica Berg Literary Agent Interview

Want to know what literary agents really think when they read your submission? 

In this interview, former literary agent and current book coach and writing expert Karyn Fischer shares insider knowledge on how to write a novel that stands out. 

Discover the top mistakes writers make, why 90% of submissions aren’t ready, and the essential writing tips you need to elevate your work.

Whether you're preparing to query or refining your first 10 pages, this episode will help you improve your craft and increase your chances of landing an agent.

• The top 10 writing mistakes that make agents reject manuscripts—and how to fix them
• How to hook a literary agent in the first 10 pages of your novel
• What stakes really mean in thriller writing and why they’re critical to success

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Storyteller's Society Waitlist
Learn more about Jessica Berg
Listen to Daria White Osah's Episode

Want to write a thriller that stands out in today’s crowded market? 

In this episode, literary agent Jessica Berg shares expert insights into what makes a manuscript irresistible to agents and publishers. 

We dive into essential thriller writing techniques, including...

• The power of a strong character voice
• The importance of genre mashups
• How to balance plot, tension, and stakes. 

If you’re looking for writing tips, querying advice, or an insider’s perspective on how to write a gripping thriller, this is a literary agent interview you won’t want to miss!

We cover...

• How a compelling character voice can make or break your manuscript – and why agents will forgive other flaws if your character shines.
• Why genre mashups are the future of thriller writing – and how blending suspense with horror, mystery, or humor can make your book more marketable.
• What agents really look for in a query and full manuscript – plus, the biggest mistakes authors make when pitching their books.

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Storyteller's Society Waitlist
Learn more about Daria White Osah
Listen to David McCloskey's Episode

Struggling to find time to write? In this episode, Daria White Osah (author and book coach) discusses a great strategy for busy writers—Time Pockets.

If you’ve ever wondered how to write more efficiently while juggling work, family, and life, this episode is packed with actionable writing tips to help you prioritize your craft.

Whether you’re deep into thriller writing or working on your first novel, Daria’s approach will help you stay consistent, avoid burnout, and finally finish that book.

Actionable Tips:
✔️ How to prioritize your writing like a business meeting and make it non-negotiable
✔️ The Time Pockets method—how to identify hidden opportunities in your schedule to write consistently
✔️ Strategies to overcome writing slumps and get back into your routine when life gets in the way

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Storyteller's Society Waitlist
Leslie Conner's Episode
Connect with David
Find David on Instagram

In this episode, we’re joined by David McCloskey, a former CIA analyst and author of the thrillers The Seventh Floor, Moscow X, and Damascus Station. David brings a wealth of real-world experience into his fiction, and today, we’ll explore how his background as a CIA agent has shaped his writing. You’ll will learn how to blend real-world expertise with gripping fiction, we’ll also dive deep into character development, and master pacing and high-stakes in your opening chapter. If you’re looking to craft stories that feel authentic, compelling, and full of tension, this conversation is for you.

• How to use real-world experience to enhance your thriller writing.
• Writing an opening chapter that readers will love
• Pacing techniques that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

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Storyteller's Society Waitlist
Alex Kenna's Episode
Connect with Leslie

In this episode, thriller author Leslie Conner joins us to share expert tips on crafting suspenseful mysteries. She shares valuable resources and an insight into her writing practice that will help writers see how to develop a series!