Thriller 101

Turn Your Manuscript into a Page-Turner Using The Central Question Framework with Julie Tyler Ruiz


Listen Later

Send me a Text Message!

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

Connect with Julie on Instagram

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


...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Thriller 101By David

  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9

4.9

25 ratings


More shows like Thriller 101

View all
Helping Writers Become Authors by K.M. Weiland

Helping Writers Become Authors

1,003 Listeners

Odd Lots by Bloomberg

Odd Lots

1,933 Listeners

The Creative Penn Podcast For Writers by Joanna Penn

The Creative Penn Podcast For Writers

628 Listeners

The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience by Kelton Reid

The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience

229 Listeners

Meet the Thriller Author (Author Interviews) by Alan Petersen

Meet the Thriller Author (Author Interviews)

35 Listeners

Writer's Routine by Dan Simpson

Writer's Routine

312 Listeners

Interesting Times with Ross Douthat by New York Times Opinion

Interesting Times with Ross Douthat

7,225 Listeners

The Daily Beans by MSW Media

The Daily Beans

5,486 Listeners

Writers, Ink: Your backstage pass to the world's most prolific authors by J.D. Barker, Christine Daigle

Writers, Ink: Your backstage pass to the world's most prolific authors

53 Listeners

Fiction Writing Made Easy | Top Creative Writing Podcast for Fiction Writers & Writing Tips by Savannah Gilbo

Fiction Writing Made Easy | Top Creative Writing Podcast for Fiction Writers & Writing Tips

1,465 Listeners

The Shit No One Tells You About Writing by Bianca Marais, Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra

The Shit No One Tells You About Writing

774 Listeners

Essential Guide to Writing a Novel by James Thayer

Essential Guide to Writing a Novel

413 Listeners

Your Next Draft by Alice Sudlow

Your Next Draft

75 Listeners

Story Magic by Golden May

Story Magic

40 Listeners

The Briefing with Jen Psaki by MS NOW, Jen Psaki

The Briefing with Jen Psaki

1,363 Listeners