On today's 207th episode of The Thriller Zone, host David Temple interviews New York Times bestselling author Danielle Trussoni about her latest thriller, 'The Puzzle Box.'

Together, their engaging conversation covers the inspiration behind the book, the unique character of Mike Brink, and the cultural influences from Trussoni's time in Japan. The dialogue explores themes of power, gender, and the writing process, emphasizing the importance of character development and reader engagement.

Trussoni shares her writing routine and offers valuable advice for aspiring authors, making this a rich and insightful episode for fans of thriller fiction.

Learn more at: DanielleTrussoni.com and Follow us at: TheThrillerZone.com

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Danielle Trussoni and Her Work

02:46 The Inspiration Behind 'The Puzzle Box'

06:03 Character Development and Unique Traits

08:52 Exploring Japan: Cultural Influences in Writing

12:07 The Puzzle Master: A Deep Dive into the Character

14:56 Writing Process: Plotting vs. Discovery

18:08 Themes of Power and Gender in 'The Puzzle Box'

21:05 Reader Engagement and Character Connection

23:52 The Role of Research in Writing

27:09 Final Thoughts and Writing Advice

Takeaways:

Danielle Trussoni’s book covers are visually stunning and impactful.

Writing is akin to solving a puzzle, requiring creativity and structure.

Living in Japan greatly influenced Trussoni's writing and character development.

The character Mike Brink has savant syndrome, adding depth to the story.

Thrillers can explore timely themes, such as gender and power dynamics.

Research enhances the authenticity of the narrative and settings.

Daily writing, even in small amounts, is crucial for a sustainable writing career.

Engaging readers with relatable characters is essential for a successful thriller.

The bullet train experience in Japan is a must for travelers.

Fiction should entertain while also provoking thought and discussion.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vsg_2PjZEbY

Mentioned in this episode:

THE STORY FACTORY

Today's episode of The Thriller Zone with Dave Temple is sponsored by The Story Factory, an entertainment company representing many of the biggest fiction and non-fiction authors in the world.