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Writing a Killer Psychological Thriller with Nicole Annbury
In this episode, I’m joined by my good friend and thriller author Nicole Annbury to talk about what it really takes to write a psychological thriller that kills. (all puns intended!) We take a deep dive into the craft behind her newest novel, The Signature Line, and explore why the psychology is the story.
This is a must-listen for writers interested in psychological thriller writing, and character-driven storytelling, as well as readers who love dark, emotionally layered thrillers.
We also discuss:
- Her latest release, The Signature Line (out February 13th, 2026)
- How to build psychological tension through character
- Plotting vs. pantsing (and plantsing!)
- Crafting endings that stay with the reader
- Writing through hard seasons and pacing creativity
- The power of writing community and support
About the book:
The Signature Line is a psychological thriller about Dr. Carmella Carey, a feminist therapist who runs a controversial program called "Year of Self" while hiding dark secrets. When she promotes the program on TV, it angers Dylan Foster, a men's rights advocate seeking his ex-girlfriend who joined Dr. Carey's program. As Dylan's threats escalate and a serial killer begins targeting the women in the program, both characters find themselves on a collision course. This page-turning thriller examines the ultimate price of control and the dangerous consequences when ideology turns deadly.
About Nicole:
Nicole Annbury is a writer of dark fiction in the thriller, psychological suspense, and mystery genres. She currently lives in Indiana with her husband and three cats. When she's not writing, she enjoys nature walks, true crime documentaries, reality TV viewing and going on drives with her husband.
For more information about upcoming releases, go to her website: nicoleannbury.com
Have a publishing question? Email me at [email protected]
Subscribe to The Night Writer Newsletter
Website: micamerrillrice.com
Instagram: @micamriceauthor
Facebook: @micamriceauthor
TikTok: @micamriceauthor
"Traditionally Self-Published" theme music is written by Landon Bailey and performed and produced by LNDÖ
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By Mica Merrill RiceIn this episode, I’m joined by my good friend and thriller author Nicole Annbury to talk about what it really takes to write a psychological thriller that kills. (all puns intended!) We take a deep dive into the craft behind her newest novel, The Signature Line, and explore why the psychology is the story.
This is a must-listen for writers interested in psychological thriller writing, and character-driven storytelling, as well as readers who love dark, emotionally layered thrillers.
We also discuss:
- Her latest release, The Signature Line (out February 13th, 2026)
- How to build psychological tension through character
- Plotting vs. pantsing (and plantsing!)
- Crafting endings that stay with the reader
- Writing through hard seasons and pacing creativity
- The power of writing community and support
About the book:
The Signature Line is a psychological thriller about Dr. Carmella Carey, a feminist therapist who runs a controversial program called "Year of Self" while hiding dark secrets. When she promotes the program on TV, it angers Dylan Foster, a men's rights advocate seeking his ex-girlfriend who joined Dr. Carey's program. As Dylan's threats escalate and a serial killer begins targeting the women in the program, both characters find themselves on a collision course. This page-turning thriller examines the ultimate price of control and the dangerous consequences when ideology turns deadly.
About Nicole:
Nicole Annbury is a writer of dark fiction in the thriller, psychological suspense, and mystery genres. She currently lives in Indiana with her husband and three cats. When she's not writing, she enjoys nature walks, true crime documentaries, reality TV viewing and going on drives with her husband.
For more information about upcoming releases, go to her website: nicoleannbury.com
Have a publishing question? Email me at [email protected]
Subscribe to The Night Writer Newsletter
Website: micamerrillrice.com
Instagram: @micamriceauthor
Facebook: @micamriceauthor
TikTok: @micamriceauthor
"Traditionally Self-Published" theme music is written by Landon Bailey and performed and produced by LNDÖ