Writers, Ink: Your backstage pass to the world's most prolific authors Skirting the genre line with Bestselling author, Alma Katsu.
Alma Katsu, a former CIA and NSA intelligence agent turned bestselling author, dives into her fascinating transition from the spy world to storytelling. She shares insights about crafting complex female characters and the balance of reading fiction versus non-fiction for writers. Katsu discusses the nuances of blending genres, particularly her unique mix of spy thrillers and horror. Additionally, she provides a glimpse into her creative process, revealing how her real-life experiences shape her narrative techniques.
58:33
From Secret Work To Spy Novels
- Alma tried writing spy novels while in intelligence but found them weak and constrained.
- After retiring she was invited by her Putnam editor to write spy fiction leveraging her background.
Plotting Efficiency, Then Leave Room For Twist
- Alma plots tightly because thrillers require intricate construction and efficient pacing.
- She still allows the last third to shift during edits, which often produces surprising twists.
Welcome Editorial Surprises
- Trust your instincts but expect editorial notes that may force creative pivots.
- Embrace surprising changes during revision to strengthen plot and deliver impact.
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Intro
00:00 • 2min
Navigating the Publishing Landscape
02:26 • 9min
Navigating KDP Select and Library Distribution
11:53 • 5min
Spotify and TikTok's Audiobook Revolution
17:11 • 3min
Audiobooks and Author Insights
20:33 • 4min
From Intelligence to Imagination
24:41 • 15min
Complex Female Characters in Narrative
39:40 • 16min
The Balance of Reading: Fiction vs. Non-Fiction for Writers
56:10 • 2min
#20110
• Mentioned in 3 episodes
Fat Vampire
Johnny B. Truant
Fat Vampire is a novel by Johnny B. Truant, known for its unique blend of humor and horror.
It follows the story of a vampire who is far from the typical brooding, elegant figure.
The book is characterized by its witty dialogue, fast-paced plot, and unconventional protagonist.
It has been adapted into a successful SyFy series, Reginald the Vampire, showcasing its appeal to a wider audience.
The novel explores themes of identity, acceptance, and the challenges of navigating a world that doesn't understand you.
It's a refreshing take on the vampire genre, appealing to both seasoned fans and newcomers alike.
#345
• Mentioned in 80 episodes
The Da Vinci Code
Dan Brown
In 'The Da Vinci Code', Robert Langdon is called to the Louvre Museum in Paris after the murder of the curator, Jacques Saunière.
Along with French cryptologist Sophie Neveu, Langdon embarks on a perilous journey to decipher cryptic clues hidden in the works of Leonardo da Vinci.
The plot revolves around an alternative religious history, suggesting that Jesus Christ and Mary Magdalene had a child, and their descendants are protected by the Priory of Sion.
The novel is a blend of relentless adventure, scholarly intrigue, and cutting wit, with numerous twists and turns that keep the reader engaged until the astonishing conclusion.
#1136
• Mentioned in 34 episodes
Carrie
Stephen King
Set in Chamberlain, Maine, 'Carrie' by Stephen King tells the story of Carietta 'Carrie' White, a 16-year-old girl who is ridiculed and bullied by her peers and abused by her ultra-religious mother, Margaret.
Carrie discovers she has telekinetic powers after a humiliating incident in the school locker room where she gets her first period.
The story unfolds through multiple narratives, including newspaper reports, court transcripts, and personal memoirs, detailing Carrie's transformation from a shy and isolated girl to a force of vengeance.
After being humiliated at the school prom, Carrie unleashes her powers, causing widespread destruction and death in the town.
The novel explores themes of ostracism, bullying, and the psychological trauma experienced by its characters.
#21
• Mentioned in 380 episodes
Harry Potter
J.K. Rowling
The Harry Potter series, written by J.K.
Rowling, follows the journey of Harry Potter, an orphan boy who discovers he is a wizard.
The series spans seven novels, each corresponding to one year of Harry's life at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Harry, along with his best friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, navigates the magical world, confronts various challenges, and ultimately faces off against the dark wizard Lord Voldemort, who murdered Harry's parents and seeks to dominate the wizarding world.
The series explores themes of friendship, love, and the struggle between good and evil.
#2040
• Mentioned in 22 episodes
Angels and Demons
Dan Brown
In this novel, Dan Brown introduces Robert Langdon, a Harvard symbologist, who is summoned to a Swiss research facility to analyze a mysterious symbol seared into the chest of a murdered physicist.
This discovery leads to the revelation of the resurgence of the ancient secret brotherhood known as the Illuminati, which has a vendetta against the Catholic Church.
Langdon teams up with Vittoria Vetra, a CERN scientist, to follow a 400-year-old trail of ancient symbols across Rome to prevent the Illuminati from carrying out their deadly plans, including the detonation of an antimatter bomb in Vatican City.
The story is a blend of relentless adventure, scholarly intrigue, and cutting wit, exploring the battle between science and religion.
#25257
• Mentioned in 2 episodes
Pretty Killer
Nolon King
Johnny B. Truant
#907
• Mentioned in 40 episodes
Becoming
Michelle Obama
In her memoir, Michelle Obama invites readers into her world, chronicling the experiences that have shaped her—from her childhood on the South Side of Chicago to her years as an executive balancing the demands of motherhood and work, to her time spent at the world’s most famous address.
The book is divided into three sections: Becoming Me, Becoming Us, and Becoming More, reflecting her journey from her early life, through her marriage and career, to her role as the First Lady of the United States.
With unerring honesty and lively wit, she describes her triumphs and her disappointments, both public and private, telling her full story as she has lived it—in her own words and on her own terms.
#6419
• Mentioned in 8 episodes
Invasion
Russia’s Bloody War and Ukraine’s Fight for Survival
Luke Harding
In 'Invasion: Russia’s Bloody War and Ukraine’s Fight for Survival', Luke Harding delivers a compelling chronicle of the war between Russia and Ukraine.
The book is a blend of reportage and history, drawing on Harding’s personal experiences and interviews with political and military leaders, as well as civilians and soldiers.
It covers the initial days of the conflict, the grim reality of the ongoing war, and the human stories behind the headlines.
Harding also examines the ideological, religious, and personal reasons behind Putin’s decision to invade and provides context by discussing the historical relationship between Russia and Ukraine.
The book includes vivid accounts from locations such as Mariupol and Bucha, and it situates these micro-stories within the broader narrative of the conflict and its global implications.
#19332
• Mentioned in 3 episodes
Fiend
Alma Katsu
#8893
• Mentioned in 6 episodes
The Artisan Author
The Low-Stress, High-Quality, Fan-Focused Approach to Escaping the Publishing Rat Race
Johnny B. Truant
#697
• Mentioned in 48 episodes
Beloved
Toni Morrison
Published in 1987, 'Beloved' is a work of historical fiction that delves into the aftermath of the American Civil War. The novel centers around Sethe, a Black woman who escaped from slavery in Kentucky and now lives in Ohio.
However, her life is haunted by the ghost of her two-year-old daughter, whom she killed to prevent her from being taken back into slavery.
The story is deeply intertwined with themes of mother-daughter relationships, the power of family and community, and the lasting impact of slavery on individuals and society.
The novel introduces a mysterious figure named Beloved, who is the physical manifestation of Sethe's murdered daughter, and explores how this presence disrupts and ultimately transforms the lives of Sethe and her surviving daughter, Denver.
Through a complex narrative that includes flashbacks, stream-of-consciousness monologues, and multiple voices, Morrison examines the trauma and resilience of those affected by slavery.
#976
• Mentioned in 38 episodes
A Court of Thorns and Roses
Sarah J Maas
In this novel, Feyre Archeron, a young huntress, kills a wolf that turns out to be an immortal faerie.
As punishment, she is taken to the faerie realm of Prythian by Tamlin, a High Lord of the Spring Court.
Initially hostile, Feyre's feelings for Tamlin transform into a fiery passion as she adapts to her new home.
However, an ancient, wicked shadow threatens the faerie lands, and Feyre must find a way to stop it to save Tamlin and his world.
The book is a retelling inspired by fairy tales such as 'Beauty and the Beast' and 'Tam Lin', and it combines elements of romance, adventure, and high fantasy.
#3870
• Mentioned in 12 episodes
The Song of Achilles
Madeline Miller
José Miguel Pallarés Sanmiguel
This novel retells the story of the Trojan War from the perspective of Patroclus, a young prince exiled from his homeland after an act of violence.
Patroclus forms an inseparable bond with Achilles, the son of the sea goddess Thetis and King Peleus.
As they grow up together, they are trained by the centaur Chiron and eventually join the war effort when Helen of Sparta is kidnapped.
The story explores their deep love for each other, the pressures of destiny, and the tragic consequences of their choices.
Miller incorporates Greek mythology seamlessly, making the gods and their histories integral to the narrative.
The book is a poignant exploration of love, bravery, and the human cost of war.
#69244
The Stepping Maze
Kevin Tumlinson
Join hosts J.D. Barker, Jena Brown, Kevin Tumlinson, and Jena Brown as they discuss the week's entertainment news, including stories about book club scammers, Kindle Unlimited, and BookTok Hub. Then, stick around for a chat with Alma Katsu!
Alma Katsu: NYT bestselling author Alma Katsu’s books have been nominated for and won multiple prestigious awards including the Stoker, Goodreads Readers Choice, International Thriller Writers, Locus Magazine, the Western Heritage Awards, Spain’s Celsius 232 festival, and appeared on numerous Best Books lists including NPR, the Observer, Barnes and Noble, Apple Books, Goodreads, and Amazon.
She has written two spy novels (RED WIDOW and RED LONDON), the logical marriage of her love of storytelling with her 30+ year career in intelligence. She also writes novels that combine historical fiction with supernatural and horror elements. THE HUNGER (2018), a reimagining of the story of the Donner Party, was named one of NPR’s 100 favorite horror stories, was on numerous Best Books of the Year lists, sold rights in 17 languages, and continues to be honored as a new classic in horror. Her first book, THE TAKER (2011), was named one of the top ten debut novels of 2011 by Booklist.
Ms. Katsu is also a contributor to the Washington Post Book World, where she reviews thrillers. She has relocated from the Washington, DC area to the mountains of West Virginia, where she lives with her musician husband Bruce and their two dogs, Nick and Ash.
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