

Thriller 101
David
A podcast for readers and writers of thriller, mystery, suspense, and crime fiction.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 2, 2025 • 15min
Pacing and Process: Writing Thrillers and Mysteries with Elle Grawl
Send me a Text Message!Storyteller's Society WaitlistLearn more about ElleIn this episode, I talk with Elle Grawl, author of the psychological thrillers One of Those Faces and What Still Burns. Elle shares how she wrote her debut novel while balancing a demanding day job, how her writing process has evolved, and her best advice for writers navigating pacing and productivity challenges.What You’ll Learn:How Elle finished her debut novel while working full-time.The importance of pacing in thrillers and mysteries and how to refine it.Tips for evolving your writing process as life and creative needs change.Why experimenting with different methods can reignite your creativity.Actionable Tip:Take a moment to evaluate your current writing process. Is it still working for you? Try incorporating one new technique this week—whether it’s experimenting with drafting out of order, bullet-pointing your next few chapters, or carving out time during your lunch break to write. See how it feels and adjust as needed. Flexibility is key to keeping your momentum!Get the list of 125+ Literary Agents who rep Thriller, Mystery, Suspense, and Crime FictionStudy the Opening Paragraphs of the Top Authors Writing Thrillers Right Now

Dec 18, 2024 • 18min
The Secret to Writing Twists Readers Will Never Forget with Bestselling Author J.T. Ellison
Bestselling author J.T. Ellison, known for more than 30 novels and her work on the TV show "A Word on Words," shares her insights on crafting unforgettable twists. She reveals techniques to surprise readers while ensuring twists feel earned. J.T. discusses juggling multiple points of view and how to utilize character development to enrich stories. She emphasizes the balance of foreshadowing and reader anticipation, highlighting her latest work exploring dark family truths and the intricacies of writing from diverse perspectives.

Dec 11, 2024 • 42min
How to Develop Characters and Themes with Author Aaron Philip Clark
Send me a Text Message!Download the 50 editing mistakes authors make as shared by an editor for Lake Union Publishing!In this episode, Aaron Philip Clark shares invaluable writing tips on crafting compelling characters, weaving meaningful themes into your stories, and making your thrillers stand out in today’s market.If you’re an aspiring or experienced author looking for actionable advice on character development, plot construction, and building deeper layers into your writing, this episode is for you. In this episode, we talk about:How to incorporate meaningful themes into your thrillers and mysteries to create stories that resonate with readers on a deeper level.Actionable advice for developing rich, multi-dimensional characters who feel authentic and drive your story forward.Insights into Aaron Philip Clark’s writing process and career journey, including lessons he’s learned about storytelling and publishing.Here's the episode with Carla ContiFind out more about Aaron HERE Get the list of 125+ Literary Agents who rep Thriller, Mystery, Suspense, and Crime FictionStudy the Opening Paragraphs of the Top Authors Writing Thrillers Right Now

Nov 26, 2024 • 16min
From Journalist to True Crime Memoir: Carla Conti’s Writing and Publishing Tips
Carla Conti, a true crime journalist and prison reform advocate, shares her riveting journey from covering crime to writing her memoir 'Chained Birds.' She discusses the importance of documentation in enhancing storytelling and how personal experiences shape true crime narratives. Carla reveals the emotional complexity behind her decade-long relationship with federal inmate Kevin Sanders and the challenges of exposing prison corruption. With insights into the criminal justice system's injustices, she offers valuable writing tips for aspiring authors.

Nov 14, 2024 • 11min
Meet a Storyteller's Society Cohort #1 Member: Timothy Hedden
Send me a Text Message!Learn more about the Storyteller's SocietyListen to the episode with Stacy Frazer Connect with Timothy on Twitter (X)Get the list of 125+ Literary Agents who rep Thriller, Mystery, Suspense, and Crime FictionStudy the Opening Paragraphs of the Top Authors Writing Thrillers Right Now

Nov 13, 2024 • 12min
Meet a Storyteller's Society Cohort #1 Member: Stacy Frazer
Send me a Text Message!Learn more about the Storyteller's SocietyListen to the episode with Anne BrooksLearn more about Stacy FrazerConnect with Stacy on InstagramGet the list of 125+ Literary Agents who rep Thriller, Mystery, Suspense, and Crime FictionStudy the Opening Paragraphs of the Top Authors Writing Thrillers Right Now

Nov 12, 2024 • 14min
Meet a Storyteller's Society Cohort #1 Member: Anne Brooks
Send me a Text Message!Learn more about the Storyteller's SocietyLearn more about Anne BrooksGet the list of 125+ Literary Agents who rep Thriller, Mystery, Suspense, and Crime FictionStudy the Opening Paragraphs of the Top Authors Writing Thrillers Right Now

Nov 11, 2024 • 9min
Benefits of Being in a Community & Storyteller's Society Exclusive Sneak Peek
Send me a Text Message!Thriller 101 Storyteller's SocietyGet the list of 125+ Literary Agents who rep Thriller, Mystery, Suspense, and Crime FictionStudy the Opening Paragraphs of the Top Authors Writing Thrillers Right Now

Nov 8, 2024 • 12min
Introduction to the Brand New Storyteller's Society
Send me a Text Message!Learn more about the Thriller 101 Storyteller's SocietyStay up to date on everything going on with the communityGet the list of 125+ Literary Agents who rep Thriller, Mystery, Suspense, and Crime FictionStudy the Opening Paragraphs of the Top Authors Writing Thrillers Right Now

Oct 31, 2024 • 16min
Halloween Special: Understanding How Your Theme can Improve Your Story with Jeremy Dauber
Send me a Text Message!Thriller 101 Community WaitlistEpisode with Jenna SatterthwaiteHow horror reflects societal fears and anxieties throughout different periods in history.What's next for societal fears reflected in our themesInsights into why certain genres remains a unique genre for exploring the darker side of human nature and social issues.Connect with Jeremy DauberLearn more about Jeremy DauberGet the list of 125+ Literary Agents who rep Thriller, Mystery, Suspense, and Crime FictionStudy the Opening Paragraphs of the Top Authors Writing Thrillers Right Now


