The Thriller Zone
David Temple
Recent Episodes
The Thriller Zone welcomes BLACKSTONE PUBLISHING as our new sponsor. Learn more at: BlackstonePublishing.com
On today’s 173rd episode of The Thriller Zone, now in our Sixth Season, JACK BEAUMONT, former spy turned author, discusses his world of living in the spy world, as a former fighter pilot, and how those experiences have influenced his writing.
Jack shares insights as we dive deep into the world of espionage, his creation of false identities, and perhaps most significantly, the deep psychological toll being a spy can have on a person.
Our discussion covers not only his two smash hits, which include The Frenchman and Dark Arena, but your mind will be blown as you hear how he takes his decades of experience and weaves them into the realistic portrayal of spy life in his novels.
Easily one of my favorite things about Jack, and one that I believe will pull you in and impress you as well, is when he reveals how he writes with the intention of helping others understand and cope with trauma.
Our gripping conversation concludes with a discussion of future projects and some inside secrets as to how his work is being adapted to television.
TO LEARN MORE: JACKBEAUMONTOFFICIAL.COM
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Takeaways
- Espionage is a dark and psychologically challenging profession that takes a heavy toll on individuals.
- Creating and maintaining false identities is a crucial aspect of espionage work, requiring actors' skills and extensive preparation.
- Jack Beaumont's books, The Frenchman and Dark Arena, provide a realistic portrayal of spy life based on his own experiences.
- Writing with authenticity and emotional depth can help readers connect with characters and experience their journey.
- Beaumont's future projects include a book on Chinese cyber espionage and a TV series adaptation of The Frenchman.
The Thriller Zone welcomes BLACKSTONE PUBLISHING as our new sponsor. Blackstone Publishing: an independent publishing house where authors, readers, narrators, and listeners feel at home.
The Thriller Zone welcomes BLACKSTONE PUBLISHING as our new sponsor. Learn more at: BlackstonePublishing.com
Welcome to The Thriller Zone, I’m your host David Temple. On the TZ we explore the thrilling world of fiction crafted by today's most compelling authors. On today’s 172nd episode, we delve into the thrilling universe of C.J. Box, the mastermind behind unforgettable tales of the American West.
From the rugged landscapes of Wyoming to the intricate webs of mystery and suspense, C.J. Box's novels captivate readers with their vivid characters and gripping plots. Join me as we journey through his acclaimed series featuring game warden Joe Pickett, and discover what sets Box apart as a writer who seamlessly blends adrenaline-pumping action with deep insights into the human condition.
We'll explore Box's unique storytelling style, his knack for creating authentic settings, and the themes that resonate throughout his body of work. His new book THREE INCH TEETH centers around a rogue Grizzly Bear and the havoc he creates, plus some underhanded characters you’ll love to despise.
Whether you're a longtime fan or new to CJ’s books, prepare to be immersed in a world where danger lurks around every corner and justice is always worth fighting for. And take it from this CJ Newbie, this is one of those authors you can count on me reading and sharing for years to come.
So saddle up as we embark on an adventure through the pages of C.J. Box's THREE INCH TEETH…here on the home of your Front Row Seat To The Best Thriller Writers in The World…TheThrillerZone.com.
Learn more at: CJBOX.net
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KEY TAKE-AWAYS:
The enjoyment of reading and writing is a key aspect of CJ Box's work.
The dangers and behavior of grizzly bears are explored in his books.
CJ Box's favorite outdoor activity is fly fishing.
Realistic dialogue is important in writing.
CJ Box aims to provide different perspectives on controversial issues in his books.
Nature's power and the importance of respecting bears are recurring themes in his writing.
CJ Box is working on the next Joe Pickett book, which will focus on Nate Romanowski seeking revenge.
CJ Box's role as an executive producer involves providing source material and cashing checks.
TV shows can serve as a gateway for new readers to discover books.
AI has limitations in creative writing.
Breaking through as a writer can be challenging, especially in a competitive landscape.
Reading widely and understanding point of view are important for writers.
CJ Box realized he had become a writer around his third book.
The importance of awards in the writing industry has changed over time.
The best piece of writing advice from CJ Box is to read books and understand point of view.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
01:28 The Enjoyment of Reading and Writing
09:57 Grizzly Bear Behavior and Human Interactions
10:38 Mama Bears and Bear Activists
12:29 Favorite Outdoor Activity: Fly Fishing
13:19 Realistic Dialogue in Writing
15:01 Writing About Controversial Issues
16:00 Nature's Power and Respect for Bears
19:17 Upcoming Joe Pickett Book
20:29 CJ Box's Role as an Executive Producer
22:12 The Impact of TV Shows on Book Sales
23:41 The Limitations of AI in Writing
25:46 The Challenges of Breaking Through as a Writer
26:51 The Importance of Reading and Understanding Point of View
30:23 Realizing the Craft of Writing
31:46 The Difficulty of Winning Awards and New Challenges in the Writing Landscape
32:14 Best Piece of Writing Advice
The Thriller Zone welcomes BLACKSTONE PUBLISHING as our new sponsor. Blackstone Publishing: an independent publishing house where authors, readers, narrators, and listeners feel at home.
The Thriller Zone welcomes BLACKSTONE PUBLISHING as our new sponsor. Learn more at: BlackstonePublishing.com
On today's 171st episode of The Thriller Zone, New York Times Bestselling author Mark Greaney discusses his latest book, The Chaos Agent.
As Mark and I catch up, we reminisce about our previous interactions, as he explains his decision to incorporate the slow burn and tension in his latest thriller that allows readers to delve deeper into the protagonist's character.
We also delve into the topic of artificial intelligence (AI) and its influence on the story, as Greaney expresses his concerns about the potential dangers of AI, particularly in the development of lethal autonomous weapons. We also touch on the impact of AI on the writing community and the portrayal of the protagonist in a potential movie adaptation.
Later in the show, Mark discusses various aspects of his writing career, The Grey Man Series, and the vulnerability of his protagonist and the importance of creating a story that is interesting and keeps readers engaged.
As we close, Mark also shares insights into the future of The Grey Man series and the challenges of his being a busy writer. Greaney also emphasizes the role of a good editor (like Tom Colgan), and the influence of other writers on his work.
We conclude with a discussion about Mark's early burgeoning career as a "hopeful rock star" in his band BAD ENGLISH, where he played drums and wore very large permed hair. As always, we close with Mark's best writing advice, before we have Mark answer some fun Random Fire Questions, one of our favorite games.
To learn more about Mark, visit: MarkGreaneyBooks.com and as always, follow us at TheThrillerZone.com and be sure to SUBSCRIBE to us at YouTube.com/thethrillerzone.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Catching Up
00:52 The Slow Burn and Tension
08:21 Mark Graney's Busy Life
14:12 The Influence of AI in Chaos Agent
21:16 AI and the Writing Community
24:06 Ryan Gosling as Court Gentry
25:34 Writing a Vulnerable Protagonist
26:22 Future of the Grey Man Series
27:46 Lack of Control in the Publishing Process
30:36 The Challenges of Being a Busy Writer
31:05 The Difference Between Writing Grey Man and Tom Clancy
33:22 The Importance of a Good Editor
34:51 Influence of Other Writers
44:59 Best Writing Advice
47:50 Random Fire Questions
The Thriller Zone welcomes BLACKSTONE PUBLISHING as our new sponsor. Blackstone Publishing: an independent publishing house where authors, readers, narrators, and listeners feel at home.
The Thriller Zone welcomes BLACKSTONE PUBLISHING as our new sponsor. Learn more at: BlackstonePublishing.com
On today's 170th episode of The Thriller Zone, host David Temple and Nick Petrie discuss various topics related to Nick's book 'The Price You Pay'.
They talk about personal updates, then delve into the opening scene of the book and the significance of the epigraph. They also explore the characters of Lewis and June Cassidy and the inspiration behind Peter Ash and the theme of PTSD.
The conversation touches on writing style, emotional depth, and the possibility of writing romance. They conclude with a discussion on writing standalone novels, touch on unhealthy eating habits, the importance of reading, analyzing book structure, and of course, the classic closing question: Best Writing Advice.
To learn more visit: NickPetrie.com
Follow us at TheThrillerZone.com, YouTube.com/thethrillerzone, and listen wherever you enjoy your podcasts!
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates
03:05 Praise for Nick Petrie's Book 'The Price You Pay'
04:08 Conversation about the Opening Scene of the Book
08:45 Discussion on Video Production and Microphones
10:47 Conversation about the Epigraph of the Book
12:28 Exploration of the Characters Lewis and June Cassidy
15:35 Inspiration for Peter Ash and the Theme of PTSD
19:08 Discussion on the Writing Style and Emotional Depth
22:53 Introduction to the Character of Louis
25:15 Introduction to the Character of June Cassidy
29:00 Exploration of the Possibility of Writing Romance
32:35 Discussion on Influences and Writing Style
35:07 Conversation about Writing Standalone Novels
38:15 Discussion on the New Standalone Novel
39:03 Unhealthy Eating Habits
40:09 Importance of Reading
41:00 Analyzing Book Structure
42:27 Writing Advice
The Thriller Zone welcomes BLACKSTONE PUBLISHING as our new sponsor. Blackstone Publishing: an independent publishing house where authors, readers, narrators, and listeners feel at home.
The Thriller Zone welcomes BLACKSTONE PUBLISHING as our new sponsor. Learn more at: BlackstonePublishing.com
On today's 169th episode of The Thriller Zone, I'm happy to introduce you to New York Times Bestselling author Gregg Hurwitz.
If you're an Orphan X fan, you're going to join our deep dive in that series. Gregg shares insights into crafting a successful series and the journey of writing a long-running character. The conversation also delves into the role of artificial intelligence in the creative arena and the importance of community in storytelling.
Hurwitz highlights the differences between novel and screenplay writing and provides an elevator pitch for his latest book, 'Lone Wolf.'
Our conversation concludes with a discussion on the writing fire within and the importance of curiosity in driving Gregg's work, plus his insights and writing advice. I enjoy how Gregg emphasizes the power of curiosity and fascination in exploring the world and finding inspiration, plus how he encourages aspiring writers to prioritize their writing time and be dedicated to the craft.
To learn more about Gregg and his prolific work, visit: GreggHurwitz.net.
As always follow us at TheThrillerZone.com, YouTube.com/thethrillerzone and on all social media channels @thethrillerzone, as well as listen to us on ApplePodcasts, Spotify, or pretty much anyplace you get your podcast.
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Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Setting
03:01 Crafting a Successful Series
09:12 The Journey of Series Writing
11:30 Writing as Self-Therapy
12:20 The Role of Artificial Intelligence
19:17 The Importance of Community
22:07 The Difference Between Novel and Screenplay Writing
30:06 Elevator Pitch for 'Lone Wolf'
34:56 The Fire Within: Curiosity and Honoring It
38:09 The Power of Curiosity and Fascination
39:07 Writing Advice: Ass in Chair Time
40:10 The Importance of Personalized Correspondence
The Thriller Zone welcomes BLACKSTONE PUBLISHING as our new sponsor. Blackstone Publishing: an independent publishing house where authors, readers, narrators, and listeners feel at home.