Get ready to dive into a whirlwind of listener love on this episode of the Thriller Zone! I’m David Temple, your trusty host, and today, we’re flipping the script a bit – instead of chatting with an author, I’m pouring over some fantastic emails from you lovely folks.

Whether it’s your favorite moments from past episodes or insights from our thrilling guests, I’m here to share it all. Like, Tammy’s got a soft spot for Adrian McKinty’s coffee chat, and Heather’s raving about character development.

This episode feels like a celebration of community and the shared love of storytelling, showcasing how deeply the podcast has woven itself into the lives of its listeners. David also hints at his own writing endeavors, sharing his journey through cancer and his aspirations for upcoming books. It’s this blend of personal and professional that makes the podcast feel like a chat with a close friend, making us all feel part of this lively discussion.

As the episode wraps up, David reflects on the past four years of podcasting, admitting that while it’s a passion project, the journey hasn’t always been easy. He’s driven, and you can hear that in his voice – a mix of gratitude and determination that’s infectious.

The listener letters are not just words on a page; they’re fuel for his fire, reminding him why he started this journey in the first place. The conversation about possibly shifting focus towards more casual chats with authors, rather than just book discussions, is intriguing, and I can’t help but wonder how that will shape future episodes.

All in all, this episode is a heartwarming reminder of the power of connection through storytelling, both from the podcast host and the vibrant community of listeners who keep the conversation alive.

So, grab your favorite beverage, kick back, and let’s see what you all have been saying!

Links referenced in this episode:

• thethrillerzone.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Adrian McKenty
• Gerard Doyle
• Gonzalez Inarritu
• Mark Gottlieb
• CJ Box
• James Patterson
• David Baldacci
• Josh Mendoza

On today's 222nd episode of the world-famous Thriller Zone, host Dave Temple sits down with New York Times bestselling author Adrian McKinty, creator of the Sean Duffy Series.

Together, they’re diving deep into the thrilling world of storytelling and chatting about the magic of writing first drafts and how every aspiring author should just finish that story, no matter how messy it gets.

Adrian, a multiple New York Times bestselling author and Dave's new best buddy, shares some seriously cool insights about his journey, from bartending to teaching to crafting captivating crime novels.

And trust us, this episode isn’t just about the books; we’re dishing out some good ol' banter on everything from the best bagels to the quirks of tea culture, because what’s a conversation without a little flavor?

So, whether you’re a writer looking for inspiration or just a fan of witty exchanges, kick back, turn up the volume, and enjoy the ride with us in this delightful chat on the Thriller Zone!

Takeaways:

• The conversation between David and Adrian is filled with playful banter, creating a relaxed and fun atmosphere for listeners to enjoy.
• Adrian McKinty shares insights about the importance of finishing your writing, emphasizing that even a rough draft is a victory against the odds.
• The podcast touches on the unique nuances of language, including slang from Northern Ireland that adds a humorous twist to their dialogue.
• They dive into the world of food and drink, particularly the cultural significance of tea and biscuits, showcasing their shared love for culinary experiences.

Links referenced in this episode:

• adrianmckinty.com

Mentioned in this episode:

The Story Factory

Presenting Adrian McKinty's new thriller in the Sean Duffy Series.

$295 Special for April ONLY!

Would you like to advertise your book on The Thriller Zone? For a LIMITED TIME ONLY, you can do just that for ONLY $295. Go to TheThrillerZone.com/contact and we'll get started right away!

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.

On today's 221st and BONUS episode of The Thriller Zone, I dive into the nitty-gritty of the publishing world with my good friend Mark Gottlieb, Senior VP and top literary agent at Trident Media Group.

I'm your host Dave Temple, and Mark is back to drop some serious knowledge bombs about what it takes to make it as an author in today’s thriller-happy market. We chat about the importance of having a killer query letter—because let’s face it, that’s your golden ticket to getting noticed.

By the way, Mark's piece of advice is a step-by-step of THE WAY to formulate a proper query letter that all but guarantees getting noticed (don't miss this advice).

And if you’re wondering how to stand out, Mark has tips on building your author platform and navigating the wild ride of trends and genres. Plus, we share some laughs about parenting and the real-life stories behind some bestselling authors.

So grab your headphones, kick back, and let's unravel the secrets of crafting a page-turner in the ever-evolving literary landscape!

Takeaways:

• Mark Gottlieb, a seasoned literary agent, shares insider tips on navigating the publishing world, making it not just enlightening but super relatable too.

• We discussed the importance of strong query letters, emphasizing that a concise, well-structured letter can be the golden ticket to representation.

• The conversation touched on how authors must balance their unique voice with market trends while remaining authentic to their storytelling style.

• Mark highlighted the significance of an author's platform in today's publishing landscape, revealing how social media can skyrocket a book's visibility.

• Witty anecdotes about parenting and writing show that even seasoned pros like Mark can relate to the struggles of balancing life and creativity.

• The episode wraps up with a reminder to aspiring writers: set your intentions and keep showing up, because that's where the magic begins!

Links referenced in this episode:

TridentMediaGroup.com

TheThrillerZone.com

thethrillerzone@gmail.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:-

- Trident Media Group

- Poison Pen Press

- Sourcebooks

- Penguin Random House

- Hachette Books

- Timber Books

- Blackstone Publishing

• Keywords: thriller podcast, mystery fiction, suspense fiction, literary agent insights, book publishing tips, author representation, query letter advice, bestselling authors, writing craft, book marketing strategies, comp titles, publishing trends, writing workshops, thriller writing advice, negotiating book deals, audiobook publishing, self-publishing success, storytelling techniques, author platform building, negotiating literary contracts

Mentioned in this episode:

$295 Special for April ONLY!

Would you like to advertise your book on The Thriller Zone? For a LIMITED TIME ONLY, you can do just that for ONLY $295. Go to TheThrillerZone.com/contact and we'll get started right away!

The Story Factory

Presenting Adrian McKinty's new thriller in the Sean Duffy Series.

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.