Murder at the Christmas Emporium is no ordinary holiday tale; it’s a locked-room mystery wrapped in festive cheer and dark secrets.

Join me, Dave Temple, as I chat with the incredibly talented Andreina Cordani about her latest novel, where a glamorous London department store turns into a chilling backdrop for a suspenseful whodunit.

We dive into the delightful contrasts between the glittering holiday spirit and the lurking shadows of betrayal, exploring how even the most luxurious places can hide sinister truths.

Andreina's knack for creating relatable yet flawed characters adds a razor-sharp realism to the narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. So grab your favorite holiday drink, settle in, and let’s unwrap the layers of this intriguing story together!

Takeaways:

• In this episode, David Temple chats with Andreina Cordani about her thrilling new novel, 'Murder at the Christmas Emporium', blending holiday cheer with suspense in a captivating way.
• The discussion dives into how Andreina's journalism background contributes to the razor-sharp realism in her characters, making them feel alive and relatable.
• Listeners learn about the intriguing contrast between the festive setting of a London department store and the dark secrets that unfold within, creating a gripping narrative.
• Andrina shares her writing process, emphasizing the importance of character development and how real-life inspirations shape her stories.
• The podcast highlights the classic allure of Christmas ghost stories and how they intertwine with modern narratives, adding depth to holiday themes.
• Finally, Andreina offers valuable writing advice, reminding aspiring authors to push through self-doubt and just write, because without a draft, there's nothing to revise.

Links referenced in this episode:

• waterstones
• barnesandnoble
• foyles
• fortnumandmason

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Selfridges
• Waterstones
• Barnes and Noble
• Fortnum and Mason
• Cosmopolitan
• Good Housekeeping
• Conde Nast

Mentioned in this episode:

LIFE IN TWO COLUMNS AD

Buy LIFE IN TWO COLUMNS: Shit That Matters. And Everything Else on Amazon. It's only $8 for the ebook and $16 for paperback. Or get crazy, and go to DavideTemple.com where you can get the eBook AND Audiobook for only $20!

On today's 246th episode of The Thriller Zone, we're playing outside the standard sandbox, as David Temple's wife Tammy hosts The Thriller Zone.

Not only that, we're introducing a feature we've talked about for some time called NON-FICTION FRIDAY, where we discuss...uh, duh...non-fiction titles. This week it just happens to be David's "practical memoir" entitled LIFE IN TWO COLUMNS: Shit That Matters. And Everything Else.

Life can hit hard, and today we're diving into the raw and real journey of dealing with prostate cancer. Listen as Tammy gets David to open up about his unexpected diagnosis, sharing how it forced him to reevaluate what truly matters in life.

Dave says it's not just as a memoir but a wake-up call for anyone facing similar challenges. The couple talk about the importance of getting tested, how cancer shifts your perspective, and the laughs that can still be found amidst the chaos.

So grab a comfy seat, maybe a snack, and get ready for some heartfelt stories, a sprinkle of humor, and some solid advice that could just change your outlook on life.

Oh, and after the show, consider going to davidetemple.com and ordering your copy of LIFE IN TWO COLUMNS: Shit That Matters. And Everything Else. Ebooks are $7.99, Paperbacks are $15.99 and Audiobooks (coming 12.5.25) will be $14.99.

FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY, you can purchase the LIFE IN TWO COLUMNS BUNDLE and get both the ebook and the audiobook for only $19.99. So, you can read and study it, as well as listen to it. And yes, it's read by your truly!

Takeaways:

• Getting diagnosed with prostate cancer can be a shocking experience, but it teaches you what truly matters in life, splitting it into two columns: the important stuff and the fluff.
• David Temple shares his personal journey with prostate cancer, emphasizing that it's not just a health issue but a wake-up call to prioritize life and relationships.
• The importance of regular health screenings can't be overstated; getting tested can literally save your life, especially with one in eight men facing prostate cancer.
• Life changes drastically when facing a serious illness, and the support from friends and family can make all the difference in navigating the emotional rollercoaster.
• The book 'Life in Two Columns' is not just about cancer; it's filled with humor, science, and relatable experiences that resonate with anyone facing life's challenges.
• Understanding the emotional and physical effects of hormone therapy during cancer treatment reveals the hidden struggles many face when battling health issues.

Links referenced in this episode:

• davidetemple.com

Keywords: prostate cancer, cancer awareness, men's health, life in two columns, cancer diagnosis, health journey, emotional support, cancer treatment options, PSA test, radical prostatectomy, hormone therapy, coping with cancer, cancer statistics, surviving cancer, health tips, prostate cancer book, cancer support, personal story, navigating healthcare, cancer conversations, thethrillerzone.com, davidetemple.com, #nonfictionfriday

Mentioned in this episode:

LIFE IN TWO COLUMNS AD

Buy LIFE IN TWO COLUMNS: Shit That Matters. And Everything Else on Amazon. It's only $8 for the ebook and $16 for paperback. Or get crazy, and go to DavideTemple.com where you can get the eBook AND Audiobook for only $20!

Thanks for joining us for Episode #245 of The Thriller Zone with host Dave Temple. We've got a super exciting episode lined up for you today, diving into the world of filmmaking with the talented John d' Angelo.

John’s here to share some seriously cool insights about his upcoming indie film, "The Hook," which blends classic storytelling with cutting-edge visual innovation.

If you’ve ever been curious about how filmmakers use tech like Unreal Engine and LED walls in production, you’re in for a treat! We’re also touching on the nitty-gritty of the filmmaking process, including the creative challenges and the importance of character development.

So grab your popcorn, settle in, and let’s get ready to geek out about the magic of movies with Dave & John on The TZ!

Takeaways:

• John shares his journey from a Unity fanboy to embracing Unreal Engine tech, showcasing how filmmakers are now blending traditional storytelling with cutting-edge visual innovation.
• The conversation dives into the challenges of producing films out of order, emphasizing the importance of actors capturing the right emotions to maintain narrative pacing.
• Listeners will get an inside look at how AI is revolutionizing filmmaking, making it easier to create stunning visual effects and even entire scenes without traditional methods.
• John's advice for aspiring filmmakers? Be humble, help others, and show your value without immediately pitching your own projects.
• The episode wraps up with a reminder that storytelling should come from a place of passion, not trends, encouraging creators to write what they genuinely love.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• John d' Angelo
• Unreal Engine
• Jon Favreau
• Unity
• Fender
• Gibson
• Topaz
• Michael Jai White
• Malin Akerman
• Reddjinnpro.com

Keywords: thriller podcast, indie filmmaker interview, John DeAngelo, filmmaking insights, thriller writing, filmmaking technology, AI in film, Unreal Engine filmmaking, Chapman Dolly, film production tips, Vegas noir film, character development in film, filmmaking advice, soundscapes in film, visual storytelling, pre-visualization techniques, independent film challenges, cinematic techniques, film industry advice, creative process in filmmaking

Mentioned in this episode:

NFF with Tammy

Get my book LIFE IN TWO COLUMNS: Shit That Matters. And Everything Else. Buy it today on Amazon, or on my website: DavideTemple.com