Advertise on podcast: Thriller 101

Send me a Text Message! What if your villain truly believed he was helping people? In this episode, Yasmin Angoe shares how she built the serial killer at the center of The Ferryman's Daughter, a man who was a great dad, a respected psychiatrist and a murderer with a whole belief system behind what he did. She explains how she researched serial killers, how one email got her a tour of her local coroner's office, and what she's learned from ride-alongs with her sheriff's office. Yasmin also gets practical about what to do with all that research: what goes straight into the scene, what goes in the notebook, and what gets cut in edits. Then she explains how a standalone became a trilogy, and why she wrote the final line of book two first. This is perfect for thriller writers whose villains feel flat or whose research is bogging down their drafts. Yasmin also reveals the reader reaction she's hoping for: a bad night's sleep. Instagram: @author_yasminangoe Website: yasminangoe.com Episodes I Think You'll Love: 148 Developing Better Plots Using a Character-Driven Approach with Daniel David Wallace147 How to Write Thrillers That Actually Matter with Aaron Philip Clark150 Writing a Complex Mystery Novel with Bianca MaraisFREE WEBINAR with Literary Agent, writer, and editor, Tommy Dean Get the list of 125+ Literary Agents who rep Thriller, Mystery, Suspense, and Crime Fiction Study the Opening Paragraphs of the Top Authors Writing Thrillers Right Now

Send me a Text Message! Register for the free webinar! You’ve got an idea. Maybe it’s huge, with characters and twists and an ending you can already see. Or maybe it’s one unsettling image. So how do you know what it’s supposed to be? In this short solo episode, I talk about this question that's been nagging at me.  How big is your story?  So I'm hosting a free live webinar with literary agent and Fractured Lit editor in chief Tommy Dean.  How Big Is Your Story?  Tuesday, October 27 at 7:00 PM Eastern.  Bring your ideas. You’ll leave knowing if they’re flash fiction, a short story, or a novel. Can’t make it live? Register anyway and you’ll get the replay. Register for the free webinar Listen to Tommy’s first Thriller 101 episode FREE WEBINAR with Literary Agent, writer, and editor, Tommy Dean Get the list of 125+ Literary Agents who rep Thriller, Mystery, Suspense, and Crime Fiction Study the Opening Paragraphs of the Top Authors Writing Thrillers Right Now

Send me a Text Message! Can a thriller be scary and funny at the same time? In this episode, bestselling author Jason Rekulak talks about his new novel, Look What the Cat Dragged In, a supernatural story about a cartoonist, a very strange cat, and a comic strip that keeps getting darker. Jason explains how he built the rules for his demon, why he brings his illustrators in before the manuscript is done, and how Roald Dahl and Stephen King's Misery shaped the way he mixes humor and dread. Jason has won an ITW Award and a Goodreads Choice Award and been an Edgar finalist, and he's open about a process that runs against the usual "just finish the draft" advice. This one is perfect for any writer stuck halfway through a manuscript. Jason also reveals why he rewrites his first 75 pages over and over, and why you should never talk about the book you're writing. Instagram: @jasonrekulak Website: jasonrekulak.com Episodes I think you'll love... 146 How to turn 'wasted' drafts and subverted tropes into your writing superpower with Charlene Wang148 Developing Better Plots Using a Character-Driven Approach with Daniel David Wallace150 Writing a Complex Mystery Novel with Bianca MaraisFREE WEBINAR with Literary Agent, writer, and editor, Tommy Dean Get the list of 125+ Literary Agents who rep Thriller, Mystery, Suspense, and Crime Fiction Study the Opening Paragraphs of the Top Authors Writing Thrillers Right Now

Send me a Text Message! In this episode, Timothy Hedden shares why he self-published his debut, Dead Housewives of Philadelphia. He talks about the formatting mistake that pushed him to learn Vellum, why he cut the prologue agents kept passing on, and how he's marketing the book himself with local TV, a mailing list, and merch built from his characters' taglines. Perfect for thriller writers deciding between querying and self-publishing. Timothy also reveals what he spent his vacation money...spoiler alert: It wasn't a vacation! What You'll Learn: Why cutting a fun prologue made his opening strongerThe one self-publishing tool that saved him moneyHow to pitch yourself as an indie authorClick here to learn more about Timothy Hedden Timothy on Instagram: @heddenwrites Guest Bio: Timothy Hedden grew up in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, and moved to New York City at twenty-one to pursue a career in entertainment. He spent twenty-five years working in reality television, first in casting and field production and later as an editor, including a decade working on The Real Housewives of Atlanta, New Jersey, and Potomac. His claim to fame is editing the iconic "Gone With the Wind Fabulous" episode of The Real Housewives of Atlanta. A lifelong storyteller, Timothy spent most of his life believing his dyslexia would keep him from becoming a writer. At fifty-seven, he proved himself wrong. His first published essay was picked up by NBC News and went on to win a national journalism award. Dead Housewives of Philadelphia, a darkly funny murder mystery set behind the scenes of reality television, is his debut novel. Timothy lives in Manhattan with his husband, Michael, and their dog, Bruno. Episodes I think you'll love... 145 How to Stand Out in the Query Trenches with Literary Agent Tommy DeanFirst Page Formula: April Davila on What Agents & Readers Want to See in Your Thriller Manuscript OpeningWhy Your Perfect Manuscript Isn't Enough And What to Do About It with Author Tamara MillerYou can email me at: [email protected] FREE WEBINAR with Literary Agent, writer, and editor, Tommy Dean Get the list of 125+ Literary Agents who rep Thriller, Mystery, Suspense, and Crime Fiction Study the Opening Paragraphs of the Top Authors Writing Thrillers Right Now

Send me a Text Message! FREE WEBINAR with Literary Agent, writer, and editor, Tommy Dean Get the list of 125+ Literary Agents who rep Thriller, Mystery, Suspense, and Crime Fiction Study the Opening Paragraphs of the Top Authors Writing Thrillers Right Now

Send me a Text Message! What actually happens when you talk to an editor who has read your manuscript? In this episode, I talk to editor and author Demi Michelle Schwartz to go through the notes she gave me on my manuscript.  Demi shares what worked and where it needed work.  Then I share the three lessons I took from her feedback so you can apply it to your own writing. @demimschwartz on Instagram demimschwartz.com Episodes I think you'll love: Developmental Editor and Former Literary Agent, Mary Kole Shares Her Top Revision StrategiesEditor Turned Literary Agent, Shelly Romero Shares Important Insights on Traditional Publishing150 Writing a Complex Mystery Novel with Bianca MaraisYou can email me at: [email protected] FREE WEBINAR with Literary Agent, writer, and editor, Tommy Dean Get the list of 125+ Literary Agents who rep Thriller, Mystery, Suspense, and Crime Fiction Study the Opening Paragraphs of the Top Authors Writing Thrillers Right Now

Send me a Text Message! Debut author Marisa Walz joins the show to talk about her psychological suspense novel Good Intentions. It's story about obsession, grief, and moral ambiguity that kept her up all night plotting after a single book inspired her to finally write it.  Marisa shares:  What the publishing journey really looks likeHow she balances writing unlikable protagonistsThe unexpected challenges that come after you finally land that book dealBio: Marisa Walz is the author of Good Intentions, her debut psychological suspense novel. She lives in the Chicago suburbs with her husband and two young children. Learn more about Marisa here: https://www.marisawalz.com/ Connect with Marisa here: https://www.instagram.com/marisacwalz/ Episodes I think You'll Love:  150 Writing a Complex Mystery Novel with Bianca Marais What Editors Really Want Right Now with Chantelle Aimée Osman, Who Provides a Sneak Peek Inside Simon & Schuster's Newest Imprint 141 Literary Agent Vicky Weber on Why Most Writers Aren't Agent-Ready (And How to Fix It) FREE WEBINAR with Literary Agent, writer, and editor, Tommy Dean Get the list of 125+ Literary Agents who rep Thriller, Mystery, Suspense, and Crime Fiction Study the Opening Paragraphs of the Top Authors Writing Thrillers Right Now

Send me a Text Message! What if the secret to writing unforgettable characters isn't interrogating them with questionnaires, but letting them reveal themselves organically?  In this episode, bestselling author Bianca Marais shares how she "pantsed" her way through writing her newest novel, A Most Puzzling Murder.  It’s especially impressive because this novel is a complex mystery with 12+ POVs, choose-your-own-adventure chapters, interactive puzzles, and a character who emails readers back.  If you've ever wondered how to build three-dimensional characters that feel alive, balance ambitious storytelling mechanics without losing narrative control then this conversation is perfect for you!  Bianca reveals the unique writing techniques that allowed her to juggle multiple perspectives while maintaining emotional depth, and why giving up control might be the key to unlocking your best work. Bianca's Instagram Bianca's Website The Art of Dual POV & Crafting Psychological Thrillers with Liz AltermanWriting Character Backstory with Author Liz AltermanLiterary Agent and Author Jenna Satterthwaite on Making it in the Publishing IndustryFREE WEBINAR with Literary Agent, writer, and editor, Tommy Dean Get the list of 125+ Literary Agents who rep Thriller, Mystery, Suspense, and Crime Fiction Study the Opening Paragraphs of the Top Authors Writing Thrillers Right Now

Send me a Text Message! New York Times bestselling author Chevy Stevens pulls back the curtain on what separates a good thriller from an unforgettable one.  And it might not be what you think.  In this episode, Chevy reveals her unconventional process for crafting antagonists that readers love to hate.  She also shares the exact mindset shift that helped her sustain an eight-book career. If you are...  struggling to create believable villainsfeeling stuck in your thriller's plotwondering how to build a lasting writing career in today's marketThis conversation will give you the tools to break through.  What Listeners Will Learn: • How to create antagonists that traditional publishers love • The "enough juice" test for evaluating thriller concepts • Why your second book matters more than your first Connect with Chevy: Website Twitter Instagram Chevy Stevens lives on Vancouver Island with her husband and daughter. When she isn’t working on her next book, she’s spending time with her family and their two dogs. Her books, including Still Missing, a New York Times bestseller and winner of the International Thriller Writers Award for Best First Novel, have been published in more than thirty countries. Episodes I think You'll Love: Author Liz Alterman Reveals Her Weekly Writing Ritual That Transforms First Drafts Into Gold And How to Know When Your Story Idea Is Worth WritingLiterary Agent Amy Nielsen on How to Fix Your Opening Pages Literary Agent Jessica Berg Shares How to Catch an Agent's EyeHow to Write an Opening Chapter that Keeps Readers Reading with Author David McCloskey You can email me at: [email protected] FREE WEBINAR with Literary Agent, writer, and editor, Tommy Dean Get the list of 125+ Literary Agents who rep Thriller, Mystery, Suspense, and Crime Fiction Study the Opening Paragraphs of the Top Authors Writing Thrillers Right Now

Send me a Text Message! Struggling with how to write a thriller that grabs readers immediately?  In this interview, writing expert Daniel David Wallace shares game-changing writing tips for crafting plots that keep readers hooked from page one.  Daniel, creator of the Character First Writing Approach and host of Escape the Plot Forest summit, reveals why traditional plotting advice often fails thriller writers. And he offers three essential strategies for developing compelling, character-driven narratives.  Whether you're working on your first manuscript or polishing a novel for traditional publishing, these writing techniques will help you avoid the common pitfalls that cause readers to abandon your story.  Learn how to create protagonists with immediate momentum, maintain emotional connection through plot twists, and structure midpoints that trap both your characters and your readers in the story. Learn more about Daniel here... Daniel David Wallace is the host of Escape the Plot Forest, an annual online conference for writers. He spent four years of a PhD researching new ways to help writers tell a great story. His stories, reviews, and essays have been published in great magazines like Tampa Review, McSweeney's Internet Tendency, Air Schooner, and his writing has won him awards like the Toni Brown scholarship and the Hodges prizes. Daniel designed a way of teaching plot, the "character-first" approach that aims to return writers to their original love of storytelling (because it teaches you to write according to how your ideal readers will experience your book). This approach has resonated with so many people: more than 13,000 writers read his newsletter each week. Literary Agent and Author Jenna Satterthwaite on Making it in the Publishing IndustryFirst Page Formula: Author and Writing Coach April Davila on What Agents & Readers Want to See in Your Thriller Manuscript OpeningHow to Edit Your Own Writing with Author & Editor Chantelle Aimée Osman You can email me at: [email protected] FREE WEBINAR with Literary Agent, writer, and editor, Tommy Dean Get the list of 125+ Literary Agents who rep Thriller, Mystery, Suspense, and Crime Fiction Study the Opening Paragraphs of the Top Authors Writing Thrillers Right Now

Send me a Text Message! What if the setting you choose could be as morally complex as your protagonist?  In this episode, USA Today bestselling author Aaron Philip Clark pulls back the curtain on how he crafts crime fiction that thrills and matters.  Aaron reveals: his process for weaving heavy themes into page-turners without slowing the pacewhy he writes from a place of frustration and injusticehow to make every setting choice deliberate and loaded with meaning. If you're tired of writing surface-level thrillers or struggling to add depth without killing your momentum, this conversation will change how you approach your craft.  Aaron's insights on creating "literary humans" instead of plot devices alone are worth the listen, but his framework for balancing suspense with substance is something I personally will be implementing in my work. https://www.aaronphilipclark.com/ https://x.com/RealAPCBooks https://www.instagram.com/realapcbooks/ Episodes I think you'll love... How to Develop Characters and Themes with Author Aaron Philip Clark Writing Action Scenes with Author Aaron Philip Clark Literary Agent and Author Jenna Satterthwaite on Making it in the Publishing Industry First Page Formula: Author and Writing Coach April Davila on What Agents & Readers Want to See in Your Thriller Manuscript Opening You can email me at: [email protected] FREE WEBINAR with Literary Agent, writer, and editor, Tommy Dean Get the list of 125+ Literary Agents who rep Thriller, Mystery, Suspense, and Crime Fiction Study the Opening Paragraphs of the Top Authors Writing Thrillers Right Now

Send me a Text Message! What if the tropes you love are actually holding your thriller back?  In this episode, Charlene Wang reveals how she transformed the beloved campus novel into a feminist revenge thriller by strategically subverting genre expectations.  And the results landed her a major book deal.  You'll discover the counterintuitive truth about "wasted" drafts (spoiler: nothing is ever wasted), learn how to weaponize social media as a character psychology tool rather than just a plot device, and understand why the most compelling morally gray characters make us root for their goals while questioning their methods.  If you're struggling to make your thriller feel fresh or your contemporary setting feel authentic, this conversation will fundamentally change how you approach revision and might just save you years of trial and error. Learn more about Charlene Bio:  Charlene Wang was born in Beijing and, after immigrating to the US when she was three, has lived in seven different cities from Los Angeles to Rockville to Biloxi. Graduating with a B.A. in English from Dartmouth College and a J.D. from University of Virginia School of Law, she worked as a litigator for six years before quitting to pursue her childhood dream of becoming an author. She now lives in Brooklyn, NY, with her fiancé and their dog Winky. Episodes I think you'll love... Agent Carleen Geisler Reads a Submission & Shares How Agents Evaluate Opening PagesWriting Your Opening Scene with Thomas MullenWriting Unique Openings to Grab Literary Agent Attention: Jason Powell AuthorFREE WEBINAR with Literary Agent, writer, and editor, Tommy Dean Get the list of 125+ Literary Agents who rep Thriller, Mystery, Suspense, and Crime Fiction Study the Opening Paragraphs of the Top Authors Writing Thrillers Right Now

Send me a Text Message! What does it actually take to stand out when a brand-new literary agent opens your thriller query? In this episode, Tommy Dean — associate literary agent at Rosecliff Literary, editor of Fractured Lit and Uncharted Magazine, and award-winning flash fiction writer — shares exactly what he's looking for when he reads your first 10 pages. Tommy brings something rare to agenting: a writer's instinct. He knows the manuscript struggle personally, which makes him both deeply discerning and genuinely invested in his clients' long game. If you've ever wondered what's going through an agent's mind as they read your opening pages, whether a newer agent might actually be the right fit for your career, or how to show up as the kind of writer agents want to work with — this episode is for you. Tommy reveals why character activity beats backstory every time, what story structure signals he's watching for, and why the most prepared querying writers are already clearing hurdles that most submissions never do. Tommy Dean's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tommydeantommydean/ Tommy Dean's Website: https://tommydeanwriter.com Episodes I Think You'll Love: First Page Formula — April Davila on What Agents Want in Your Opening: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1841589/17377745 Literary Agent Lori Galvin on Going From Query to Deal: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1841589/17716414 Literary Agent Vicky Weber on Why Most Writers Aren't Agent-Ready: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1841589/17716392 FREE WEBINAR with Literary Agent, writer, and editor, Tommy Dean Get the list of 125+ Literary Agents who rep Thriller, Mystery, Suspense, and Crime Fiction Study the Opening Paragraphs of the Top Authors Writing Thrillers Right Now

Send me a Text Message! You’re going to love this exclusive conversation with Chantelle Aimée Osman, Senior Editor at Simon & Schuster's new imprint, Simon Maverick.  Chantelle reveals how the publishing industry is evolving to meet indie and hybrid authors where they are.  And why audio is becoming the new frontier that could transform your writing career.  Discover the submission strategies that actually work, learn why your biggest strength might be the one thing editors can't fix, and find out how to reframe rejection in a way that accelerates rather than derails your publishing journey.  Whether you're traditionally published, indie, or still figuring out your path, this conversation offers insider insights that could change everything about how you approach your writing career. Past Episodes with Chantelle - How to Edit Your Own Writing with Author & Editor Chantelle Aimée Osman - Chantelle Aimée Osman Interview Series: An Editor's Advice for Writers - Rethinking Rejection & How to Form a Team for Your Work with Chantelle Aimée Osman What You'll Learn: Why audio publishing is the new gold rush opportunityThe one manuscript element editors absolutely cannot fixHow to reframe rejection as progress toward your goalClick here to learn more about Chantelle Aimee Osman  Guest Bio: Chantelle Aimée Osman (she/her) is senior editor at Simon & Schuster's newest imprint, Simon Maverick. Prior to joining Simon & Schuster, Chantelle Aimée Osman was an acquiring editor at Amazon Publishing, where she worked with bestselling authors such as Robert Dugoni, Mark Sullivan, Suzanne Redfearn, Megan Chance, Victoria Helen Stone, and Simon Tolkien. Previously, she helped found Agora Books, an imprint of independent press Polis Books, focusing on crime fiction and horror with unique social and cultural voices—themes which still hold a special place in her heart. She's online at chantelleaimee.com You can email me at: [email protected] FREE WEBINAR with Literary Agent, writer, and editor, Tommy Dean Get the list of 125+ Literary Agents who rep Thriller, Mystery, Suspense, and Crime Fiction Study the Opening Paragraphs of the Top Authors Writing Thrillers Right Now

Send me a Text Message! Tamara Miller's debut thriller INTO THE FALL has launched her career with a two-book publishing contract.  But her path from government policy analyst to published author wasn't built on talent alone.  It was strategic business thinking that made the difference.  In this episode, Tamara Miller reveals the approach that got her agent's immediate attention and explains why treating your query like a business proposal changes everything.  She also shares some immersive writing techniques that keep readers turning pages.  Whether you're struggling with submissions or wondering how to make your manuscript stand out, this episode’s practical insights will shift how you think about the publishing game. What You'll Learn: Why query letters must be business proposals first, pitches secondThe "equation" for writing immersive scenes that hook agents instantlyHow to research and position your book for commercial success Click here to learn more about Tamara Miller Guest Bio: Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Tamara L. Miller earned her PhD in Canadian history before embarking on a career working for the federal government. Miller began as a doe-eyed policy analyst and eventually moved into an executive role with the Government of Canada. She later left public service, older and perhaps a little wiser, to become a writer. Tamara is past president of Ottawa Independent Writers and has written several articles published online by the likes of CBC and Ottawa Life Magazine. Into the Fall is her first novel. Over the years, the author has called many Canadian cities home but now lives in Ottawa with her family and two long-suffering cats. She’s always been fascinated by the raw beauty of the wilder places in the world and escapes to them whenever possible. Episodes I think you'll love... FREE WEBINAR with Literary Agent, writer, and editor, Tommy Dean Get the list of 125+ Literary Agents who rep Thriller, Mystery, Suspense, and Crime Fiction Study the Opening Paragraphs of the Top Authors Writing Thrillers Right Now