Send me a Text Message!

Find out more about Stephen Spotswood

Listen to the episode with Douglas Corleone

Come hang out for an interesting conversation with author Stephen Spotswood as he shares his creative process behind his successful Pentecost Parker thriller series.

In this episode, Stephen shares his writing tips for crafting engaging mystery series characters that evolve across multiple books while maintaining reader interest.

Whether you're interested in the writing techniques, genre-blending strategies, or the practical aspects of planning a multi-book series, this interview delivers valuable insights for writers at any stage.

Discover how Spotswood approaches the revision process, balances character development with plot mechanics, and maintains his passion for characters throughout a long-term writing project.

• Series Development Strategy: Learn how to plan and structure a multi-book series
• Genre-Blending Techniques: Discover how Spotswood successfully combines elements of classic mystery, hard-boiled crime, and noir to create a unique series that stands out in the marketplace
• Revision Process for Character Evolution: Understand Spotswood's two-phase revision approach

Send me a Text Message!

Find out more about Douglas Corleone

This interview is with Douglas Corleone, author of the new thriller "Falls to Pieces."

In this episode, Douglas shares essential thriller writing techniques that have helped him successfully navigate multiple sub-genres, from legal thrillers to psychological suspense.

Learn practical writing tips for incorporating meaningful themes into commercial fiction and discover how to push genre boundaries while still meeting reader expectations.

• How to identify and skillfully navigate the boundaries between thriller sub-genres to create distinctive fiction that still satisfies reader expectations
• Techniques for incorporating meaningful personal themes into commercial thriller writing, particularly when handling sensitive or challenging subject matter
• Strategies for crafting memorable twist endings that readers won't forget, avoiding the common pitfall of formulaic conclusions that fail to leave a lasting impression

Send me a Text Message!

Learn more about the Storyteller's Society

Learn more about Amy Nielsen

Having reviewed thousands queries in the past two years, literary agent Amy Nielsen shares exclusive writing tips specifically tailored for thriller writers on the traditional publishing route.

This agent interview with Amy dives deep into query structure, comp titles, and how to craft a pitch that perfectly matches your opening pages.

Whether you're writing thriller, mystery, suspense, or crime fiction, Amy's professional insights will help you avoid common pitfalls and significantly improve your chances of catching an agent's attention with your query.

Learn how to write query letters that stand out from the slush pile with practical advice from one of the industry's most approachable literary agents.

• The exact structure of a winning query letter, including where to place metadata, how to craft a personal introduction, and how to keep your word count tight at 300-350 words
• Why comparative titles are crucial to query success, with a real-life example of how changing just one comp title led to representation and publication offers
• How to ensure your query pitch accurately reflects your opening pages (especially if you have a prologue), and why this alignment is essential for thriller writers working with agents

Bio:

Amy Nielsen spent nearly 20 years as a youth librarian. Daily immersion in story took root and she penned her YA debut WORTH IT behind her circulation desk. In addition to being an author, Amy is an editorial literary agent at The Purcell Agency. She is also a freelance editor and runs Mayflower Media where she helps authors make book trailers and other video marketing materials.