Episodes

  • Bruce Borgos, author of Shades of Mercy, on Creating Genuine Characters with Personal Experiences
    Jul 15 2024

    On today’s 193rd episode of The Thriller Zone, host David Temple interviews author Bruce Borges about his latest book, Shades of Mercy.


    They discuss the process of writing and the fear of not being able to recreate the success of previous books. They also touch on topics such as imposter syndrome and the importance of giving oneself permission to acknowledge their own talent.


    The conversation then shifts to the experience of attending writer conferences and the value of connecting with other authors. Borges shares his secret sauce for creating genuine characters and discusses the challenges faced by the protagonist in his book, including a physical malady and the opioid epidemic.


    The conversation concludes with Borges offering advice to writers, emphasizing the importance of believing in oneself and developing a writing habit.


    As part of a new feature on The TZ, called Overtime, David shares his personal story about surviving prostate cancer, something that Bruce fears he may be facing. Temple goes on to share how he intends to release a non-fiction book about his cancer journey in the near future.


    To learn more visit: BruceBorgos.com


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    Award-winning Green Beret, Steve Stratton, is the author of the Shadow Tier Series and the novella, A Warrior's Path: the Lance Bear Wolf Story. Learn more at stevestrattonusa.com

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    45 mins
  • New York Times Bestselling Author Brian Freeman
    Jul 8 2024

    On today’s 192nd episode of The Thriller Zone, host David Temple interviews author Brian Freeman about his latest book, Break Every Rule.


    They discuss the importance of engaging readers' emotions, the balance between description and pacing, and the challenges of writing a second book in a series.


    Freeman shares his writing process and emphasizes the significance of pre-orders for authors. Temple praises Freeman's ability to create authentic characters and compelling settings.


    The episode concludes with a discussion about the secret sauce of Freeman's writing and his advice for aspiring writers.

    To learn more visit: bfreemanbooks.com

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    Award-winning Green Beret, Steve Stratton, is the author of the Shadow Tier Series and the novella, A Warrior's Path: the Lance Bear Wolf Story. Learn more at stevestrattonusa.com

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    45 mins
  • Steve Stratton pops by The TZ for a Summer Bonus Episode
    Jul 5 2024

    On today's Bonus Episode of The Thriller Zone, host David Temple interviews author Steve Stratton to discuss Steve's journey as an author, the success of his audiobook, and the release of his novella.

    They also touch on the challenges of the publishing industry and the importance of networking and community in the thriller genre.

    The conversation highlights the themes of perseverance, adaptation, and the power of short stories/novellas in the industry.

    To learn more and take advantage of Steve's book sale, go to: SteveStrattonUSA.com


    Award-winning Green Beret, Steve Stratton, is the author of the Shadow Tier Series and the novella, A Warrior's Path: the Lance Bear Wolf Story. Learn more at stevestrattonusa.com

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    16 mins
  • David & Tammy Temple present The Thriller Zone TOP 20 Summer Reads
    Jul 1 2024

    On today’s 190th episode of The Thriller Zone, David and Tammy Temple discuss their TOP 20 SUMMER READS!


    David shares his formula for selecting the books and highlights a variety of thrillers, including military, political, and southern thrillers. They also mention debut authors and books that are in development for TV series.


    The episode concludes with a discussion about upcoming changes to the podcast for Season 7, they briefly share about David's battle with cancer and upcoming non-fiction book on the topic, and as always enjoy a good many laughs together, as they share their passion for reading great thrillers from exceptional authors.


    Learn more on TheThrillerZone.com

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    ApplePodcasts @ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-thriller-zone/id1577303372

    Spotify @ https://open.spotify.com/show/4f5vHVcT6DvXpZJ8nopIAU?si=6823127df7044420


    Award-winning Green Beret, Steve Stratton, is the author of the Shadow Tier Series and the novella, A Warrior's Path: the Lance Bear Wolf Story. Learn more at stevestrattonusa.com

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    25 mins
  • The Thrilling Plot of Echo Road by Kendra Elliot and Melinda Leigh
    Jun 24 2024

    On today’s 189th episode of The Thriller Zone, host David Temple interviews authors Melinda Lee and Kendra Elliott about their collaborative novel, Echo Road.


    The two guest authors discuss how they came together to write the book, and their process of alternating chapters and maintaining consistent character voices.


    Elliot and Leigh also talk about their experiences with author Lee Goldberg and the importance of social media in the publishing industry. The episode ends with a brief elevator pitch for Echo Road.


    To learn more visit: KendraElliot.com and/or MelindaLeigh.com

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    • ApplePodcasts @ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-thriller-zone/id1577303372
    • Spotify @ https://open.spotify.com/show/4f5vHVcT6DvXpZJ8nopIAU?si=6823127df7044420



    Award-winning Green Beret, Steve Stratton, is the author of the Shadow Tier Series and the novella, A Warrior's Path: the Lance Bear Wolf Story. Learn more at stevestrattonusa.com

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    20 mins
  • New York Times bestselling author Jack Carr discusses The Power of Emotion in Storytelling
    Jun 19 2024

    On today’s 188th episode of The Thriller Zone, host David Temple interviews #1 New York Times bestselling author Jack Carr about his latest thriller, Red Sky Mourning.


    Jack and Dave discuss Carr's growth as a writer and his commitment to constantly improving his craft. They also touch on topics such as imposter syndrome, complacency, and the importance of emotional connection in storytelling.


    Carr shares his excitement for book tours and the opportunity to personally thank his readers, while briefly mentioning his upcoming nonfiction book about the Marine Barracks bombing in Beirut.


    The prevailing theme of Red Sky Mourning is loyalty, which Carr explores through geopolitical events and questions of loyalty in the military.


    The episode ends with Carr's writing advice: never quit and focus on making the story the best it can be.


    Learn more about Jack and his current Take Warning Tour at OfficialJackCarr.com


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    • ApplePodcasts @ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-thriller-zone/id1577303372
    • Spotify @ https://open.spotify.com/show/4f5vHVcT6DvXpZJ8nopIAU?si=6823127df7044420

    Award-winning Green Beret, Steve Stratton, is the author of the Shadow Tier Series and the novella, A Warrior's Path: the Lance Bear Wolf Story. Learn more at stevestrattonusa.com

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    31 mins
  • May Cobb is the author of The Hollywood Assistant
    Jun 17 2024

    On today’s 187th episode host David Temple celebrates THE THRILLER ZONE’S three-year anniversary with author May Cobb. They discuss May's journey from being David's first guest to having her book, The Hunting Wives, adapted into a TV series.

    May shares her experience working in Hollywood and the surreal feeling of seeing her book come to life on set. They also talk about May's writing process and her best advice for aspiring authors.

    The episode ends with MAY providing some real down-to-earth insights as to her Best Writing Advice, and David closes the show by expressing his gratitude to the listeners for the past three years…while teasing some upcoming surprises in future episodes.

    Learn more at MayCobb.com

    WATCH & SUBSCRIBE to our channel at YouTube.com/@thethrillerzone

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    LISTEN to us on ALL the popular Podcast Channels like:
    ApplePodcasts @ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-thriller-zone/id1577303372

    Spotify @ https://open.spotify.com/show/4f5vHVcT6DvXpZJ8nopIAU?si=6823127df7044420

    iHeartRadio @ https://www.iheart.com/podcast/338-the-thriller-zone-107694289


    Award-winning Green Beret, Steve Stratton, is the author of the Shadow Tier Series and the novella, A Warrior's Path: the Lance Bear Wolf Story. Learn more at stevestrattonusa.com

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    26 mins
  • A Suspenseful Journey into 1950s Florida by Edgar-winning author Lori Roy
    Jun 14 2024

    On today's 186th BONUS Episode of The Thriller Zone, host David Temple is happy to welcome two-time Edgar Award-winning Author Lori Roy as she discusses her latest book, Lake County.

    The book is set in 1950s Florida and follows the story of Addie Ann, a young woman who tells a lie to pursue her dream of becoming a Hollywood actress. However, her lie puts her family in danger and leads to a collision with the Tampa mafia.

    Lori shares her background as a tax accountant turned writer and her journey to becoming a published author. She also emphasizes the importance of writing the book you want to read and developing all aspects of writing, including plot, characters, and setting.

    New York Times Bestselling Author Michael Connelly says, "I loved it. Lori's voice is so entrancing you can almost smell the orange blossoms and blood."

    Now, that will get your attention! To learn more visit: LoriRoy.com

    • WATCH & SUBSCRIBE to our channel at YouTube.com/thethrillerzone
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    • ApplePodcasts @ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-thriller-zone/id1577303372
    • Spotify @ https://open.spotify.com/show/4f5vHVcT6DvXpZJ8nopIAU?si=6823127df7044420
    • iHeartRadio @ https://www.iheart.com/podcast/338-the-thriller-zone-107694289

    Chapters
    00:00 Navigating Technical Difficulties
    00:00 The Journey to Becoming an Author
    15:55 Crafting Compelling Stories


    Award-winning Green Beret, Steve Stratton, is the author of the Shadow Tier Series and the novella, A Warrior's Path: the Lance Bear Wolf Story. Learn more at stevestrattonusa.com

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    24 mins