Thriller 101 – Details, episodes & analysis

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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 like
• How she balances writing unlikable protagonists
• The unexpected challenges that come after you finally land that book deal

Bio: 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)

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Study the Opening Paragraphs of the Top Authors Writing Thrillers Right Now

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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

1. The Art of Dual POV & Crafting Psychological Thrillers with Liz Alterman
2. Writing Character Backstory with Author Liz Alterman
3. Literary Agent and Author Jenna Satterthwaite on Making it in the Publishing Industry

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Study the Opening Paragraphs of the Top Authors Writing Thrillers Right Now

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Ever wondered why it feels nearly impossible to land a literary agent these days? 

In this episode, I had a chat with Vicky Weber, a literary agent, bestselling children's author, and marketing strategist, who pulls back the curtain on the harsh realities facing today's publishing industry. 

Vicky reveals why the bar for getting agented has skyrocketed, how agents are making just $20 on some deals, and why editors no longer do the developmental work they used to. 

But more importantly, she shares a few of the strategies that helped one of her books profit over $18,000 and explains exactly what agents are really looking for when they say a manuscript "isn't the right fit." 

If you're serious about getting published, this conversation will fundamentally change how you approach querying, revisions, and building relationships in the industry.

What You'll Learn:

• Why developmental editing now falls on authors, not editors
• The marketing plan framework that can ensure your book doesn’t flop
• How to signal coachability and professionalism in queries

Click here to learn more about Vicky

At Home Author Blog

Guest Bio: Vicky Weber is a literary agent, bestselling children’s book author, and publishing industry expert with years of experience helping authors navigate both traditional and self-publishing. As the founder of At Home Author, she has guided countless writers through the process of crafting, publishing, and marketing successful books. With a background in education, Vicky is passionate about breaking down complex industry concepts into actionable steps. Whether securing book deals for her clients or sharing insights on the ever-evolving publishing market, she is dedicated to helping authors turn their creative dreams into reality.

Episodes I think you'll love

1. Turn Your Manuscript into a Page-Turner Using The Central Question Framework with Julie Tyler Ruiz
2. Author Liz Alterman Reveals Her Weekly Writing Ritual That Transforms First Drafts Into Gold And How to Know When Your Story Idea Is Worth Writing
3. Literary Agent Jessica Berg Shares How to Catch an Agent's Eye

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

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5 Minute Writer
Article
Elle's Website
Connect with Elle on Twitter
Connect with David on Twitter

3 BIG TAKEAWAYS

1. Agent author relationship
2. Editing your manuscript
3. Using your life experiences to influence your fiction

EPISODE INFO:
Are you wondering what happens after you sign with an agent? Will you go through edits? What will that relationship be like? Today’s guest is going to tell us what to expect when we enter into that important relationship.

Today’s guest is debut author Elle Grawl. She is a lawyer, professor, and author of psychological thrillers One of Those Faces (out now) and What Still Burns (coming Aug. 2023).

In this episode, I asked Elle all about her querying process, as well as what happened after she signed with her agent. It’s a really interesting part of the process that we don’t hear about too much and I thought it was so interesting. 

BIO:
Elle Grawl is a lawyer by day and writer by night. After obtaining her B.A. in English Literature, she took a detour into law before returning to her love of writing. 

Her lifelong interest in true crime and experiences as an attorney have provided her with plenty of writing material. Elle enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband and their two dogs. 

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5 Minute Writer
Article
The Jordy Albert Literary Agency
Connect with Helen on Twitter
Connect with David on Twitter

3 BIG TAKEAWAYS

1. What are agents looking for in an author?
2. How to approach the querying process
3. The state of the publishing industry

EPISODE INFO:
If you want to land an agent in 2023, you’re going to love this conversation with my guest today.

Today’s guest, Helen Lane, is relatively new to this whole agenting thing. She has amazing insights on what it takes to get signed by an agent in 2023!

How many queries do agents get? What are they looking for? How are they organizing the workload? All this and more.

And as a bonus, she even shares what she’ll be looking for when she reopens this year! So let’s get into the interview!b

BIO:
Helen Lane started at The Booker Albert Literary Agency as an intern/ assistant having previously interned for other leading agencies. She is a writer of YA and Adult Fantasy. She has a BSc in Environmental Science from the University of East Anglia and a postgrad qualification in Acoustics. She is passionate about books and has spent the last decade working with manuscripts. She lives in London with her family and the world’s naughtiest cocker spaniel.  

Helen is actively building her list and represents YA, NA, and Adult.

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Study the Opening Paragraphs of the Top Authors Writing Thrillers Right Now

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5 Minute Writer
Catherine McKenzie Interview
Katherine Ramsland Interview

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5 Minute Writer
Article
Catherine's Website
Connect with Catherine on Twitter
Connect with David on Twitter

3 BIG TAKEAWAYS

1. Getting and implementing feedback that keeps your story
2. Importance of surrounding yourself with people you trust
3. Planning for your debut now

EPISODE INFO:
Have you wondered what project you should be taking on? Do you have multiple works in progress rolling around in your head (or on your computer)? You’re not alone. 

As writers it feels like we face so much rejection that we start to second guess ourselves. What’s going to sell? What’s going to land you an agent? 

In the end, you already know which project you need to be working on. But let’s have my guest today tell you why you already know!

BIO:
Catherine McKenzie was born and raised in Montreal, Canada. A graduate of McGill in History and Law, Catherine practiced law for twenty years before leaving the practice to write full time. An avid runner, skier and tennis player, she’s the author of numerous bestsellers including HIDDEN, FRACTURED, THE GOOD LIAR and I’LL NEVER TELL. Her works have been translated into multiple languages and PLEASE JOIN US and I’LL NEVER TELL have all been optioned for development into television series.

Her next novel, HAVE YOU SEEN HER, is releasing on June 27, 2023!

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Happy New Year! I know I've been sporadic about publishing during the last few months. So I wanted to explain WHY and then make a New Year's resolution that pertains to you. 

But first I want to just say thank you. You've all been amazing about supporting me. 

You've connected with me on Twitter. You've rated and reviewed the podcast and recommended it to writing friends. I can't thank you enough for all that.

But what today is about is about 2023 and what that holds for Writerly Lifestyle. This one is going to be short and to the point!

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Study the Opening Paragraphs of the Top Authors Writing Thrillers Right Now

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17 Things to Think About When Talking to an Agent/Publisher
Article
Jessica's Website
First Interview with Jessica
Interview with Katherine Ramsland
Interview with Bryan Young
Connect with Jessica on Twitter
Connect with David on Twitter

3 BIG TAKEAWAYS

1. Getting and implementing feedback that keeps your story
2. Importance of surrounding yourself with people you trust
3. Planning for your debut now

EPISODE INFO:
What should you be doing NOW to have a successful debut launch? Jessica Payne helps us understand the ins-and-outs of preparing for a writing career.

Are you wondering what you can be doing right now to launch a successful debut book? Whether you’re agented or not, even if you’re just querying or even still editing or drafting. 

I asked Jessica Payne this exact question. After successfully launching her career with her debut novel MAKE ME DISAPPEAR, then following it up with another great launch of yet another fantastic thriller THE LUCKY ONE. 

Jessica knows a thing or two about what you can do NOW so that your launch goes smoothly even if it’s months or years from now.

Last time on the podcast I talked to Bryan Young who shares how he finds readers for his fiction through his other interests. 

It’s a great pairing for this episode with Jessica Payne. So if you liked this and want to learn more about what you can do to plan for your writing career, definitely check that episode out.

BIO:
Jessica grew up in Kansas City, later moving to the Pacific Northwest where the mountains and Puget Sound became home. Beyond writing, she loves to run, rock climb, and explore the great outdoors with her daughter and husband. She is also an RN. When holding still, which isn’t often, you’ll find a book in her hand and a cat or dog in her lap. Jessica writes suspense and thriller and is the host of #MomsWritersClub on Twitter and YouTube.

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

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5 Minute Writer
Article
Connect with Bryan on Twitter

Last week on the interview series I talked to author, Katherine Ramsland. She shared how to turn the true stories we hear into fiction.

First Interview with Jessica Payne. (Be sure to subscribe for new Jessica Payne interview in the coming weeks!)

3 BIG TAKEAWAYS 

1. Using nonfiction to build a community
2. How to find writing opportunities
3. Writing what you love

BIO
Bryan Young (he/they) works across many different media. His work as a writer and producer has been called "filmmaking gold" by The New York Times. He's also published comic books with Slave Labor Graphics and Image Comics. He's been a regular contributor for the Huffington Post, StarWars.com, Star Wars Insider magazine, SYFY, /Film, and was the founder and editor in chief of the geek news and review site Big Shiny Robot! IN 2014, he wrote the critically acclaimed history book, A Children’s Illustrated History of Presidential Assassination. He co-authored Robotech: The Macross Saga RPG has written two books in the BattleTech Universe: Honor's Gauntlet and A Question of Survival. He teaches writing for Writer’s Digest, Script Magazine, and at the University of Utah. Follow him on Twitter @swankmotron.

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