Tag

Writing

Fiction, Suspense, Thriller, Writers on Writing

Mar 04: NYT Bestselling Author Caitlin Rother’s New Thriller – Hooked

March 5, 2026

His Case. Her Story. Their hearts on the line.

Hooked – A Thriller with Caitlin Rother

In Caitlin Rother‘s new thriller, Hooked, two biotech execs from a company developing a new drug turn up dead in the ritzy enclave of La Jolla, San Diego. Things don’t add up. But when journalist Kate Chopin and surfing homicide detective Ken Goode show up to investigate … well, sparks fly for more than one reason.

Caitlin Rother shares insights into: How she developed her storyline. How and why she wanted both lead characters to be “good” ethical people; how she kept them interesting and slightly flawed. Challenges of writing fiction.

We also discuss shared connections between protagonists Kate and Ken, and author Caitlin, of losing someone close to suicide. And Caitlin shares her nostalgia for the days of good old-fashioned newsrooms, when the truth came out, no matter what the cost.

Meet Caitlin Rother

Caitlin Rother is a New York Times bestselling author, Pulitzer-nominated investigative reporter, and the woman behind 16 true crime books — including Death on Ocean Boulevard, the haunting investigation into the mysterious death of Rebecca Zahau that’s now being developed as a TV series. She’s appeared on 20/20, Investigation Discovery, and Netflix. Caitlin Rother has a degree in psychology and a masters in journalism. Her first novel Naked Addiction introduced homicide detective, Ken Goode. Today he returns in Hooked.

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Fiction, Thriller, Writers on Writing

Feb 26: #1 International Bestselling Author Steve Berry with The Devil’s Bible

February 25, 2026

Steve Berry celebrates the 20th book in Cotton Malone thriller series

The Devil’s Bible, A Cotton Malone Novel with Steve Berry

Today we celebrate a milestone with Steve Berry that very few thriller writers reach. The Devil’s Bible is Berry’s 20th novel featuring the same hero — Cotton Malone.

Blending real-life history with a flair for creative license is Berry’s trademark. The Devil’s Bible blends conspiracies, loyalties, betrayals, countries at odds, and our familiar favorite characters along with breakneck pacing.

In this latest adventure, Cotton and Cassiopeia are back, and working together. We dig a little into their relationship and how these characters have grown over two decades of missions, close calls, and complicated feelings.

Steve discusses his research trip to Stockholm. And shares insight into one of history’s most unsettling, yet fascinating, artifacts: The Devil’s Bible.

Meet Steve Berry

Steve Berry is the New York Times and #1 internationally bestselling author of 26 novels, including The Devil’s Bible. His books have been translated into 41 languages with over 26,000,000 copies in 52 countries. They consistently appear in the top echelon of The New York Times, USA Today, and Indie bestseller lists. Somewhere in the world, every thirty seconds, one of his novels is sold.

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Inspirational

Feb 18: A New Orleans Pup That Won Hearts Around the Globe with Kaye Courington

February 18, 2026
Author Kaye Courington with SCRIM: A New Orleans Story of Resilience & Rescue

How SCRIM evaded capture for months while a whole city chased him.

What do you get when you mix a scrappy terrier, two gunshot wounds, flight from a second-storey window, a hurricane, a six-inch snowstorm, and the entire city of New Orleans on a nine-month search and rescue mission?

You get SCRIM: A New Orleans Story of Resilience and Rescue — a beautifully illustrated picture book about the true story that made headlines around the globe.

From The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Wall Street Journal to international publications and news stations around the world, the story of SCRIM had us glued to our screens routing for the scruffy white dog who outsmarted an entire city.

My guest today is Kaye Courington, the debut author of SCRIM: A New Orleans Story of Resilience and Rescue.

Meet Kaye Courington

As an award-winning New Orleans attorney, a CEO, community leader, and animal advocate Kaye Courington has dedicated her life to service. She wrote this book because, “Scrim’s story represents the resiliency and strong community of New Orleans.” Kaye is a lifelong advocate for animal welfare, and has worked tirelessly to promote rescue, rehabilitation and responsible adoption. SCRIM: A New Orleans Story of Resilience and Rescue is Kaye Courington’s first book. She is donating all author royalties of SCRIM to local animal rescues. Illustrations by Aileen Bennett,

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Fiction, Thriller, Writers on Writing

Jan 28: #1 NYT Bestelling Author Brad Meltzer with The Viper

January 28, 2026

Meltzer’s first thriller in four years … Zig & Nola explore deadly secrets

The Viper – A Zig & Nola Novel with Brad Meltzer

Brad Meltzer‘s two favorite characters are called to resolve a dark and deadly secret in The Viper, Brad’s third book in the Zig and Nola series.

As we expect from Brad Meltzer, the story is full of intrigue from Dover Air Force Base mysteries and witness protection, to veteran mental health, family secrets, and murder.

We discuss character development, some of the fascinating research Brad uncovered, writing across multiple genres, and how he chooses his next creative project. And while he thrills on the page with complex characters and unexpected plot twists, Brad leaves us with simple, yet powerful words of wisdom for today’s chaotic world.

Meet Brad Meltzer

Brad Meltzer is the Emmy-nominated, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Lightning Rod, The Escape Artist, and 11 other bestselling thrillers. He also writes non-fiction books like The JFK Conspiracy, and the Ordinary People Change the World kids book series, which he does with Chris Eliopoulos. In addition to his fiction, Brad is one of the only authors to ever have books on the bestseller list for Non-Fiction (The Nazi Conspiracy), Advice (Heroes for My Son and Heroes for My Daughter), Children’s Books (I Am Amelia Earhart and I Am Abraham Lincoln) and even comic books (Justice League of America), for which he won the prestigious Eisner Award. As the host of Brad Meltzer’s Lost History and Brad Meltzer’s Decoded on the History Channel, Brad is responsible for helping find the missing 9/11 flag.

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Creativity, Non Fiction, Personal Development, Writers on Writing

Dec 24: Someday Is Today: 22 Simple, Actionable Ways to Propel Your Creative Life

December 24, 2025

Stop making excuses. Stop procrastinating. Matthew Dicks shares how.

Podcast SOMEDAY IS TODAY with Matthew Dicks

What … you’re too busy? You have too much on your plate? You’re too tired, spread thin, and up to your elbows in alligators?

Guessing at some time that most of us have used excuses to procrastinate on what we “say” we really want to do.

Matthew Dicks says: If not today, then when?

He’s a husband, father of six, school teacher, wedding band player, corporate communications consultant, creative coach, Moth GrandSLAM champ, humorist, advice columnist, and more.

We share many of Matthew’s tips, including how to find black holes in your day and go from making excuses to making someday, today!

Meet Matthew Dicks

Matthew Dicks is a multiple-winner of the Moth GrandSLAM Story Competitions. His other books include Stories Sell – podcast. And Storyworthy – podcast. Today we discuss Someday is Today: 22 Simple, Actionable Ways to Propel Your Creative Life. 

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Adventure, Biography, Journalism, Non Fiction

Dec 17: Behind Every Successful Man (Or Pirate) There’s A Woman

December 17, 2025

The Pirate’s Wife – The Remarkable True Story of Sarah Kidd

When Captain William Kidd was arrested for piracy and murder, his wife, Sarah, fought tirelessly to save him and reclaim their confiscated fortune. Left destitute after his execution, Sarah navigated the treacherous waters of colonial New York society, reinventing herself and ultimately building a new life from the ruins of scandal and tragedy.

Today we learn how author Daphne Palmer Geanacopoulos approached this forgotten story with meticulous historical research, piecing together Sarah’s life from scattered court documents, property records, and colonial archives. Daphne’s intimate storytelling shines a light on a remarkable woman who deserves recognition in her own right—not merely as the wife of a famous pirate, but as a survivor and a force to be reckoned with in early American history.

About Daphne Palmer Geanacopoulos

The Pirate’s Wife – The Remarkable True Story of Sarah Kidd is Daphne Palmer Geanacopoulos’ second book (narrative nonfiction). A recognized historian, Daphne is also a journalist and author who has spent over 15 years pursuing her passion for pirates, researching not just them and their lives, but also their wives.  Dr. Geanacopoulos writes on history, business, science, health, fitness, education, museums, parenting, philanthropy, and lifestyles and has been featured in many major outlets, including The New York Times, the Washington Post, and Southern Living.

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Fiction, Thriller, Writers on Writing

Dec 10: TEQUILA – A Story of Success, Love, & Violence with Tim Reuben

December 10, 2025

Suspense novel introduces young lawyer Brian Youngam

Tequila A Story of Success, Love, and Violence with author Tim Reuben

What happens when ambition, love, and lethal violence collide in the high-stakes world of tequila production?

Author and legal entrepreneur Tim Reuben joins us to talk about his powerful debut novel TEQUILA: A Story of Success, Love, & Violence, an epic tale set against the real-world landscape of Mexico’s booming tequila industry. It’s a story of risk, loyalty, betrayal – and the cost of chasing greatness.

We discuss craft, character, culture, and the line between success and destruction. Who Tim’s favorite character is, and why he made his lead antagonist absolutely irredeemable.

Tim also shares why writing his first fiction book was like “climbing a mountain“, from the highs and the thrills to the lows; and how he pushed through self-doubt.

Meet Tim Reuben

Novelist, Tim Reuben, is a veteran civil litigation attorney, a mediator, and a temporary judge in the LA courts. He founded his own law firm more than 30 years ago, and still manages the practice, while publishing widely on topics of law and society. Inspired by his law and travel experiences, and an appreciation of spirits, Reuben introduces his first novel, TEQUILA: A Story of Success, Love, & Violence, and has plans for at least two more-family saga suspense novels featuring protagonist, Brian Youngman.

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Craft of Writing, Creativity, Memoir, Non Fiction

Dec 03: What Makes A Story? A Day, A Life, A Year. And You.

December 3, 2025

#1 New York Times bestselling author shares You The Story: A Writer’s Guide to Craft Through Memory

You the Story with author Ruta Sepetys

During the pandemic, award-winning historical fiction author Ruta Sepetys turned inward.

“I discovered,” she says, “that the most meaningful aspects [of story] dwell within what I call the wave. That wave is heartbreak, hope, humor, and humiliation.”

We all experience those feelings. And in You The Story: A Writer’s Guide to Craft Through Memory, we explore how small moments can become powerful stories. We look at the elements of story construction, and how to tap into your emotions, find gems in humor, and discover rhythm from simple everyday things such as the way someone speaks. We also share how to discover your voice, your vision, your inspiration, and much more about storytelling.

“It is less about where we have traveled or worked or if we have experienced grand adventures,” says Ruta. “It is more about the interior landscape. And through that, we all have a story.”

Meet Ruta Sepetys

An internationally acclaimed, #1 New York Times bestselling author of historical fiction, Ruta Sepetys is a Carnegie Medal Finalist; her books have won or been shortlisted for over 40 awards. Ruta’s work on human resilience garnered invitations to speak at NATO, the European Parliament, the U.S. Capitol, the Library of Congress, and Embassies worldwide. Ruta Sepetys was presented the Cross of the Knight of the Order by the President of Lithuania for her contributions to education and memory preservation. She was also honored with a postage stamp containing her image. You The Story: A Writer’s Guide to Craft Through Memory is Ruta’s first nonfiction book.

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Fiction, Humor, Memoir, Writers on Writing

Nov 26: Gary Lippman with A Literary Wish List

November 26, 2025

From fantastical to deeply personal, Lippman explores wishes in I Wish, Therefore I Am

I Wish, Therefore I Am with author Gary Lippman

Gary Lippman is a writer unafraid to take risks, who challenges both himself and his readers, while exploring the big (and little) questions of life.

Today, we dive into the nature of wishes with I Wish, Therefore I Am; or, This Here Is a List of Humble Appeals to Dame Fortune.

Gary reveals why he often chooses to shatter traditional narrative forms and bend genres. We discuss some of the writers and mentors who have helped shape his vision. We talk form, structure, and storytelling – sharing some of the wishes from the book, from anxieties, self-doubt, and self-help desires, to love and rewards. And we discover what Gary learned about himself while writing I Wish Therefore I Am.

Meet Gary Lippman

Gary Lippman is an author, journalist, and cultural commentator known for his inventive storytelling and keen eye for the eccentricities of human nature. His work has appeared in The New York Times, Rolling Stone, Vice, and numerous literary journals. His novel, Set the Controls for the Heart of Sharon Tate, won praise for its originality and darkly comic voice. Lippman’s latest book, I Wish, therefore I Am; or, This Here Is a List of Humble Appeals to Dame Fortune, showcases his signature blend of humor, insight, and genre-bending.

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Fiction, Thriller, Writers on Writing

Nov 19: Kiss Her Goodbye, A Novel with Lisa Gardner

November 19, 2025

Can Frankie Elkin Find a Young Afghan Refugee in Time?

Kiss Her Goodbye with author Lisa Gardner

It’s always a great conversation with Lisa Gardner. As one of America’s leading thriller writers, Lisa loves to discuss the craft of writing. She also shares unique and interesting stories gathered from the extensive research she does to make her stories authentic.

When Frankie Elkin sets out to save an entire family from its haunting past in Kiss Her Goodbye, every decision could lead to disaster, as love and loss collide.

We discuss the emotional and moral undercurrents of Lisa Gardner’s Kiss Her Goodbye and hear some of the stories behind the story. We also learn how the concept for Kiss Her Goodbye was sparked by a conversation with strangers, while she was on sabbatical. And, Lisa shares some of the research that left her astonished.

Meet Lisa Gardner

Lisa Gardner, a #1 New York Times bestselling thriller novelist, has transformed her interest in police procedure and criminal minds into a streak of internationally acclaimed novels, published across 30 countries. She’s also had four books become TV movies (At the Midnight Hour; The Perfect Husband; The Survivors Club; Hide). Lisa’s books have received awards from across the globe. Her novel, The Neighbor, won Best Hardcover Novel from the International Thriller Writers, and the Grand Prix des Lectrices de Elle in France. She was also recognized with the Daphne du Maurier Award in 2000 for The Other Daughter.

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