On today's 229th episode of The Thriller Zone, host Dave Temple dives into the thrilling world of indie authorship with the debut of Josh Mendoza and his book, *Shadow of the Eternal Watcher*.

Right off the bat, this title has got some serious flair! Not only does it have a cover that could make even the grumpiest bookworm smile, but it’s also packed with enough tension and excitement to keep you on the edge of your seat.

Josh, who’s also an indie filmmaker, brings a unique perspective to storytelling, blending his cinematic flair with the art of writing.

We’ll chat about the journey of getting his book into the world, the challenges of adapting stories from page to screen, and why indie creators are the true rock stars of the storytelling universe.

So grab a snack and get ready, because this chat is all about the thrills, the spills, and maybe a few creative hacks along the way!

Takeaways:

• The episode dives into the life of indie filmmaker and debut author Josh Mendoza, who discusses his book 'Shadow of the Eternal Watcher' and his journey into storytelling.
• Josh reveals he originally aimed to be an author before getting sidetracked into filmmaking, showcasing the crossover between books and movies.
• We get an inside look at Josh's filmmaking process, including tips on how to create visually appealing movies on a tight budget.
• The conversation highlights the importance of consistency in writing, as Josh encourages aspiring authors to set achievable goals, like writing 500 words a day.
• Listeners learn about the challenges of adapting books into films, and the creative solutions filmmakers use to bring stories to life on screen.
• Finally, we explore the mashup of genres in storytelling, as Josh combines elements of sci-fi and noir, proving there's no one way to craft a thrilling narrative.

Links referenced in this episode:

• joshmendoza.com

Keywords: thriller podcast, Shadow of the Eternal Watcher, Josh Mendoza author, indie filmmaker interview, book to film adaptation, debut author insights, writing advice for authors, filmmaking tips, thriller genre discussion, self-publishing strategies, indie filmmaking challenges, creative storytelling techniques, book cover design, PR for authors, cinematic storytelling, writing process, genre mashup novels, author interviews, indie film production, narrative techniques in fiction

Mentioned in this episode:

RIVIAN Comm

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SEASON 9 PROMO

Season 9 of The Thriller Zone launches Thursday, June 19th at 2AM-West/5AM-East.

The 228th episode of The Thriller Zone is a laid-back, celebratory throwback as host Dave Temple takes a breather for Memorial Day weekend. He’s treating us to a thrilling two-for-one special with interviews from two heavyweights in the thriller genre, Jon Katzenbach and Matthew Quirk.

First up is Jon Katzenbach, who shares insights about his riveting work, *Jack's Boys*, while reminiscing about his journey from a crime reporter to a bestselling author. Dave and Jon dive into the intricacies of writing thrillers, touching on the psychological depth of characters and the importance of storytelling. Jon’s humor and engaging anecdotes add a delightful flavor to the conversation, making it feel like a casual chat between friends rather than a structured interview.

The episode wraps up with a sneak peek into Matthew Quirk’s perspective, who reflects on his work in *The Night Agent* and the challenges of adapting it for television. This episode is a perfect blend of nostalgia, humor, and rich storytelling insights, making it a must-listen for thriller aficionados.

This episode is rich with valuable writing advice, engaging stories, and the camaraderie of two talented authors...certainly makes for a Thriller Zone Memorial Celebration!

Follow us @ TheThrillerZone.com

Mentioned in this episode:

SEASON 9 PROMO

Season 9 of The Thriller Zone launches Thursday, June 19th at 2AM-West/5AM-East.

RIVIAN Comm

Rivian—electric adventure vehicles built for the wild. Go anywhere, do anything, and drive into the future with confidence. Explore more at Rivian.com

Get ready to dive into Episode #227 when host Dave Temple leads The Thriller Zone with an electrifying conversation in the world of Silent Horizons with his pal Jack Stewart!

We’re kicking off this chat by unpacking the thrilling journey of co-authoring this new gem, blending Jack's storytelling magic with Chad Robichaux's real-life experiences.

Expect some juicy tales about the creative process, the ups and downs of writing alongside someone else, and a sprinkle of witty banter that keeps things light.

We’ll touch on how this book isn’t just about action-packed moments; it’s a heartfelt exploration of faith, family, and the human experience in tough times.

So, grab your snacks, settle in, and let’s get into the good stuff!

Learn more at JackStewartBooks.com and TheThrillerZone.com

Takeaways:

• In this episode, Jack Stewart shares the behind-the-scenes process of co-authoring his latest book, 'Silent Horizons', and how it differs from his solo projects.
• We dive into the unique challenges and joys of writing collaboratively, especially when it comes to balancing creative visions with a writing partner.
• Jack gives an insightful glimpse into the themes of 'Silent Horizons', emphasizing its focus on authenticity and the struggles of faith amidst turmoil.
• The podcast highlights the dynamic between humor and serious topics, showcasing how humor can be a great tool to connect with audiences about tough subjects.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Silent Horizons
• Bogey Spades
• Unknown Writer
• Outlaw
• Chad Robichaux
• Saving Aziz
• Mighty Oaks
• Tyndale House Publishing
• Web Griffin
• Tom Clancy
• Andrews and Wilson

Mentioned in this episode:

SEASON 9 PROMO

Season 9 of The Thriller Zone launches Thursday, June 19th at 2AM-West/5AM-East.

RIVIAN Open

Rivian—electric adventure vehicles built for the wild. Go anywhere, do anything, and drive into the future with confidence. Explore more at Rivian.com

RIVIAN Comm

Rivian—electric adventure vehicles built for the wild. Go anywhere, do anything, and drive into the future with confidence. Explore more at Rivian.com