On today's 196th episode of The Thriller Zone, host David Temple interviews #1 New York Times Bestselling author Kathy Reichs to discuss her latest book, Fire and Bones.

David and Kathy also discuss her career as a forensic anthropologist and the inspiration behind her popular character, Temperance Brennan. They also touch on the success of the TV show "Bones," which was based on Reichs' books; it's a character-driven show with humor even as it deals with violent death.

FIRE AND BONES follows forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan as she investigates a fire and discovers a sub cellar with another set of remains.

Later in the show, Reichs shares her writing advice and emphasizes the importance of perseverance and commitment to the craft. Overall, the conversation highlights Reichs' expertise in forensic science and her ability to create compelling and humorous characters.

David challenges his podcast audience to pay close attention to Kathy's insights, as part of David's Signature Best Writing Advice, as it's her personal "formula" for writing successful fiction.

Here is a snapshot of that conversation: Reichs emphasizes the importance of perseverance and commitment to writing, encouraging aspiring writers to sit down and write consistently. She believes that it's possible to write about something you don't know, as long as you thoroughly research the subject and consult experts in the field. Reichs advises writers to not be afraid of making decisions and to be open to changing career paths if necessary.

To learn more visit: KathyReichs.com, of course tune into TheThrillerZone.com, watch this podcast on https://www.youtube.com/@TheThrillerZone/videos and learn more about the host at TheDavidTemple.com

Chapters:

• 00:00 Introduction and Season Seven Kickoff
• 02:16 Living in Charlotte and Chicago
• 04:10 Overview of Fire and Bones
• 05:35 Difference Between Forensic Anthropology and Writing
• 07:29 The Creation of Temperance Brennan
• 09:25 The Success of Kathy Reichs' First Book
• 10:22 The Journey to Getting Published
• 13:45 The Success of Kathy Reichs' Career
• 14:39 The Inspiration Behind Bones
• 16:08 Kathy Reichs' Experience in Television
• 19:01 The Importance of Social Media for Book Promotion
• 20:58 Writing What You Know vs. Writing What You Don't Know
• 24:46 Career Advice for Young Kathy Reichs
• 26:38 Final Writing Advice

• (00:00) - Introduction and Season Seven Kickoff
• (02:16) - Living in Charlotte and Chicago
• (04:10) - Overview of Fire and Bones
• (05:35) - Difference Between Forensic Anthropology and Writing
• (07:29) - The Creation of Temperance Brennan
• (09:25) - The Success of Kathy Reichs' First Book
• (10:22) - The Journey to Getting Published
• (13:45) - The Success of Kathy Reichs' Career
• (14:39) - The Inspiration Behind Bones
• (16:08) - Kathy Reichs' Experience in Television
• (19:01) - The Importance of Social Media for Book Promotion
• (20:58) - Writing What You Know vs. Writing What You Don't Know
• (24:46) - Career Advice for Young Kathy Reichs
• (26:38) - Final Writing Advice

On today’s 195th & Final episode of Season Six of The Thriller Zone, host David Temple interviews New York Times Bestselling Author TJ Newman about her latest book, Worst Case Scenario.

They discuss the inspiration behind the book, the research process, and the challenges of writing a plot-heavy thriller.

Ms. Newman shares her gratitude for the success of her previous books and the joy of connecting with readers. The conversation also touches on the importance of creating emotional connections with characters and the impact of storytelling on readers.

TJ discusses the importance of keeping readers engaged and immersed in the story, comparing books to movies and highlighting the active participation of readers in books. She also talks about the challenges of getting attention in a world filled with distractions and the importance of writing the best story possible.

TJ shares her experience of adapting her book into a screenplay and the art of compression in screenwriting. She emphasizes the need for authenticity and pursuing what interests you in writing and life.

TJ also reflects on her journey as an author and the support she has received from her family and alma mater.

To learn more visit: TJNewmanAuthor.com and Pre-Order Your Copy of Worst Case Scenario Today!

• (00:00) - Introduction and Welcome
• (02:43) - The Success of Falling and Drowning
• (04:14) - The Inspiration for Worst Case Scenario
• (06:08) - Researching the Vulnerabilities of Nuclear Facilities
• (08:31) - The Process of Writing and Outlining
• (13:24) - Creating Emotional Connections with Characters
• (15:21) - The Enormity of the Situation in Worst Case Scenario
• (17:18) - Ethical Dilemmas and Gray Areas in Thrillers
• (19:40) - Gratitude for Success and Connecting with Readers
• (24:37) - The Power of Thrillers to Evoke Emotions
• (29:14) - The Writing Process and Character Development
• (31:41) - The Importance of Reader Experience
• (36:25) - Creating an Enjoyable Reading Experience
• (37:44) - Books vs Movies: Active Participation vs Passive Watching
• (44:15) - Making the New York Times Best Seller List as a Debut Author
• (46:02) - Cutting Through the Noise: Grabbing Readers' Attention
• (50:40) - Adapting Books into Screenplays: Compression and Economy of Words
• (58:21) - Authenticity in Writing and Life
• (01:04:14) - The Importance of Support on the Writing Journey

On today’s 194th episode and FINAL SHOW of SEASON SIX, we welcome Henry Wise, author of the debut thriller Holy City, as he joins David Temple on The Thriller Zone.

David and Henry discuss Henry's Southern roots and how they influenced his writing, his experience at both Virginia Military Institute and Ole Miss. MORE importantly they discuss the process of getting his book published.

Best of all, we explore the themes and characters in Holy City, highlighting the complexity of the South and the importance of writing about what is most important to you.

The conversation ends with Henry sharing his best writing advice.

It’s the perfect way to wrap Season 6 and gives The Thriller Zone a bit of a Summer Vacation break as we prepare to launch Season Seven very soon!

Learn more about Henry at HenryWise.com

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction and Southern Roots

02:20 From VMI to Ole Miss

04:10 Choosing Holy City as the Debut Novel

07:20 Exploring the Complexity of the South

12:00 Writing About What Matters Most

15:14 Capturing a Sense of Home and Atmosphere

TOPICS:
The importance of writing about what is most important to you

The complexity of the South and the need to portray authentic characters

The persistence and determination required in the publishing process

The value of receiving validation and support from other writers

The significance of capturing a sense of home and atmosphere in writing