Author D.J. Williams is the Prime Sponsor of The Thriller Zone for September and the launch of our Season 7.

On today’s 197th episode of The Thriller Zone, now in Season 7, I’m happy to introduce my listeners & readers to an engaging conversation with my new friend, and fantastic author, DJ Williams, a rising star in the thriller genre.

Today, we discuss DJ’s journey from growing up in Hong Kong to becoming a successful author. We delve into the intricacies of the publishing world, comparing traditional and indie routes, and explore the writing process, including the importance of editing and character development.

DJ shares valuable advice for aspiring writers, emphasizing the need for authenticity and the significance of building relationships within the writing community, while DT brings up important questions for all aspiring authors.

The face-to-face discussion touches on marketing strategies and the role of cover design in attracting readers, and closes with David’s signature Best Writing Advice.

Learn more at DJWilliamsBooks.com and as always Follow & Connect with us at our new website TheThrillerZone.com.

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Takeaways:

• DJ Williams shares his unique background growing up in Hong Kong.
• The conversation explores the differences between traditional and indie publishing.
• DJ emphasizes the importance of finishing the stories you start.
• He discusses his writing process, including binge writing and outlining.
• Editing is crucial for enhancing the quality of a story.
• Building relationships in the writing community is essential for success.
• Marketing and cover design play a significant role in indie publishing.
• Authenticity in storytelling is vital for connecting with readers.
• Taking risks in writing can lead to unexpected opportunities.
• DJ's character development process is influenced by real-life experiences.

Best Sound Bites:

"This is mainstream, top-notch New York Times thriller."

"Finish the stories you start."

"Be authentic and true to your storytelling."

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to DJ Williams and His Journey

10:44 The World of Publishing: Traditional vs. Indie

20:08 The Writing Process: Outlining and Binge Writing

30:07 The Importance of Editing and Feedback

40:15 Building Relationships in the Writing Community

50:36 Marketing and Cover Design for Indie Authors

01:00:05 Advice for Aspiring Writers

01:10:15 Character Development and Storytelling

01:20:44 Final Thoughts and Future Projects

Author D.J. Williams is the Prime Sponsor of The Thriller Zone for September and the launch of our Season 7. Learn more at DJWilliamsBooks.com and get his new thriller King Of The Night now at Amazon.com

Author D.J. Williams is the Prime Sponsor of The Thriller Zone for September and the launch of our Season 7.

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
• (02:29) - Living in Charlotte and Chicago
• (04:23) - Overview of Fire and Bones
• (05:48) - Difference Between Forensic Anthropology and Writing
• (07:42) - The Creation of Temperance Brennan
• (09:38) - The Success of Kathy Reichs' First Book
• (10:35) - The Journey to Getting Published
• (15:05) - The Success of Kathy Reichs' Career
• (15:59) - The Inspiration Behind Bones
• (17:28) - Kathy Reichs' Experience in Television
• (20:21) - The Importance of Social Media for Book Promotion
• (22:18) - Writing What You Know vs. Writing What You Don't Know
• (26:06) - Career Advice for Young Kathy Reichs
• (27:58) - Final Writing Advice

Author D.J. Williams is the Prime Sponsor of The Thriller Zone for September and the launch of our Season 7. Learn more at DJWilliamsBooks.com and get his new thriller King Of The Night now at Amazon.com

Author D.J. Williams is the Prime Sponsor of The Thriller Zone for September and the launch of our Season 7.

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
• (02:56) - The Success of Falling and Drowning
• (04:27) - The Inspiration for Worst Case Scenario
• (06:21) - Researching the Vulnerabilities of Nuclear Facilities
• (08:44) - The Process of Writing and Outlining
• (13:37) - Creating Emotional Connections with Characters
• (15:34) - The Enormity of the Situation in Worst Case Scenario
• (17:31) - Ethical Dilemmas and Gray Areas in Thrillers
• (19:53) - Gratitude for Success and Connecting with Readers
• (24:50) - The Power of Thrillers to Evoke Emotions
• (29:27) - The Writing Process and Character Development
• (31:54) - The Importance of Reader Experience
• (36:38) - Creating an Enjoyable Reading Experience
• (37:57) - Books vs Movies: Active Participation vs Passive Watching
• (45:35) - Making the New York Times Best Seller List as a Debut Author
• (47:22) - Cutting Through the Noise: Grabbing Readers' Attention
• (52:00) - Adapting Books into Screenplays: Compression and Economy of Words
• (59:41) - Authenticity in Writing and Life
• (01:05:34) - The Importance of Support on the Writing Journey

Author D.J. Williams is the Prime Sponsor of The Thriller Zone for September and the launch of our Season 7. Learn more at DJWilliamsBooks.com and get his new thriller King Of The Night now at Amazon.com