The Story Blender

New York Times bestselling novelist Jayne Ann Krentz joins me to talk about what romantic suspense actually is (and is not), how to identify your strengths in the stories you tell, true heroism, how a love story is different from a romance story, and the most interesting character in PARADISE LOST. We also chat about her latest romantic suspense novel THE SHOP ON HIDDEN LANE. Check it out!

This week, I caught up with screenwriter Bede Blake, one of my favorite instructors on the craft of writing and story, and the host of the YouTube channel PillarBoxer. On the channel, Bede shares ideas and insights into screenwriting—what works, what doesn’t, and why. He’s an expert at breaking down stories and has a fresh perspective you’re not going to get anywhere else. Listen in and be sure to subscribe to PillarBoxer on YouTube.

C.J. Box, the #1 New York Times bestselling author, joins me this week to talk about his iconic character, Joe Pickett, and his latest novel, THE CROSSROADS. Learn why he’s named “Joe,” what makes him so appealing, and how he has grown over the years. C.J. shares his thoughts about believability, authenticity, the importance of the West in his stories, and his personal advice to all aspiring authors. Check it out!

With the Olympics here this month, there’s no better time to check out a chilling, ice skating thriller. This week, bestselling author Wendy Walker, author of the critically acclaimed new novel BLADE, joins me to talk about her approach, how details matter, adding authenticity to stories, and what is more important—plotting or receptivity. As a former competitive ice skater, she tells a gripping story you won’t soon forget.

Legendary medical thriller author Robin Cook joins me this week. Author of more than forty books, he shares his origin story of how he wrote his first book while he was underwater for 75 days on a submarine, and once interviewed a Russian scientist who defected and whose team had hoarded enough anthrax to kill everyone on the planet. In addition, Robin shares his advice on writing and the inside scoop on his latest novel, SPASM. Check it out!