3-Part Formula for Writing Compelling Red Herrings That Mislead Without Cheating Readers with Author Eloise Corvo
Send me a Text Message!Find out more about Eloise here.In this interview, I talk to author Eloise Corvo about her debut novel OFF THE BEATEN PATH. Eloise reveals her practical three-part framework for crafting effective red herrings, which is a vital skill for any thriller, mystery, suspense, or crime fiction writer.You’ll discover essential writing tips for balancing misdirection with reader satisfaction and gain insider insights into publishing options beyond traditional routes.Whether you're drafting your first mystery or refining your tenth thriller, Eloise's practical advice on how to write compelling suspense will transform your approach to planting clues and creating satisfying twists.This episode packed with actionable writing techniques is perfect for mystery authors looking to elevate their craft and engage readers from page one to the final reveal.What Listeners Will LearnThe Three-Element Formula for Red HerringsMystery Structure and PacingPublishing Journey Insights
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Writing Your Series & Developing Dynamic Characters with Author Stephen Spotswood
Send me a Text Message!Find out more about Stephen SpotswoodListen to the episode with Douglas CorleoneCome hang out for an interesting conversation with author Stephen Spotswood as he shares his creative process behind his successful Pentecost Parker thriller series. In this episode, Stephen shares his writing tips for crafting engaging mystery series characters that evolve across multiple books while maintaining reader interest. Whether you're interested in the writing techniques, genre-blending strategies, or the practical aspects of planning a multi-book series, this interview delivers valuable insights for writers at any stage. Discover how Spotswood approaches the revision process, balances character development with plot mechanics, and maintains his passion for characters throughout a long-term writing project.Series Development Strategy: Learn how to plan and structure a multi-book seriesGenre-Blending Techniques: Discover how Spotswood successfully combines elements of classic mystery, hard-boiled crime, and noir to create a unique series that stands out in the marketplaceRevision Process for Character Evolution: Understand Spotswood's two-phase revision approach
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How to Navigate Thriller Sub-Genres and Create Memorable Stories with Douglas Corleone
Send me a Text Message!Find out more about Douglas CorleoneThis interview is with Douglas Corleone, author of the new thriller "Falls to Pieces." In this episode, Douglas shares essential thriller writing techniques that have helped him successfully navigate multiple sub-genres, from legal thrillers to psychological suspense. Learn practical writing tips for incorporating meaningful themes into commercial fiction and discover how to push genre boundaries while still meeting reader expectations. How to identify and skillfully navigate the boundaries between thriller sub-genres to create distinctive fiction that still satisfies reader expectationsTechniques for incorporating meaningful personal themes into commercial thriller writing, particularly when handling sensitive or challenging subject matterStrategies for crafting memorable twist endings that readers won't forget, avoiding the common pitfall of formulaic conclusions that fail to leave a lasting impression
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Literary Agent Amy Nielsen on How to Write a Query Letter that Gets Attention
Send me a Text Message!Learn more about the Storyteller's SocietyLearn more about Amy NielsenHaving reviewed thousands queries in the past two years, literary agent Amy Nielsen shares exclusive writing tips specifically tailored for thriller writers on the traditional publishing route. This agent interview with Amy dives deep into query structure, comp titles, and how to craft a pitch that perfectly matches your opening pages. Whether you're writing thriller, mystery, suspense, or crime fiction, Amy's professional insights will help you avoid common pitfalls and significantly improve your chances of catching an agent's attention with your query. Learn how to write query letters that stand out from the slush pile with practical advice from one of the industry's most approachable literary agents.The exact structure of a winning query letter, including where to place metadata, how to craft a personal introduction, and how to keep your word count tight at 300-350 wordsWhy comparative titles are crucial to query success, with a real-life example of how changing just one comp title led to representation and publication offersHow to ensure your query pitch accurately reflects your opening pages (especially if you have a prologue), and why this alignment is essential for thriller writers working with agentsBio:Amy Nielsen spent nearly 20 years as a youth librarian. Daily immersion in story took root and she penned her YA debut WORTH IT behind her circulation desk. In addition to being an author, Amy is an editorial literary agent at The Purcell Agency. She is also a freelance editor and runs Mayflower Media where she helps authors make book trailers and other video marketing materials.
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Community 101: What you need to know
Send me a Text Message!Click here to sign up for the Storyteller's SocietyEnter your name and email address.I'll reach out with more information to see if we're the right fit.
South Africa