On today's 215th episode, host Dave Temple is diving into the wild world of C.J. Box's latest thrill ride, Battle Mountain, the 25th installment in his Joe Pickett series.

Can you believe it? Twenty-five! That’s like a silver anniversary for books! In a conversational style that feels like eavesdropping on a couple of good friends catching up, this episode of the Thriller Zone podcast takes us behind the scenes, as C.J. chats with Dave, as they reminisce about the journey of creating Joe Pickett, a character that has become synonymous with adventure and moral dilemmas in the wilds of Wyoming.

The two friends dive into how Joe has developed over the years, tackling not only wildlife issues but also personal challenges, making him relatable and real. Alongside the laughter and banter, there’s a heartfelt discussion about the significance of strong female characters in the series, particularly Susan Kaney, who challenges Joe in ways that make him confront his own vulnerabilities.

Today's show is a refreshing take on storytelling that highlights the importance of evolving characters in a long-running series while keeping readers hooked.

C.J. peppers the episode with anecdotes, insights, and, of course, the ever-present humor that makes him such a beloved author. Seriously, grab a comfy seat with your favorite drink and settle in for 40 minutes of pure entertainment!

Learn more at CJBox.net and subscribe to thriller fictions #1 podcast, TheThrillerZone.com

Takeaways:

• C.J. Box's passion for writing shines through as he discusses his journey with the Joe Pickett series, emphasizing that success stems from following one's passion rather than chasing trends.
• Falconry is more than just cool birds; it requires dedication, patience, and a unique partnership with nature—C.J. dives into this fascinating world in his latest novel, Battle Mountain.
• In the podcast, C.J. shares how his characters feel authentic and relatable, making readers feel like they're part of a cozy chat with friends around a campfire.
• We highlight the importance of immersing oneself in different genres because it can inspire new ideas and enrich one's writing style—C.J. believes in learning from all types of literature.

Mentioned in this episode:

The Thriller Zone is sponsored by Bob Asher and his new thriller ESCAPE FROM DONETSK.

The Thriller Zone with Dave Temple is presented by rising author Bob Asher and his latest thriller ESCAPE FROM DONETSK, available now from Amazon. Learn more at: BobAsherBooks.Com

The Thriller Zone presents Bob Asher and his new thriller ESCAPE FROM DONETSK

The Thriller Zone with Dave Temple is presented by rising author Bob Asher and his latest thriller ESCAPE FROM DONETSK, available now from Amazon. Learn more at: BobAsherBooks.Com

Get Your Book on The Thriller Zone for a Limited Time!

For A Limited Time Only you can get your book (past or future) on The Thriller Zone. Write us at: thethrillerzone@gmail.com and we'll book your slot for the entire inventory of shows. Just remember THIS IS A LIMITED OFFER ONLY, so ACT TODAY!

On today's 214th episode of The Thriller Zone with Dave Temple, we're diving deep into the thrilling world of writing with none other than Mark Greaney, the mastermind behind the Gray Man series, and his latest page-turner, "Midnight Black."

I'm so pleased that Mark carved out time for a fourth appearance on the Thriller Zone, and let me tell you, it’s a blast! As you can imagine, his new book Midnight Black, promises all the excitement and intrigue fans have come to love.

Mark opens up about how he balances the demands of writing with the realities of public appearances. You might think he spends all his time at book events, but he quickly sets the record straight—it’s just a tiny fraction of what he does!

Mark also shares some juicy tidbits about his characters, particularly the evolving relationship between Court Gentry and Zoya, which adds a sweet twist to the thrill of espionage. With a good dose of humor, we explore the importance of research in his writing process and how he strives to create a realistic world, even when the narrative takes wild turns.

If you’re a fan of thrillers, this episode is a treasure trove of insights, laughs, and maybe even a few tips on how to craft your own gripping stories!

So grab a snack, kick back, and let’s unravel the secrets behind the action-packed world of Mark Greaney's writing!

IF you're looking for a staring place to read Mark's books, may I suggest ordering MIDNIGHT BLACK HERE ... and if you love it as much as I bet you will, then start at the beginning and read all 14 of them!

Learn more at MarkGreaneyBooks.com and follow us at TheThrillerZone.com

Takeaways:

• Mark Greaney emphasizes that public appearances are just a tiny fraction of his writing life, which consists predominantly of, you guessed it, writing!
• The new book, Midnight Black, blends classic espionage vibes with modern pacing, and if that doesn't get your heart racing, what will?
• Greaney describes his writing process as a chaotic mix of creativity and spontaneity, where he often starts with intriguing dialogue lines that could come from anywhere.
• He believes that the best way to enhance writing skills is to focus on improving the quality of one's writing rather than getting caught up in publicity efforts.

Links referenced in this episode:

• markgreaneybooks.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Thank you for your support.

We would love to hear from you, so drop us a quick voicemail on our website and we'll share with our audience in an upcoming show!

The Thriller Zone is sponsored by Bob Asher and his new thriller ESCAPE FROM DONETSK.

The Thriller Zone with Dave Temple is presented by rising author Bob Asher and his latest thriller ESCAPE FROM DONETSK, available now from Amazon. Learn more at: BobAsherBooks.Com

On today's 213th episode of The Thriller Zone, we're doing something just a little bit differently.

You see I recorded this episode with the lovely and talented Ashley Erwin nearly three years ago...April 2022, to be exact.

Long story short, I pushed it aside to edit it, while waiting for the book to drop, and, well, the book got delayed, I misplaced the show file, and wouldn't you know I found this just this week and thought...why not air it now?

Ashley, you don't mind, do you? Maybe it can enjoy a Renaissance.

So, pull up a chair, pour yourself something good, and enjoy an off the cuff, and more than a little bit delayed conversation with the funny, charming, and mega-talented Ashley Erwin, here on The Thriller Zone.

Learn more at: Ashley-Erwin.com

Mentioned in this episode:

The Thriller Zone presents Bob Asher and his new thriller ESCAPE FROM DONETSK

The Thriller Zone with Dave Temple is presented by rising author Bob Asher and his latest thriller ESCAPE FROM DONETSK, available now from Amazon. Learn more at: BobAsherBooks.Com

The Thriller Zone is sponsored by Bob Asher and his new thriller ESCAPE FROM DONETSK.

The Thriller Zone with Dave Temple is presented by rising author Bob Asher and his latest thriller ESCAPE FROM DONETSK, available now from Amazon. Learn more at: BobAsherBooks.Com

Get Your Book on The Thriller Zone for a Limited Time!

For A Limited Time Only you can get your book (past or future) on The Thriller Zone. Write us at: thethrillerzone@gmail.com and we'll book your slot for the entire inventory of shows. Just remember THIS IS A LIMITED OFFER ONLY, so ACT TODAY!