Hello and welcome to today’s 199th…and BONUS episode of The Thriller Zone, I’m your host David Temple, and I invite you to an engaging conversation with my new friend and outstanding writer, Rio Youers.

Rio and I discuss his latest novel, The Bang Bang Sisters—a non-stop, rock’ n roll vigilante thriller that’s sure to please our hard-core grunge thriller fans.

Today, we discuss Rio's writing journey, influences, and the unique style of his work, which blends elements of rock and roll with thrilling narratives. Our conversation also touches on themes of female empowerment in literature, the challenges of the publishing industry, and valuable advice for aspiring writers.

Rio shares insights into his creative process and the importance of writing what you love, and making sure you’re writing what you love to read. As we approach 200 episodes, I’m thrilled to welcome Rio into the Thriller Zone fold with this must-listen episode for fans of thrillers and aspiring authors alike.

Learn more at: RioYouers.com
Follow us at: TheThrillerZone.com
On X @thethrillerzone
On Instagram @thethrillerzone
On YouTube @thethrillerzone

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Rio Uers and The Bang Bang Sisters

05:10 Rio's Writing Journey and Influences

09:57 The Unique Style of The Bang Bang Sisters

15:11 Themes of Female Empowerment in Writing

19:50 The Publishing Journey and Industry Insights

30:05 Advice for Aspiring Writers

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

On today’s 198th episode of The Thriller Zone, host David Temple welcomes author Lee Goldberg to discuss his latest book, 'Ashes Never Lie.'

The two men delve into Goldberg's writing process, character development, and the differences between self-publishing and traditional publishing. Goldberg shares candid advice for aspiring authors, emphasizing the importance of making a strong first impression and the value of character-driven storytelling.

In today’s engaging conversation, Lee discusses the importance of honesty in providing writing advice, the nuances of crafting engaging narratives, and the evolving landscape of publishing, particularly in relation to Amazon. He also emphasizes the significance of humor in storytelling, the need to avoid clichés, and the balance between writing what you know and what you love.

Goldberg also shares insights on navigating adaptations of his work for TV and film, highlighting the importance of author involvement while allowing creative freedom, and the show wraps with Temple’s Signature Close: Best Writing Advice.

Learn more at LeeGoldberg.com and TheThrillerZone.com

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Lee Goldberg and His Works

10:05 The Writing Process and Character Development

20:40 Self-Publishing vs Traditional Publishing

33:32 Advice on Writing and Career Development

49:25 The Importance of Honesty in Writing Advice

51:18 Crafting Engaging Narratives: The Secret Sauce

56:52 The Evolution of Publishing: Amazon vs. Traditional Publishers

01:01:31 The Changing Landscape of Book Retail

01:06:49 Analyzing Successful Writing Techniques

01:12:05 The Role of Humor in Storytelling

01:15:54 Avoiding Clichés in Writing

01:21:48 Writing What You Know vs. Writing What You Love

01:35:22 Navigating Adaptations: Author Involvement in TV and Film

Winning Sound Bites:

"I need some more action and some more sex."

"I've been with my current wife, 36 years."

"I want to write a detective who's learning."

"Don't blow smoke up my skirt."

"I want to capture the feeling of watching a TV show."

"The secret sauce is not a secret at all."

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

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.

* * *

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