The Thriller Zone

• Thrills, Skills, and Publishing Deals: A Chat with Robert Gottlieb

  Today, host Dave Temple is diving into the nitty-gritty of the publishing world with the legendary Robert Gottlieb, the chairman of Trident Media Group. Robert has the inside scoop on how books go from mere words on a page to bestsellers that everyone’s talking about. We’re pulling back the curtain on what it really takes to run a top-tier talent agency and what separates a good writer from a great one. As we chat, Robert shares his journey from being an assistant at the William Morris Agency to establishing himself as a titan in the literary agency world. He highlights the importance of understanding the unique qualities that make an author stand out in a sea of submissions. We explore the nuances between literary and commercial fiction, uncovering what truly captivates editors and readers alike. Robert's insights into the shifting dynamics of publishing—especially with the rise of eBooks and the influence of social media on book sales—paint a vivid picture of today's literary landscape. Get ready for a masterclass in how to navigate the complexities of getting published, with plenty of anecdotes and wisdom from Robert's extensive career. Whether you're a budding author or just a curious listener, there's gold to be mined in this conversation. Learn more at TridentMediaGroup.com and WATCH/LISTEN/FOLLOW us at TheThrillerZone.comCompanies and people mentioned in this episode: Trident Media Group William Morris Agency Knopf Bertelsmann Alba Michel Frank Herbert Brian Herbert Leon Uris Random House Dune Sony Lionsgate Putnam Group Keywords: thriller podcast, literary agent insights, Robert Gottlieb interview, publishing industry trends, how to write a bestseller, author career development, Trident Media Group, best practices for authors, commercial fiction vs literary fiction, storytelling techniques, international book markets, marketing for authors, navigating publishing contracts, building an author brand, literary agency secrets, author representation tips, the future of publishing, writing craft advice, book marketing strategies, understanding genre fiction

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  44:28
• Four Years of Thrills: Megan Abbott Spills the Secrets!

  Welcome to not only the 232nd episode of The Thriller Zone, but we are also celebrating our 4-YEAR ANNIVERSARY!!!! Can you believe it? Four years of thrilling stories, incredible guests, and a whole lot of banter. Who better to celebrate with than #1 New York Times Bestselling author Megan Abbott, author of The Turnout. Today's chat is all about celebrating our fabulous four-year anniversary of the podcast...but perhaps as equally important, we're going to do a deep-dive on her latest riveting thriller called El Dorado Drive...which is already catching some serious buzz.If you know Megan's work, then you know what a captivating author she is. Moreover, she's a delightful conversationalist...and we have plenty of that in store for you. Trust me, El Dorado Drive is a riveting read that dives deep into the chaos of suburban life and the lengths people go to maintain their status. We'll also explore some juicy tidbits about the upcoming TV adaptation and how it feels to see her characters come to life on screen. So grab your favorite drink and settle in, because this episode is packed with all the good stuff!Learn more at MeganAbbott.com and TheThrillerZone.com ... where we plan on kicking off Season 9, here in our 4th year!Takeaways: Celebrating our four-year anniversary feels like a wild ride through podcasting history, can you believe it? Megan Abbott's latest work, El Dorado Drive, is a riveting tale of suburban intrigue and family drama that'll keep you guessing. The fascinating dynamics of desperation and friendship in illegal money-making schemes are explored through Abbott's storytelling. A24 is adapting El Dorado Drive for TV, bringing Abbott's cinematic vision to life in a thrilling new way! The conversation dives into nostalgia, revealing how our fond memories can obscure the less glamorous realities of the past. Abbott emphasizes the importance of reading widely to hone your writing skills, so pick up those books, folks! Companies mentioned in this episode: Netflix A24 Triton Media Group May Cobb Megan Abbott Gillian Flynn SA Cosby Dennis Lehane Harlan Coban Karen Slaughter Elmore Leonard Keywords: podcast, Megan Abbott, El Dorado Drive, thriller genre, suspenseful stories, book recommendations, crime fiction, Netflix adaptations, women in literature, anniversary episodes, literary interviews, writing advice, reading habits, character development, suburban stories, female empowerment, psychological thrillers, nostalgia in storytelling, book to screen adaptations, A24 productions

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  50:22
• Why You Shouldn't Miss Thomas Trang's Debut: Dark Neon Dirt

  Get ready to dive into the wild world of “Dark Neon Dirt,” because today's 231st episode with Dave Temple, the host of The Thriller Zone, we’re hanging out with debut author Thomas Trang.Let me tell you, this cat knows how to spin a tale, and we kick things off by gushing over his book that’s got all the thrilling vibes you’d expect—think crime, grit, and a dash of clever banter. Thomas shares his journey from the shipping industry to the literary scene, proving that you can go from navigating the high seas to navigating the depths of character development without missing a beat. Plus, we’ll chat about how the magic of storytelling intertwines with real-life experiences, and why engaging characters are the secret sauce to any gripping narrative. If you’re into sharp dialogue and stories that hit home, you’re in for a treat—this episode is a must-listen!Takeaways: In today's episode of the Thriller Zone, we had the pleasure of welcoming debut author Thomas Trang, whose book 'Dark Neon Dirt' is creating quite the buzz in the literary world. We dove deep into the intricacies of character development, emphasizing that it's not just about the plot but how well we connect with the characters that truly draws readers in. Thomas shared his journey from working in shipping to writing thrillers, revealing how his diverse experiences enrich his storytelling and character creation. The conversation highlighted the importance of dialogue in fiction, with both hosts agreeing that strong dialogue can elevate a story and bring characters to life. We also discussed the fascinating blend of personal experiences and cultural references that shape Thomas's writing style, making 'Dark Neon Dirt' a rich tapestry of influences. Lastly, we touched on the future of storytelling, as Thomas hinted at an upcoming sci-fi project that will maintain the gripping essence of his debut while exploring new themes. Links referenced in this episode:shotgunhoney.comthomastrang.comthethrillerzone.comCompanies mentioned in this episode: Shotgun Honey Bad Fido Keywords: debut author podcast, thriller zone podcast, Thomas Trang interview, Dark Neon Dirt, writing advice for authors, crime fiction writing, character development in thrillers, Elmore Leonard influence, dialogue in writing, audiobook recommendations, publishing debut novels, writing process tips, storytelling techniques, crafting engaging narratives, essential writing skills, podcasting for authors, literary podcast, suspenseful storytelling, author interviews, book recommendations

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  55:35
• Emily Bestler on Unmasking the Secrets of Bestsellers

  On today's 230th episode of The Thriller Zone with Dave Temple, get ready to dive into the thrilling world of book publishing with the fabulous Emily Bestler, a true rock star in the industry! We’re talking about her journey from studying English at Columbia to being the Senior VP and Editor-in-Chief at Emily Bestler Books. With a resume that boasts 79 New York Times bestsellers, she's not just any editor; she’s a literary wizard making dreams come true for authors everywhere. We’ll chat about what makes a successful author-editor relationship, how to spot a bestseller, and the magic behind storytelling that keeps readers glued to the page. Plus, Emily spills the tea on the latest trends in dark romance and other genres, so buckle up—this is one episode you do NOT want want to miss!Takeaways: This episode marks the 230th installment of the Thriller Zone, and guess what? We're gearing up to celebrate four fantastic years of thrilling content! Our guest, Emily Bestler, has an impressive background, having published 79 New York Times bestsellers, including works from renowned authors like Jodi Picoult and Vince Flynn. Emily emphasizes the importance of authenticity in writing, stating that writers can't fool readers; they need to write what they know or do deep research to connect. In the ever-evolving publishing landscape, staying adaptable is key, especially with trends like TikTok Book Talk changing how books are marketed and discovered. Emily's insights about the darker side of storytelling reveal her passion for horror and the complexities of human nature, making it clear why readers are drawn to these narratives. The episode wraps up with a reminder that whether you're a seasoned writer or just starting out, writing what you love is crucial for success in the publishing world. Links referenced in this episode:thethrillerzone.comCompanies mentioned in this episode: Macmillan Random House Atria Pocket Books Emily Bessler Books Simon and Schuster Scribner Free Press Little Simon Jack Carr 1201 Books keywords: thriller podcast, book publishing, Emily Bessler, New York Times bestsellers, author editor partnership, storytelling magic, commercial fiction, literary quality, dark romance trends, publishing industry insights, book marketing strategies, author interviews, writing advice, un-agented submissions, thriller genre, creative writing tips, horror publishing, bestsellers, book publishing process, author success stories

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  39:20
• Lights, Camera, Read! Josh Mendoza Talks Books and Films

  On today's 229th episode of The Thriller Zone, host Dave Temple dives into the thrilling world of indie authorship with the debut of Josh Mendoza and his book, *Shadow of the Eternal Watcher*. Right off the bat, this title has got some serious flair! Not only does it have a cover that could make even the grumpiest bookworm smile, but it’s also packed with enough tension and excitement to keep you on the edge of your seat. Josh, who’s also an indie filmmaker, brings a unique perspective to storytelling, blending his cinematic flair with the art of writing. We’ll chat about the journey of getting his book into the world, the challenges of adapting stories from page to screen, and why indie creators are the true rock stars of the storytelling universe. So grab a snack and get ready, because this chat is all about the thrills, the spills, and maybe a few creative hacks along the way!Takeaways: The episode dives into the life of indie filmmaker and debut author Josh Mendoza, who discusses his book 'Shadow of the Eternal Watcher' and his journey into storytelling. Josh reveals he originally aimed to be an author before getting sidetracked into filmmaking, showcasing the crossover between books and movies. We get an inside look at Josh's filmmaking process, including tips on how to create visually appealing movies on a tight budget. The conversation highlights the importance of consistency in writing, as Josh encourages aspiring authors to set achievable goals, like writing 500 words a day. Listeners learn about the challenges of adapting books into films, and the creative solutions filmmakers use to bring stories to life on screen. Finally, we explore the mashup of genres in storytelling, as Josh combines elements of sci-fi and noir, proving there's no one way to craft a thrilling narrative. Links referenced in this episode:joshmendoza.comKeywords: thriller podcast, Shadow of the Eternal Watcher, Josh Mendoza author, indie filmmaker interview, book to film adaptation, debut author insights, writing advice for authors, filmmaking tips, thriller genre discussion, self-publishing strategies, indie filmmaking challenges, creative storytelling techniques, book cover design, PR for authors, cinematic storytelling, writing process, genre mashup novels, author interviews, indie film production, narrative techniques in fictionMentioned in this episode:RIVIAN CommRivian—electric adventure vehicles built for the wild. Go anywhere, do anything, and drive into the future with confidence. Explore more at Rivian.comSEASON 9 PROMOSeason 9 of The Thriller Zone launches Thursday, June 19th at 2AM-West/5AM-East.

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  34:09

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