Meet the Thriller Author (Author Interviews)

Bestselling author Monica Arya joins Alan Petersen to discuss The Favorite Girl and her journey from independent publishing to Simon Maverick. Monica shares her writing process, balancing novels with family life, connecting with readers, and overcoming self-doubt. Plus, advice for aspiring writers and a look at her upcoming projects.

Visit https://ThrillingReads.com for full show notes, links, and the interview transcript.

J.A. Jance returns to Meet the Thriller Author to discuss The Taken Ones, her 27th J.P. Beaumont mystery. When a young woman vanishes after flying from Anchorage to Seattle for her dream internship, Beaumont joins the search from a thousand miles away.

Jance tells Alan Petersen how a train ride gave her the opening lines of her first Beaumont novel, why she still writes without an outline, and how a character named Twinkle Winkleman refused to stay on the sidelines. She also shares how she keeps track of characters across four series, what Bob Ross...

Award-winning author Bobby Nash returns to Meet the Thriller Author more than ten years after appearing as one of the podcast’s first guests. We discuss his survival thriller, Nowhere to Run, which sends Deputy U.S. Marshal William Teague into the mountains after a prisoner-transfer plane crashes, combining a dangerous rescue with a fugitive hunt.

Bobby shares how a supporting character became the lead in his own series, why he expanded the story from a novella into a novel, and how his “signpost” approach to plotting leaves room for surprises.

We also talk about writin...

New York Times bestselling author Laurie R. King joins me to discuss her latest mystery, Those Who Are Gone, featuring San Francisco homicide inspector Raquel Laing.

Laurie talks about writing cold cases, using DNA and family ancestry in a mystery, and connecting Raquel’s world with her earlier Kate Martinelli series. We also explore the creation of Mary Russell, her experiences writing in the Sherlock Holmes universe, and her recognition by the Baker Street Irregulars.

Laurie also shares her writing process, including why she considers herself an organic writer rather than a pantser, how she ex...

Crime thriller author Jeff Kerr joins me to talk about Deadly Relic, the sixth book in his Adam Cash mystery series, featuring a sheriff's deputy investigating crimes in the rugged Texas Hill Country.

We discuss the fascinating inspiration behind Deadly Relic, which begins with the theft of a historic rifle connected to the Battle of the Alamo. Jeff also talks about his journey from writing nonfiction Texas history to crime fiction, creating the fictional town of Pinyon, his writing and research process, and his move from self-publishing to Vinci Books.

We also talk about Author...

Acclaimed screenwriter and television producer Kevin Wade joins me to discuss One Good Eye, the second novel in his Jeep Mullane crime series. Kevin shares how 14 years as a writer, executive producer, and showrunner of Blue Bloods inspired his move into crime fiction, the transition from screenwriting to novels, his writing process and routine, and why he chose Long Island as the setting for the series. We also talk about his Hollywood career, including writing the classic Working Girl, and Kevin shares his advice for aspiring writers.

In Episode 241 of Meet the Thriller Author, I talk with crime and suspense author Tom Towslee about his journey from newspaper reporter and political communications director to novelist. We discuss his latest thriller, Finding Lexi Divine, creating morally complex characters, the influence of journalism on his writing, his approach to plotting, and practical advice for aspiring authors. Tom also shares insights into marketing books and his interest in adapting his novels for the screen.

In Episode 240 of Meet the Thriller Author, host Alan Petersen welcomes award-winning author Amy Shojai to discuss her remarkable journey from television news anchor and veterinary technician to bestselling author of more than 35 pet-care books and a series of pet-centric suspense thrillers. They explore her transition from nonfiction to fiction, creating unforgettable animal characters, overcoming rejection, and the realities of publishing. Amy also shares how she avoided a scammer impersonating the podcast, offering valuable advice for fellow authors. It's an engaging conversation packed with writing insights, publishing tips, and stories for readers, writers, and pet lovers alike.

In Episode 239 of Meet the Thriller Author, I interview thriller author Steph Nelson, whose debut novel The Final Scene sold more than 10,000 copies in its first two months. We discuss her latest psychological thriller, Don't Ask Why, a suspenseful story about four friends trapped on a secluded island in the Florida Keys where secrets, disappearances, and danger quickly turn a getaway into a fight for survival.

Steph shares her journey from writing horror fiction to becoming a successful thriller author, how she develops story ideas, her "pantser" writing process, and the tools she uses to write her...

USA Today bestselling author H.Y. Hanna joins Alan Petersen to discuss her latest psychological thriller, The Taverna at the Edge of Night. In this episode, they talk about writing atmospheric destination thrillers, using international settings like Greece to build suspense, balancing mystery with emotional tension, and creating stories where paradise hides deadly secrets.

Legendary thriller author James Grady, creator of Six Days of the Condor, joins Alan Petersen to discuss his remarkable career, the enduring legacy of Three Days of the Condor, and his new noir thriller Shadows on Sidewalks. They also talk about political thrillers, real-world events influencing fiction, writing craft, literary influences, and advice for aspiring writers.

In this episode, Rea Frey shares insights into her writing routine, the power of family secrets in thrillers, and the dramatic behind-the-scenes moment that forced her to rewrite Dear Mother from scratch.

Latest Book Mark Stevens Books Show Notes & Transcript Episode 235 Summary — Mark Stevens Transcript

The post MTTA 235: Mark Stevens Interview appeared first on Meet the Thriller Author.

Chad Boudreaux Books Show Notes and Transcript Video Episode Summary – Chad Boudreaux Interview Key Takeaways Transcript

The post MTTA 234: Chad Boudreaux Interview appeared first on Meet the Thriller Author.

Latest Maria Frankland Book Maria Frankland Books Show Notes and Transcript Video Transcript

The post MTTA 233: Maria Frankland Interview appeared first on Meet the Thriller Author.

In this episode of Meet the Thriller Author, I’m joined by legendary crime novelist Jonathan Kellerman, the #1 New York Times bestselling author behind the iconic Alex Delaware series. Jonathan Kellerman has been a defining voice in psychological crime fiction for more than forty years. His latest novel, JIGSAW, marks the 41st book in the...

The post MTTA 232: Jonathan Kellerman Interview appeared first on Meet the Thriller Author.

This episode of Meet the Thriller Author is a little different than usual. Instead of sitting down with a guest, I wanted to take a few minutes to chat with you directly, and to look back on 2025 and share what’s coming next for the podcast in 2026. Last year, I had the chance to...

The post Special Episode: 2025 Recap and What’s Ahead in 2026 appeared first on Meet the Thriller Author.

Daniel Hurst Books Show Notes, Video, and Transcript Summary In this episode, you’ll learn: Video Transcript

The post MTTA 231: Daniel Hurst appeared first on Meet the Thriller Author.

Myles Dungan Books Show Notes & Transcript Transcript

The post MTTA 230: Myles Dungan appeared first on Meet the Thriller Author.

Mary Stone Books Psychological Thrillers Writing as Mira Shaw Show Notes & Transcript Summary Video Interview with Mary Stone Transcript

The post MTTA 229: Mary Stone appeared first on Meet the Thriller Author.

Other books by Andrews & Wilson Show Notes and Transcript Summary Become a better writer with insights from 35 world-class instructors, including James Patterson, Dan Brown, David Baldacci, and Walter Mosley. Order before Black Friday to save up to 50%!I genuinely love MasterClass. James Patterson’s outlining course was a game-changer for my writing career, and...

The post MTTA 228: Andrews & Wilson appeared first on Meet the Thriller Author.

Brian Manning of The Manning Brothers Action Thriller. Interview.

The post MTTA 227: Brian Manning appeared first on Meet the Thriller Author.

Other Books by Daniel Pelfrey Show Notes & Transcript In this episode: Transcript

The post MTTA 226: Daniel Pelfrey (Live from Author Nation) appeared first on Meet the Thriller Author.

Eric Rickstad Books Show Notes & Transcript Video Transcript

The post MTTA 225: Eric Rickstad appeared first on Meet the Thriller Author.

Other Books From This Author Show Notes & Transcript Summary Video Transcript

The post MTTA 224: Traci Hunter Abramson appeared first on Meet the Thriller Author.

Other Books by the Author Show Notes & Transcript Summay Video Transcript

The post MTTA 223: Nicole Trope appeared first on Meet the Thriller Author.

Other Books by J.A. Jance Show Notes & Transcript In this episode of Meet the Thriller Author, I sit down with New York Times bestselling author J.A. Jance to talk about her incredible career and her latest novel, The Girl from Devil’s Lake (Joanna Brady #21). Highlights include: Video Transcript

The post MTTA 222: J.A. Jance appeared first on Meet the Thriller Author.

Books by Mike Adamick Show Notes and Transcript Video Transcript

The post MTTA 221: Mike Adamick appeared first on Meet the Thriller Author.

Latest Book Other Books by the Author Show Notes and Transcript Summary Video Transcript Heads Up:This transcript was generated with the help of AI and only got a quick once-over from a human. So if you spot a typo or something that doesn’t make sense… let’s just blame the robots. 🤖[00:00:05.020] - IntroThis is Meet...

The post MTTA 220: Dan Buzzetta appeared first on Meet the Thriller Author.

Latest Book Ty Hutchinson Books Show Notes & Transcript Summary Video Interview (from MTTA YouTube Channel)

The post MTTA 219: Ty Hutchinson appeared first on Meet the Thriller Author.

Show Notes and Transcription Alex R. Johnson Author Interview Summary: Transcript Trailer for Two Step Alex R. Johnson Interview (Video)

The post MTTA 218: Alex R. Johnson appeared first on Meet the Thriller Author.

More Books by Joshua Moehling Show Notes and Transcription Summary: Transcript

The post MTTA 217: Joshua Moehling appeared first on Meet the Thriller Author.

Marcie R. Rendon Books Show Notes and Transcription Summary: Transcript

The post MTTA 216: Marcie R. Rendon appeared first on Meet the Thriller Author.

Other Books by Walter Mosley Show Notes & Transcript Summary: Transcript Video

The post MTTA 215: Walter Mosley appeared first on Meet the Thriller Author.

This episode is different from the others. I won’t be interviewing an author, but instead, I’ll be looking back on ten years of the podcast! On June 23, 2025, Meet the Thriller Author officially marks its 10-year anniversary! It’s hard to believe that what started as a passion project has grown into a long-running show...

The post MTTA: 10th Anniversary Special appeared first on Meet the Thriller Author.

Gregg Hurwitz Nemesis (Latest Book) Other Books by Gregg Hurwitz Show Notes & Transcirpts Summary: Transcript Video

The post MTTA 214: Gregg Hurwitz appeared first on Meet the Thriller Author.

Jerri Williams Books Non-Fiction Show Notes & Resources Summary: Transcript

The post MTTA 213: Jerri Williams appeared first on Meet the Thriller Author.

J.D. Barker Books Show Notes & Resources Episode Summary: JD Barker Interview Transcript JD Barker Interview (Video)

The post MTTA 212: J.D. Barker appeared first on Meet the Thriller Author.

Best thriller books 2024 as chosen by the Amazon Editors Best Thriller books 2024 Show Notes & Resources Summary: Author Mentions: Transcript:

The post MTTA 211: Vannessa Cronin (Amazon Sr. Editor) appeared first on Meet the Thriller Author.

Marcia Clark Books Show Notes and Transcript Trailer from the 1958 movie “I Want to Live” starring Susan Hayward The movie claimed to be based on the Barbara Graham case and Susan Hayward won a best-acting Oscar for the role, but if you want the actual low down on this facinating case read Marcia’s book!...

The post MTTA 210: Marcia Clark appeared first on Meet the Thriller Author.