Author in the Headlights
Helping readers to find their new books and writers to reach their audience
Wendy Kendall's, Don't Shoot the Messenger Bag, on Author in the Headlights
🎙️ A passion for purses, mystery, and murder!
Join me on Author in the Headlights as I welcome mystery author Wendy Kendall, creator of the Purse-Suit Mysteries!
Wendy combines her love of handbags, romance, and intrigue in stories filled with unexpected twists, memorable characters, and a little murder along the way.
We'll talk about her writing journey, her amateur sleuth Katherine Watson, and her latest mystery, Don't Shoot the Messenger Bag.
📚 Discover Wendy's latest book:
https://books2read.com/u/boLPRV
👜 Visit the Author in the Headlights Bookstore:
https://www...
Daniel Barnett | NIGHTMARELAND & the Art of Writing Horror | Author in the Headlights
🎃 What makes a nightmare unforgettable?
Just in time for Halloween, Author in the Headlights welcomes horror author Daniel Barnett, creator of the NIGHTMARELAND series.
Join host Strider S.R. Klusman for a journey into the world of horror fiction, where ordinary characters encounter extraordinary terrors and the imagination becomes a writer's most frightening tool.
We explore Daniel's influences, including Stephen King, Clive Barker, and Ramsey Campbell, and discuss the techniques horror writers use to create suspense, dread, psychological unease, and genuine fear.
From developing characters readers care about to building situations tha...
David Poyer | 50 Books, Military Thrillers & Adventures | Author in the Headlights
What does it take to write 50 books across multiple genres?
In this episode of Author in the Headlights, host Strider S.R. Klusman welcomes USA Today bestselling author David Poyer for a conversation about his extraordinary writing career.
From modern military thrillers and the Hemlock County novels to science fiction, historical fiction, and underwater adventures, David has spent decades creating compelling stories.
We discuss his journey into writing, the challenges of working across genres, his writing methods, and the continuing adventures of Tiller Galloway.
David also discusses what's next for the...
Adam & Eve | Jeffrey Archer's last book and his tribute, on Author in the Headlights
Jeffrey Archer's final book, Adam & Eve, along with his tribute.
A special Author in the Headlights dedicated to Jeffrey Archer.
What began as preparation for an interview about his novel Adam & Eve became an opportunity to reflect on a remarkable and often controversial life.
From political ambition to international literary success, public disgrace, and reinvention, Jeffrey Archer's journey was as compelling as many of the stories he created.
Join Strider S.R. Klusman as he reflects on the storyteller, the politician, and the man behind both.
Featured books —
...
From Rejection to Bestseller - Robert Dugoni | One Split Second | Author in the Headlights
What happens when losing your publisher opens the door to an entirely new chapter?
New York Times bestselling author Robert Dugoni joins Strider on Author in the Headlights to discuss his remarkable publishing career, the creation of detective Tracy Crosswhite, and his latest novel, One Split Second.
Robert shares how a professional setback helped lead to My Sister's Grave, the novel that launched one of his most successful series. We also discuss his approach to maintaining multiple series, the business of writing, and the importance of encouraging emerging authors.
Strider also shares a...
What Is Climate Fiction? | S.W. Lawrence MD | Fossil Dragon | Author in the Headlights
What is climate fiction, and how does it turn today's environmental challenges into compelling stories?
Author S.W. Lawrence, MD, joins Strider on Author in the Headlights to discuss his Dragon trilogy and the growing genre of climate fiction, also known as Cli-Fi.
Sandy explains why Fossil Dragon, the first book in the trilogy's reading order, was actually the last one he wrote. We also explore his environmental advocacy, his writing process, and his plans for a new novel.
Explore the trilogy:
Fossil Dragon:
https://books2read.com/u/bQMlgv<...
Am I Good Enough? | Ted Leonhardt | The Work Beneath the Work | Author in the Headlights
Am I good enough?
It's one of the questions creative people ask themselves over and over—and Ted Leonhardt believes understanding where that question comes from can change how we see ourselves and our work.
Ted joins Strider on Author in the Headlights to discuss his book The Work Beneath the Work, part memoir and part reflection on a lifetime spent working with creative people.
Ted shares how his complicated childhood led him to ask, “Why am I the person I am?” We explore the persistent fear of not being good enough, the anxiet...
Ines - Portugal's Romeo & Juliet | Catherine Mathis | Historical Fiction on Author in the Headlights
Love, betrayal, and royal intrigue in medieval Portugal.
Historical fiction author Catherine Mathis joins Strider on Author in the Headlights to introduce her Queens of Portugal Trilogy.
Her first novel, Inês, explores the legendary love story of Pedro and Inês, often called Portugal's Romeo and Juliet. Her second novel, Leonor, continues the trilogy with another fascinating woman from Portuguese history.
Discover Catherine's historical inspiration, her writing journey, and the challenges of transforming history into fiction.
Explore Catherine's books:
Inês: https://books2read.com/u/4jl5yk
<...Gail Noble-Sanderson | Neither Life Nor Death | Author in the headlights
Gail returns to Author in the Headlights to talk about Neither Life Nor Death, the third installment in her award-winning Drew Davies Railway Mystery Series.
Set in post-war Mumbles, Wales, the series combines Gail’s love of history with something much more personal: she grew up in a railroad family. Her father was a railroad engineer, her uncles were brakemen and conductors, and her mother and aunts worked in the railroad office.
Gail and Strider talk about turning real places into fiction, researching in Wales, building characters across a series, and discovering that there may be...
100 Years of Route 66—for Kids! | Beth Bacon, on Author in the Headlights
Route 66 turns 100, and children's author Beth Bacon is celebrating by introducing America's most famous highway to a new generation.
Beth returns to Author in the Headlights to talk with Strider S.R. Klusman about her new book, Route 66: Faces and Places Along America’s Most Famous Road.
How do you take a century of history spread across eight states and decide which people, places, attractions, and stories belong in a children's book?
Beth talks about the research behind the book, some of the surprises she discovered along the Mother Road, and how she de...
What Makes a Great Thriller? | Intelligence Expert Rick Steinke and his new book, Sicilian Nexus | Author in the Headlights
What makes a great thriller?
For Ralph R. “Rick” Steinke, it starts with a credible threat.
Rick brings an unusual perspective to fiction. His career in the U.S. Army and Department of Defense took him from West Point to work involving Afghanistan, Kosovo, Ukraine, and high-stakes intelligence. Today, he draws on that experience as the author of the Major Jake Fortina global thriller series.
Rick joins Strider S.R. Klusman on Author in the Headlights to discuss his newest novel, The Sicilian Nexus, how real-world intelligence experience influences his fiction, and what sepa...
Stuck in the Muddy Middle? Write the End First | Marian Exall | Author in the Headlights
Mystery and historical-fiction author Marian Exall returns to Author in the Headlights to talk about Loners, her journey from attorney to novelist, the craft behind her mysteries and historical fiction, and her newest book, Loners.
Marian shares what years of reading taught her about writing, why historical fiction demands such careful research, and the practical technique she uses when a manuscript bogs down in the “muddy middle”: write the ending first.
We also meet Loners detective Christine McQuarry and hear about Marian's work on the next book in the series.
Lisa Gardner's ne w book - You’ll Be Sorry - Author in the Headlights
#1 New York Times bestselling author Lisa Gardner joins Author in the Headlights to talk suspense, storytelling, and her newest novel, You’ll Be Sorry.
Lisa takes us inside her writing process—how she develops her thrillers, builds suspense, handles the demands of publishing, and continues finding new stories after a remarkable career.
We also talk about her bestselling series, the evolution of her writing, and what’s coming next.
Whether you're a longtime Lisa Gardner fan, a thriller reader looking for your next book, or a writer fascinated by how bestselling suspense is create...
What Can Human Writers Do That AI Can’t? | Steven Puri | Author in the Headlights
What can human writers do that AI can't?
Steven Puri returns to Author in the Headlights to explore AI, large language models (LLMs), creativity, and the flow state.
Steven and Strider discuss how AI learns from patterns in what humans have already created—and why the writer's ability to break those patterns may be where genuinely new ideas begin.
They also explore Strider's own experience of entering flow while writing, when an outline can suddenly turn into prose and the story begins heading somewhere the author never planned.
Can AI replace wr...
Author in the Headlights interview with Elliot Blake, and his new space novel, Into the Great
Creative consultant. Entertainment producer., now Science-fiction novelist.
Strider sits down with Elliot Blake to discuss his transition from the entertainment industry into fiction, with the creation of his new space fiction, Into the Great.
From creative consulting and entertainment production to publishing his debut novel, Elliot shares insights into building believable science-fiction worlds, making the leap to writing,. He also gives tips on the how-to for new authors.
Secrets to Effortless Creativity | Steven Puri | Finding Your Flow State | Author in the Headlights
Can creativity become effortless?
Steven Puri joins Strider S.R. Klusman to explore Flow State, creativity, focus, and the science behind doing your best work. A conversation for writers, entrepreneurs, artists, and anyone who wants to unlock their creative potential.
FROM HOLLYWOOD TO EPIC FANTASY / Debbie Bishop's - Pillywiggin / Author in the Headlights
Award-winning author and entertainment executive Debbie Bishop joins Strider Klusman to discuss Pillywiggin Awakening: The Complete Story Arc, a fantasy adventure twenty-five years in the making.
The conversation explores world-building, comics, Hollywood storytelling, writing for fantasy readers, and the creative lessons Debbie learned while working with major studios before becoming a full-time author and creative strategist.
David Beaumier Reimagines Greek Mythology | The Mourning Fields | Author in the Headlights
David Beaumier joins Author in the Headlights to discuss The Mourning Fields,: https://books2read.com/u/3JQBGJ, a contemporary fantasy inspired by Greek mythology.
We also discuss upcoming writers conferences and how they help authors grow their careers.
What Happens When Society Is Rebuilt on Secrets? | D.A. Murray Interview on Author in the Headlights
Author D.A. Murray joins Strider Klusman to discuss her debut speculative fiction novel, Dominion Ascension. Set thirty years after a biochemical war transforms America into a new nation known as Dominion, the story follows investigative reporter Dani Matthews as she uncovers truths hidden beneath the surface of society.
The conversation explores worldbuilding, plotting, writing discipline, balancing creativity with a professional career, and the upcoming sequel, Anarchy.
#books
#authors
#authorinterviews
#discoverbooks
#newbooks
#bookrecommendations
#speculativefiction
#dystopianfiction
#sciencefiction<...
Brock Meier's - The Stone Cutter. Nabataeans & Historical Fiction | Author in the Headlights
Award-winning author Brock Meier joins Author in the Headlights to discuss The Stone Cutter, the Nabataeans, Petra, and the historical research behind bringing an ancient civilization to life through fiction.
From archaeology to storytelling, this conversation explores how historical fiction preserves the people and cultures often forgotten by history.
The Stone Cutter: https://books2read.com/u/bPqNX7
The City With No Army | Peter Gribble's Award-Winning Fantasy Trilogy | Author in the Headlights
Award-winning fantasy author Peter Gribble joins Author in the Headlights to discuss his acclaimed City of Magicians trilogy.
Winner of the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, Peter created a fantasy world unlike most in the genre: a city without armies, weapons, or violence. As invasion approaches, strategy, telepathic communication, political intrigue, and unlikely heroes become the key to survival.
Join host Strider S.R. Klusman for a conversation about fantasy, worldbuilding, storytelling, and the power of ideas to change history.
"Your Book Won the Whole Contest" | Avanti Centrae on The Picasso Job | Author in the Headlights
Bestselling author Avanti Centrae joins Author in the Headlights to discuss her award-winning thriller The Picasso Job. We also discuss her writing of suspenseful mysteries, and the lessons she's learned, from crafting compelling plots to winning major literary awards,. This conversation offers valuable insights for readers and writers alike.
Featured Books:
The Phoenix series:
The Picasso Job: https://books2read.com/u/31zGG6
The VanOps series:
The Lost Power: https://books2read.com/u/mZzKNE
Solstice Shadows: https://books2read.com/u/bWn1R0
...
600 Letters Revealed a WWII Family Secret | Jan Cress Dondi | Author in the Headlights
What happens when a box of forgotten family letters uncovers one of the most dramatic true stories of World War II?
In this episode of Author in the Headlights, Strider Klusman sits down with debut author and USA Today bestselling author Jan Cress Dondi to discuss The Navigator's Letter, the remarkable true story of her parents, her uncle, and one of the most dangerous military missions of World War II.
After her mother's passing, Jan discovered more than 600 letters hidden away in the family basement. Those letters revealed an extraordinary story of love, courage, sacrifice...
Chloe Hovind | Building Community One Book at a Time | Chuckanut Writers Conference
“Building community one book at a time.”
In this episode of Author in the Headlights, Chloe Hovind discusses the Chuckanut Writers Conference, Village Books, and the importance of literary communities that connect readers, writers, and indie authors.
If you love discovering new books, supporting authors, and exploring the world behind publishing and writing conferences, this conversation is for you.
📚 Featuring:
✔ Chuckanut Writers Conference
✔ Village Books
✔ Publishing insights
✔ Writing community discussions
✔ Author and reader connections
#BookCommunity #AuthorInterviews #WritersConference #VillageBooks #Chuckanut #Readers #IndieAuthors #WritingLife
Leslie Shover – Fission: Soviet Spies in the Manhattan Project, with Author in the Headlights
What happens when love, loyalty, and espionage collide during the Manhattan Project?
In this episode of Author in the Headlights, Strider Klusman sits down with author Leslie Shover to discuss Fission: A Novel of Atomic Heartbreak: https://books2read.com/u/m0yDgy — a historical fiction story inspired by her parents’ real experiences working on the Manhattan Project during World War II.
The conversation explores:
Soviet spies hidden inside America’s atomic programThe emotional cost of secrecyReal historical inspiration behind the novelLove, betrayal, and survival during wartimeHow family history shaped the storyIf you en...
👉 Air Force Investigator Turned Author: Real Stories Behind Shadow One | Derrick M. Jackson
In this episode of Author in the Headlights, Strider S.R. Klusman interviews Derrick M. Jackson, a retired Air Force Special Investigator turned author of the Shadow One series.
Drawing from 21 years of investigative experience, Jackson shares how real-world cases involving human trafficking and international crime shaped his writing—blending truth with fiction to create authentic military thrillers.
If you enjoy discovering new books and hearing the real stories behind them, this episode offers a unique look into how lived experience becomes powerful storytelling.
📚 Shadow One: https://books2read.com/u/47KdAN
📚 The Rave...
“It’s about a society that’s given itself over to eugenics…” Monte Schulz, about his newest book, Undercity.
In this episode of Author in the Headlights, we sit down with Monte Schulz to explore his novel Undercity—a powerful and unsettling story about what happens when a society tries to perfect itself.
Set in a world that diverged from our own, Undercity examines eugenics, human ambition, and the cost of deciding who belongs—and who doesn’t.
We also discuss Monte’s writing process, the challenge of weaving multiple perspectives, and the influence of his father, Charles Schulz.
If you enjoy thought-provoking fiction and conversations that go beyond the surface, this episode...
In this episode of Author in the Headlights, we sit down with Evan Kidwell, debut author of the YA fantasy novel, Timaeous Spark and the Luck Curse.
Drawing from personal experiences with bullying, Kidwell created a story designed not only to entertain but to help young readers build resilience and confidence. We discuss the inspiration behind the book, the challenges of writing a first novel, and practical advice for new authors.
If you enjoy coming-of-age fantasy with real-world meaning, all in a fantasy world, this episode is for you.
In this episode of Author in the Headlights, we interview J.D. Barker, a New York Times and internationally bestselling author known for his suspense thrillers and major collaborations.
What does it take to craft a truly chilling suspense thriller—and collaborate with some of the biggest names in publishing?
In this episode of Author in the Headlights, we sit down with J.D. Barker, a New York Times and international bestselling author known for his gripping psychological thrillers and high-profile collaborations.
From working alongside James Patterson to co-authoring a prequel to Dracula with Dacre Stoker, Barker shares his journey through the world of suspense, storytelling, and publishing at the highest level.
Listen in as we explore the difference between co-authoring and gho...
Author in the Headlights – Dr. James R. Gregory | From Business Branding to Writing Novels
Discover new books and meet the authors behind them.
In this episode of Author in the Headlights, we explore the journey from professional expertise to creative storytelling.
Today we sit down with Dr. James R. Gregory, once a leader in business branding, now transitioned into writing novels. With his novel series, Small Fortunes, we discuss how his background in branding influenced his storytelling, what drew him into fiction, and how authors can think about both craft and audience.
If you enjoy exploring new books, discovering authors, and learning about writing, this episode offers v...
Author in the Headlights – Sandy Jacobsen | Discover New Mystery Books
In this episode of Author in the Headlights, we sit down with mystery author Sandy Jacobsen to talk about her journey from a horse-riding Oregon girl to writing gripping mystery novels.
If you enjoy exploring new books, discovering authors, and finding your next great read, this conversation dives into Sandy’s inspiration, writing process, and the stories behind her growing collection of mysteries.
Sandy writes both series mysteries and standalone novels, giving readers plenty of ways to discover new characters and suspenseful stories.
00:00 Mystery Author Interview – Sandy Jacobsen
00:42 From...
Author in the Headlights – Interview with Andrew Sweet (Chuck Sweet) Future History, Virtual Reality Wars, and Building Worlds One Story at a Time
In this episode of Author in the Headlights, we welcome back science fiction author Andrew Sweet (Chuck Sweet). Known for writing future history, speculative fiction, and socially driven science fiction, Andrew explores how technology, culture, and human nature collide in tomorrow’s worlds.
We discuss his major series—including Virtual Wars and Reality Gradient—along with his stand-alone novels, his approach to world-building as the story unfolds, and what he’s been working on since his last appearance on the show a couple of years ago.
From virtual battlefields to evolving societies and philosophical questions about hu...
Author in the Headlights | Steve Berry Interview | The Devil’s Bible (Cotton Malone #20)
In this week's on Author in the Headlights, we sit down with Steve Berry, NY Times and #1 internationally bestselling master of historical thrillers. With over 26 million books sold in 52 countries, Berry returns with the explosive new Cotton Malone adventure, The Devil’s Bible.
We dive into the secrets behind his writing process, the 12-year journey and 85 rejections before success, and how a 30-year legal career shaped one of today’s most compelling thriller voices. If you're a reader or writer, this conversation is packed with practical insights and inspiration.
We also discuss Berry’s passion for hi...
🔥 Author in the Headlights | Lynda Bailey – Romance (Hot & Hotter!)
In this steamy and insightful episode of Author in the Headlights, we sit down with romance author Lynda Bailey, whose stories range from sizzling contemporary romance to paranormal, fantasy, and horror.
From the heat of her romance catalog to the intrigue of Alyce – Through the Lycan Glass, Lynda shares what drew her into writing hot romance, whether the genre has ever caused her challenges, and why writing passion-filled stories is so much fun.
We also dig into reader-favorite series like the Trustworthy Texas Trilogy, the Naughty Neighborhood books, and the heartfelt On the Corner of He...
Author in the Headlights with Christine Kuehn & Mark Schiponi | Family of Spies | WWII, Survival, and Moral Complexity
What would you have done?
In this powerful episode of Author in the Headlights, we sit down with Christine Kuehn and her husband Mark Schiponi to discuss their gripping nonfiction book, Family of Spies — the true story of a German family sent to Hawaii prior to the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.
📘 Family of Spies: https://books2read.com/u/mlVlXB
📚 Duramen Publishing Bookstore: https://www.duramenpublishing.com/book-store
This conversation explores the unimaginable pressure faced by ordinary people under authoritarian rule. Christine shares the story of her Aunt Ruth — a Jewish wom...
Author in the Headlights Podcast | Dr. Craig Yorke – Steep: A Black Neurosurgeon’s Journey
From the poor neighborhoods of Boston to Harvard Medical School, from training at UCSF’s world-renowned neurosurgical program to a distinguished career and retirement in Topeka, Kansas—Dr. Craig Yorke’s story is more than a memoir. It’s a powerful exploration of ambition, resilience, race, and the true cost of success.
In this episode of Author in the Headlights, debut author Dr. Craig Yorke discusses his memoir, Steep: A Black Neurosurgeon’s Journey, and what it really took to rise in a profession where there were few Black doctors—and even fewer Black neurosurgeons.
It sounds li...
🎬 AUTHOR IN THE HEADLIGHTS GUEST: Rusty Austin
In this episode of Author in the Headlights, we sit down with Rusty Austin, a longtime reality TV producer turned author, to talk about storytelling across mediums—from unscripted television to children’s books and deeply personal nonfiction.
Rusty is the creator of the delightful Goofy Things by Rusty series, a collection of charming, educational books designed to spark curiosity, laughter, and early learning for young readers. With simple truths and playful confidence, these books celebrate the joy of knowing exactly what things are… and why that matters.
📚 Goofy Things by Rusty
An Awesome B...
🎥 Author in the Headlights welcomes Ian Domowitz — veteran of the military, academia, and Wall Street whose fiction blends arcane knowledge, alchemy, philosophy
In this episode we delve into The Mechanic’s Diary series, a serial tale of strange sciences and stranger souls. At its core is a being not created by God—one that does not know what it is, yet dreams of what it might become. The conversation explores how Ian’s real-world experiences inform his fiction, the philosophy behind artificial life, and the unsettling beauty of transformation through knowledge.
📚 The Mechanic’s Diary Series
Wake the Whirlwind (Book 1)
https://books2read.com/u/mgWAx6
Neurojuggler (Book 2)
https://books2read.com/u/3nlwx9
🎙️ Author in the Headlights Interview — Kevin G. Chapman
In this episode of Author in the Headlights, we sit down with award-winning author Kevin G. Chapman, the voice behind the gripping Mike Stoneman Mystery/Thriller series—hard-hitting police procedurals packed with suspense, moral complexity, and relentless pacing.Kevin talks about crafting authentic crime fiction, building long-running series characters, and the real-world influences behind his stories. Whether you’re a fan of police procedurals, crime thrillers, or investigative mysteries, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss.
📘 Featured Series: Mike Stoneman Mysteries & Thrillers:
Kevin's newest; #7, Treacherous Hack,
👉https://books2read.com/u/m0ppB7
...🎙️ Author in the Headlights Podcast | Featuring Hannah Jacobson – Book Award Pro
How do book awards really work—and are they worth it for your book marketing? In this episode of Author in the Headlights, we sit down with Hannah Jacobson of Book Award Pro to demystify the world of literary awards and reviews for authors at every stage.
Hannah explains how Book Award Pro works with indie-published, traditionally published, and even unpublished authors to identify the right award programs for each book—saving authors time, money, and frustration. We dive into award strategies, realistic expectations, and how to avoid wasting resources on programs that won’t move the needle...
