Detective Writer

Sally Barrilla

True crime fanatic! Published author of psychological thriller novel, “The Doctor: The Toxic Combination of Love, Hatred, and Revenge is Served!” Come explore your deepest insights on real-life unsolved crimes, murder mysteries, & even a few stories of our own.

  1. 1d ago

    A Mystery Thriller

    Hey there, DETECTIVES! DETECTIVE WRITER here! Since I’m taking a little break from my usual author interviews, I thought I’d switch things up and bring you a short story of my own. This week, we’re diving into a mystery thriller called “The Last Passenger.” Myra is traveling alone on a late-night train when a mysterious woman appears carrying something Myra never expected to see—a photograph of herself. What begins as an ordinary train ride quickly turns into a mystery involving a long-lost family member, a forgotten secret, and a message that could change everything Myra thought she knew. So, DETECTIVES, settle in and see if you can figure out the mystery before Myra does. The train was supposed to leave at 11:45 p.m. By 11:50, there were only three people left on the platform. Myra checked the station clock again. 11:51. She pulled her coat tighter around herself and glanced down the empty tracks. The station had been nearly deserted when she arrived, but now even the security guard had disappeared. Then she heard footsteps. A man stood at the opposite end of the platform. Black coat. Gray scarf. Watching her. Myra looked away. When she looked back, he was gone. The train finally arrived with a metallic screech. She stepped inside. Only one other passenger was aboard—a woman sitting alone at the far end of the car. Myra sat several rows away. The doors closed. The train began moving. For several minutes, neither woman spoke. Then Myra noticed something. The woman was holding a photograph. And Myra recognized the face in it. Her own. Myra's stomach tightened. She stood. "Where did you get that?" The woman slowly looked up. "You don't remember me?" Myra stared at her. "No." The woman smiled sadly. "You wouldn't." She turned the photograph around. On the back was a date. October 14, 2011. Myra froze. That was the night her older sister disappeared. A sister everyone had told her had run away. A sister Myra had spent years believing was dead. "Who are you?" Myra whispered. The woman stood. "I was the last person who saw your sister." The train suddenly went dark. Myra heard a scream. Then the lights returned. The woman was gone. So was the photograph. But on Myra's seat was a folded piece of paper. Three words were written across it: She never left.

  2. Aug 3

    Chat with Our Returning Guest: Fellow Author R.C. Hand!

    Hey there, DETECTIVES! DETECTIVE WRITER here, excited to welcome back fellow author R.C. Hand! R.C. returns to the podcast for another inspiring conversation, where we dive deeper into the importance of writing authentically, staying true to yourself, and creating stories that come from personal experience. As the author of more than thirteen novels, R.C. shares his passion for storytelling, the dedication it takes to keep writing, and why following your dreams is always worth the journey. Whether you're an aspiring writer or simply enjoy hearing the stories behind the storytellers, this episode is filled with thoughtful insights, creativity, and encouragement. Please feel free to check out the links below! https://cowboyproductions52.com/ Facebook and Instagram: R.C. Hand

  3. Jul 27

    Why Every Story Matters

    Hey there, DETECTIVES! DETECTIVE WRITER here! One of the greatest lessons I've learned through Detective Writer is that everyone has a story worth telling. Some stories make us laugh. Others keep us on the edge of our seats. Some help us understand history, while others remind us that we're not alone in our own experiences. Every time I sit down to speak with an author, I'm reminded that behind every book is a person with a unique journey, a creative spark, and a message they hope to share with the world. Storytelling has the power to preserve memories, inspire new ideas, and connect people from all walks of life. Whether you're writing a novel, recording a podcast, or sharing your family's history, your story matters. Thank you for continuing to join me on this journey as we celebrate authors, creativity, and the incredible impact of storytelling.

  4. Jul 20

    5 Things Interviewing Authors Has Taught Me

    Hey there, DETECTIVES! DETECTIVE WRITER here! After interviewing so many talented authors over the years, I've come to realize that every writing journey is unique—but there are a few lessons that seem to come up time and time again. Here are five things interviewing authors has taught me: 1. Every writer has their own process. There is no one "right" way to write. Every author approaches storytelling differently, and that's what makes each story unique. 2. Authenticity matters. The most memorable stories come from writers who aren't afraid to be honest and true to their voice. 3. Persistence is key. Success doesn't happen overnight. Every author has faced challenges, but they keep showing up and writing. 4. Curiosity inspires creativity. Whether it's research, personal experiences, or everyday observations, curiosity often sparks the best ideas. 5. Every story has the power to make a difference. Stories can entertain, educate, inspire, and help us see the world through someone else's perspective. Interviewing authors has been an incredible experience, and I'm grateful for every conversation that has inspired me both as a writer and as a podcast host.

  5. Jul 13

    What Detective Writer Has Taught Me

    Hey there, DETECTIVES! DETECTIVE WRITER here! This week, I wanted to do something a little different. Instead of sitting down with a guest, I thought it would be nice to take a moment to reflect on the journey of Detective Writer and what this experience has taught me over the years. When I first started this podcast and blog, my goal was simple: to create a space where authors could share their stories, their writing journeys, and the inspiration behind their books. I wanted readers and listeners to get a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process while celebrating the incredible work of writers from all walks of life. What I didn't expect was how much these conversations would inspire me. After interviewing so many talented authors, I've realized that no two writing journeys are the same. Every writer has a unique voice, a different process, and a story worth telling. Yet one thing always remains the same—a passion for storytelling and the determination to keep creating. These conversations have reminded me that writing isn't about being perfect. It's about being authentic, taking chances, and sharing stories that have the power to connect with others. As both an author and a podcast host, I've grown alongside my guests. Every interview has taught me something new, whether it's about creativity, perseverance, or simply believing in yourself when you're chasing a dream. To everyone who has listened, read the blog, supported the podcast, or shared an episode with a friend, thank you. Your support means more than you know, and I'm excited to continue bringing you more conversations with incredible authors and storytellers. The journey is far from over, and I can't wait to see where the next chapter of Detective Writer takes us.

  6. Jul 6

    Meet Our Hundredth and Thirty Fourth Guest: Fellow Author Richard Panchyk!

    Hey there, DETECTIVES! DETECTIVE WRITER here, excited to introduce you to fellow author Richard Panchyk! Richard joins us to discuss his novel, Andy Creighton Is Dead, and the creative journey behind bringing this compelling story to life. During our conversation, we explore the inspiration behind the book, his approach to storytelling, and how he develops memorable characters and engaging plots that keep readers invested from beginning to end. Whether you're an aspiring writer or simply enjoy discovering the stories behind the books, this episode offers a fascinating look into Richard's creative process and passion for writing. Please feel free to check out the links below! Website Amazon America Through Time Goodreads

  7. Jun 29

    Meet Our One Hundred and Thirty Third Guest: Fellow Author John Infortunio!

    Hey there, DETECTIVES! DETECTIVE WRITER here, excited to introduce you to fellow thriller author, John Infortunio! An educator by day and a writer by night, John draws deeply from personal experiences to craft emotionally powerful stories. Inspired by the loss of his father to Alzheimer's and his time working at an elite prep school, John explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, redemption, and the delicate balance between autobiography and imagination. In this episode, we discuss the importance of writing authentically and honestly, and how real-life experiences can shape compelling fiction. From unreliable narrators to the influence of Brooklyn and real-world settings, John shares how he transforms life's challenges into gripping, emotional thrillers that resonate with readers. Join us as we dive into his writing journey and the stories behind Destroyed by the Events of the Day and Today Was Tomorrow. Please feel free to check out the links below! Amazon Goodreads Instagram

  8. Jun 22

    Meet Our One Hundred and Thirty Second Guest: Fellow Author "British John Grisham" Simon Michael!

    Audio Note: Due to an unexpected technical issue during recording, portions of this episode were recovered from a cloud backup. As a result, you may notice some differences in audio quality throughout the conversation. We appreciate your understanding and hope you enjoy this insightful discussion with Simon Michael. Hey there, DETECTIVES! DETECTIVE WRITER here, excited to introduce you to fellow author Simon Michael! Simon’s work blends the realities of the legal world with the suspense and intrigue of crime fiction. Drawing from his firsthand experiences, he crafts compelling stories that explore gangland influence, police corruption, and the social tensions that shape the pursuit of justice. What makes Simon’s writing especially fascinating is his exploration of the trust people place—or don't place—in the justice system, transforming real-world complexities into gripping, page-turning narratives. With 11 books and counting, along with screenwriting projects and public appearances, Simon continues to captivate audiences through his passion for storytelling. Join us as we discuss his writing journey, creative process, and the experiences that inspire his unforgettable crime fiction. Please feel free to check out the links below! Website Amazon Goodreads

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About

True crime fanatic! Published author of psychological thriller novel, “The Doctor: The Toxic Combination of Love, Hatred, and Revenge is Served!” Come explore your deepest insights on real-life unsolved crimes, murder mysteries, & even a few stories of our own.

Information

  • Creator
    Sally Barrilla
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    218
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Sally Barrilla
  • Show Website
    Detective Writer