Thriller 101

David

A podcast for readers and writers of thriller, mystery, suspense, and crime fiction. 

  1. HACE 4 H

    146 How to turn 'wasted' drafts and subverted tropes into your writing superpower with Charlene Wang

    Send me a Text Message! What if the tropes you love are actually holding your thriller back?  In this episode, Charlene Wang reveals how she transformed the beloved campus novel into a feminist revenge thriller by strategically subverting genre expectations.  And the results landed her a major book deal.  You'll discover the counterintuitive truth about "wasted" drafts (spoiler: nothing is ever wasted), learn how to weaponize social media as a character psychology tool rather than just a plot device, and understand why the most compelling morally gray characters make us root for their goals while questioning their methods.  If you're struggling to make your thriller feel fresh or your contemporary setting feel authentic, this conversation will fundamentally change how you approach revision and might just save you years of trial and error. Learn more about Charlene Bio:  Charlene Wang was born in Beijing and, after immigrating to the US when she was three, has lived in seven different cities from Los Angeles to Rockville to Biloxi. Graduating with a B.A. in English from Dartmouth College and a J.D. from University of Virginia School of Law, she worked as a litigator for six years before quitting to pursue her childhood dream of becoming an author. She now lives in Brooklyn, NY, with her fiancé and their dog Winky. Episodes I think you'll love... Agent Carleen Geisler Reads a Submission & Shares How Agents Evaluate Opening PagesWriting Your Opening Scene with Thomas MullenWriting Unique Openings to Grab Literary Agent Attention: Jason Powell AuthorGet the list of 125+ Literary Agents who rep Thriller, Mystery, Suspense, and Crime Fiction Study the Opening Paragraphs of the Top Authors Writing Thrillers Right Now

    15 min
  2. HACE 6 DÍAS

    145 The View from the Slush Pile: A Literary Agent's Fresh Take on What Works with Tommy Dean

    Send me a Text Message! What if I told you that right now, while established agents are drowning in hundreds of submissions, there's a brand new literary agent who's actively building his client list and genuinely excited to discover your manuscript?  In this episode, Tommy Dean shares what makes him your ideal partner in this industry.  Tommy shares...  the insider secrets that separate professional queries from amateur oneswhy newer agents might actually be your best bet for building a career-long partnership,some hard truths about what's instantly killing your chances in the query process. If you're serious about traditional publishing, this conversation could be the game-changer that gets your work noticed. Bio: Tommy Dean is an associate literary agent with Rosecliff Literary, the author of two flash fiction chapbooks, Special Like the People on TV (Redbird Chapbooks, 2014) and Covenants (ELJ Editions, 2021), and a full flash collection, Hollows (Alternating Current Press, 2022). He lives in Indiana, where he is currently the editor of Fractured Lit and Uncharted Magazine. A recipient of the 2019 Lascaux Prize in Short Fiction, his writing can be found in Best Microfiction 2019, 2020, 2023, and Best Small Fiction 2019 and 2022. His work has been published in Monkeybicycle, Laurel Review, Moon City Review, Pithead Chapel, Harpur Palate, and many other litmags. He has taught writing workshops for the Gotham Writers Workshop, The Writers Center, and The Writers Workshop. Find him at tommydeanwriter.com and on Twitter @TommyDeanWriter. Episodes I think you'll love... - How to Find Your Literary Agent with Carey Blankenship-Kramer - Literary Agent Michelle Z. Jackson Helps Writers Navigate the Querying Process - Literary Agent Jennifer Chevais Shares What Grabs Attention in a Query SubmissionGet the list of 125+ Literary Agents who rep Thriller, Mystery, Suspense, and Crime Fiction Study the Opening Paragraphs of the Top Authors Writing Thrillers Right Now

    20 min
  3. 16 SEP

    What Editors Really Want in 2025 with Chantelle Aimée Osman, Who Provides a Sneak Peek Inside Simon & Schuster's Newest Imprint

    Send me a Text Message! You’re going to love this exclusive conversation with Chantelle Aimée Osman, Senior Editor at Simon & Schuster's new imprint, Simon Maverick.  Chantelle reveals how the publishing industry is evolving to meet indie and hybrid authors where they are.  And why audio is becoming the new frontier that could transform your writing career.  Discover the submission strategies that actually work, learn why your biggest strength might be the one thing editors can't fix, and find out how to reframe rejection in a way that accelerates rather than derails your publishing journey.  Whether you're traditionally published, indie, or still figuring out your path, this conversation offers insider insights that could change everything about how you approach your writing career. What You'll Learn: Why audio publishing is the new gold rush opportunityThe one manuscript element editors absolutely cannot fixHow to reframe rejection as progress toward your goalClick here to learn more about Chantelle Aimee Osman  Guest Bio: Chantelle Aimée Osman (she/her) is senior editor at Simon & Schuster's newest imprint, Simon Maverick. Prior to joining Simon & Schuster, Chantelle Aimée Osman was an acquiring editor at Amazon Publishing, where she worked with bestselling authors such as Robert Dugoni, Mark Sullivan, Suzanne Redfearn, Megan Chance, Victoria Helen Stone, and Simon Tolkien. Previously, she helped found Agora Books, an imprint of independent press Polis Books, focusing on crime fiction and horror with unique social and cultural voices—themes which still hold a special place in her heart. At Agora, she acquired and edited authors including John Vercher, Cynthia Pelayo, Gabino Iglesias, and Tori Eldridge. Her titles have won International Latino Book Award medals; been nominated for Edgar, Stoker, Dagger, Anthony, Strand Critics, Macavity, and Lefty awards; and been featured in NPR, the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, the New York Post, the Los Angeles Review of Books, the Chicago Tribune, Reader’s Digest, Oprah Daily, People, and Entertainment Weekly. She was named a Publishers Weekly Rising Star honoree in 2020, and was the former editor in chief of RT Book Reviews magazine, and is a (recovering) lawyer, and professor at the LIU Brooklyn Polk School of Communication MFA in Writing and Publishing. Chantelle is the author of series of non-fiction writing guides The Quick and Dirty Guides To…,  and has published numerous works of short fiction, and served as the editor of multiple anthologies, including the acclaimed Jewish Noir, Volume 2 from PM Press. She has co-written the graphic novels The Awakened and The Rejects, and serves as the creative consultant for the reimagined Dick Tracy comic. She also serves on the Race Equity & Social Justice Committee of the Pongo Poetry Project, a non-profit organization that uses personal poetry writing to heal youth who have experienced trauma and other difficult and complicated experiences; as well as serving as the board of Prototype Health, a non-profit organization providing high-quality, cost-effective, integrated primary health care for uninsured, underinsured, and needy individuals. When not buried in a book, you can find her wherever her Boston Terriers, Tamerlane and Henry, and her cat, Lafitte, want to go. She's online at chant Get the list of 125+ Literary Agents who rep Thriller, Mystery, Suspense, and Crime Fiction Study the Opening Paragraphs of the Top Authors Writing Thrillers Right Now

    28 min
  4. 9 SEP

    Why Your Perfect Manuscript Isn't Enough And What to Do About It with Author Tamara Miller

    Send me a Text Message! Tamara Miller's debut thriller INTO THE FALL has launched her career with a two-book publishing contract.  But her path from government policy analyst to published author wasn't built on talent alone.  It was strategic business thinking that made the difference.  In this episode, Tamara Miller reveals the approach that got her agent's immediate attention and explains why treating your query like a business proposal changes everything.  She also shares some immersive writing techniques that keep readers turning pages.  Whether you're struggling with submissions or wondering how to make your manuscript stand out, this episode’s practical insights will shift how you think about the publishing game. What You'll Learn: Why query letters must be business proposals first, pitches secondThe "equation" for writing immersive scenes that hook agents instantlyHow to research and position your book for commercial success Click here to learn more about Tamara Miller Guest Bio: Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Tamara L. Miller earned her PhD in Canadian history before embarking on a career working for the federal government. Miller began as a doe-eyed policy analyst and eventually moved into an executive role with the Government of Canada. She later left public service, older and perhaps a little wiser, to become a writer. Tamara is past president of Ottawa Independent Writers and has written several articles published online by the likes of CBC and Ottawa Life Magazine. Into the Fall is her first novel. Over the years, the author has called many Canadian cities home but now lives in Ottawa with her family and two long-suffering cats. She’s always been fascinated by the raw beauty of the wilder places in the world and escapes to them whenever possible. Episodes I think you'll love... Get the list of 125+ Literary Agents who rep Thriller, Mystery, Suspense, and Crime Fiction Study the Opening Paragraphs of the Top Authors Writing Thrillers Right Now

    17 min
  5. 2 SEP

    Literary Agent Lori Galvin Talks Going From Query to Deal: What Agents Need to See Before They Sign You

    Send me a Text Message! Literary agent Lori Galvin reveals exactly what makes a query letter irresistible.  She breaks down the specific elements that make agents request materials, and the common mistakes that lead to instant rejections.  Whether you're crafting your first query or your fiftieth, this episode delivers the agent perspective that every fiction writer needs to hear. What You'll Learn: Why manuscript word count can kill your chances instantlyThe test some agents use to evaluate opening pagesHow to prove you're serious about writing in your bio Click here to learn more about Lori Galvin  Guest Bio:  Lori Galvin, has been with Aevitas Creative Management since 2015 and represents a wide variety of bestselling, award-winning, and critically acclaimed writers of both fiction and nonfiction including Wanda M. Morris, Nishita Parekh, and Kwame Onwuachi. Prior to her agenting career, she was an editor at America’s Test Kitchen as well as Houghton Mifflin. She has also worked as a restaurant cook and managed a bed-and-breakfast in coastal Maine. She lives in Massachusetts. Lori only accepts submissions through Query Manager: QueryManager.com/QueryLoriGalvin Episodes I think you'll love... Get the list of 125+ Literary Agents who rep Thriller, Mystery, Suspense, and Crime Fiction Study the Opening Paragraphs of the Top Authors Writing Thrillers Right Now

    22 min
  6. 26 AGO

    141 Literary Agent Vicky Weber on Why Most Writers Aren't Agent-Ready (And How to Fix It)

    Send me a Text Message! Ever wondered why it feels nearly impossible to land a literary agent these days?  In this episode, I had a chat with Vicky Weber, a literary agent, bestselling children's author, and marketing strategist, who pulls back the curtain on the harsh realities facing today's publishing industry.  Vicky reveals why the bar for getting agented has skyrocketed, how agents are making just $20 on some deals, and why editors no longer do the developmental work they used to.  But more importantly, she shares a few of the strategies that helped one of her books profit over $18,000 and explains exactly what agents are really looking for when they say a manuscript "isn't the right fit."  If you're serious about getting published, this conversation will fundamentally change how you approach querying, revisions, and building relationships in the industry. What You'll Learn: Why developmental editing now falls on authors, not editorsThe marketing plan framework that can ensure your book doesn’t flopHow to signal coachability and professionalism in queriesClick here to learn more about Vicky At Home Author Blog Guest Bio: Vicky Weber is a literary agent, bestselling children’s book author, and publishing industry expert with years of experience helping authors navigate both traditional and self-publishing. As the founder of At Home Author, she has guided countless writers through the process of crafting, publishing, and marketing successful books. With a background in education, Vicky is passionate about breaking down complex industry concepts into actionable steps. Whether securing book deals for her clients or sharing insights on the ever-evolving publishing market, she is dedicated to helping authors turn their creative dreams into reality. Episodes I think you'll love Turn Your Manuscript into a Page-Turner Using The Central Question Framework with Julie Tyler RuizAuthor Liz Alterman Reveals Her Weekly Writing Ritual That Transforms First Drafts Into Gold And How to Know When Your Story Idea Is Worth WritingLiterary Agent Jessica Berg Shares How to Catch an Agent's Eye Get the list of 125+ Literary Agents who rep Thriller, Mystery, Suspense, and Crime Fiction Study the Opening Paragraphs of the Top Authors Writing Thrillers Right Now

    30 min
  7. 6 AGO

    Developmental Editor and Former Literary Agent, Mary Kole Shares Her Top Revision Strategies

    Send me a Text Message! Developmental editor and former literary agent Mary Kole breaks down the exact process that transforms manuscripts from "just okay" to "must-read."  In this episode, you'll learn why most writers approach feedback and revision completely wrong. You’ll discover the important difference between revision and editing.  And you’ll master the "boring edit" technique that ensures your story grips readers from page one to the end.  Mary reveals  When to seek feedback (and when not to)How to create a mission statement that guides every revision decisionWhy cause-and-effect logic is the secret weapon of successful storytellers. Whether you're drowning in feedback or paralysed by perfectionism, this episode gives you the roadmap to finish your manuscript and make it as good as you’d always hoped it would be. What You'll Learn: How to filter feedback and reject notes that don't serve your story.The mission statement technique that guides every revision decision.Why big-picture changes must come before sentence-level editing.Click here to learn more about Mary Kole  Guest Bio: Former literary agent Mary Kole provides consulting and developmental editing services to writers of all categories and genres. She founded Good Story Company in 2019 to create valuable content for writers—like the Thriving Writers Podcast, YouTube channel, and Thriving Writers classes and resources. ​​Mary has presented at hundreds of regional, national, and international writing conferences, and guest lectured at Harvard, the Ringling College of Art and Design, the Highlights Foundation, and the Loft.  She also develops unique and commercial intellectual property for middle grade, young adult, and adult readers with Bittersweet Books. Episodes I think you'll love… Agent Carleen Geisler Reads a Submission & Shares How Agents Evaluate Opening PagesLiterary Agent and Author Jenna Satterthwaite on Making it in the Publishing IndustryTurn Your Manuscript into a Page-Turner Using The Central Question Framework with Julie Tyler RuizFirst Page Formula: Author and Writing Coach April Davila on What Agents & Readers Want to See in Your Thriller Manuscript Opening Get the list of 125+ Literary Agents who rep Thriller, Mystery, Suspense, and Crime Fiction Study the Opening Paragraphs of the Top Authors Writing Thrillers Right Now

    29 min
  8. 30 JUL

    Editor Turned Literary Agent, Shelly Romero Shares Important Insights on Traditional Publishing

    Send me a Text Message! Former Scholastic editor Shelly Romero just made the leap to literary agent.  And she's spilling the industry secrets most writers never hear.  After eight years of editorial experience and now with an agent's perspective, Shelly reveals… What really happens when agents read your opening pagesWhy manuscripts need to be more polished than everThe submission mistakes that trigger instant rejections. What You'll Learn: Why voice trumps plot in manuscript submissionsExact polish level needed for today's publishing marketQuery red flags that guarantee instant rejections Click here to learn more about Shelly Romero Connect with Shelly on Instagram Guest Bio: Shelly Romero began her publishing career in 2017 at Scholastic, where she rose up the ranks from editorial assistant to associate editor, where she acquired her own titles and assisted on series publishing for The Bad Guys and Goosebumps. She later joined Cake Creative as Lead Editor, and she was most recently a freelance editor. She graduated from Stephens College with a bachelor’s degree in English and attended the 2017 NYU Summer Publishing Institute. Shelly was selected as a 2020 Publishers Weekly Star Watch Honoree and is a member of Latinx in Publishing & People of Color in Publishing. Born and raised in Miami by Honduran parents, she now resides in New York City, where she might be found at a movie theatre viewing the latest release from her Letterboxd watchlist. Episodes I think you'll love… 3 Keys to Nailing the Opening of Your NovelLiterary Agent and Author Jenna Satterthwaite on Making it in the Publishing IndustryTurn Your Manuscript into a Page-Turner Using The Central Question Framework with Julie Tyler RuizLiterary Agent Jessica Berg Shares How to Catch an Agent's Eye Get the list of 125+ Literary Agents who rep Thriller, Mystery, Suspense, and Crime Fiction Study the Opening Paragraphs of the Top Authors Writing Thrillers Right Now

    28 min
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A podcast for readers and writers of thriller, mystery, suspense, and crime fiction. 

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