Robert Bailey is the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of THE BOOMERANG, the Jason Rich series, the McMurtrie and Drake legal thrillers, the Bocephus Haynes series, and the inspirational novel, THE GOLFER’S CAROL. Robert’s novels draw inspiration from his decades as a civil defense trial lawyer in his hometown of Huntsville, Alabama. Robert obtained a Bachelor of Arts in History from Davidson College in North Carolina, and went to law school at the University of Alabama.

Among other things, Robert and Carter discuss learning to trust your editor, working as a lawyer while writing full time, and publishing struggles even after having published several novels, . At the end of their conversation, they make up a creative story using a line from Karen Slaughter’s This Is Why We Lied.

“There are no shortcuts, right? It doesn't matter what you're writing—you just have to do it.” — Mailan Doquang

Mailan Doquang is an architectural historian turned thriller writer. Mailan received her Ph.D. from the Institute of Fine Arts, New York University. She has published extensively on the art and architecture of medieval France, in addition to teaching at some of the top universities in North America. Her debut novel is BLOOD RUBIES.

Among other things, Mailan and Carter discuss Mailan’s transition from academia to writing fiction, learning to cut unnecessary words, and the imposter syndrome that emerges at writing conferences. At the end of their conversation, they make up a descriptive story using a line from Stephen King’s Desperation.

"The only way your journey in publishing ends is if you stop trying." – Kaira Rouda

Kaira Rouda is a USA TODAY, Amazon #1 and international bestselling author. She has worked in marketing, real estate, and other career fields, including being the society columnist for the Columbus Dispatch for ten years. Kaira’s work has been translated into more than a dozen languages. Three of her novels have been named Amazon Editor’s Picks, and her novels have won several awards, including Suspense Magazine’s Best Book of 2021 Award.

Among other things, Kaira and Carter discuss setting your novels in the suburbs, writing accurate portrayals of teenagers, and learning how to be proud of yourself and celebrating your victories. At the end of their conversation, they make up a twisted story using a line from Martin Edwards’ The House on Graveyard Lane.