On today's 234th episode of The Thriller Zone, host Dave Temple sits down with Rachel Howzell Hall for a return performance to discuss her latest thriller FOG AND FURY.

As always, Rachel is a superb guest, and she provides insights and instincts like few other writers. There's a reason she's atop the best-selling charts!

Fog and Fury is the star of today’s show, and trust me, you won’t want to miss this conversation! Rachel our fantastic guest and prolific author, is back to chat about her new thriller that feels like both a fresh start and a cozy return to familiar vibes.

We're diving into the heart of her latest protagonist, who navigates a world of moral ambiguity and emotional depth, all while dealing with the foggy complexities of life in a small town. With a mix of personal anecdotes and insights into her writing process, Rachel shares how her characters come to life, reflecting the intricate layers of human experience.

So, grab your favorite beverage and settle in, because we’re about to embark on a thrilling journey filled with laughs, deep thoughts, and a sprinkle of literary magic and...

Thanks for joining us here in Season 9!

Learn more at RachelHowzell.com and follow us at TheThrillerZone.com

Takeaways:

• In this episode, we celebrate Season Nine of the Thriller Zone and dive into the fascinating world of author Rachel Housel Hall, who has a new book titled 'Fog and Fury'.
• Rachel Housel Hall shares her excitement about writing, revealing how her latest book feels like both a departure and a comfort zone at the same time, showcasing her unique style.
• The conversation touches on Rachel's personal journey through her writing career, including her experiences with illness and how they influenced her storytelling approach.
• Listeners get a peek into the research process behind 'Fog and Fury', as Rachel explains the importance of understanding small town dynamics and the intricacies of real estate development.
• We discuss the significance of character development in thrillers, emphasizing Rachel's commitment to creating multi-dimensional characters who grapple with moral ambiguity and personal struggles.
• The episode wraps up with some quick-fire questions, where Rachel emphasizes that the key to writing is simply to put your butt in the seat and write every day, no matter what.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Scripps
• Cedars
• UCLA
• Blackstone
• Thomas and Mercer

KEYWORDS: Fog and Fury, Rachel Housel Hall, thriller podcast, writing advice, character development, suspense novels, psychological thrillers, small town mysteries, literary interviews, storytelling techniques, book covers, author interviews, crime fiction, literary inspiration, writing process, plot twists, book recommendations, literary voice, publishing industry insights, first-person narratives

Today, host Dave Temple is diving into the nitty-gritty of the publishing world with the legendary Robert Gottlieb, the chairman of Trident Media Group.

Robert has the inside scoop on how books go from mere words on a page to bestsellers that everyone’s talking about. We’re pulling back the curtain on what it really takes to run a top-tier talent agency and what separates a good writer from a great one.

As we chat, Robert shares his journey from being an assistant at the William Morris Agency to establishing himself as a titan in the literary agency world. He highlights the importance of understanding the unique qualities that make an author stand out in a sea of submissions.

We explore the nuances between literary and commercial fiction, uncovering what truly captivates editors and readers alike. Robert's insights into the shifting dynamics of publishing—especially with the rise of eBooks and the influence of social media on book sales—paint a vivid picture of today's literary landscape.

Get ready for a masterclass in how to navigate the complexities of getting published, with plenty of anecdotes and wisdom from Robert's extensive career. Whether you're a budding author or just a curious listener, there's gold to be mined in this conversation.

Learn more at TridentMediaGroup.com and WATCH/LISTEN/FOLLOW us at TheThrillerZone.com

Companies and people mentioned in this episode:

• Trident Media Group
• William Morris Agency
• Knopf
• Bertelsmann
• Alba Michel
• Frank Herbert
• Brian Herbert
• Leon Uris
• Random House
• Dune
• Sony
• Lionsgate
• Putnam Group

Keywords: thriller podcast, literary agent insights, Robert Gottlieb interview, publishing industry trends, how to write a bestseller, author career development, Trident Media Group, best practices for authors, commercial fiction vs literary fiction, storytelling techniques, international book markets, marketing for authors, navigating publishing contracts, building an author brand, literary agency secrets, author representation tips, the future of publishing, writing craft advice, book marketing strategies, understanding genre fiction

Welcome to not only the 232nd episode of The Thriller Zone, but we are also celebrating our 4-YEAR ANNIVERSARY!!!! Can you believe it? Four years of thrilling stories, incredible guests, and a whole lot of banter.

Who better to celebrate with than #1 New York Times Bestselling author Megan Abbott, author of The Turnout.

Today's chat is all about celebrating our fabulous four-year anniversary of the podcast...but perhaps as equally important, we're going to do a deep-dive on her latest riveting thriller called El Dorado Drive...which is already catching some serious buzz.

If you know Megan's work, then you know what a captivating author she is. Moreover, she's a delightful conversationalist...and we have plenty of that in store for you.

Trust me, El Dorado Drive is a riveting read that dives deep into the chaos of suburban life and the lengths people go to maintain their status. We'll also explore some juicy tidbits about the upcoming TV adaptation and how it feels to see her characters come to life on screen.

So grab your favorite drink and settle in, because this episode is packed with all the good stuff!

Learn more at MeganAbbott.com and TheThrillerZone.com ... where we plan on kicking off Season 9, here in our 4th year!

Takeaways:

• Celebrating our four-year anniversary feels like a wild ride through podcasting history, can you believe it?
• Megan Abbott's latest work, El Dorado Drive, is a riveting tale of suburban intrigue and family drama that'll keep you guessing.
• The fascinating dynamics of desperation and friendship in illegal money-making schemes are explored through Abbott's storytelling.
• A24 is adapting El Dorado Drive for TV, bringing Abbott's cinematic vision to life in a thrilling new way!
• The conversation dives into nostalgia, revealing how our fond memories can obscure the less glamorous realities of the past.
• Abbott emphasizes the importance of reading widely to hone your writing skills, so pick up those books, folks!

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Netflix
• A24
• Triton Media Group
• May Cobb
• Megan Abbott
• Gillian Flynn
• SA Cosby
• Dennis Lehane
• Harlan Coban
• Karen Slaughter
• Elmore Leonard

Keywords: podcast, Megan Abbott, El Dorado Drive, thriller genre, suspenseful stories, book recommendations, crime fiction, Netflix adaptations, women in literature, anniversary episodes, literary interviews, writing advice, reading habits, character development, suburban stories, female empowerment, psychological thrillers, nostalgia in storytelling, book to screen adaptations, A24 productions