In this 179th episode of The Thriller Zone, host David Temple interviews thriller writer Joe Reid, also known as Parker Adams, about his latest book, The Lock Box.

The conversation covers various topics, including the inspiration behind the book, the use of pen names, and Reid's background as a marine biologist and patent lawyer. He discusses the process of writing fiction and how it relates to his work as a litigator.

The discussion also delves into the character of Monna Locke, a female army vet turned safecracker, and the possibility of a sequel, plus Joe discusses his writing journey and the influences that have shaped his career.

Joe (aka Parker) talks about the importance of accumulating experiences and listening to your instincts as a writer, and also emphasizes the need to finish what you start and not be afraid of criticism.

Some highlights include the themes of complex characters, the influence of personal backgrounds on writing, and the importance of starting a story in the right place.

The interview concludes with a discussion about the impact of COVID-19 on storytelling plus an upcoming speaking event at the Carlsbad library with Christopher Reich on May 17th at Noon.

Learn more at JosephReidBooks.com, and as always, be sure to visit us at TheThrillerZone.com, follow us on Twitter, Instagram & Facebook @TheThrillerZone and you can catch us on all the podcast channels, like @applepodcasts @Spotify @iHeartRadio and more.

The Story Factory is an entertainment company representing some of the best authors in the business.

On today’s 178th episode of The Thriller Zone, David Temple and Scott Carson, author of Lost Man's Lane, discusses his writing process and the importance of voice in storytelling. He shares his experience working with a private investigator and how it influenced his latest novel.

Carson also talks about the power of face-to-face interviews and the impact of feedback on the writing process.

Scott offers advice to aspiring writers, emphasizing the importance of reading widely and keeping goals close to the vest. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the magic of voice and the thrill of having respected authors read and praise your work.

Takeaways

• Using a pen name can help differentiate between different genres and target specific readerships.
• Supernatural stories can be challenging to write well and appeal to skeptics, but the satisfaction of success is greater.
• Readers often have preferences for certain genres and may be more open to different types of stories within those genres.
• As a writer, it's important to challenge yourself and try new things to continue growing and producing your best work.
• Building a connection with readers is crucial, and they will follow you across genres if they enjoy your writing style and storytelling.
• The importance of having fun and taking risks in life and art
• The power of voice in writing and the uniqueness each writer brings
• The value of reading widely to improve writing skills
• The benefits of keeping writing goals private and avoiding early feedback

Sound Bites

• "If people like your prose, be whatever flavor it is, they're going to follow you wherever you go."
• "The supernatural stories are by far the more difficult ones for me. But the satisfaction of sticking the landing is maybe a little bit greater."
• "I don't think you're ever going to get your best work by staying in the familiar. It's going out there and getting a little bit dangerous."
• "We only get one crack at this life. So why don't we just have fun with it?"
• "The thing that makes your heart beat a little faster, whatever your emotional cues and triggers are, those are going to still be there no matter how different the story world might be."
• "Write the first draft with the door shut.”
• "Voice is the magic, the thing that makes it work."
• "Read widely because it's all grist for the mill."
• "Keep your goals close to the vest for as long as possible."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Face-to-Face Interviews
05:15 The Impact of Face-to-Face Interviews
09:33 Advice for Aspiring Writers
14:45 The Magic of Having Respected Authors Read Your Work

The Story Factory is an entertainment company representing some of the best authors in the business.

Welcome to the latest episode of The Thriller Zone with special guest, Christopher "Chris" Reich. In this episode, we dive deep into the world of Chris Reich, a renowned author known for his thrilling novels. The host, David, engages in a captivating conversation with Chris, exploring his journey as a writer and the inspiration behind his successful series and standalone novels.

Chris shares insights into his writing process, revealing how he transitioned from a corporate career to pursue his passion for writing. He discusses the challenges and triumphs he faced along the way, highlighting the importance of perseverance and never giving up on one's dreams.

The conversation delves into the intricacies of Chris's latest book, "Matterhorn," which promises to be a blockbuster hit. The host and guest discuss the characters, setting, and themes of the book, offering a glimpse into the thrilling world of espionage, action, and emotional depth that readers can expect.

Throughout the episode, the host and guest touch on various elements of storytelling, from crafting compelling characters to creating immersive settings. They also explore the evolving landscape of the publishing industry and the impact of technology on espionage and intelligence operations, drawing parallels between fiction and reality.

As the conversation unfolds, the host and guest share personal anecdotes, including a fascinating story about Stan Getz's iconic song "Desafinado" and its influence on their lives. The episode is filled with engaging discussions, literary insights, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into the creative process of a successful author.

In the end, the episode leaves listeners intrigued and eager to explore Chris Reich's thrilling novels, offering a blend of action, suspense, and emotional depth that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Tune in to TheThrillerZone.com for a captivating journey into the world of storytelling with Chris Reich. And to learn more about our guest, visit: ChristopherReich.com

BEST CHRIS REICH QUOTES:

• "I love what I do. So it beats working for a living." - 00:00:47
• "I got to write a book that is as exciting as The Bourne Identity. And that book became Rules of Deception." - 00:03:46
• "The days when the public unites around a central title, a central book that kind of captures the national interest, the zeitgeist. Very rare now, very rare." - 00:05:48
• "Social media is killing attention span, where people want that dopamine hit every 15 seconds, new page, new picture." - 00:06:38
• "I want to be part of this box theory where I keep a certain level, and then boom, you drop dead or something, you know, at age 85." - 00:10:23
• "Revenge is not a dish best served cold. Revenge is a dish best served hot and bloody right in your face." - 00:35:45
• "I don't know, revenge is not a dish best served cold. Revenge is a dish best served hot and bloody right in your face." - 00:35:45
• "Stan Getz is one of the greatest alto players ever. I mean, one of the greatest players of anything ever." - 00:42:18
• "I try to aim for a certain level of a skill level, let's say. So, you know, but thank you. I'm glad you like it." - 00:44:24

BEST DAVE TEMPLE QUOTE:

"I put it [STAN GETZ} on the drive up from San Diego today so I could get in the mood, because whenever I feel if I'm too preoccupied or down, I put on Bossa Nova, or Stan Getz, and it just makes the world a better place." - 00:40:26

• (00:00) - to the Thriller Zone: 00:00:00
• (00:18) - Reich's Background and Writing Career: 00:05:30
• (00:18) - on Book Series and Standalones: 00:07:40
• (00:18) - Reich's Health and Longevity: 00:09:30
• (00:18) - on Matterhorn and Climbing: 00:23:51
• (00:18) - in Writing and Sense of Place: 00:28:19
• (00:18) - and Conclusion of the Book: 00:35:45
• (00:18) - of Music and Personal Anecdote: 00:40:26

The Story Factory is an entertainment company representing some of the best authors in the business.