Thriller 101

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

Thriller 101 is a arts podcast hosted by David, with 151 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

David hosts Thriller 101, a arts show with 151 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #18

  151 - Unhinged Characters and the Truth About Getting Published with Marisa Walz

  Feb 24, 202623 minS3

  <p>Send me a Text Message!</p><p>Debut author Marisa Walz joins the show to talk about her psychological suspense novel Good Intentions. It's story about obsession, grief, and moral ambiguity that kept her up all night plotting after a single book inspired her to finally write it. </p><p>Marisa shares: </p>What the publishing journey really looks likeHow she balances writing unlikable protagonistsThe unexpected challenges that come after you finally land that book deal<p>Bio: Marisa Walz is the author of Good Intentions, her debut psychological suspense novel. She lives in the Chicago suburbs with her hu...

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  Episode #18

  150 Writing a Complex Mystery Novel with Bianca Marais

  Oct 29, 202521 minS3

  <p>Send me a Text Message!</p><p>What if the secret to writing unforgettable characters isn't interrogating them with questionnaires, but letting them reveal themselves organically? </p><p>In this episode, bestselling author Bianca Marais shares how she "pantsed" her way through writing her newest novel, A Most Puzzling Murder. </p><p>It’s especially impressive because this novel is a complex mystery with 12+ POVs, choose-your-own-adventure chapters, interactive puzzles, and a character who emails readers back. </p><p>If you've ever wondered how to build three-dimensional characters that feel alive, balance ambitious storytelling mechanics without losing narrative control then this...

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  Episode #17

  149 How to Write a Thriller that Gets Attention: Character and Plot Advice from Chevy Stevens

  Oct 22, 202531 minS3

  <p>Send me a Text Message!</p><p>New York Times bestselling author Chevy Stevens pulls back the curtain on what separates a good thriller from an unforgettable one. </p><p>And it might not be what you think. </p><p>In this episode, Chevy reveals her unconventional process for crafting antagonists that readers love to hate. </p><p>She also shares the exact mindset shift that helped her sustain an eight-book career.</p><p>If you are... </p>struggling to create believable villainsfeeling stuck in your thriller's plotwondering how to build a lasting writing career in today's market<p>This...

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  Episode #16

  148 Developing Better Plots Using a Character-Driven Approach with Daniel David Wallace

  Oct 15, 202528 minS3

  <p>Send me a Text Message!</p><p>Struggling with how to write a thriller that grabs readers immediately? </p><p>In this interview, writing expert Daniel David Wallace shares game-changing writing tips for crafting plots that keep readers hooked from page one. </p><p>Daniel, creator of the Character First Writing Approach and host of Escape the Plot Forest summit, reveals why traditional plotting advice often fails thriller writers.</p><p>And he offers three essential strategies for developing compelling, character-driven narratives. </p><p>Whether you're working on your first manuscript or polishing a novel for traditional publishing, these wri...

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  Episode #15

  147 How to Write Thrillers That Actually Matter with Aaron Philip Clark

  Oct 9, 202533 minS3

  <p>Send me a Text Message!</p><p>What if the setting you choose could be as morally complex as your protagonist? </p><p>In this episode, USA Today bestselling author Aaron Philip Clark pulls back the curtain on how he crafts crime fiction that thrills and matters. </p><p>Aaron reveals:</p>his process for weaving heavy themes into page-turners without slowing the pacewhy he writes from a place of frustration and injusticehow to make every setting choice deliberate and loaded with meaning. <p>If you're tired of writing surface-level thrillers or struggling to add depth without killing your mom...

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