The Thriller Zone

On today's 71st episode of TheThrillerZone, I'm honored to welcome back the multi-talented author of not only the Tom Clancy thriller #ZeroHour, but the #MattDrakeSeries of thrillers: Don Bentley.

Yes, Don joins The TZ for a healthy round of information dispersal, intriguing conversation about the military, epic thrillers, the Tom Clancy legacy, his masterful editor Tom Colgan, and so much more.

Sure, we cover his Matt Drake Series, which includes: #WithoutSanction, #TheOutsideMan, and #HostileIntent, but we also drill into his Tom Clancy thrillers, #TargetAcquired and his latest, #ZeroHour. We also talk writing tools, ball-caps vs. Stetsons, Cowboy boots, ribs 'n beer, guns 'n knives, helicopters and vacation spots.

That's right, you can't get this sort of entertainment just ANYwhere!

Don also sheds some healthy insights and pearls of wisdom about what it takes to make it as a successful writer today. "You have to know and respect the business," Don says. "Because if you don't give the audience what they want, you'll have a tough time selling your books."

When Don quotes the world-famous Stephen King, and shares King's take on "the blue collar part and the magic part" of successful writing, well I, along with most all my friends whom are writers, perked up and listened to the promo on Twitter that provided a sneak peek into what was to come on today's show.

Bentley was premiered on my show last August ('21), and I'm thrilled to have him back. Side note, THIS Don Bentley has seasoned and grown wiser with age (and page count), and I for one just lapped up his words-of-wisdom; as I'm sure you will too.

Kick back and enjoy our talk about #ThrillerFest and the magic of #writingcommunity and attending #writingconferences, as well as practices you can incorporate into your work every day.

Lastly, we do our fair amount of name dropping; not to impress you, but to simply share some of the insights of those whom have led the way. They include: Mark Greaney, Nick Petrie, Don Winslow, Brad Taylor, Andrews & Wilson, Chris Hauty, Eric Bishop & Steve Stratton, to name a few.

If you'd like to dig deeper, and perhaps pick up one (or more) of Don's books, go to: DonBentleyBooks.com, and be sure to FOLLOW him on both Twitter & Facebook @bentleydonb.

And as always, I thank you for listening to our podcast on TheThrillerZone.com, or any and all the places you enjoy your podcasts. Follow us on Twitter & Instagram @thethrillerzone, and of course subscribe to our YouTube Channel at YouTube.com/TheThrillerZone.

Thanks for listening. Thanks for subscribing. And thanks for being such a terrific audience who supports those of us who love podcasting.

I'm David Temple your host, and I'll see you next time for another episode of The Thriller Zone!

The Thriller Zone promises to wrap 2024 in a BIG way...Stay Tuned! Questions? Just write us at "[email protected]"

Mentioned in this episode:

Get Your Book on The Thriller Zone for a Limited Time!

For A Limited Time Only you can get your book (past or future) on The Thriller Zone. Write us at: [email protected] and we'll book your slot for the entire inventory of shows. Just remember THIS IS A LIMITED OFFER ONLY, so ACT TODAY!

The Thriller Zone is sponsored by Bob Asher and his new thriller ESCAPE FROM DONETSK.

The Thriller Zone with Dave Temple is presented by rising author Bob Asher and his latest thriller ESCAPE FROM DONETSK, available now from Amazon. Learn more at: BobAsherBooks.Com

The Thriller Zone presents Bob Asher and his new thriller ESCAPE FROM DONETSK

The Thriller Zone with Dave Temple is presented by rising author Bob Asher and his latest thriller ESCAPE FROM DONETSK, available now from Amazon. Learn more at: BobAsherBooks.Com

Unless you've been lost in a cave, or sleeping under a rock for the past decade, I'm sure you know the name Brad Thor. Brad is one of the more prolific authors of our time, and the creator of the Scot Harvath Series.

Some have called him, "The Undisputed King of the Genre," (Real Book Spy), while others have said this of his many books: "UN-Freaking-Believable," (The Crew Reviews), then there's, "An Amazing Thriller" says Fred Burton, and "Rising Tiger is ripped from tomorrow's headlines," says Wharton Journal Spectator.

Yes, I could go on for much longer, but instead, I'll simply say, "I have found Brad to be a thoughtful, engaging, gracious and masterful storyteller of the highest caliber. If someone offered a Master Class in writing military-inspired politically-charged ripped-from-headlines thrillers and the professor was Brad Thor, well, you couldn't take my money fast enough."

On today's 76th Episode, and the "Official Launch of Season Three of The Thriller Zone," I'm thrilled to welcome a guy who knows more than a thing or three about writing white-knuckle thrillers. And he's been doing it for several decades now.

With more than two dozen thrillers under his (very expensive and handsomely tailored exotic leather) belt, Brad shows no signs of slowing down. And his latest page-turner, RISING TIGER, is one of his very best.

His protagonist, and deadly operative Scot Harvath, faces down the country's most powerful enemy. Or as the jacket reads, "With democracy itself hanging in the balance, Harvath will risk everything to untangle the explosive plot and bring every bad actor to justice."

Join Brad and I as we talk about the hard work that it takes to make a propulsive thriller like Rising Tiger, learn Brad's "Secret Sauce for Success," as well as enjoy some light-hearted moments like his "Library/Lounge Office", his love of "Guy Toys," as well as our mutual love of antique typewriters, and so much more.

This podcast (and Vodcast on YouTube) promises to land in my "Top 10 Thriller Zone Episodes of the Year," and you'll soon see why.

To learn more, visit: BradThor.com, Follow him on Twitter @bradthor, on Instagram @realbradthor and Facebook @bradthorofficial.

And as always THANK YOU for making TheThrillerZone one of the fastest growing podcasts in the world, as we serve up tasty thrillers and give you a front row seat to the Best Thriller Writers In The World.

Subscribe to our Channel YouTube.com/TheThrillerZone, visit our homepage at TheThrillerZone.com and listen to our podcasts on ALL The Podcast Channels like Apple, Google, Amazon, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever you enjoy your favorite podcasts.

Thank you for sharing your passion of Thrillers, be it books, movies, or television, with us.

David Temple, Host of TheThrillerZone

Author at TheDavidTemple.com

Follow me on both Twitter & Instagram @TheThrillerZone

The Thriller Zone promises to wrap 2024 in a BIG way...Stay Tuned! Questions? Just write us at "[email protected]"

Mentioned in this episode:

Get Your Book on The Thriller Zone for a Limited Time!

For A Limited Time Only you can get your book (past or future) on The Thriller Zone. Write us at: [email protected] and we'll book your slot for the entire inventory of shows. Just remember THIS IS A LIMITED OFFER ONLY, so ACT TODAY!

The Thriller Zone presents Bob Asher and his new thriller ESCAPE FROM DONETSK

The Thriller Zone with Dave Temple is presented by rising author Bob Asher and his latest thriller ESCAPE FROM DONETSK, available now from Amazon. Learn more at: BobAsherBooks.Com

The Thriller Zone is sponsored by Bob Asher and his new thriller ESCAPE FROM DONETSK.

The Thriller Zone with Dave Temple is presented by rising author Bob Asher and his latest thriller ESCAPE FROM DONETSK, available now from Amazon. Learn more at: BobAsherBooks.Com

Today, marks a milestone in the history of this podcast; actually, it's two fold. First, I'm proud to introduce you to Year #2, aka Season 3, and Episode #78 of The Thriller Zone. Second, I am honored to welcome one of the genuine legends in the literary world, Mr. Dean Koontz.

I, like you, have been following him for decades, and have been amazed at his prolific output of one terrific suspense thriller after another. For nearly 6 decades, Dean has been crafting suspense novels that incorporate horror, fantasy, science fiction, and mystery, making him one of the most well-known, most prolific, and most highly regarded writers of this generation.

And the amazing thing? At 77, he shows absolutely no signs of slowing down. In fact, with a work ethic that plants him in a chair and behind a keyboard for 8 to 10 hours a day, six, and often seven days a week, Koontz is the quintessential example of the "hardest working writer" today.

This podcast not only marks our Second Year on the charts, but this episode marks one of the highlights of my interviewing career. And as you'll see in the show, I find myself "geeking out" just a little bit. But then, having admired his body of work from afar for as long as I've been alive, it's not a hard thing to imagine.

Please join me as we talk about Dean's "Magic Sauce" to crafting thrillers; listen as he shares stories that date back decades ago, to a time when writing thrillers was just beginning to gain particular traction; and take away some sage advice from a master who has spent his entire career perfecting his craft.

As he says early on, he was suffering a bit of laryngitis, so it may be a wee bit hard to hear him from time to time, but trust me when I say I've done pretty much everything in my power to craft and tweak the audio to the best of my ability. Special thanks to: Auphonics.com for their assistance.

Don't forget to stay until the end. Why? You get a chance to WIN a FREE copy of his latest thriller: The Big Dark Sky. Just follow the three easy steps, and we'll announce the winner shortly.

For more information visit: DeanKoontz.com and follow him on Twitter @deankoontz and Instagram @deankoontzofficial.

As always, THANK YOU for listening and supporting this podcast, and BIG THANKS to our new sponsor, Warwick's Bookstores; for great gifts, books and more info, visit: Warwicks.com, and to AuthorBytes.com, the company behind our websites.

FOLLOW US: TheThrillerZone.com & YouTube.com/TheThrillerZone and on both Twitter & Instagram @thethrillerzone

Mentioned in this episode:

Advertize on TheTZ

Are you an aspiring thriller writer? Have a book coming out soon? Want to get noticed...AND sell books? How about advertising on TheTZ! Rates are super reasonable, we offer a captive audience, and, well, who doesn't love The Thriller Zone? Let's talk: thethrillerzone at gmail.

The Thriller Zone promises to wrap 2024 in a BIG way...Stay Tuned! Questions? Just write us at "[email protected]"

Mentioned in this episode:

Get Your Book on The Thriller Zone for a Limited Time!

For A Limited Time Only you can get your book (past or future) on The Thriller Zone. Write us at: [email protected] and we'll book your slot for the entire inventory of shows. Just remember THIS IS A LIMITED OFFER ONLY, so ACT TODAY!

The Thriller Zone is sponsored by Bob Asher and his new thriller ESCAPE FROM DONETSK.

The Thriller Zone with Dave Temple is presented by rising author Bob Asher and his latest thriller ESCAPE FROM DONETSK, available now from Amazon. Learn more at: BobAsherBooks.Com

The Thriller Zone presents Bob Asher and his new thriller ESCAPE FROM DONETSK

The Thriller Zone with Dave Temple is presented by rising author Bob Asher and his latest thriller ESCAPE FROM DONETSK, available now from Amazon. Learn more at: BobAsherBooks.Com

Today's 93rd episode of The Thriller Zone is special and slightly off the beaten path. I say this because today we will meet a total of not one, but EIGHT of the world's best mystery & thriller writers.

Visiting us today is Andrew Child, Don Bruns, John Gilstrap, Reed Farrel Coleman, Heather Graham, Amanda Flower, Rick Bleiweiss, and Jennifer Graeser Dornbush.

Their mystery-thriller short story compilation is themed around one of the most popular bands of all times, and one of their most popular records. The band: The Eagles. The record: Hotel California.

Their stories are entitled, in order of the authors just listed, as follows: New Kid in Town, Life in the Fast Lane, Wasted Time, Victim of Love, Pretty Maids all in a Row, Try and Love Again, The Last Resort, and Hotel California.

Today's episode is one of the highlights of this show's year. Why?

Where else can you get so much talent in one place at one time? They are each amazing talents, with a bevy of books and series to their credit. And perhaps my favorite parts? They're some of the nicest, most approachable people you'll ever meet.

And the insights into the writing business? Profound.

So, kick back, get comfortable, perhaps even pour yourself a tasty beverage, and get ready to enjoy an hour of lively conversation, terrific insights, and plenty of laughs all around.

For more information on the book, visit: Tinyurl.com/HotelCaliforniaBook, where you can purchase the book or audiobook on Amazon.

To learn more about our authors, visit:

JackReacher.com

DonBrunsBooks.com

JohnGilstrap.com

ReedColeman.com

TheOriginalHeatherGraham.com

AmandaFlower.com

RickBleiweiss.com

JenniferDornbush.com

As always, you can find us at: TheThrillerZone.com and YouTube.com/TheThrillerZone. Follow us on both Twitter & Instagram @thethrillerzone

Thanks for listening, and be sure to LIKE, RETWEET & SUBSCRIBE!

Your host,

David Temple

TheDavidTemple.com & TheThrillerZone.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Advertize on TheTZ

Are you an aspiring thriller writer? Have a book coming out soon? Want to get noticed...AND sell books? How about advertising on TheTZ! Rates are super reasonable, we offer a captive audience, and, well, who doesn't love The Thriller Zone? Let's talk: thethrillerzone at gmail.

The Thriller Zone promises to wrap 2024 in a BIG way...Stay Tuned! Questions? Just write us at "[email protected]"

Mentioned in this episode:

The Thriller Zone is sponsored by Bob Asher and his new thriller ESCAPE FROM DONETSK.

The Thriller Zone with Dave Temple is presented by rising author Bob Asher and his latest thriller ESCAPE FROM DONETSK, available now from Amazon. Learn more at: BobAsherBooks.Com

The Thriller Zone presents Bob Asher and his new thriller ESCAPE FROM DONETSK

The Thriller Zone with Dave Temple is presented by rising author Bob Asher and his latest thriller ESCAPE FROM DONETSK, available now from Amazon. Learn more at: BobAsherBooks.Com

Get Your Book on The Thriller Zone for a Limited Time!

For A Limited Time Only you can get your book (past or future) on The Thriller Zone. Write us at: [email protected] and we'll book your slot for the entire inventory of shows. Just remember THIS IS A LIMITED OFFER ONLY, so ACT TODAY!

Welcome to a BONUS EPISODE of THE THRILLER ZONE Podcast!

Recently, I came up with an idea to offer some additional thriller entertainment to my listeners with a work of my own. Last year I released the mystery/thriller The Poser, based upon my character, Hollywood Detective Pat Norelli, and shortly after, I released its audiobook.

Here's the idea: beginning today, and for the remaining Tuesdays of August, I’m offering the audiobook in four, 25-chapter long sections...completely FREE!

Each audiobook portion is roughly 2 hours, making the entire book just under 9 hours. As I said, I’m calling these four episodes The Thriller Zone Bonus Episode Podcast and I hope you enjoy.

So, kick back, grab a comfy chair, and/or get settled in for a long drive or flight, and let’s begin with the first 25 chapters of The Poser, starring rookie Detective Pat Norelli.

By the way, while this audiobook is completely free, I'd only ask that you please not "copy & repurpose for your financial gain," but instead feel free to share with your friends.

Thank you!