Terry Hayes

02/05/24 • 65 min

On today's 166th episode of The Thriller Zone, as we launch February here in Season SIX, we're thrilled to welcome New York Times Bestselling Author Terry Hayes, the author of the epic novel I AM PILGRIM.

In this conversation, host David Temple interviews Terry Hayes about his book 'The Year of the Locust' as well as many of his upcoming projects. The conversation begins with a warm welcome and introduction, then dives into a discussion about Terry's new book, as David expresses his admiration for it.

Terry continues by sharing insights into the writing process and the inspiration behind the book, while also touching upon Terry's excitement and nervousness about the anticipation of the new book from his fans.

David and Terry concludes this engaging conversation with a question about Terry's personal preferences in writing, as well as signing off with David's signature "Best Writing Advice" for aspiring actors.

All in, it's a wonderful discussion with a true legend in Hollywood. As Terry says, when asked about the lack of a website and any social media presence, he says, "The best way to learn more about me...is to buy my books; that's where my true heart lies."

Buy The Year Of The Locust wherever you buy your books.

To learn more, to follow along, and to subscribe to, visit: TheThrillerZone.com and YouTube.com/@thethrillerzone/videos. You can also FOLLOW us on X & Instagram @thethrillerzone

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
01:17 Discussion about the Book
02:31 Upcoming Projects
03:52 Personal Preferences in Writing

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

Mentioned in this episode:

RIVIAN Comm

Rivian—electric adventure vehicles built for the wild. Go anywhere, do anything, and drive into the future with confidence. Explore more at Rivian.com

RIVIAN Open

Rivian—electric adventure vehicles built for the wild. Go anywhere, do anything, and drive into the future with confidence. Explore more at Rivian.com

SEASON 9 PROMO

Season 9 of The Thriller Zone launches Thursday, June 19th at 2AM-West/5AM-East.

Buy The Year Of The Locust wherever you buy your books.

To learn more, to follow along, and to subscribe to, visit: TheThrillerZone.com and YouTube.com/@thethrillerzone/videos. You can also FOLLOW us on X & Instagram @thethrillerzone

# # # # #

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
01:17 Discussion about the Book
02:31 Upcoming Projects
03:52 Personal Preferences in Writing

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

Mentioned in this episode:

RIVIAN Comm

Rivian—electric adventure vehicles built for the wild. Go anywhere, do anything, and drive into the future with confidence. Explore more at Rivian.com

RIVIAN Open

Rivian—electric adventure vehicles built for the wild. Go anywhere, do anything, and drive into the future with confidence. Explore more at Rivian.com

SEASON 9 PROMO

Season 9 of The Thriller Zone launches Thursday, June 19th at 2AM-West/5AM-East.

Previous Episode

Terrence McCauley

On today’s episode 165th episode of The Thriller Zone I’m happy to introduce you to a long-time fan and friend of our show, Mr. Terrence McCauley. He kicks off SEASON SIX with a discussion about his latest thriller CHICAGO 63, a fictional account of a plot to assassinate President Kennedy.

As a bit of history, Terrence is an award-winning novelist, a member of various writer associations, and on today's show discusses his writing career plus shares his journey of writing in multiple genres, including thrillers, crime fiction, and Westerns.

Other topics Terrence and I cover include: the importance of decorum and class in society, we discuss the cover design of 'Chicago 63' and the artist behind it, plus Terrence offers advice for aspiring writers, and near the end, introduces us to Silverback Publishing, a company focused on publishing novellas.

As you’ll see, Terrence is an engaging guest, a prolific writer in not one, but three genres, he’s also a podcast host, and just an all-around nice guy. Let’s get to the launch of Season Six, and my friend Terrence McCauley right here on The Thriller Zone.

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To learn more visit: TerrenceMcCauley.com and as always, stop by our website TheThrillerZone.com and be sure to SUBSCRIBE to our video channel Youtube.com/@thethrillerzone/videos
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Chapters
0:00 Introduction and Early Conversations
3:21 Writing in Multiple Genres
6:55 Favorite Genre: 1930s
9:28 Terrence's Novella 'Chicago 63'
18:31 Importance of Decorum and Class
25:17 Advice for Writers
27:42 Benefits of Writer Associations
29:45 Silverback Publishing
36:32 The Power of Novellas
39:44 Lessons Learned as a Full-Time Author
40:47 Trust the Process and Trust Your Instincts
41:42 Leaving the Big City for a New Life
42:47 Transitioning to Life in Dutchess County
43:25 The Cover Design of 'Chicago 63'
44:19 Closing Remarks

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

Mentioned in this episode:

RIVIAN Open

Rivian—electric adventure vehicles built for the wild. Go anywhere, do anything, and drive into the future with confidence. Explore more at Rivian.com

SEASON 9 PROMO

Season 9 of The Thriller Zone launches Thursday, June 19th at 2AM-West/5AM-East.

RIVIAN Comm

Rivian—electric adventure vehicles built for the wild. Go anywhere, do anything, and drive into the future with confidence. Explore more at Rivian.com

Next Episode

Jon Lindstrom

In this 167th episode of The Thriller Zone, host Dave Temple interviews John Lindstrom, a movie & television star turned debut author.

Lindstrom discusses his journey from acting to writing, including his experience writing screenplays and the lessons he learned about storytelling. He also shares the challenges he faced in writing his first book and the importance of authenticity in storytelling.

As we get going, Lindstrom reflects on his career in soap operas and the attrition rate in Hollywood, and discusses his wife's involvement in theater and the impact and evolution of indie films.

The conversation concludes with a discussion on the dark side of Hollywood and the cautionary tale in Lindstrom's book, 'Hollywood Hustle,' a book that reflects, in part, some of his experiences in the entertainment industry. In this engaging conversation, Jon shares his passion for supporting orphanages and helping foster kids tell their stories through film.

Dave and Jon also discuss the contrasting characters in his book and the dark side of Hollywood. Perhaps most of the fun involves an "acting conversation" which has the two personalities reading from the book, playing two characters. And sure, there are potential film adaptations and casting choices, but that remains to be seen.

As we close, Lindstrom shares his writing process and the therapeutic nature of writing, and as always, Dave concludes the show with much-loved "Rapid-Fire Questions." It's fun for everyone.

To learn more about Jon visit: JonLindstrom.com, and as always, connect with TheThrillerZone.com & watch our podcast at YouTube.com/thethrillerzone.

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Takeaways

Writing screenplays can teach valuable lessons about storytelling, structure, and character development.

Authenticity is crucial in writing, and it is important to draw from personal experiences and knowledge.
The attrition rate in Hollywood is high, and maintaining a successful career requires perseverance and gratitude.
Indie filmmaking remains a challenging endeavor, despite advancements in technology and accessibility.
'Hollywood Hustle' explores the dark side of Hollywood and serves as a cautionary tale about the pursuit of fame and success.

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Chapters

00:00 - Introduction and Background

03:00 - Writing Screenplays and Learning Storytelling

06:19 - Attending Book Conferences and Working with an Editor

08:44 - Writing What You Know and the Importance of Authenticity

11:36 - The Challenges of Writing a Book

13:28 - The Importance of Research and Authenticity in Writing

15:16 - The Challenges and Benefits of Writing What You Know

17:45 - The High Lonesome Band and the Music Industry

19:40 - The Beginnings of John's Acting Career in Soap Operas

24:37 - The Difference Between Soap Operas and Episodic Shows

26:34 - The Attrition Rate in Hollywood and John's Career

28:00 - John's Wife, Katie McClain, and Her Involvement in Theater

30:01 - The Impact and Evolution of Indie Films

34:01 - Stylistic Influences from Books and Films

42:23 - Product Placement and Movie References in 'Hollywood Hustle'

45:16 - The Dark Side of Hollywood and the Cautionary Tale in the Book

49:33 - Investing in Orphanages

50:30 - Kids in the Spotlight

50:58 - Contrasting Characters

51:28 - Dark Side of Hollywood

52:16 - If This Scene Could Talk

52:46 - Chapter 31: Hollywood Hustle

53:43 - Phone Call with the Kidnappers

56:10 - Potential Film Adaptation

57:08 - Casting the Characters

58:36 - Tough Casting Choices

59:35 - Recommendation: Your Honor

01:00:03 - Writing as Therapy

01:03:54 - Enjoyment of the Book

01:04:52 - Rapid Fire Questions

01:08:15 - Top of TBR Stack

01:09:10 - Dream Dinner Guests

01:20:48 - Writing Advice: Trust Your Desire

01:25:14 - Memorizing Lines

01:27:34 - Realistic Acting

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

Mentioned in this episode:

SEASON 9 PROMO

Season 9 of The Thriller Zone launches Thursday, June 19th at 2AM-West/5AM-East.

RIVIAN Open

Rivian—electric adventure vehicles built for the wild. Go anywhere, do anything, and drive into the future with confidence. Explore more at Rivian.com

RIVIAN Comm

Rivian—electric adventure vehicles built for the wild. Go anywhere, do anything, and drive into the future with confidence. Explore more at Rivian.com