Five Compelling Questions with Shawn

Explore the life and legacy of George Washington through H.W. Brands' comprehensive biography, delving into his leadership, decision-making, and the evolution of American democracy.

Discover the unique journey of Ryan Pote, a former Navy pilot turned author. Learn how his diverse experiences shaped his writing and the inspirations behind his latest book, "The Ghost City."

In this engaging interview, author Gregory Stout discusses his writing process, series development, and insights into his latest novel, 'Goodbye is Forever.' Discover how he crafts compelling characters, manages long-running series, and draws inspiration from music and personal experiences.

In this engaging interview, author Matt Lavoie discusses his debut novel, 'Main Street Fringe,' exploring themes of conspiracy, radicalization, and the influence of government and social media. Matt shares insights into character development, the inspiration behind his book, and practical advice for aspiring writers navigating the publishing world.

In this engaging interview, author Ward Larsen shares his journey from fighter pilot to bestselling author, discusses his work on the Tom Clancy universe, and offers insights into writing military thrillers, character development, and maintaining a disciplined writing schedule.

Explore the intriguing story behind Peter Clenott's novel about Hitler's murder investigation, uncovering lesser-known historical facts and the power of historical fiction to teach and entertain.

In this engaging interview, author James Cleary discusses his novel 'Sanctuary,' exploring themes of climate catastrophe, social justice, and human morality. Discover the inspiration behind the story, the research process, and insights into writing a thriller that reflects current global anxieties.

In this engaging interview, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jayne Ann Phillips discusses her memoir 'Small Town Girls,' exploring themes of regional history, intergenerational stories, resilience, and the power of literature. She shares insights into her writing process, the significance of her regional roots, and her upcoming projects, offering valuable lessons for writers and readers alike...

In this interview, author Matt Witten discusses his dystopian thriller '51%', exploring themes of corporate power, privatization, and resistance. He shares insights into character development, pacing, and the intersection of screenwriting and novel writing, offering a compelling look at his creative process and the book's societal implications.

In this engaging interview, author Michael McLaughlin discusses his journey from surgeon to thriller novelist, his latest book 'No Harm Intended' set in the Peruvian Amazon, and his writing process. Discover his insights into character creation, research, and balancing medical and fiction writing.

In this engaging interview, author and historian Christi Keating Sumich shares her journey from academic research to writing historical mysteries rooted in New Orleans history. Discover how her family heritage, extensive research, and love for the city inspire her novels, including 'Lafitte Lives' and upcoming projects. Learn writing tips, the magic of New Orleans as a storytelling backdrop, and f...

In this engaging interview, author Joseph S. Walker shares his journey into short fiction, discusses his latest collection 'Crime Scenes,' and explores his passion for baseball and writing. Discover insights on crafting short stories, the importance of community, and tips for aspiring writers.

In this engaging interview, author Eleanor Anstruther discusses her upcoming novel 'Fallout,' her writing journey, and insights into the Greenham Common protest. Discover her creative process, advice for writers, and her unique approach to storytelling.

In this engaging interview, author Ken Lin discusses his journey from a math teacher to a mystery novelist, the evolution of his character Pete Barrow, and the creative process behind his latest book 'Dwellings'. Discover insights into writing, setting, and the unique blend of math and mystery in his stories.

In this engaging interview, acclaimed author Charlotte Wood discusses her award-winning novel 'The Natural Way of Things,' its themes of misogyny, rage, and resilience, and the impact of revisiting her work a decade later. She shares insights into her creative process, the emotional intensity of her writing, and the importance of storytelling in addressing social issues.

In this engaging interview, author Cindy Goyette shares her journey from probation officer to successful novelist, discusses her series' evolution, and offers insights into writing dark and cozy mysteries, character development, and the importance of perseverance in writing.

In this engaging interview, author Johnny Compton discusses his fascination with horror and mystery, his creative process, regional influences, and insights for aspiring writers. Discover how he crafts compelling characters, blends genres, and draws inspiration from Southern folklore and personal experiences.

In this engaging interview, author Mary Karnes shares her journey to becoming a cozy mystery writer, the evolution of her characters, and her tips for aspiring writers. Discover how her background as a wedding planner influences her storytelling and gain insights into maintaining creativity and confidence in writing.

In this engaging interview, Shawn speaks with bestselling author Mark Greaney, who offers a compelling look into his creative process, revealing how he crafts his stories, conducts in-depth research, and draws inspiration from current global events. He takes readers behind the scenes of his latest novel, The Hard Line , shares insights from his experiences with film adaptations, and provides thoug...

In this engaging interview, author Clea Simon explores her Witch Cats of Cambridge series, sharing how cats’ mystical qualities inspired her stories. She reflects on her writing journey, offers advice for aspiring authors, and reveals how her passion for both cats and literature has shaped her distinctive mysteries—while providing a glimpse into her creative process.

In this engaging interview, author Christopher Farnsworth discusses his Jesse Stone novels, character development, the influence of real-world events on fiction, and his writing process. Discover insights into creating compelling characters, maintaining legacy characters, and the importance of rules in society.

In this episode of Five Compelling Questions, host Shawn Simmons interviews writer and educator Chris Chan about his latest book, 'Absolute Justice,' which delves into the history and legacy of Agatha Christie's 'And Then There Were None.' The conversation explores Chan's deep appreciation for Christie's work, the structure of his book, and the enduring appeal of Christie's mysteries. They discuss...

In this engaging interview, bestselling author Brian Freeman discusses his prolific writing career, the themes of memory and identity in his thrillers, and insights into his process for creating compelling characters and timely plots. Discover how he balances series and standalone novels, and get a sneak peek into his upcoming projects, including the latest Jason Bourne novel.

In this engaging interview, DonnaRae Menard shares her journey from a childhood filled with animals and family responsibilities to becoming a prolific author across multiple genres. She discusses her inspiration for writing pig-themed mysteries, her unique writing process, and valuable advice for aspiring writers.

In this episode of Five Compelling Questions, host Shawn Simmons interviews Eliot Kleinberg, a Florida native and seasoned journalist, about his new novel 'Hypocrite's Row', which explores the impact of Prohibition in Florida during the Roaring 20's. Kleinberg shares insights into his writing process, the transition from nonfiction to fiction, and the unique aspects of Florida'...