Five Compelling Questions with Shawn

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Robin Cook discusses his journey as a medical thriller author, the inspiration behind his latest book 'Spasm', and the importance of using fiction to influence public policy. He reflects on his writing process, character development, and the impact of personal experiences on his storytelling. The discussion also touches on the healthcare system and the role of re...

In this engaging conversation, Shawn Simmons interviews bestselling author Brett Battles, who shares insights into his writing journey, the creative process behind his latest book, 'Blown Away', and the importance of humor in storytelling. Brett discusses his experiences across various genres and offers valuable advice to aspiring writers. The discussion highlights the challenges and joys...

In this episode of Five Compelling Questions, host Shawn Simmons interviews author Nancy Cole Silverman about her latest book, ' A Spy in Saigon.' They discuss the inspiration behind the book, the impact of the Vietnam War on women, and the character development of Kat Lawson. Nancy shares her research insights, the challenges of writing, and offers advice for aspiring writers. The convers...

In this conversation, authors Brian Andrews and Jeffrey Wilson discuss their latest book, 'Executive Power,' set in the Clancy universe. They delve into character development, particularly the introduction of Kyle Ryan, and share insights on balancing their writing with film projects. The authors also provide valuable advice for aspiring writers.

In this engaging conversation, Shawn Simmons interviews Amy K. Green, a contemporary author whose journey from accounting to writing is both unconventional and inspiring. They discuss her latest novel, 'Haven't Killed in Years,' which explores the life of a woman grappling with her identity as the daughter of a notorious serial killer. The discussion delves into the influence of true c...

In this episode of Five Compelling Questions, host Shawn Simmons interviews Vanessa Lillie, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation and author of the bestselling novel Blood Sisters. They discuss her latest book, The Bone Thief, which explores themes of colonialism, archaeology, and Indigenous history. Vanessa shares her writing process, the importance of telling Indigenous stories, and the surprising di...

In this engaging conversation, Shawn Simmons interviews Patrick Moore, a crime fiction author and former investigator. They discuss Moore's Nick Crane trilogy, the evolution of crime fiction, the significance of Los Angeles as a setting, and the power of words in writing. Moore shares insights on character development, offers advice for aspiring writers, and reveals his future projects, including...

In this episode of Five Compelling Questions, host Shawn Simmons interviews author MP Woodward about his latest novels, Terminal Velocity and Red Tide. They discuss the themes and research behind Terminal Velocity, the challenges of writing within the Clancy universe, and the importance of collaboration with editors. Woodward shares valuable insights for aspiring writers and promotes his upcoming...

In this episode of Five Compelling Questions, host Shawn Simmons interviews Eden Collinsworth, a former media executive and author of 'The Improbable Victoria Woodhull.' The conversation explores the multifaceted life of Victoria Woodhull, her rise to prominence, the challenges she faced, and the writing process behind Collinsworth's book. The discussion also touches on the importance...

In this engaging conversation, Brian Freeman discusses his latest works, including his new Jason Bourne novel and the upcoming book 'Photograph'. He shares insights into his writing process, particularly his approach to developing strong female characters, and reflects on the influence of current events on his storytelling. Freeman also offers advice for aspiring writers and hints at futur...

In this episode of "Five Compelling Questions," host Shawn Simmons engages with Jennifer Trevelyan, a writer from New Zealand, discussing her journey into writing and her debut novel, "A Beautiful Family." The conversation begins with a light-hearted exchange about New Zealand's beauty and culture, leading into Jennifer's background in photography and children's publishing. She shares her experien...

In this engaging conversation, Shawn Simmons interviews Valerie Burns, an acclaimed mystery writer, about her latest book 'Icing on the Murder.' They discuss the protagonist Maddie's journey, the culinary cozy mystery genre, character development, and the challenges of writing within this genre. Valerie shares insights into her writing process, her advice for aspiring authors, and where listeners...

In this engaging conversation, Shawn Simmons interviews author Jane Loeb Rubin about her latest historical novel 'Over There,' which explores the lives of medical professionals during World War I. They discuss the characters, themes, and the impact of war on society and medicine, as well as the importance of family dynamics and the lessons history teaches us. Jane shares her personal connection to...

In this episode of Five Compelling Questions, host Shawn Simmons welcomes back author Rob Hart to discuss his latest book, The Medusa Protocol, a sequel to Assassin's Anonymous. They delve into the challenges of writing sequels, the importance of character development, and the unique perspective of writing from different points of view. Rob shares insights on the balance of humor and brutality in...

In this episode of Five Compelling Questions, host Shawn Simmons interviews bestselling author Brett Battles about his latest book, 'Finders Keepers.' They discuss the intricacies of writing in the style of the late Stuart Woods, the challenges and joys of creating layered characters, and the writing process behind producing multiple books a year. Brett shares valuable writing advice and p...

In this engaging conversation, Shawn Simmons interviews Eloise Corvo, a debut novelist who writes cozy crime fiction. They discuss Eloise's journey from a background in marine biology and environmental policy to becoming a writer, the inspiration behind her debut novel 'Off the Beaten Path', and the importance of setting in her work. Eloise shares insights into her character development process, t...

In this engaging conversation, Shawn Simmons interviews author and editor Victoria Zachheim about her writing journey, particularly focusing on her novel 'The Curtain Falls in Paris.' They discuss the creative process, the challenges of writing and editing, and the importance of having a structured outline. Victoria shares insights into her characters and the themes of her book, as well as her exp...

In this engaging conversation, Shawn Simmons interviews accomplished entertainment finance attorney and novelist, Jeffrey Konvitz, about his latest book, 'Circus of Satan'. The discussion delves into the historical context of the Irish mob, the evolution of publishing, and the importance of thorough research in writing. Konvitz shares insights on the differences between writing novels and screenpl...

In this engaging conversation, Shawn Simmons interviews Liza Tully, a multifaceted author who discusses her latest book, 'The World's Greatest Detective and Her Just Okay Assistant.' Liza shares her journey from editing and teaching to writing fiction, her love for the Golden Age of detective fiction, and the importance of humor in her writing. The discussion also delves into character development...

In this engaging conversation, M.P. Woodward discusses his latest novel, 'Line of Demarcation', exploring themes of geopolitics, character development, and the intricacies of writing thrillers. He shares insights into how real-world events inspire his storytelling, the importance of creating relatable characters, and the balance between action and depth in his narratives. Woodward also off...

In this engaging conversation, Shawn Simmons interviews Joel E. Turner, author of Wildwood Exit. They discuss the intricacies of writing, the importance of setting in storytelling, and the balance of humor and crime in Turner's work. Turner shares insights into his writing process, the challenges he faced, and the influences that shaped his journey as a writer. He also hints at future projects...

In this episode of Five Compelling Questions, host Shawn Simmons interviews acclaimed author Victoria Helen Stone, discussing her latest novel, Bald-Faced Liar. The conversation delves into the main character of the book, Elizabeth May. It explores her complex relationship with truth and trust, shaped by childhood trauma and the emergence of a stalker who threatens to expose her lies.

In this episode of Five Compelling Questions, host Shawn Simmons interviews acclaimed author Laurie Roy, discussing her latest novel, The Final Episode. They explore the inspiration behind the book, the impact of accolades on Roy's writing career, and the themes of justice and fairness within her work. Roy shares insights into her research process and offers advice to aspiring writers, emphasi...

In this episode of Five Compelling Questions, host Shawn Simmons speaks with Betsy Armstrong about her memoir, 'The Mother of All Decisions.' Betsy shares her personal journey of motherhood, adoption, and the challenges of writing a memoir. She discusses the ambivalence she felt towards having children, the vulnerability required in sharing her story, and the importance of self-acceptance and body...

In this episode of Five Compelling Questions, host Shawn Simmons interviews award-winning author Lindy Ryan, discussing her latest books 'Another Fine Mess' and the 'Bless Your Heart' series. They explore themes of women's voices in horror, the influence of family on writing, and the importance of humor in the genre. Lindy shares her journey as a writer, her recommendations for women in horror, an...