Five Compelling Questions with Shawn

In this episode of Five Compelling Questions, host Shawn Simmons interviews author Matt Cost, who shares his journey from various careers to becoming a writer. They discuss Cost's Max Creed novel, which draws inspiration from Robin Hood, and explore themes of justice, morality, and the impact of bookselling on writing. Cost reflects on his writing routine, character development, and the influence...

In this engaging conversation, Shawn Simmons interviews bestselling author Molly Harper, who discusses her transition into writing murder mysteries, her unique approach to blending humor with darker themes, and the importance of character development. Molly shares insights into her writing process, the influence of her favorite authors, and her excitement for future projects in the mystery genre.

In this episode of Five Compelling Questions, host Shawn Simmons interviews award-winning author Cynthia Pelayo about her latest book, 'Vanishing Daughters.' The conversation delves into themes of grief, the writing process, and the impact of personal experiences on storytelling. Cynthia shares her journey through loss, her love for horror, and the intricacies of writing poetry versus novels.

In this episode of Five Compelling Questions, host Shawn Simmons interviews award-winning author Bryan Gruley about his latest thriller, Bitter Frost. They discuss the unique blend of genres in the book, Gruley's inspiration drawn from real-life events in hockey, and the transition from journalism to fiction writing. Gruley shares insights on character development, the writing process, and offers...

In this engaging conversation, Shawn Simmons interviews Carol Bruce, author of 'The Pilgrim Road to Death.' They explore Carol's journey from a childhood fascination with history and archaeology to her career as a writer. The discussion delves into the themes of her novel, the influence of Agatha Christie, and the personal connections that shaped her characters. Carol also shares touch...

In this engaging podcast episode, host Shawn Simmons interviews Kathleen Marple Kalb, an accomplished author and journalist. They discuss Kathleen's journey into writing cozy mysteries, particularly her series 'The Stuff of Mayhem.' Kathleen shares insights into her character development, the importance of diversity in her stories, and how her background in journalism influences her wr...

In this engaging conversation, Shawn Simmons interviews Diane Fanning, a bestselling author known for her true crime books. They discuss Diane's latest work on Lizzie Borden, exploring the complexities of her character and the societal pressures faced by women in the 1890s. The discussion delves into the nature of sociopathy, the choice between fiction and nonfiction in storytelling, and the i...

bIn this engaging conversation, Shawn Simmons interviews memoirist Jennifer Griffith, who shares her journey of writing about motherhood, generational trauma, and the complexities of personal identity. They discuss the impact of societal pressures on women's choices, the role of shame in silencing voices, and the importance of sharing stories to break cycles of trauma.

In this engaging conversation, Shawn Simmons interviews Kristen Arnett, a queer Floridian author known for her humorous and insightful writing. They discuss Arnett's upcoming novel about a lesbian birthday party clown, the art of clowning, the challenges of writing humor, and the development of her main character, Cherry. Arnett shares her journey to becoming a writer, her writing process, and the...

In this engaging podcast episode, Shawn Simmons interviews author Joe Golemo, who discusses his journey from a career in engineering to writing fiction, particularly murder mysteries. Joe shares insights into his latest book, 'Ruby Red Flaws,' and the creative process behind it. He reflects on character development, the challenges of writing, and the role of AI in enhancing the writing process. Th...

In this engaging episode, Shawn Simmons welcomes back bestselling author Joe Souza to discuss his latest book, 'Cruel and Bitter Things.' The conversation delves into the writing process, character development, and the moral complexities of creating compelling antiheroes. Joe shares insights on the appeal of vigilante characters, the challenges of writing believable narratives in a technol...

In this engaging conversation, Erica Miner discusses her journey from a violinist at the Metropolitan Opera to an award-winning author. She shares insights into her latest book, 'Overture to Murder,' and the evolution of her main character, Julia. 

Shawn chats with Christopher Farnsworth about BURIED SECRETS, the 22nd book in Robert B. Parker's Jesse Stone series, journalism vs. novel writing, the enduring appeal of detective stories, the allure of vampires in literature, and valuable advice for aspiring writers.

Shawn chats with novelist Sean Tyler about his debut novel WHITE HELL, which explores the harrowing journey of the Donner Party through the lens of a love story, Sean's unique experiences as a writer, his influences, the challenges of the creative process, romance, historical fiction, Las Vegas, the end of days, turkey sandwiches, and the importance of remembering history in modern times.

Shawn chats with Charlotte Wood, the acclaimed Australian author, about the inspiration behind the latest novel, themes of goodness and forgiveness, how personal experiences shape writing, her journey through cancer and how it influenced her creative process, the importance of authenticity in storytelling, and the impact of literature and the joy of seeing her work adapted for the stage.

Shawn chats with Mark Greaney about the new Gray Man novel, MIDNIGHT BLACK, the evolution of his character, the importance of thorough research in writing, his writing process and work ethic, the surreal experience of seeing his work adapted into film, the challenges of writing, and personal anecdotes that shaped his journey as a writer.

Shawn chats with James T. Bartlett, a travel and lifestyle journalist turned True Crime author, his books THE ALASKAN BLONDE & GOURMET GHOSTS series, Bartlett's journey into writing, the appeal of true crime, surprising discoveries during research, the process of crafting compelling narratives, Los Angeles, a new True Crime book focused on Burbank, the importance of sensitivity in true crime w...

Shawn chats on Valentine's Day with professional wedding planner and author Mary Karnes about the most recent book in her cozy wedding planner mystery series, the inspiration behind her books, the challenges of balancing her writing career with her growing wedding planning business, the impact of being a published author on her life and family, her writing process, her multi-cultural roots, future...

Shawn chars with Rose Kerr about her debut novel, DEATH AT THE SCOTTISH BROCH, Rose's journey into writing, her character, archaeologist Maya Reed, the research process behind the book, the challenges of writing a mystery, inspirations, Agatha Christie, and the future of the series.

Shawn chats with AX Foster about his unique journey from a prosecutor to an author of legal thrillers, his debut novel GAVEL TO GAVEL, inspiration, justice, Foster's background in law and acting, societal fascination with legal dramas, Agatha Christie, John Grisham, James Patterson, and the importance of justice in the courtroom.

Shawn chats with Jeff Markowitz about his novel THE OTHER, social justice, the historical context of Nazi activity in New Jersey, the significance of storytelling, addressing uncomfortable truths, crafting dual timeline narratives, the importance of standing up against hate, and the power of fiction to evoke empathy and understanding.

Shawn chats with bestselling author Robert Crais about his latest novel, THE BIG EMPTY, which marks the 20th book featuring private investigator Elvis Cole, the evolution of his characters, internet influencers, family secrets, loyalty, betrayal, the nuances of plotting and character development, and the emotional stakes involved in Crais's storytelling.

Shawn chats with Daphne Silver about her Agatha Award-winning author Cozy Mystery series, rare books, museums, Edgar Allan Poe, communities in writing, the balance between character and setting, and valuable advice for aspiring authors.

Shawn chats with Brian Freeman about his latest novel, his creative process, the challenges of writing thrillers, the importance of collaboration with his wife, Marsha, his evolution as a writer, his experiences in different genres, and the literary influences that have shaped his storytelling.

Shawn chats with debut author Kate Michaelson about her novel HIDDEN ROOMS, medical mysteries, murder investigations, the importance of representing chronic illness in literature, teaching, the journey of becoming a published author, and the themes of homecoming and personal growth.