Five Compelling Questions with Shawn

Shawn chats with Author Josh Pachter about his debut novel, Dutch Threat, being a seasoned writer with a career spanning over five decades, writing short stories and publishing his first novel, the challenges he faced along the way, the writing process, the impact of editing on his work, and valuable advice for aspiring writers who are interested in a long-term writing career.

Shawn chats with debut author Erik S. Meyers about his debut mystery novel Death in the Ozarks, living abroad, Australia vs. Austria, staying in touch via zoom, families, writing mysteries, the appeal of the Ozarks, and authors supporting authors.

Shawn chats with Author Allison Winn Scotch about her journey as a New York Times bestselling author, her latest romantic comedy, 'Take Two, Bertie Maxwell,' her writing process, the importance of joy, how journalism influences her fiction, character development, adapting books for the screen, women in charge of things, and the power of sticking with things.

Shawn chats with Parker Adams about his new novel The Lock Box, pen names, aliases, career evolutions, science, and advice for our younger selves.

Shawn chats with Justin Kiska, Author of the Parker City Mysteries about the latest addition to the series, Black & White, the unique dual timeline structure of Kiska's novels, the significance of Parker City as a character in itself, the extensive research that informs his writing, the creative process, including his innovative murder board technique for plotting, and the development of his m...

Shawn chats with Ivanka Fear about her latest book 'Lost Like Me,' the creative process behind her writing, themes of identity, the significance of setting in storytelling, the challenges of self-doubt that many writers face, poetry, novels, having confidence, and Janet Evanovich.

Shawn chats with Elizabeth Crowens about being a bi-coastal writer, the entertainment industry, screwball comedies, mysteries, Basil Rathbone, old and new Hollywood, and the importance of understanding film history.

Shawn chats with Linda Norlander about writing multiple series, including her newest featuring a cat, character development, twins, best writing practices, storytelling, discipline, motivation, and being on time.

Shawn chats with Claire Booth about her journey from reporting on crime to writing fiction, the Hank Worth mystery series, the Ozarks, research, writing from a male perspective, and keeping a long-running series fresh.

Shawn welcomes fellow podcaster Dan White to the show to discuss his podcasts, QUEER MAGNOLIAS and OUT WITH DAN, the importance of listening to diverse voices and points of view, finding your people, mutual friends, travel, eating and drinking, and Agatha Christie.

Shawn chats with Lynn Painter about her new novel, writing for adults and younger readers, weddings, blowing up weddings, writing rom-com male characters, the need for joy, and classic rom-com movies.

Shawn and Cindy chat about her debut novel, OBEY ALL LAWS, life as a parole officer, dogs, second chances, making mistakes, organic writing, and writing drunk and editing sober.

Shawn and Jackie chat about cozy mysteries, writing multiple series, flowers and what they mean to us, garden clubs, secret Pinterest boards, Texas, and how we want no sadness in some mysteries.

Shawn chats with NYT Bestselling Author C.J. Box about his 24th Joe Picket novel, THREE-INCH TEETH, writing a long-running and much-loved series, predator attack teams, Mama Bears, animal emotions, Mark Twain, and finding your own unique lane as a writer.

Shawn and Lynn chat about writing multiple series, finding a new publishing home, being from the South, True Crime, small town newspapers, breaking up with our characters, and French Bulldog puppies.

Shawn and Bruce chat about Bruce's new series, coauthored with LynDee Walker, the Byron series, his new series out next year, taking chances as a writer, Stephen King, non-writing spouses, the need for therapy, British television, and support from other writers in the community.

Shawn and Darlene chat about dogs, Bouchercon, meeting your people, support from librarians, indie vs. traditional publishing, Sisters in Crime, and connecting with readers.

Shawn and Leah chat about Leah's new novel, Alfred Hitchcock, STRANGERS ON A TRAIN, making friends as adults, women shouldering family responsibilities, and how new friends might not always be what they appear to be.

Shawn and Wendy chat about writing culinary mysteries, research through cooking, moms who read, finding your reading groove again, Wendy's brush with the law at a young age, connecting with readers, and how art is important to the human condition.

Shawn and Nick chat about his long-running Peter Ash series, how Nick's career began, grocery store conversations, PTSD, writing by hand, cool techniques for writers who get stuck, many drinks with friends at conferences, author rock stars, and finding your people.

Shawn and Erica chat about playing the violin, creepy opera houses, being keynote speakers, concert masters, sexism in both music and writing, and Agatha Christie.

Shawn and Dr. Frank chat about his fiction and nonfiction writing career, a medical career and how it influences his writing, walking around as your character for a week, leaving good reviews, Stephen King, and Frank's great advice for writers and for life in general.

Shawn and Marty chat about her new historical mystery series, The London Ladies' Murder Club, the Society of Useful Women, useful women, gardening, writing multiple series, the value of a critique group, and releasing two full-length books at one time.

Shawn and Paul chat about his cookbook for expectant mothers, writing cookbooks, testing recipes, nutrition and where we all go wrong, the beauty of women and childbirth, and helping others.

Shawn and Sharon chat about her new novel set in Bath in the UK, Sharon's love of England, teaching and writing, following your own lessons, brains of nineteen year olds, a chastity belt for your developing brain that keeps you from making big decisions, how warm is your oven, and the art of not giving up.