Slaying the Craft: Inside the Mind of a Thriller Writer

In this episode, Sabrina Thatcher talks with thriller writer, book coach, and ThrillerFest executive director Samantha Skal for a deep dive into the mechanics behind compelling suspense. They explore why villains should be treated as the heroes of their own stories, how interiority becomes the “connective tissue” that shapes reader experience, and the art of revealing just enough information to cr...

In this episode of Slaying the Craft , host Sabrina Thatcher sits down with crime novelist Melanie Anagnos to talk about her debut novel Night Swimming , a late-1970s police procedural centered on Jamie, a patrol officer unexpectedly stepping into investigative work. Melanie shares her winding path to publication, her decision to write outside her usual genre, and how embracing discomfort became p...

In this episode, Adam Plantinga joins Sabrina Thatcher for a high-energy deep dive into crafting action-packed, morally grounded thrillers, tracing the evolution of his Kurt Argento series from the over-the-top prison chaos of The Ascent to the mystery-driven expansiveness of Hardtown and Dark Country . Drawing from more than two decades in law enforcement, Plantinga shares how real-world policing...

In this episode, Sabrina Thatcher talks with Brianna Heath about her debut book Robbie McNeil’s Hit List —a genre-bending, queer mystery about lesbian contract killers running a karaoke bar while staging musicals and navigating murder, friendship, and identity. Brianna shares how a joke between friends became a sharp, heartfelt thriller, discusses writing morally gray characters, queer joy without...

In this episode, host Sabrina Thatcher sits down with retired U.S. Army Colonel turned author Jack McTavish to talk about his debut action-adventure novel Royal Diamonds and the long, often humbling road to publication. Drawing on a 36-year military career and a love of high-stakes storytelling, Jack shares how he evolved from writing a shelved romance novel to crafting a fast-paced Caribbean trea...

In this episode, Sabrina Thatcher sits down with bestselling thriller author Melinda Leigh to discuss her latest novel You Can Tell Me , the first in a new series featuring true crime writer Olivia. Leigh shares how the character evolved from a side role into a lead, why she was drawn to exploring trauma and resilience through Olivia’s story, and how her organic, character-driven writing process s...

In this episode, Sabrina Thatcher talks with author Karin Nordin about her upcoming thriller Home Sweet Home , a psychological suspense novel about a woman pulled back into the alien doomsday cult she escaped as a teenager, forcing her to confront trauma, belief, and the blurred line between truth and manipulation. The conversation dives into Karin’s writing process, from character-driven storytel...

In this episode, Sabrina Thatcher talks with bestselling author Marcy McCreary about her books and writing process. Marcy shares her intuitive, pantser writing process, why she rejects rigid outlining in favor of discovery and revision, and how setting can function as a living, evolving character. Marcy also shares the personal stakes behind her work, including how caregiving and life experience h...

In this episode of Slaying the Craft, Sabrina Thatcher interviews bestselling author Ande Pliego, discussing her latest book 'The Library After Dark' and the intricacies of writing thrillers. They delve into character development, the role of fairy tales, the challenges of writing a sophomore novel, and the importance of beta readers. Andy shares her unique approach to crafting locked room...

In this episode, Sabrina Thatcher talks with Tessa Wegert about her latest book 'In the Bones', the first in her North Country series, and the transition from her previous Shana Merchant series. Tessa explores the unique crime phenomenon of frogging, the challenges of writing from multiple perspectives, and the importance of community in the writing process. Tessa shares her insights on cr...

In this episode, Sabrina talks with thriller author Vanessa Lillie discusses her latest novel, 'The Bone Thief,' and the intricate themes of identity, cultural representation, and the writing process. She shares insights into her character development, the challenges of writing thrillers, and the importance of connecting with Indigenous communities. She also delves into the discomfort inhe...

In this episode of Slaying the Craft, host Sabrina Thatcher shares personal updates, including her move back to Seattle and the challenges she faced with grief and writing. She emphasizes the importance of allowing oneself to take a break from writing during tough times and introduces her upcoming webinar on misdirection in mysteries. Sabrina also discusses her book coaching services and shares va...

This week, Sabrina Thatcher talks with Elle Marr about her latest book, 'The Lie She Wears,' and the intricate themes of family dynamics, particularly the mother-daughter relationship. She shares insights into her writing process, the importance of authenticity, and how personal experiences shape her narratives. Marr emphasizes the emotional impact of storytelling and the challenges of wri...

In this episode of Slaying the Craft, host Sabrina Thatcher interviews the father-son writing duo Jack and Josh Viertel about their debut thriller, The Glass Eel. They discuss the inspiration behind the book, the unique narrative techniques they employed, and the importance of incorporating indigenous perspectives. The conversation also delves into their collaborative writing process, the themes t...

In this episode, Sabrina Thatcher interviews horror and dark-fantasy author Christina Henry about her newest novel The Place Where They Buried Your Heart . Henry unpacks the book’s haunting premise—a sentient house that literally consumes children—and explores themes of grief, guilt, motherhood, community, and the evolution of a girl who carries a childhood mistake for the rest of her life. She di...

In this episode of 'Slaying the Craft', host Sabrina Thatcher interviews bestselling author Victoria Helen Stone, known for her thriller 'Bald-Faced Liar'. They discuss the themes of the book, including the protagonist's complex relationship with lying, the impact of the Satanic Panic on her character's life, and the writing process. Victoria shares insights on transitionin...

In this episode of 'Slaying the Craft', host Sabrina Thatcher interviews horror writer V.S. Lawerence, exploring her journey in writing spooky novels, including '80s Ghosts', 'Chalupa Cabra Y2K', and 'Friends Like These'. V.S. shares insights into her writing process, the challenges of self-publishing, and the cathartic experience of writing horror. The conversation delves into the importance of f...

This week, Sabrina Thatcher sits down with psychological thriller author Courtney Psak to talk about her whirlwind year of publishing — from The Tutor to The Hostess to The Aunt . Courtney shares how a “digital-first” three-book deal with Hodder & Stoughton changed her writing rhythm, why she completely rewrote The Tutor under pressure, and how she builds tension through her signature “W-shape...

This week, Sabrina Thatcher interviews intellectual property lawyer Dwayne Goetzel about the importance of copyright and trademark laws for writers. They discuss the fears writers have about sharing their work, the implications of AI on copyright, and the challenges of navigating the publishing industry. Dwayne shares insights on protecting creative ideas, the writing journey, and the significance...

In this episode, host Sabrina Thatcher interviews author and literary agent Jenna Sattherwaite about her latest thriller, 'A Killer Getaway.' They discuss the unique challenges of writing a villain as a main character, the balance between romance and thriller elements, and the intricacies of the publishing world. Jenna shares insights into her writing process, the importance of character d...

In this episode of 'Slaying the Craft', host Sabrina Thatcher interviews author Jennifer Fawcett about her new thriller 'Keep This For Me'. The conversation delves into the complexities of storytelling, particularly how violence impacts victims and their families. Fawcett shares insights into her writing process, the challenges of developing characters, and the moral ambiguities th...

Summary In this episode of Slaying the Craft, host Sabrina Thatcher interviews author Allison Buccola about her latest book, 'The Ascent.' They delve into the themes of psychological suspense, exploring the impact of cults and motherhood on the protagonist. The conversation covers the writing process, the importance of character development, and the role of critique in improving one's...

In this episode of Slaying the Craft, host Sabrina Thatcher interviews Brian Asman, a writer, actor, and director, discussing his latest book 'Man, Fuck This House.' They explore the themes of horror writing, character perspectives, and the writing process, including the use of beta readers and the importance of finishing what you start. Brian shares insights on writing dark and twisted st...

In this episode of Slaying the Craft, host Sabrina Thatcher interviews USA Today bestselling author Kristin Bird. They discuss Kristin's latest book, the Dakota Green series, and her transition from writing dark novels to cozy mysteries. Kristin shares insights on writing multi-POV narratives, the importance of dialogue and character voice, and her experiences as a book coach. The conversation...

This week, Sabrina Thatcher interviews author Hannah Mary McKinnon about her transition from writing romantic comedies to thrillers, driven by personal experiences and a desire to explore darker themes. Hannah shares insights into her writing process, including character development, the importance of tension, and the role of editors. The discussion highlights the significance of understanding cha...