Shows
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP213: 5CQ for D.M. Barr, Author of DEADLY WHEN DISTURBEDShawn chats with D.M. Barr (Dawn Barclay) about her writing journey, her latest psychological thriller, DEADLY WHEN DISTURBED, the unique intersection of her real estate background with her fiction, her character development process, community among writers, the challenges of the creative process, her advice for aspiring writers, and an exciting project she and Shawn will be working on for many years to come. 2025-01-1327 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP177: 5CQ for Brooke Lea Foster, Author of ALL THE SUMMERS IN BETWEENShawn chats with award-winning author and journalist Brooke Lee Foster about her latest novel, All the Summers in Between, the significance of beach settings in her work, the complexities of female friendships, the historical context that shapes her characters, the challenges of dual timelines, revisions, and the odd coincidence of Shawn and Brooke living in the same dorm and the same floor (different years) at the University of Maryland. 2024-05-2739 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP133: 5CQ for Clementine Taylor, Author of SOMETHING ABOUT HERShawn and Clementine chat about her debut novel, the feeling of excited dread, coming-of-age love stories, writing stories we want to read, why everyone is so raw, and their fascination with both poetry and apples. 2023-11-1023 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP132: 5CQ for Marlie Parker Wasserman, Author of INFERNO ON FIFTHShawn and Marlie chat about fires, old New York, the richer and poorer classes living together in the city, how people react in emergencies, and how there can be several truths true at the same time. 2023-11-0328 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP131: 5CQ for Mary Keliikoa, Author of DEADLY TIDESShawn and Mary chat about East and West Coast living, keeping a series fresh, building characters, cozy vs. detective fiction and related body counts, being busy women, and collaborating on a short story together. 2023-10-2715 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP130: 5CQ for Joeseph Souza, Author of THE ANCHORMAN'S WIFEShawn and Joe chat about perseverance in writing, getting through the hard times, living with no regrets, Ted Baxter, making up stories about strangers on the street, putting words in the bank, meeting Julia Child and having a child in Hollywood, dealing with the writers' strike and oddball projects. 2023-10-2025 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP129: 5CQ for Alan Orloff, Author of SANCTUARY MOTELShawn and Alan chat about his new novel SANCTUARY MOTEL, life in Florida, police ride-alongs, Fish Kitchen, off-brand motels, upcoming anthology projects, and their mutual love of Stephen King.
2023-10-1335 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP128: 5CQ for Rachel Heng, Author of THE GREAT RECLAMATIONShawn and Rachel chat about uncovering our origins, library borrowing limits, spending time with writers, MFA programs, and being a teacher of creative writing. 2023-10-0620 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP127: 5CQ for Matt Singer, film critic and author of OPPOSABLE THUMBSShawn and Matt discuss Siskel and Ebert and Matt's new book about the legendary film critics and their impact on movie watching through the years. 2023-09-2937 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP126: 5CQ for Edward Carey, Artist and Author of EDITH HOLLERShawn and Edward chat about books and art, finding inspiration during the pandemic, Edward creating a drawing a day, theater and politics.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Edward Carey is a novelist, visual artist, and playwright. His previous novels include The Swallowed Man, Little, Alva & Irva, and Observatory Mansions, and an acclaimed series for young adults, the Iremonger Trilogy. His writing for the stage includes an adaptation of Robert Coover’s Pinocchio in Venice, a continuation of the Pinocchio story. Born in England, he now teaches at the University of Texas in Austin, where he...2023-09-2220 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP125: 5CQ for Author Dale T. Phillips, Author of 87 WAYS TO SELL MORE BOOKSShawn and Dale talk about traditional vs. indie publishing, writing inspirations, Stephen King, their mutual appreciation for the Writing Life, and finding your community in the world of writing.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Dale T Phillips is a New England writer and actor who spent his formative years in Maine, and has lived and worked in a number of different places. He graduated from the University of Maine at Orono, studied writing with Stephen King, and has worked for over thirty years as a Technical Writer in a number of major industries, translating...2023-09-1520 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP124: 5CQ for Lauren J.A. Bear, Author of MEDUSA'S SISTERSShawn and Lauren discuss her new novel MEDUSA'S SISTERS, how no one is born evil, shaping young minds, the allure of myths and mythical stories, the roles of siblings, sisters, and birth order, the unfortunate timelessness of blaming the victim, feminism, and the importance of compassion in all things.2023-09-0821 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP123: 5CQ for Tim Murphy, Author of SPEECH TEAMShawn and Tim discuss growing up in the 80s, how comments made during our school years stay with us into adulthood, small-t trauma, speech writing and fiction writing, speech team vs. drama club, and the emotional well-being of Gen-Xers.
2023-09-0121 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP122: 5CQ with Sandra Rathbone, Author of SKELEE BOYShawn and Sandra chat about writing for younger readers, hard endings, plotting vs. organic writing, Stephen King, having rogues in the family, Chloris Leachman, and their love of music. 2023-08-2531 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP121: 5CQ for Kerri Maher, Author of ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS CALLShawn and Kerri chat about The Jane Collective, how you have to keep fighting for your rights, great girlfriends and having a ride-or-die set of friends, accidentally topical books, listening to the universe, and hanging in there through rejection in a writing career. 2023-08-1819 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP120: 5CQ for Lisa Shaughnassey, Founder of The Writing Retreat Directory, co-hosted by Author K.B. White, Author of SECRETS DON'T SINKShawn and her co-host Kate KB Jackson chat with Lisa chat about her business The Writing Retreat Directory and Writing Retreat Sampler, her deep dive into Ancestry.com, and finding inspiration when starting or maintaining a writing journey. 2023-08-1119 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP119: 5CQ for Don Bentley, NYT Bestselling Author of WEAPONS GRADE, the latest TOM CLANCY novelShawn chats with returning guest Don Bentley about the newest book in the Tom Clancy world of novels, what SWAT stands for, what it's like on the bestseller lists, writing multiple books and series a year, Tom Cruise, writing sprints, and having either a Stephen King or Mark Greaney kind of day. 2023-08-0425 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP118: 5CQ for Amy Young, Author of THE WATER TOWERShawn and Amy chat about comedy writing vs. novel writing, great dialogue, being Midwestern, debut novels, shifting careers, and the importance of supportive partners for creative people. 2023-07-2818 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP117: 5CQ for Jane Loeb Rubin, Author of IN THE HANDS OF WOMENShawn and Jane talk about surviving and thriving after a cancer diagnosis, healthcare for women over the years, the bandwagon effect, what history was actually like, and the magic of teamwork.
2023-07-2125 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP116: 5CQ for Ali Hazelwood, NYT Bestselling Author of LOVE, THEORETICALLYShawn and Ali chat about Ali's Fan Fiction origins and her path to traditional publishing, the role that luck plays in our lives, the best writing advice you can give or get, how stories help us deal with difficult times, finding your community, and a billion-dollar idea.
2023-07-1424 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP115: 5CQ for Katherine Ramsland, True Crime Expert and Author of IN THE DAMAGE PATHShawn and returning guest Katherine Ramsland discuss crime-solving teams, horse dentists, teamwork and brainstorming, Mother Nature and the weather, the DC Snipers, saying yes to opportunities, Dostoevsky, and philosophy. 2023-07-0723 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP114: 5CQ for Libi Siporin, Author of IF TWO OF THEM ARE DEADShawn and Libi chat about Ben Franklin quotes; professional storytelling; living and traveling in Italy IRL and in your mind; elegant murder; and beautiful book covers.2023-06-3021 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP113: 5CQ for Shelley Costa, Author of NO MISTAKING DEATHShawn and Shelley chat about Shelley being a Ph.D. and Edgar-nominated writer, finding power in words and how they impact others as well as ourselves, how to write mysteries, Mark Twain, and food, of course. 2023-06-2322 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP112: 5CQ for Sidney Karger, Comedy Central, MTV and SNL writer, and author of BEST MENShawn and Sidney chat about gay characters who aren’t just sidekicks, the lasting appeal of rom-coms, their mutual distrust of outlining stories, a roller-coaster of words, writers on strike, and being culture vultures.
2023-06-1625 minFive Compelling Questions with ShawnEP111: 5CQ for Genevive Gornichec, Author of THE WEAVER AND THE WITCHShawn and Genevive chat about The Viking Age, pantsers/discovery writing vs. plotting, faking it till you're making it, content warnings on novels, Viking women, and how women fight. 2023-06-0915 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP110: 5CQ for Ore Agbaje-Williams, author of THE THREE OF USShawn and Ore discuss her debut novel, THE THREE OF US, what it's like being a debut author, writing short and long fiction, pandemic novel writing, friendships and love, juggling on Zoom, and eavesdropping on someone's worst nightmare. 2023-06-0214 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP109: 5CQ for Lauryn Chamberlain, Author of WHO WE ARE NOWShawn and Lauryn chat about Millenials vs Gen-X experiences, The Interestings, the financial crisis of 2008 and how it impacted a generation, growing up with social media, pantsers, restructuring a book post editorial review, multiple POVs, and hard writing math. 2023-05-2625 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP108: 5CQ for Sarah Bewley, author of BURNING EDENIn a very Florida episode, Shawn and Sarah discuss her new book BURNING EDEN, the state they’ve both called home, the ability to listen well, falling oak trees, how we’re all a bunch of weirdos post-pandemic, and murdery comedy.
2023-05-1937 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP107: 5CQ for Brian Freeman, Bestselling Author of THE BOURNE DEFIANCEShawn and Brian chat about continuing the Jason Bourne series, Lennon vs. Lenin, Richard Chamberlain cred, maintaining your own voice while writing another author's series, sharing ownership of a character, writing action effectively, and finishing what you start. 2023-05-1221 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP106: 5CQ for Buzzy Jackson, author of TO DIE BEAUTIFULShawn and Buzzy chat about her new book, TO DIE BEAUTIFUL, on being 52, writing fiction based on real people and events, writing non-fiction vs. fiction, Murderino Nation, the importance of hope, cool first names, and the impact of history on our current day lives.
2023-05-0539 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP105: 5CQ for Andrew Ridker, Author of HOPEShawn and Andrew chat about HOPE and hope, Picasso quotes, having a way forward, invisible guardrails, what to do when hope doesn't pan out, the best cover image story ever, learning comedy, the brilliance of Steve Martin, and once again, having hope. 2023-04-2827 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP104: 5CQ for Juan Gabriel Vásquez, author of RETROSPECTIVEShawn and Juan chat about how lives are shaped by revolution and ideology, writing novels as opposed to non-fiction when dealing with true life events, working with a map vs. a compass while writing, the novelist Javier Marías, idolizing writers and aspiring to greatness.
2023-04-2124 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP103: 5CQ for Laura Sims, Author of HOW CAN I HELP YOUShawn and Laura chat about "Jolly" Jane Toppan, female serial killers, inadvertat feminism, Patricia Highsmith and Shirley Jackson as influences, Japanese fiction, and poetry vs. prose for a writer who is expert in both disciplines. 2023-04-1422 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP102: 5CQ for Laura Hankin, author of THE DAYDREAMSShawn and Laura chat about falling off of treadmills, 1990s nostalgia, how scandal impacts men and women differently, writing strong dialogue, and the art of the twist. 2023-04-0714 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP101: 5CQ for Kerry Peresta, Author of BACK BEFORE DAWNShawn and Kerry chat about having an iron will, always looking for the good side of a bad situation, online dating, being a child of a military family, survival, giving up sugar, and writing standalone vs. series books. 2023-03-3121 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP100: 5CQ for Paige Toon, author of ONLY LOVE CAN HURT LIKE THISShawn and Paige chat about Paige's American debut, Indiana, Paige being the daughter of an INDY 500 driver, immersing yourself in your work, method acting to develop characters, a love of dialogue, finding the sweet spot, and how everyone loves pie.
2023-03-2418 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP99: 5CQ for Mary P Karnes, Author of BRIDE DOOM AND GLOOMShawn and Mary chat about wedding planning, being a debut author, personal drama, being tenatious in life, real life drama, changing the murderer, taking shady revenge, the weirdest wedding experiences, being nosy and also calm. 2023-03-1719 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP98: 5CQ for Lisa Scottoline, NYT Bestselling Author of LOYALTYShawn chats with one of her idols, Lisa Scottoline, about her new book LOYALTY, the concept of justice, being Italian American, the mafia, historical
fiction and thrillers, what kinds of people pantsers are, how food is everything, and important advice for writers, especially women.
2023-03-1020 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP97: 5QC for Elizabeth L. Silver, Author of THE MAJORITYShawn and Elizabeth chat about the Supreme Court, motherhood and career, the "inferior lives" of powerful women, legal studies as they relate to fiction, RBG and her legacy, hydrating your fiction, and surviving cancer. 2023-03-0317 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP96: 5CQ for Marcy Dermansky, Author of HURRICANE GIRLShawn and Marcy chat at about attention spans, fiction vs. memoirs, hurricanes, water as a metaphor, movies about writers, not being psychiatrists, and staying positive. 2023-02-2424 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP95: 5CQ for Julia Argy, Author of THE ONEShawn and Julia chat about mathing things out, reality TV, how we find ideas, mining our normal lives for entertainment content, statistics as it relates to fiction
writing, social media and the role it has in our lives, and more math tips.
2023-02-1721 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP94: 5CQ for Chanel Cleeton, NYT Bestselling and Reese's Book Club Pick Author of THE CUBAN HEIRESSShawn and Chanel chat about choosing fiction writing as a career, Chanel’s Cuban-American experience and intergenerational family stories and how that influences her writing, choosing favorite characters, and not persevering through rejection in your writing career.
2023-02-1013 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP93: 5QC for Kate K.B. Jackson, Author of SECRETS DON'T SINKShawn and Kate chat about her new novel, writing multiple books a year in different genres, how long it takes to write, family dynamics, sisters, being on a cleanse, and going viral on TikTok. 2023-02-0336 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP92: 5CQ for Ramona Ausubel, Author of THE LAST ANIMALShawn and Ramona chat about the concept of de-extinction, writing realistic youthful voices, grief and loss as it relates to hope, taking a while to write a novel, writing short vs. long fiction, and inspiring words from an expert crafter of words.
2023-01-2726 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP91: 5CQ for Rocky Hirajeta, Author of WHAT THE RIVER BURIESShawn and Rocky chat about books for younger readers, writing YA vs writing for adults, the importance of reading, how being derivative isn't always a bad thing, not wanting to practice violin, and writing into the future. 2023-01-2020 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP90: 5CQ for Nick Medina, Debut Author of SISTERS OF THE LOST NATIONShawn and Nick chat about musicians who become writers, the past its impact on the present, content warnings in novels, working closely with editors, and debut author excitement.
2023-01-1320 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP89: 5CQ for Anissa Gray, Award-winning Journalist and Author of LIFE AND OTHER LOVE SONGS and THE CARE AND FEEDING OF RAVENOUSLY HUNGRY GIRLSShawn and Anissa chat about the concept of someone disappearing and the resulting emotions for those left behind, following up a blockbuster novel with the next book, having goals at a young age to write, having to pay for rent and food, and a joyful rapid-fire quiz where we learn so much more than we thought we knew about Anissa.
2023-01-0617 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP88: 5CQ for Colleen Oakley, Author Of THE MOSTLY TRUE STORY OF TANNER AND LOUISEShawn and Colleen chat about her newest novel, grandmothers, gender-neutral names, how far we've come as women and how far we still need to go, Thelma and Louise, and having family members live on in our memories forever. 2022-12-3015 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP87: 5CQ for Becky Chalsen, Film/TV Development Executive and Debut Author of KISMETShawn and Becky chat about what it’s like to be a quadruplet married to a twin, beach reads, high school sweethearts, the work that goes into life, how film development work has influenced Becky’s writing, weddings and wedding drama, and being extroverts in the writing community who found each other.
2022-12-2330 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP86: 5CQ for Jenny Jackson, NYT Bestselling Author of PINEAPPLE STREETShawn and Jenny chat about her debut novel, plotting with Post-It notes, being on the other side of the editorial desk, not tracking serial killers, life in Brooklyn, living in someone else's home, thinking in different ways to solve problems, and kind stalking. 2022-12-1619 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP85: 5CQ for Ling Ling Huang, Grammy Award-winning Musician and Debut Author of NATURAL BEAUTYShawn and Ling Ling chat about musicians turned writers, nameless main characters, Starbucks names, the concept of beauty as self-care, discovering love, and having a very busy creative schedule. 2022-12-0929 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP84: 5CQ for C.L. Tolbert, Author of THE REDEMPTIONShawn and Cindy chat about her legal background and how that influences her writing. 2022-12-0224 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP50: 5CQ for Don Bentley, NYT Bestselling Author of ZERO HOURShawn and Don chat about writing in the Tom Clancy/Jack Ryan Universe, juggling multiple jobs, writing more than one series, writing a new book every five months, creative sulking, comparing writing to giving birth, and the value of networking with other writers. 2022-04-0838 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP49: 5CQ for Fabian Nicieza, Author of THE SELF-MADE WIDOWShawn and Fabian chat about writing across mediums, anger & insecurity as motivating factors in careers, writing for yourself, doing your own thing, and the coffee habits of exhausted suburbanites.
About the Author:
Fabian Nicieza is best known as a comic book writer for Marvel and DC, and as the co-creator of Deadpool. He has also written X-Men, X-Force, New Warriors, Cable, Thunderbolts, and many more. He developed the story world and created the characters for the 2021 animated series, Stan Lee’s Superhero Kindergarten. Suburban Dicks, Nicieza’s debut novel, was published by Penguin Putnam in 2021.
2022-04-0137 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP48: 5CQ for Davida Breier, Author of SINKHOLEShawn chats with Debut Author Davida Breier about her new book SINKHOLE, surviving childhood in Florida during the 80s, power dynamics in friendships and in life, selfishness in younger years turning into malignant behavior when we get older, and unique aspects about Florida that tourists don't always see.
About the Author:
Davida G. Breier was born in Miami, FL. She's spent the last two decades in various roles within the book industry and currently works for Johns Hopkins University Press. Davida lives in Maryland with her family, a pack of wee rescue d...2022-03-2521 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP47: 5CQ FOR Fiona Barton, The Sunday Times and New York Times bestselling author of LOCAL GONE MISSINGShawn chats with Fiona Barton about her new novel LOCAL GONE MISSING. They also discuss fresh starts, the unique perspectives of household staff, not panicking while writing, what writing isn't always, and the benefits of allowing your writing self to think.
About the Author:
Fiona Barton has been a journalist - senior writer at the Daily Mail, news editor at the Daily Telegraph, and chief reporter at The Mail on Sunday, where she won Reporter of the Year at the National Press Awards, gave up her job to volunteer in Sri Lanka and since 2008, has t...2022-03-1825 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP46: 5CQ for Annabel Monaghan, Author of NORA GOES OFF SCRIPTShawn chats with Annabel about her first adult fiction novel: Nora Goes off Script, their mutual love of Steve Martin, the humorous absurdity of domestic life, magical tea houses, great places to write great books, and how Hallmark Channel movies are both addictive and inspirational. 2022-03-1121 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP45: 5CQ for Lane Stone, Author of THE COLLECTORShawn and Lane chat about her new book The Collector, the first in The Big Picture trilogy, art heists, the art of leaving clues, how long it takes to drink a beer, cheap dates, and upcoming author events. Recorded live from ThrillerFest in New York City!2022-03-0421 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP44: 5CQ for M.A. Monnin, Author of The Intrepid Traveler MysteriesShawn and M.A. discuss being a debut author, the importance of not giving up, General Hospital, the movie SOAPDISH, and international travel as an inspiration for mystery writing. 2022-02-2521 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP43: 5CQ for Annette Dashofy, Author of The Zoe Chambers MysteriesShawn and Annette chat about the words they can't say, writing a long running series, smelling gross things for work, random passwords, the honor of being nominated for awards, and Annette's big interview with James Patterson. 2022-02-1834 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP42: 5CQ for Teresa Trent, Author of The Swinging Sixties MysteriesShawn and Teresa chat about women's roles throughout the years, writing a good series with believable characters, keeping things moving while writing that first draft, vomit drafts and Patrick Swayze, writing on the go, and transitioning from being a self pubbed author to being traditionally published.2022-02-1135 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP41: 5CQ for Tina deBellegarde, Author of the Batavia-on-Hudson MysteriesShawn and Tina discuss women's fiction and stories worth telling, being good enough to write, believing in your writing self, luxuriating in words and processes, memorable quotes from Shawn, their mutual love of film, and many random things they have in common. 2022-02-0446 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP40: 5CQ for Mark Levenson, Author of THE HIDDEN SAINTShawn chats with Mark Levenson, author of THE HIDDEN SAINT, about colorful family history, being shot at in South Florida early on in Mark's journalism career, Jewish folklore, wanting to be an astronaut, grandma magic, and regional coffee drinking championships. 2022-01-2826 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP39: 5CQ for J.C. Kenney, Author of The Darcy Gaughan MysteriesShawn and J.C. chat about what it's like to be from Indiana, surviving rejection, their love of music, High Fidelity, and J.C.'s new web series TheBookishHour.com 2022-01-2136 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP38: 5CQ for Sarah E. Burr, Author of The Trending Topic MysteriesShawn and Sarah chat about writing multiple series, their mutual love of editing, celebrating progress, the art of the perfect witty comeback, a John Cena and Miranda Priestly character mashup, and Sarah's new venture TheBookishHour.com 2022-01-1442 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP37: 5CQ for Jeff Houlahan, Author of LONG TRAIN HOMEIn the Season Two opener, Shawn chats with debut novelist Jeff Houlahan about the writing life, if in fact writers are different than other human beings, listening as an art form from a musical perspective, not being a sociopath, and baseball. 2022-01-0741 minFive Compelling Questions with ShawnEP36: 5QC for Jennifer Bee, Author of THE KILLING CAROLIn the season one finale, Shawn and Jen talk about Holiday Mysteries, Christmas music, Planet of the Apes, negative reviews, dealing with the jitters that come along with knowing others are reading your work.2021-12-3123 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP35: 5CQ for Libi Siporin, Author of The Leah Contarini Mystery SeriesShawn and Libi chat about travel, finding time for creative pursuits, the joys of being an early riser, and the power of the word "cougar." 2021-08-0630 minFive Compelling Questions with ShawnEP34: 5CQ for Clea Simon, Author of HOLD ME DOWNShawn and Clea talk about Clea's new book HOLD ME DOWN, their mutual love of Rock and Roll, the joys and challenges of writing a series and of writing as a career in general, believing in yourself, how being a reporter makes you very good at meeting deadlines, how reading and writing helped both Clea and Shawn "escape" tumultuous households growing up, and criticism as a conversation starter.
The author of 29 books (and counting), Clea Simon is a regular contributor to the Boston Globe, and her writing pops up occasionally in such publications as American Prospect, Ms...2021-07-3046 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP33: 5CQ for Lynn-Steven Johanson, Playwright and Author of The Joe Erikson MysteriesShawn and Lynn chat about being from I states (Iowa and Indiana...not Idaho!), raising dogs, writing prequels and sequels, staying safe in crowds, maintaining creativity, and a good partner who supports your writing career. 2021-07-2344 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP32: 5CQ for Lori Robbins, Returning Guest and Author of The On Pointe MysteriesLori and Shawn chat about writing, catering, what not to eat when you're a professional dancer or actor, spending time with characters, and maintaining a mystery series with an amateur sleuth who is not too stupid to live. 2021-07-1637 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP31: 5CQ for Paul Martin, Author of The Music & Murder Mystery SeriesShawn and Paul chat about their shared love of music, wine, and books, and how the music of the sixties has influenced them both. 2021-07-0939 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP30: 5CQ for Cathi Stoler, Returning Guest and Author of the Murder on the Rocks MysteriesShawn and Cathi chat about things they have in common including writing radio commercials, living and working in New York City, working in the bar-restaurant world, and writing culinary mystery series. 2021-07-0221 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP29: 5CQ for Carol Pouliot, Author of The Blackwell and Watson Time-Travel MysteriesIn a very spooky episode, Shawn and Carol chat about spirits, crazy exes, wine, how the French get it right, how different people process things in different ways, and the ghostly encounter that inspired Carol's time travel mystery series. 2021-06-2551 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP28: 5CQ for Gregory Stout, Author of The Jackson Gamble PI NovelsShawn and Greg chat about writing a mystery after writing over twenty non-fiction books about trains, how everyone has a book in them, the joys and challenges of being a night owl, and finding time to write while working other jobs. 2021-06-1832 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP27: 5CQ for Judy L. Murray, Author of The Chesapeake Bay MysteriesShawn and Judy chat about real estate as a career and inspiration for murder mysteries, famous fictional detectives, sharing a name with a famous person, talking to ourselves, and the unique joy of seeing your books on library shelves. 2021-06-1130 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP26: 5CQ for Jennifer Berg, Author of Historical MysteriesShawn and Jennifer talk about big life changes, and dig into different types of mysteries and subgenres, figuring out what they write in the process, the business of writing and publishing, cows, and how to create fictional worlds and characters that are true to life. 2021-06-0443 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP25: 5CQ for Heather Weidner, Author of the Jules Keene Glamping MysteriesShawn and Heather chat about growing up a cop's daughter, keeping a character bible (and remembering little details), finding inspiration for a new series, and the love of dogs. 2021-05-2820 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP24: 5CQ for Marlie Parker Wasserman, Author of THE MURDERESS MUST DIEShawn and Marlie talk about true crime and fiction, Marlie's unique road to becoming a published author, animals, why we have three names, and finding your voice at any stage of your career. 2021-05-2125 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP23: 5CQ for James L'Etoile, Author of BLACK LABELShawn and Jim chat about dogs, cats, and squirrels, the power of words, keester stashes, meth marrow, and how having a career in the criminal justice system influences Jim's writing. 2021-05-1425 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP22: 5CQ for Linda Lovely, Author of the HOA Mystery SeriesShawn and Linda chat about how HOAs can inspire murderous thoughts, the theory that goat yoga is really devil worship, and how a young woman with the surnames Lovely Hooker went from her childhood career inspiration, Perry Mason, to journalism and crime fiction writing. 2021-05-0720 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP21: 5CQ for Mark Leichliter, Author of THE OTHER SIDEShawn chats with debut crime fiction author Mark Leichliter about how professional eavesdropping has developed their writing skills, being free-spirited rule breakers, and which are easier to make fun of, cats or dogs. 2021-04-3037 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP20: 5CQ for Shawn Reilly Simmons by Author William AdeDebut novelist William Ade turns the tables on the podcast's host by asking Shawn the questions this week. Shawn and Bill discuss what role gender plays in writing compelling fiction, and things they've learned as writers through their careers.
2021-04-2333 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP19: 5CQ for Linda Norlander, Author of The Cabin by the Lake MysteriesLinda and Shawn chat about advice for writers just starting out, Writer's High, the importance of reading when writing, and more things they'd tell their younger writing selves.2021-04-1623 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP18: FCQ for Christopher Chambers, Author of SCAVENGERShawn chats with Author and Professor Christopher Chambers about writing in multiple genres, superpowers we'd like to have, what we should tell our younger selves, and navigating landmines. Real ones. 2021-04-0949 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP17: 5CQ fo Lori Duffy Foster, Author of The Lisa Jamison MysteriesShawn chats with Lori about finding inspiration through real-life events, the value of patience, Mom Guilt, raising identical twins, and writing as therapy. 2021-04-0226 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP16: 5CQ for Jonathan Brown, Musician and Author of CHLOEShawn chats with Author and Musician Jonathan Brown about writing, music, things we don't want our moms to read or see, arson in real life, and how to make friends at mystery conventions. 2021-03-2650 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP15: 5CQ for Lida Sideris, Author of The Southern California MysteriesShawn chats with Lida about meeting characters, writers and the movie business, the ups and downs of teleportation, and pigs as murder suspects. 2021-03-1929 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP14: 5CQ for Marco Carocari, Author of BLACKOUTShawn chats with Marco about his debut novel BLACKOUT, thinking in two different languages, their mutual love of music, setting great scenery, and what would be on Marco's life's playlist.
Songs: "Love Has Fallen on Me" by Chaka Khan; "Simplify" by Omar; "New York Bars" by Brenda Russell
Find the BLACKOUT playlist on Spotify: https://soundcloud.com/marco-carocari/sets/blackout-playlist2021-03-1233 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP13: 5CQ for Kerry K. Cox, Author of The Nick Tanner Thriller SeriesShawn chats with Kerry K. Cox about writing what you know, different kinds of markets to sell your work (men's magazines!), advocating for animals, and creating informative fiction while staying entertaining. 2021-03-0530 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP12: 5CQ for Jay Forman, Author of The Lee Smith MysteriesShawn chats with former television producer and current travel crime writer about early inspirations in writing, which is crazier, TV or publishing (spoiler alert, it's hard to tell!), the world's worst teacher, and which actors should be cast in fictional roles. 2021-02-2626 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP11: 5CQ for Tina deBellegarde, Author of The Batavia-on-Hudson MysteriesShawn and Tina discuss writing, life on the beach and in the mountains, the many benefits of writing short fiction, what it's like to have your book be mentioned in the same breath as Louise Penny's, and the similar parallels they shared growing up and becoming writers. 2021-02-1933 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP10: 5CQ for Mally Becker, Author of The Revolutionary War MysteriesShawn chats with first time author Mally Becker about cocktails, writing in different time periods, dealing with a world of ideas, and which famous writer would be wonderful to have dinner with. 2021-02-1215 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP9: 5CQ for Justin M. Kiska, Writer, Producer, Director, and Author of The Parker City MysteriesShawn chats with Justin M. Kiska, writer, producer, and director of over one hundred stage productions about his debut novel, life in a charming small town (while still keeping murder on your mind), the differences between writing for stage and writing novels, and why everyone loves a mystery. 2021-02-0524 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP8: 5CQ for Kerry Peresta, Author of the Olivia Callahan Suspense SeriesShawn talks with Author Kerry Peresta about the power of words, creating worlds, Kerry's unique path to her writing career, and their mutual love of Sue Grafton. 2021-01-2922 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP7: 5CQ for C.L. Tolbert, Auhtor of the Thornton MysteriesShawn talks with C.L. Tolbert about researching a novel during a pandemic, social justice, the strength of working moms, and how rage can fuel creativity. 2021-01-2226 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP6: FCQ for Liz Milliron, Author of the Laurel Highlands MysteriesShawn chats (and laughs) with author Liz Milliron about writing, ultimate revenge, and the most entertaining answer to the question "coffee or tea?" ever given. 2021-01-1530 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP5: FCQ for Gabriel Valjan, Author of the Shane Cleary MysteriesGabriel Valjan, the Agatha and Anthony Award nominated author of the Roma and Shane Cleary Mystery Series, joins Shawn to talk about juggling multiple series, short story writing and what he wanted to be when he grew up. 2021-01-0832 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP4: FCQ for Lori Robbins, Author of the On Pointe MysteriesShawn talks with Lori Robbins, ballet dancer turned award-winning author, most recently of Murder in First Position, An On Pointe Mystery. 2021-01-0112 min
Five Compelling Questions with ShawnEP1: 5CQ for Peter W.J. Hayes, Author of the Vic Lenoski MysteriesJoin Award-Winning Author and Editor Shawn Reilly Simmons as she gets to know her guests by asking 5 Compelling Questions.
Shawn's very first guest is Author Peter W. J. Hayes
Peter was born in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, and lived in Paris and Taipei before settling in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He worked as a journalist, advertising copywriter and marketing executive—including six years as Chief Marketing Officer for a multinational corporation—before turning to mystery and crime writing. He is the author of the Vic Lenoski police procedural series, and is a Derringer-nominated author of short stories. He is...2020-12-0423 min