Five Compelling Questions with Shawn Podcast By Shawn Reilly Simmons cover art

Five Compelling Questions with Shawn

Five Compelling Questions with Shawn

By: Shawn Reilly Simmons
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Award-Winning Author and Editor Shawn Reilly Simmons gets to know her guests by asking Five Compelling Questions (plus a few bonus ones) about the writing life. Topics include finding inspiration, staying motivated, writing as a career, staying sane during the creative process, and balancing fictional and real life.Shawn Reilly Simmons Art Literary History & Criticism
Episodes
  • EP 270: 5CQ for Clea Simon, Author of Witch Cats of Cambridge
    Jan 23 2026

    In this engaging interview, author Clea Simon explores her Witch Cats of Cambridge series, sharing how cats’ mystical qualities inspired her stories. She reflects on her writing journey, offers advice for aspiring authors, and reveals how her passion for both cats and literature has shaped her distinctive mysteries—while providing a glimpse into her creative process.

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    23 mins
  • EP 269: 5CQ for Christopher Farnsworth, author of Robert B. Parker's Big Shot
    Jan 19 2026

    In this engaging interview, author Christopher Farnsworth discusses his Jesse Stone novels, character development, the influence of real-world events on fiction, and his writing process. Discover insights into creating compelling characters, maintaining legacy characters, and the importance of rules in society.

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    19 mins
  • EP 268: 5CQ for Chris Chan, Author of Absolute Justice
    Jan 17 2026

    In this episode of Five Compelling Questions, host Shawn Simmons interviews writer and educator Chris Chan about his latest book, 'Absolute Justice,' which delves into the history and legacy of Agatha Christie's 'And Then There Were None.' The conversation explores Chan's deep appreciation for Christie's work, the structure of his book, and the enduring appeal of Christie's mysteries. They discuss the impact of adaptations, recommendations for new readers, and Chan's creative process as a writer. The episode concludes with insights into Chan's future projects and his ongoing involvement with the Agatha Christie Foundation.

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    41 mins
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