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Debut author Marisa Walz joins the show to talk about her psychological suspense novel Good Intentions. It's story about obsession, grief, and moral ambiguity that kept her up all night plotting after a single book inspired her to finally write it.

Marisa shares:

• What the publishing journey really looks like
• How she balances writing unlikable protagonists
• The unexpected challenges that come after you finally land that book deal

Bio: Marisa Walz is the author of Good Intentions, her debut psychological suspense novel. She lives in the Chicago suburbs with her husband and two young children.

Learn more about Marisa here: https://www.marisawalz.com/

Connect with Marisa here: https://www.instagram.com/marisacwalz/

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141 Literary Agent Vicky Weber on Why Most Writers Aren't Agent-Ready (And How to Fix It)

Get the list of 125+ Literary Agents who rep Thriller, Mystery, Suspense, and Crime Fiction

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What if the secret to writing unforgettable characters isn't interrogating them with questionnaires, but letting them reveal themselves organically?

In this episode, bestselling author Bianca Marais shares how she "pantsed" her way through writing her newest novel, A Most Puzzling Murder.

It’s especially impressive because this novel is a complex mystery with 12+ POVs, choose-your-own-adventure chapters, interactive puzzles, and a character who emails readers back.

If you've ever wondered how to build three-dimensional characters that feel alive, balance ambitious storytelling mechanics without losing narrative control then this conversation is perfect for you!

Bianca reveals the unique writing techniques that allowed her to juggle multiple perspectives while maintaining emotional depth, and why giving up control might be the key to unlocking your best work.

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Bianca's Website

1. The Art of Dual POV & Crafting Psychological Thrillers with Liz Alterman
2. Writing Character Backstory with Author Liz Alterman
3. Literary Agent and Author Jenna Satterthwaite on Making it in the Publishing Industry

Get the list of 125+ Literary Agents who rep Thriller, Mystery, Suspense, and Crime Fiction

Study the Opening Paragraphs of the Top Authors Writing Thrillers Right Now

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New York Times bestselling author Chevy Stevens pulls back the curtain on what separates a good thriller from an unforgettable one.

And it might not be what you think.

In this episode, Chevy reveals her unconventional process for crafting antagonists that readers love to hate.

She also shares the exact mindset shift that helped her sustain an eight-book career.

If you are...

• struggling to create believable villains
• feeling stuck in your thriller's plot
• wondering how to build a lasting writing career in today's market

This conversation will give you the tools to break through.

What Listeners Will Learn:

• How to create antagonists that traditional publishers love

• The "enough juice" test for evaluating thriller concepts

• Why your second book matters more than your first

Connect with Chevy:

Website

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Chevy Stevens lives on Vancouver Island with her husband and daughter. When she isn’t working on her next book, she’s spending time with her family and their two dogs. Her books, including Still Missing, a New York Times bestseller and winner of the International Thriller Writers Award for Best First Novel, have been published in more than thirty countries.

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2. Literary Agent Amy Nielsen on How to Fix Your Opening Pages
3. Literary Agent Jessica Berg Shares How to Catch an Agent's Eye
4. How to Write an Opening Chapter that Keeps Readers Reading with Author David McCloskey

Get the list of 125+ Literary Agents who rep Thriller, Mystery, Suspense, and Crime Fiction

Study the Opening Paragraphs of the Top Authors Writing Thrillers Right Now