Thriller 101

David

Thriller Writing

Thrillers

Writing Community

Query Letters

Literary Agents

Character Development

Thriller Genre

Writing Productivity

Publishing

Pacing

Writing Process

Reality Television

True Crime

Creative Process

Plot Twists

A Very Bad Thing

Writing Techniques

Storyteller Society

Mystery Fiction

Accountability In Writing

A podcast for readers and writers of thriller, mystery, suspense, and crime fiction.

43 ratings

Publishes	Weekly	Episodes	151	Founded	4 years ago
Number of Listeners		Categories	BooksFictionArts

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Latest Episodes

151 Unhinged Characters and the Truth About Getting Published with Marisa Walz

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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 h... more

24 Feb 2026 • 23 min

150 Writing a Complex Mystery Novel with Bianca Marais

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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"... more

29 Oct 2025 • 21 min

149 How to Write a Thriller that Gets Attention: Character and Plot Advice from Chevy Stevens

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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 pro... more

22 Oct 2025 • 31 min

148 Developing Better Plots Using a Character-Driven Approach with Daniel David Wallace

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Struggling with how to write a thriller that grabs readers immediately?

In this interview, writing expert Daniel David Wallace shares game-changing writing tips for crafting plots that keep readers hooked from page one.

D... more

15 Oct 2025 • 27 min

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Recent Guests

Marisa Walz

Debut author, author of Good Intentions

Self-published/publisher context discussed (Good Intentions)

Episode: 151 Unhinged Characters and the Truth About Getting Published with Marisa Walz

Bianca Marais

Author of A Most Puzzling Murder; co-host of This Shit No One Tells You About Writing

Author

Episode: 150 Writing a Complex Mystery Novel with Bianca Marais

Chevy Stevens

New York Times bestselling author

Episode: 149 How to Write a Thriller that Gets Attention: Character and Plot Advice from Chevy Stevens

Daniel David Wallace

Fiction writing teacher and creator of Character First Writing Approach; host of Escape the Plot Forest

Character First Writing

Episode: 148 Developing Better Plots Using a Character-Driven Approach with Daniel David Wallace

Aaron Philip Clark

USA Today bestselling novelist, screenwriter, professor, and host of the Culture Point podcast, Aaron's Stories Blend

Culture Point / Aaron's Stories Blend

Episode: 147 How to Write Thrillers That Actually Matter with Aaron Philip Clark

Charlene Wang

Author of I'll Follow You / All Follow You, campus revenge thriller

Author, Charlene Wang

Episode: 146 How to turn 'wasted' drafts and subverted tropes into your writing superpower with Charlene Wang

Tommy Dean

Literary agent and editor; co-editor of Fractured Lit and Uncharted Magazine; developing editors for literary magazines; specializes in thriller, suspense, and crime fiction

Rose Cliff Literary

Episode: 145 How to Stand Out in the Query Trenches with Literary Agent Tommy Dean

Chantelle Aimée Osman

Senior editor at Simon Maverick, Simon & Schuster's new imprint

Simon & Schuster

Episode: What Editors Really Want Right Now with Chantelle Aimée Osman, Who Provides a Sneak Peek Inside Simon & Schuster's Newest Imprint

Tamara Miller

Author of Into The Fall

Author, Into The Fall

Episode: Why Your Perfect Manuscript Isn't Enough And What to Do About It with Author Tamara Miller

Host

David Guinn

Host and writer navigating the world of traditional publishing, engaging with experts to provide invaluable insights and tips for writers.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 43 ratings

All Episodes Review
David asks pertinent questions of his guests whose responses are insightful and helpful for writers. I just wish his episodes lasted longer!
Apple Podcasts
5
Amscheue
United States2 years ago
Clear and concise
I love how David finds great guests, asks key questions, and then recaps it all neatly for listeners. Great podcast for busy writers looking for the inside scoop!
Apple Podcasts
5
LiAlt123
United States2 years ago
Wonderful for Writers in any Stage of Writing
Such a great and insightful podcast! I’ve been listening to this podcast every morning and night while walking my dog and has been just the motivation I need to finish the first draft of my second thriller and start querying my first novel. Thanks David for such interesting and valuable content. 😊
Apple Podcasts
5
katiecoffman
United States2 years ago
Fantastic Podcast on Writing w/ Insightful Author
I love love love this podcast by David Gwyn, who is thoughtfully navigating the traditional publishing world by mining the expertise of the agents, authors, and editors he interviews. When David started his podcast two years ago, he was in the writers' querying trenches with a new manuscript. This year, he found agent representation and rebranded his podcast to focus on the mystery-thriller-crime genres. His entertaining and insightful interviews offer tons of tips for the querying and aspiratio... more
Apple Podcasts
5
CuiBono911
United States2 years ago
Great podcast for all writers
I love this podcast. David asks great questions, exactly what I would want to ask authors as a writer. The segments with agents are wonderful too. They break down the query letter and opening pages and talk about what worked and why the agent would like to read more. Such useful insight. Love it!
Apple Podcasts
5
Nicolecbf
United States3 years ago

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Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

The variety of guests and their expertise provide a rich resource for aspiring writers exploring the thriller genre.

Individuals mention the sound quality and production values, suggesting it's a fully realized listening experience.

The podcast is often praised for its clear and concise delivery, particularly relevant for busy writers.

Listeners appreciate the host's ability to ask insightful questions and highlight key points throughout discussions.

Many find the content motivational, especially for new or querying authors looking for practical advice.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts	#41	India/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts	#71	India/Arts
Apple Podcasts	#206	South Africa/Arts/Books

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

3-Part Formula for Writing Compelling Red Herrings That Mislead Without Cheating Readers with Author Eloise Corvo

Q: Do you plan red herrings from the start or do they emerge organically as you write?

Corvo explains that it varies by book but she consciously designs red herrings so they are plausible without being cheap tricks, often starting with several viable motives and then trimming as the plot evolves.

First Page Formula: Author and Writing Coach April Davila on What Agents & Readers Want to See in Your Thriller Manuscript Opening

Q: What role does setting play in the first page, and how specific should it be?

Ground the reader with specific, concrete details of place and time, ideally in a single vivid scene, to give a tangible sense of the world and to anchor the reader's immersion from the start.

First Page Formula: Author and Writing Coach April Davila on What Agents & Readers Want to See in Your Thriller Manuscript Opening

Q: How should a writer handle backstory and flashbacks in relation to the first page?

Backstory should be sprinkled throughout the book rather than dumped on page one; avoid too many names and early flashbacks, and instead use the scene to reveal essential context gradually.

First Page Formula: Author and Writing Coach April Davila on What Agents & Readers Want to See in Your Thriller Manuscript Opening

Q: What are the core elements a first page must deliver to hook a reader in a thriller or mystery?

Introduce the narrator or main character, establish time and place, set the tone, show writing chops, and hint at a question that will drive the story, all while keeping backstory light and integrated through scene.

Writing Your Series & Developing Dynamic Characters with Author Stephen Spotswood

Q: So tell me a little bit about this genre, because it feels to me like a blend of crime, noir and mystery. How close am I?

Stephen explains that the blend is very close to Nero Wolfe-inspired traditional mystery with a hard-boiled edge, set in 1940s New York, with Will Parker as the intelligent focal point and a noir atmosphere layered over classic tropes.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Thriller 101

What is Thriller 101 about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Content is centered around the intricacies of writing in the thriller, mystery, suspense, and crime fiction genres. Episodes feature in-depth discussions with literary agents, authors, and industry experts, offering valuable insights on topics such as crafting compelling query letters, character development, and the common pitfalls encountered by novice writers. Unique elements include practical writing tips, guidance through the chaotic world of publishing, and a focus on community support for aspiring authors. This podcast stands out due to its blend of expert interviews and actionable advice tailored to writers looking to improve their craft or navigate the publishing landscape.

Where can I find podcast stats for Thriller 101?

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How many listeners does Thriller 101 get?

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What are the audience demographics for Thriller 101?

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How many subscribers and views does Thriller 101 have?

To see how many followers or subscribers Thriller 101 has on Spotify and other platforms such as Castbox and Podcast Addict, simply upgrade your account. You'll also find viewership figures for their YouTube channel if they have one.

Which podcasts are similar to Thriller 101?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Thriller 101:

1. The Shit No One Tells You About Writing
2. Fiction Writing Made Easy | Top Creative Writing Podcast for Fiction Writers & Writing Tips
3. Writer's Routine
4. The Write It Scared Podcast
5. How I Write

How many episodes of Thriller 101 are there?

Thriller 101 launched 4 years ago and published 151 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Thriller 101?

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Where can I see ratings and reviews for Thriller 101?

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What guests have appeared on Thriller 101?

Recent guests on Thriller 101 include:

1. Marisa Walz
2. Bianca Marais
3. Chevy Stevens
4. Daniel David Wallace
5. Aaron Philip Clark
6. Charlene Wang
7. Tommy Dean
8. Chantelle Aimée Osman

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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