EPISODE · May 6, 2026 · 43 MIN
How Do Bestselling Authors Actually Create Stories? | James Rollins
from Here's What We Know · host Gary Scott Thomas
Send us Fan MailThis week on Here’s What We Know, James Rollins shares how bestselling authors actually create stories that last.James Rollins is a #1 New York Times bestselling author of international thrillers translated into more than forty languages. His Sigma Force series has been called one of the “top crowd-pleasers" by the New York Times and one of the “hottest summer reads” by People Magazine. He’s written more than 40 books, built entire worlds, and still approaches storytelling with the curiosity of someone just getting started.In this conversation, we explore how curiosity, research, and imagination come together, not all at once, but piece by piece, until something clicks.If you enjoy conversations about creativity, storytelling, and the human side of success, this one’s worth your time.In This Episode:How bestselling authors develop story ideasWhy curiosity is the foundation of creativityThe difference between learning to write and becoming a storytellerHow reading improves writing over timeWhat makes “popcorn fiction” so powerfulThis episode is sponsored by:Sterling Oak CabinetryReed Animal HospitalBio:James Rollins is a #1 New York Times bestselling author of international thrillers, translated into more than forty languages. His Sigma series has been lauded as one of the "top crowd pleasers" (New York Times) and one of the "hottest summer reads" (People Magazine). In each novel, acclaimed for its originality, Rollins unveils unseen worlds, scientific breakthroughs, and historical secrets—and he does it all at breakneck speed and with stunning insight. Known for building high-octane adventures on a solid science foundation, Jim juxtaposes the familiar with the exotic and then turbo-charges his tales with suspense. Always mindful of history’s legacy, Jim reveals how secrets, some hidden for centuries, can change the course of human events. His novels explore how advancing technology can impact society—not just the physical threats of unchecked developments, but also the spiritual and moral challenges that result. “The true terror of technology is not the cogs and the wheels, but how it will change us,” he saysWebsite: https://jamesrollins.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorjamesrollins/Tags: how to write a book, storytelling process, writing tips, bestselling author interview, Sigma Force, creative process, how to be a writer, fiction writing, author interview podcast, writing inspiration, author mindset, creative thinking, writing adviceConnect with Gary:Gary's WebsiteFollow Gary on InstagramGary's TiktokGary's FacebookWatch the episodes on YouTubeAdvertise on the PodcastThank you for listening. Let us know what you think about this episode. Leave us a review!
What this episode covers
Send us Fan Mail This week on Here’s What We Know, James Rollins shares how bestselling authors actually create stories that last. James Rollins is a #1 New York Times bestselling author of international thrillers translated into more than forty languages. His Sigma Force series has been called one of the “top crowd-pleasers" by the New York Times and one of the “hottest summer reads” by People Magazine. He’s written more than 40 books, built entire worlds, and still approaches storytelling w...
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How Do Bestselling Authors Actually Create Stories? | James Rollins
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