“What Makes a Thriller?” featuring Ana Reyes

In this episode of Imposter Hour, Liz and Greg dive into a thrilling conversation with New York Times bestselling author Ana Reyes about her debut novel, The House in the Pines. Ana opens up about the challenges of navigating genre conventions, revealing how her MFA program shaped her writing style and the creative freedom she found within storytelling constraints. She shares the deeply personal elements woven into her novel, including her Guatemalan heritage and her harrowing journey with Klonopin withdrawal.The discussion delves into the art of crafting a twist ending, the power of sense memory, and how mental reconstruction plays a crucial role in her storytelling. Ana reflects on her experiences as a writer, from finding community and navigating vulnerability to the impact her book has had on readers. They explore themes of not being believed, mental illness, and the lingering effects of trauma. Ana also shares insights from her time teaching creative writing, offers advice for writers tackling their second novel, and gives a glimpse into her future writing goals. This episode is a must-listen for anyone intrigued by the intersection of personal experience and genre storytelling!