The Writer's Dossier

Today in the interrogation chair is inaugural Dossier member (#6!), Bill Schweigart, author of the hot new novel, DIRTY 20. Hear about why Bill joined the Coast Guard, how he's found his tribe in the writing community, how awesome his agent Barbara Poelle is, and the deal behind his great cover. Welcome to The Writer's Dossier! thewritersdossier.com | billschweigart.com | Insta: @billschweigart | X: BillSchweigart Voice credit: Hilary Huber

Today in the interrogation chair, it's writer and super Hollywood guy, Eric Beetner. Friend of The Writer's Dossier, Eric starts the show with advice for writers that's relevant for today's publishing environment. We discuss his third and final Carter McCoy novel from his latest book, A WOULD THAT WILL NOT HEAL, his history writing novels and short stories (the body of work is vast!), and much more. Welcome to The Writer's Dossier! thewritersdossier.com | Voice credit: Hillary Huber |  ericbeetner.com | Instagram: @ericbeetner

Today in the interrogation chair, it's NY Times Bestselling author, Brad Taylor and his Pike Logan Task Force. Find out what the deal is behind his new thriller, SHADOW STRIKE. Listen to this retired US Army special forces (Delta) commander explain how current events caused him to rewrite a big chunk of the book, how deep his on-site research is, and how he's used his real-world experience to craft his 20 Pike Logan novels. This is a big one folks. Welcome, to The Writer's Dossier. thewritersdossier.com | Voice credit: Hillary Huber Facebook | Instagram | bradtaylorbooks.com 

Today in the interrogation room, it's Belgium-born, French-speaking Texan, M.E. Proctor. Learn how she sold the first book she ever wrote, why Kansas City is the setting for KANSAS CITY SWING, and what Dossier friend Joel Nedecky thinks of this book. It's a great time except for Jeff trying to speak French. Welcome to the Writer's Dossier! thewritersdossier.com | shawmystery.com  | Voice credit: Hillary Huber

Today in the interrogation chair, it's author Connor Martin with his amazing debut, THE SILVER FISH. Listen to how Connor got his acting break on the show Rescue Me, find out why he set his novel in a West Africa country he spent time in, and discover why he's known as "friend of kid with head stuck in fence." Get to know Connor Martin! connormartinauthor.com | instagram.com/connor.martin.author thewritersdossier.com | Voice credit: Hillary Huber

Today in the interrogation chair, it's a Dossier favorite: super agent Lori Galvin with Aevitas. Discover how Lori is looking for compelling, immersive stories that she cannot wait to get back to. The kind of stories that have a distinctive voice and rings in her ears after she puts the book down. Find out what your query letter should look like, whether or not she turned down a potential client who had a bestseller, what's more important - style or story, and what (if anything) publishers are getting wrong today. There's so much in this episode to learn from, you'll want to listen more than once and take notes. thewritersdossier.com | x.com/galvinlori | instagram.com/lorigalvin | facebook.com/lori.galvin2 | threads.com/@lorigalvin

Today in the interrogation chair, it's debut author, John David. Check out THE BYSTANDER from the Tule Publishing Group, out now! This publicist turned thriller author has a killer story with an inspiration direct from a true event that occurred in Indiana. You're not going to want to miss it. Find out how David broke into the publishing world, his possible plans for attending writers conferences, and where he's at in his multi-book deal. Welcome to The Writer's Dossier! byjohndavid.com | thewritersdossier.com | Voice credit: Hillary Huber Get THE BYSTANDER: a.co/d/02DdCLFW | Insta: instagram.com/byjohndavid

Today in the interrogation chair, it's Jack MacTavish, author of ROYAL DIAMONDS. Find out what bourbons we each have in this episode, what kind of life-saving stuff Jack has done through his decades long military career, and what his new novel is all about. Jack MacTavish is the real deal, and he's got a fantastic adventure book on hand right now. jackmactavish.com| thewritersdossier.com | Voice Credit: Hillary Huber instagram.com/jackmactavishadventures 

Today in the interrogation chair, it's Daniel Grace, author of IN THE WAKE OF GOLGOTHA. Hear about Daniel's former life creating a Super Bowl commercial, his current life in Tuscany as a winemaker, and now, find out about how he came up with this eye-popping debut. Out now from Koehler Books, Grace's debut brings a new twist to the story behind Roman Prefect Pontius Pilate and Judas Iscariot.  danielmarkgrace.com | thewritersdossier.com | Voice Credit: Hillary Huber instagram.com/danielmarkgrace

Today in the interrogation chair, it's friend of the show, super short story writer, Mary Thorson, author of A Woman's Guide to True Crime. Ever hear of a top agent seeking out a writer from a short story? That's how Thorson landed Lori Galvin when Galvin sent her a message through her website. Also, find out how Mary went from skipping the line to get into The Writer's Dossier without a completed book to where she is now with this amazing collection of true crime stories from our friends at A Rock and a Hard Place Press. This is one heck of a writer, folks! marythorsoncom.wordpress.com | bsky.app/profile/marythor.bsky.social | thewritersdossier.com | Voice credit: Hillary Huber

Today in the interrogation chair, it's Patrick "Sarge" O'Donnell, host of the Cops & Writers podcast and author of several books including, POLICE STORIES (The Rookie Years), and THE GOOD COLLAR. Join me as Sarge and I trade some fun cop stories, discuss what it's like going into writing from law enforcement, and how nice Jack Carr is in person. copsandwriters.com | thewritersdossier.com | Voice credit: Hilary Huber Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/copsandwriters/ | YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@patrickodonnell7928 

Today in the interrogation chair, it's #1 New York Times Bestselling author of The Gray Man series, Mark Greaney. Listen to what Mark learned about the craft of writing when he was writing with Tom Clancy, get the set up for his 15th Gray Man book, THE HARD LINE, and find out what Mark left under the seat of his car when he got dropped off at the airport on his way to his latest overseas research trip. Mark Greaney always delivers! markgreaneybooks.com | thewritersdossier.com | Voice credit: Hilary Huber

Today in the interrogation chair, it's the two-time Emmy Award winning Joe Battaglia, author of BENEATH THE RINGS. Hear about how Joe got his job as an Olympic television producer for NBC, what his mom recently found in the attic, and how he got a job working for the Newark Star Ledger at the ripe old age of 18. It's Olympic fever time, so find out about Joe Battaglia and BENEATH THE RINGS. booksbybattaglia.com | thewritersdossier.com | Voice credit: Hillary Huber https://www.instagram.com/joebattaglia75/# https://www.facebook.com/joe.battaglia1/ https://x.com/joebattaglia75

Today in the interrogation chair, it's friend of the show, Winter Austin, author of BAIT THE DEVIL from Tule Publishing. Disclosing her 2nd writer's dossier, Winter talks about how she turned in her first draft of BAIT THE DEVIL and how the editing process worked. Looking for find out how books get written and edited? You need to hear this story from Winter Austin! authorwinteraustin.com | thewritersdossier.com | Voice credit: Hilary Huber

Today in the interrogation chair, it's debut author, former attorney, and MFA graduate, Melanie Anagnos telling us about her novel, NIGHTSWIMMING. Melanie is a Jersey girl through and through. Hear out about Patterson and Cape May, New Jersey, how the area influenced her novel, and discover what she'd be doing creatively if she wasn't writing. You'll never guess! Welcome to The Writer's Dossier Podcast. melanieanagnos.com | thewritersdossier.com | Voice credit: Hillary Huber Follow Melanie on her interesting Cherchez La Femme Substack at substack.com/@melanieanagnos 

Today in the interrogation chair, it's a double guest episode with Jeffrey James Higgins, author of the Nathan Burke series, and his audiobook narrator for the entire series, Justin Price. Jeffrey James Higgins is out with his latest thriller, THE CHINA GAMBIT, which Justin Price read. This is the third collaboration between the two, and they've really hit their stride. Enjoy some insider secrets in this special double episode. Justin Price narrated The Welcome Wagon in MYOPIC DUPLICITY, edited by Jeff Circle, he does some romance reading, and an unbelievable Matthew McConaughey at the end of the show. jeffreyjameshiggins.com | justinpricevo.com | thewritersdossier.com | Voice credit: Hillary Huber Reference links: narratorsroadmap.com | notebooklm.google | elainesliterarysalon.com

Today in the interrogation chair, it's COYDOG author, David Tromblay. Veteran, goat wrangler, giant dog keeper and unbelievable author, Tromblay lays things out in the most brutal way that you will instantly admire. Find out about his life in rural Oklahoma, his bout with poison ivy, and some of his experience in the writer's room for The Lowdown with Ethan Hawke. Tromblay delivers, so don't miss COYDOG. The Tromblay Linktree: linktr.ee/davidtromblay | thewritersdossier.com | Voice credit: Hillary Huber Get COYDOG: www.dzancbooks.org/all-titles/p/coydog Grab the audiobook read by E.M. Wylde www.simonandschuster.com/books/Coydog/David-Tromblay/Anadarko-County/9781668152133

Today in the interrogation chair, it's longtime Dossier member and friend of the show, Steve Urszenyi to discuss his third Alex Martel thriller, BLOOD OATH. Find out where this series has gone! Listen to Steve explain how his own African safari experience influenced his latest book, what stood out about his trip, and what it's like driving around a wildlife park. Was he prey to a pack of killer lions? Hear the story of when Steve and I first met, and find out how he's been such a great member of the writer community. steveurszenyi.com | thewritersdossier.com | Voice credit: Hillary Huber Follow Steve on X at https://x.com/SteveUrszenyiSubstack: https://substack.com/@steveurszenyi  

Today in the interrogation chair, it's long-time Dossier member, Alex Kenna, and her hot crime novel, BURN THIS NIGHT. Get to know Alex in this interview and discover just how talented of an artist she really is. We also discuss Alex's debut novel, WHAT MEETS THE EYE, which became a Dossier Book of the Year! Catch this commute-friendly episode now, and welcome to The Dossier Podcast! alexkenna.com | thewritersdossier.com | Voice credit: Hillary Huber Learn more about Alex at: Website | X | Instagram| Facebook | Amazon author page

Today in the interrogation chair, it's Joel Nedecky, author of THE BROKEN DETECTIVE. Listen to him explain how he settled on an absolute unbelievable opening sentence for his new crime novel out from Run Amok Crime. We graze the topics of hockey, pancake syrup, and maple leafs, but we never stray far from this fantastic story and how Joel nails it on every page. Stick around for your commute friendly podcast. Welcome to The Writer's Dossier. jnedecky.com | thewritersdossier.com | Voice credit: Hillary Huber 

Today in the interrogation chair, its fellow Army veteran, Travis Davis, and we get him to open up about his new book, WAR ON THE PORCH. This amazing story is as inspiring as it is heartbreaking, and Travis uses his personal military experience, his wit, and years of writing to come up with something really special. Travis has become a subject matter expert in World War I history, and he's brought it back to life in a novel that's worthy of high praise.  authortravisdavis.com | thewritersdossier.com | Voice credit: Hillary Huber

Today in the interrogation chair, it's every writer's friend, Mikael Sandeberg AKA the Internet's "@abibliofob'! Mikael joins us from Sweden where he is a social media dream for authors, especially thriller authors. Find out how many books Mikael is reading this year (it's over 200!), check out his unbelievable personal library, and some of his favorite books. Welcome, to The Dossier Podcast! thewritersdossier.com | x.com/Abibliofob | Voice credit: Hillary Huber  

Today in the interrogation chair, it's swashbuckler, podcaster, and author, Terrance Layhew from the Suit Up! podcast. Listen and watch as Terrance and I dive into Cary Grant movies, finding a new home for my cat, The Mummy movies vs Indiana Jones movies, and we even talk about Terrance's books, UNWANTED PASSENGER and ONE MAN'S TREASURE. Big shoutouts to some of the guests he's had on his Suit Up! podcast, and much more. Don't miss this one! terrancelayhew.com | thewritersdossier.com | Voice credit: Hillary Huber Suit Up! https://open.spotify.com/show/6hH1iuCOAdIMHbllIqB5bB?si=d3b879126ff6479a Shout outs to T.R. Hendricks, Gregg Podolski, I.S. Berry, Claire Isenthal, Bruce Borgos, J.M. Adams, Scott McCrea, and T.D. Severin.

Today in the interrogation chair, it's D.C.'s legendary noir master, Christopher Chambers and his novel, STREET WHYS. Listen to Chris and I talk about his incredible background about a lawyer turned writer, what it takes to write a short story, and how much fun we had sitting on a panel together this year at Bouchercon. Welcome to The Writer's Dossier Podcast! chrischambersnoir.com | thewritersdossier.com | Voice credit: Hillary Huber Follow Chris at https://www.instagram.com/profchrisc/

Today in the interrogation chair is bestselling author Lisa Towles and her new techno thriller, SWITCH. Find out about Lisa's experience working in California's tech industry, her super fun research in the Virgin Islands, and how somebody's going to come looking for her Internet search history because of what's in it (spy stuff!). Welcome to The Writer's Dossier Podcast! lisatowles.com | thewritersdossier.com | Voice credit: Hillary Huber Check out the trailer Lisa made for SWITCH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKXGS2CCgwY Lisa Towles on YouTube with Story Impact: https://www.youtube.com/@lisatowlescrimenovelist7172

Today in the interrogation chair, it's debut author Gene Koon with his book, ANOTHER TRY. Find out why Jeffery Deaver said, "I love this novel!" and why Michael Connelly called it, "Wonderful." Hear about Gene's work in The Hague working on the Slobodan Milošević trial and how he grew up with an airplane wing in his bedroom. Welcome, to The Dossier Podcast! genekoon.com | thewritersdossier.com | Voice credit: Hillary Huber

Today in the interrogation chair, it's Georgia Writer of the Year, Christopher Swann where we talk about the Georgia writing scene, how he credits his success to stubbornness and encouragement, how he's written an origin story for his Suzy Faulkner character for my anthology, and what scares him as a writer. Welcome, to The Dossier Podcast! christopherswann.com | thewritersdossier.com | Voice credit: Hillary Huber

Today in the interrogation chair, it's Tony Wirt, author of SILENT CREEK, from Thomas & Mercer. Hear about how Tony went from self-publishing A NECESSARY ACT to landing a top agent and landing and getting book deal where where he gets to work with Gabino Iglesias. Also hear about our conversation in Denver earlier this year around a pinball machine in a bar where Jack Kerouac used to hang out. Welcome, to The Dossier Podcast! tonywirt.com | thewritersdossier.com | Voice Credit: Hillary Huber

Today in the interrogation chair, it's U.S. Navy lawyer turned thriller writer, K.T. Konkoly with her debut novel, ADRIFT. Does her last name sound familiar? It should. K.T. joins another Konkoly already in the Dossier family. Learn how K.T. went from the navy's JAG office in San Diego, to becoming a east coast lawyer in Maine ... but why she passed her bar exam in New Jersey of all places. With her impressive debut from Thomas and Mercer out on 8/26/25, K.T. talks about her thrilling new novel, ADRIFT, and her lead character, Kari Sharpe. Welcome to The Dossier Podcast. ktkonkoly.com | thewritersdossier.com | Voice credit: Hillary Huber

Today in the interrogation chair, it's the super cool Elise Hart Kipness out with her latest Kate Green novel, CLOSE CALL. Hear about how this FOX Sports Reporter turned fiction writer, went from standing on a milk crate to interview NBA stars to writing murder mystery thrillers with a sports backdrop. Stick around for the mystery conversation about what she always has with her while she's writing. Welcome to The Dossier Podcast! elisehartkipness.com | thewritersdossier.com | Voice credit: Hillary Huber On tour from August through November, get to know, Elise Hart Kipness! https://elisehartkipness.com/events/

Today in the interrogation chair, it's Winter Austin, author of the new thriller RIDE A DARK TRAIL. Hear Winter talk about her new protagonist, Dot Ybarra, and how she's a certified badass, what Winter has been up to this cattle season in Iowa, and what time of year she was born Welcome, to The Dossier Podcast! authorwinteraustin.com | thewritersdossier.com | Voice credit: Hillary Huber Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/author.winteraustin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iasuspensewriter

Today with special co-host Mindy Carlson, it's cozy turned thriller writer, Stacie Grey with her latest novel, SHE DIDN'T STAND A CHANCE. Listen about how she had to do a catectomy in one of her books, how she does cheese tastings at the Left Coast Crime conference, and how Mindy was named after a nun. Welcome to The Dossier Podcast! staciegrey.com | mindycarlson.com | thewritersdossier.com | Voice credit: Hillary Huber

Today in the interrogation chair, it's Mark Elliott, a super guy and a super fan of thrillers. In our Rabid Reader series, we want to bring on people enjoy thrillers, mystery, crime, & suspense books and find out what they're looking for in a good book, what they expect when they meet some of their favorite authors, and I just want to have them on to thank them for all their support. Welcome, to The Dossier Podcast! thewritersdossier.com | Voice credit: Hillary Huber | Mark Elliott: X & Facebook

Today in the interrogation chair it's T.D. Severin, author of the thriller DEADLY VISION. Severin is an internationally renowned professor, physician, surgeon, an award-winning nonfiction author, and was named in Newsweek magazine as one of the nation’s best ophthalmologists. With this novel, he takes his vast knowledge into a whole new virtual reality realm that will open your eyes to what could be. tdseverin.com | thewritersdossier.com | Voice credit: Hillary Huber

Today in the interrogation chairs it's Henry Wise, author of the Edgar-winning novel, HOLY CITY, and Joe Brosnan, blockbuster editor at Grove Atlantic. Listen to how Henry types his drafts on a real typewriter, how Joe edits by hand, and how Henry went through 85 agents to find John Talbot to represent him for this Edgar-winning debut novel. Welcome to The Dossier Podcast! henrywise.com | groveatlantic.com | thewritersdossier.com | Voice credit: Hillary Huber

Today in the interrogation chair, it's Jay S. Bell, author of the new hit novel, WELCOME TO COTTONMOUTH. Listen to Jay talk about his new character Devlin Mahoney and how he ends up dealing with a town full of retired spies, how he designed a Mahoney to be different than the Reachers, Rapps, & Bonds out there, and how he crafted a strong female character. Oh, and if you get a chance, tell his wife that's he's right. He'll thank you. Welcome, to The Dossier Podcast! jaysbell.com | thewritersdossier.com | Voice Credit: Hillary Huber X: https://x.com/Pprbackwrtr Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaysbell2025

Today in the interrogation chair, it's Dossier Member C.W. Blackwell, author of WHATEVER KILLS THE PAIN by A Rock and a Hard Place Press. Today, we discuss his new collection of short stories, why it's important to a writer's career to enter contests, and fellow Dossier member Holly West and her work in the 2023 Bouchercon Anthology. Welcome, to The Dossier Podcast! thewritersdossier.com | www.instagram.com/cw_blackwell_writer | bsky.app/profile/cwblackwell.bsky.social Voice credit: Hillary Huber    

Today in the interrogation chair, it's #1 New York Times bestselling author Kyle Mills Welcome, author of the new thriller, FADE IN. Hear about this new follow up to the Fade series, how quick Kyle went to work on it after finishing his Mitch Rapp duties, and what it's like to be a part of Author's Equity. Welcome to The Dossier Podcast! kylemills.com | thewritersdossier.com | Voice credit: Hillary Huber

Today in the interrogation chair, it's longtime Dossier member, Terrence McCauley, author of THE TWILIGHT TOWN, a fast-paced, hardboiled thriller ripped from the pages of history! He's a multi-award winning author of westerns and thrillers, and he's host of his own podcast, Spies, Lies, and Private Eyes. Welcome, to The Dossier Podcast! terrencemccauley.com | thewritersdossier.com | Voice credit: Hillary Huber

Today in the interrogation chair, it's Bruce Borgos, author of the new mystery, THE BLUE HORSE. Hear this veteran Dossier member discuss what's going on with Sheriff Porter Beck, what the differences are between his character and Sheriff Walt Longmire from the Craig Johnson novels, and how important his writer's network has been to him since attending his first Bouchercon. bruceborgos.com | thewritersdossier.com | Voice credit: Hillary Huber

Today in the interrogation chair, it's Lina Chern, author of PLAY THE FOOL, and out now, TRICKS OF FORTUNE. Hear from Lina how she uses Tarot cards to get out a writing jam, what she thinks about connecting with the writing community, how she wrote questions for a TV game show, and one more steamy situation we can't explain here! Get to know Lina here. Welcome, to The Dossier Podcast! linachern.com | thewritersdossier.com | Voice credit: Hillary Huber

Today in the interrogation chair, it's author of the thriller THE LOCK BOX, Parker Adams, known in real life as Joseph Reid. Today we talk to Joe about his latest novel from Crooked Lane Books, what it's like going from being a marine researcher to a licensed attorney, and how he finds spare time to write at 4 o'clock in the morning. Welcome, to The Dossier Podcast! josephreidbooks.com | thewritersdossier.com | Voice credit: Hillary Huber

Today in the interrogation chair, it's Rob Hart, author of THE MEDUSA PROTOCOL out June 24th from Putnam. In today's episode we discuss why Rob's so direct in his Substack, what lessons he's learned about publishing and how he's passed that onto others in the community, his wild new character-driven series, and how he's here to help you make your novel even better. I'm crazy about what Rob's doing out there right now, so hang on, and Welcome, to The Dossier Podcast! robwhart.com | mindycarlson.com | thewritersdossier.com | Voice credit: Hillary Huber

Today in the interrogation chair, it's Michigan native and current San Francisco police sergeant, Adam Plantinga. We're joined by co-host Gregg Podolski to talk about Adam's latest bestseller, HARD TOWN, how being a cop influences his writing, why we're putting a red bow on Gregg's head, and how tech savvy Adam is with all those innerweb things. Welcome, to The Dossier Podcast! adamplantinga.com | greggpodolski.com | thewritersdossier.com | Voice credit: Hillary Huber

Today in the interrogation chair, it's Ryan Pote, author of the hot new thriller, BLOOD AND TREASURE. Hear about how Ryan went from Navy rescue helicopter pilot to NTSB investigator/IRS auditor/program manager for test flight operations for the government, his unpredictable novel BLOOD AND TREASURE, and what he'd do if he moved back to Hawaii and had to live on a beach. Welcome to The Dossier Podcast! ryanpote.com | thewritersdossier.com | Voice credit: Hillary Huber

Today in the interrogation chair, it's Jeffrey James Higgins, author of HAVANAH SYNDROME, out from Severn River on 6/17/25. In this episode, we discuss how Jeff went from a being Supervisory Special Agent with the DEA, to opening the field office in Bagram Afghanistan, and now as a full-time author how he hosts other writers at his restaurant in Old Town Alexandria, VA. There's some great stuff ahead, so stick around and enjoy The Dossier Podcast! jeffreyjameshiggins.com | thewritersdossier.com | voice credit: Hillary Huber

Today in the interrogation chair, it's Martin Rooney, author of the new thriller, BLOOD FEUD. Hear this two-time Guinness World Record holder talk about how he created this book with his friend who was in the hospital with cancer, where he gets all his energy from to be a speed coach (his favorite superhero is The Flash!), and how this best-selling author of non-fiction fitness books is breaking into the thriller space. Welcome to The Dossier Podcast! trainingforwarriors.com| thewritersdossier.com | Voice credit: Hillary Huber | XUNI.com

Today in the interrogation chair, it's Dony Jay, author of AGENCY AT WAR. Join J.M. Adams and I as we question Dony about growing up and being a police detective in central Pennsylvania, what's going on in this third installment of his Warrior Spy series, and the importance of good research for writing books. Welcome, to The Dossier Podcast! donyjaybooks.com | jmadams.com | thewritersdossier.com | voice credit: Hillary Huber

Today in the interrogation chair, it's J.M. Guarnieri, author of The Distance Between Two Paper Cups and a String. Hear about John's time with the Secret Service, his super cool podcast Spear Talk, and what's important to him about the creative process.   speartalkpodcast.com | thewritersdossier.com | Voice credit: Hillary Huber

Today in the interrogation chair, it's Barry Award winning author, Brett Battles. With over 40 novels under his belt, we talk about his taking over the legendary Stewart Woods' franchise, his latest installment, FINDERS KEEPERS, and how his experience has been doing co-author work. Welcome, to The Dossier Podcast! brettbattles.com | thewritersdossier.com | voice credit: Hillary Huber