S4 · E21
June 17 · 10 min
Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.
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S4 · E18June 11 · 11 minThe City With No Army | Peter Gribble's Award-Winning Fantasy Trilogy | Author in the Headlights
Award-winning fantasy author Peter Gribble joins Author in the Headlights to discuss his acclaimed City of Magicians trilogy. Winner of the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, Peter created a fantasy world unlike most in the genre: a city without armies, weapons, or violence. As invasion approaches, strategy, telepathic communication, political intrigue, and unlikely heroes become the key to survival. Join host Strider S.R. Klusman for a conversation about fantasy, worldbuilding, storytelling, and the power of ideas to change history.
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S4 · E19June 5 · 14 min"Your Book Won the Whole Contest" | Avanti Centrae on The Picasso Job | Author in the Headlights
Bestselling author Avanti Centrae joins Author in the Headlights to discuss her award-winning thriller The Picasso Job. We also discuss her writing of suspenseful mysteries, and the lessons she's learned, from crafting compelling plots to winning major literary awards,. This conversation offers valuable insights for readers and writers alike. Featured Books: The Phoenix series: The Picasso Job: https://books2read.com/u/31zGG6 The VanOps series: The Lost Power: https://books2read.com/u/mZzKNE Solstice Shadows: https://books2read.com/u/bWn1R0 The Doomsday Medallion: https://books2read.com/u/3ka1v6 The Stryker series: Cleopatra’s Vendetta: https://books2read.com/u/mVoww5 More episodes of Author in the Headlights: https://www.duramenpublishing.com/author-in-the-headlights
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S4 · E18May 30 · 13 min600 Letters Revealed a WWII Family Secret | Jan Cress Dondi | Author in the Headlights
What happens when a box of forgotten family letters uncovers one of the most dramatic true stories of World War II? In this episode of Author in the Headlights, Strider Klusman sits down with debut author and USA Today bestselling author Jan Cress Dondi to discuss The Navigator's Letter, the remarkable true story of her parents, her uncle, and one of the most dangerous military missions of World War II. After her mother's passing, Jan discovered more than 600 letters hidden away in the family basement. Those letters revealed an extraordinary story of love, courage, sacrifice, and survival surrounding Operation Tidal Wave—the infamous 1943 B-24 bombing raid against the Ploesti oil fields of Romania, Hitler's primary source of fuel. The mission became one of the costliest and deadliest days in U.S. Army Air Forces history. Jan's father was shot down and became a prisoner of war. Her family carried the legacy of that day for decades, until the letters finally brought their story to light. Join us as we discuss family history, wartime sacrifice, historical research, and the journey from discovering old letters to publishing a national bestseller. 📖 The Navigator's Letter https://books2read.com/u/meWZgg 🌐 Jan Cress Dondi https://jancressdondi.com/ 📚 Author in the Headlights https://duramenpublishing.com/author-in-the-headlights/ 📚 Browse books featured on the show https://duramenpublishing.com/bookstore/ #JanCressDondi #TheNavigatorsLetter #WWIIHistory #OperationTidalWave #PloestiRaid #MilitaryHistory #WorldWarII #HistoricalNonfiction #AuthorInterview #AuthorInTheHeadlights #Books #HistoryBooks #USATodayBestseller
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S4 · E17May 25 · 13 minChloe Hovind | Building Community One Book at a Time | Chuckanut Writers Conference
“Building community one book at a time.” In this episode of Author in the Headlights, Chloe Hovind discusses the Chuckanut Writers Conference, Village Books, and the importance of literary communities that connect readers, writers, and indie authors. If you love discovering new books, supporting authors, and exploring the world behind publishing and writing conferences, this conversation is for you. 📚 Featuring: ✔ Chuckanut Writers Conference ✔ Village Books ✔ Publishing insights ✔ Writing community discussions ✔ Author and reader connections #BookCommunity #AuthorInterviews #WritersConference #VillageBooks #Chuckanut #Readers #IndieAuthors #WritingLife
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S4 · E16May 13 · 9 minLeslie Shover – Fission: Soviet Spies in the Manhattan Project, with Author in the Headlights
What happens when love, loyalty, and espionage collide during the Manhattan Project? In this episode of Author in the Headlights, Strider Klusman sits down with author Leslie Shover to discuss Fission: A Novel of Atomic Heartbreak: https://books2read.com/u/m0yDgy — a historical fiction story inspired by her parents’ real experiences working on the Manhattan Project during World War II. The conversation explores: Soviet spies hidden inside America’s atomic program The emotional cost of secrecy Real historical inspiration behind the novel Love, betrayal, and survival during wartime How family history shaped the story If you enjoy historical fiction, Cold War intrigue, WWII stories, or novels inspired by true events, this episode is for you. #AuthorInTheHeadlights #HistoricalFiction #ManhattanProject #ColdWar #WWII #LeslieShover #Fission #SpyThriller #BookTube #AuthorInterview
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S14 · E15April 15 · 12 min👉 Air Force Investigator Turned Author: Real Stories Behind Shadow One | Derrick M. Jackson
In this episode of Author in the Headlights, Strider S.R. Klusman interviews Derrick M. Jackson, a retired Air Force Special Investigator turned author of the Shadow One series. Drawing from 21 years of investigative experience, Jackson shares how real-world cases involving human trafficking and international crime shaped his writing—blending truth with fiction to create authentic military thrillers. If you enjoy discovering new books and hearing the real stories behind them, this episode offers a unique look into how lived experience becomes powerful storytelling. 📚 Shadow One: https://books2read.com/u/47KdAN 📚 The Raven’s Shadow: https://books2read.com/u/mgMRB7
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S4 · E14April 6 · 12 min“It’s about a society that’s given itself over to eugenics…” Monte Schulz, about his newest book, Undercity.
In this episode of Author in the Headlights, we sit down with Monte Schulz to explore his novel Undercity—a powerful and unsettling story about what happens when a society tries to perfect itself. Set in a world that diverged from our own, Undercity examines eugenics, human ambition, and the cost of deciding who belongs—and who doesn’t. We also discuss Monte’s writing process, the challenge of weaving multiple perspectives, and the influence of his father, Charles Schulz. If you enjoy thought-provoking fiction and conversations that go beyond the surface, this episode is for you. 👉 Undercity: https://books2read.com/u/31NlOa 👉 More episodes of Author in the Headlights: https://www.duramenpublishing.com/author-in-the-headlights
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S4 · E13April 1 · 12 minIn this episode of Author in the Headlights, we sit down with Evan Kidwell, debut author of the YA fantasy novel, Timaeous Spark and the Luck Curse.
Drawing from personal experiences with bullying, Kidwell created a story designed not only to entertain but to help young readers build resilience and confidence. We discuss the inspiration behind the book, the challenges of writing a first novel, and practical advice for new authors. If you enjoy coming-of-age fantasy with real-world meaning, all in a fantasy world, this episode is for you.
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S4 · E12March 28 · 14 minIn this episode of Author in the Headlights, we interview J.D. Barker, a New York Times and internationally bestselling author known for his suspense thrillers and major collaborations.
What does it take to craft a truly chilling suspense thriller—and collaborate with some of the biggest names in publishing? In this episode of Author in the Headlights, we sit down with J.D. Barker, a New York Times and international bestselling author known for his gripping psychological thrillers and high-profile collaborations. From working alongside James Patterson to co-authoring a prequel to Dracula with Dacre Stoker, Barker shares his journey through the world of suspense, storytelling, and publishing at the highest level. Listen in as we explore the difference between co-authoring and ghostwriting, dive into his breakout success with Forsaken, and unpack the wildly popular 4MK Thriller series—now expanding with The First Scarlet Door. If you love dark, intelligent thrillers, this episode is for you. 📌 Video Chapters 00:00 – Intro & early career 02:10 – Forsaken & Stephen King connection 05:20 – Dracul & Bram Stoker legacy 07:05 – Co-authoring & collaborations 10:05 – 4MK series & future projects 📚 Featured Books by J.D. Barker 🔥 4MK Thriller Series The Fourth Monkey: https://books2read.com/u/bwPeDO The Fifth to Die: https://books2read.com/u/4XpzO1 The Sixth Wicked Child: https://books2read.com/u/3yAYwp The First Scarlet Door: https://books2read.com/u/b6N1EA 🧟 Early Work & Breakout Forsaken: https://books2read.com/u/bWD7O7 🧛 JD’s, Bram Stoker Legacy Dracul: https://books2read.com/u/3ndege 📖 Standalone Novels A Caller’s Game: https://books2read.com/u/mBWj6k Something I Keep Upstairs: https://books2read.com/u/bQLMO0 Behind a Closed Door: https://books2read.com/u/m0D25M She Has A Broken Thing Where Her Heart Should Be: https://books2read.com/u/m2wp8k Heavy Are the Stones: https://books2read.com/u/3RE1En 🌎 Spanish Editions (El Cuarto Mono Series) El Cuarto Mono: https://books2read.com/u/4jklR5 La Quinta Víctima: https://books2read.com/u/bPPWvz La Sexta Trampa: https://books2read.com/u/4796Gq 🌐 Learn More About the Author Author Website: https://jdbarker.com/ 📚 Explore More Books Duramen Publishing Bookstore: https://www.duramenpublishing.com/book-store Author in the Headlights: https://www.youtube.com/@AuthorInTheHeadlights 📖 Books by Strider S.R. Klusman Stone: https://books2read.com/u/mvoe8V Luna: https://books2read.com/u/bPeLxR Recalled: https://books2read.com/u/3G0pqP 🔖 Hashtags #AuthorInTheHeadlights #JDBarker #ThrillerBooks #SuspenseThriller #AmReading #BookTube #WritingCommunity #IndieAuthor #JamesPatterson #StephenKing #BramStoker #Dracul #WritersLife #BookLovers #Podcast
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S4 · E11March 19 · 13 minAuthor in the Headlights – Dr. James R. Gregory | From Business Branding to Writing Novels
Discover new books and meet the authors behind them. In this episode of Author in the Headlights, we explore the journey from professional expertise to creative storytelling. Today we sit down with Dr. James R. Gregory, once a leader in business branding, now transitioned into writing novels. With his novel series, Small Fortunes, we discuss how his background in branding influenced his storytelling, what drew him into fiction, and how authors can think about both craft and audience. If you enjoy exploring new books, discovering authors, and learning about writing, this episode offers valuable insight into both worlds. Video Chapters 00:00 Author Interview – Dr. James R. Gregory00:38 From Business Branding to Writing Novels02:05 How Branding Influences Storytelling03:42 Why Transition into Fiction Writing05:10 Writing Process and Developing Ideas06:48 Business Thinking for Authors08:15 Marketing for Authors and Building an Audience09:42 Current Books and Projects11:05 Advice for Writers and Entrepreneurs12:18 What’s Next for Dr. Gregory13:05 Where to Find His Books and Work 📚 Books by Dr. James R. Gregory Small Fortunes: (3 book set): https://books2read.com/u/m0DjqA His newest thriller, Ghost Town: https://books2read.com/u/mdBp1O Killer App: https://books2read.com/u/bPPq7A Zephyr’s War: https://books2read.com/u/m2wgdO Stones in a Glass House: https://books2read.com/u/mYwjxx And, Powerhouse – The Secrets of Corporate Branding: https://books2read.com/u/mVEo0l 📚 Visit the Duramen Publishing Bookstore https://www.duramenpublishing.com/book-store 🎙 And for more episodes of Author in the Headlights https://www.duramenpublishing.com/author-in-the-headlights If you enjoy discovering new books, exploring authors, choosing your next read, and learning about books and authors, subscribe for weekly author interviews and new book discoveries. #ExploreNewBooks #DiscoverBooks #BooksAndAuthors #AuthorInterviews #NewBooks #WritingLife #MarketingForAuthors #BookDiscovery #AuthorsAndBooks #Authorinthe Headlights
- AIS4 · E10March 11 · 12 min
Author in the Headlights – Sandy Jacobsen | Discover New Mystery Books
In this episode of Author in the Headlights, we sit down with mystery author Sandy Jacobsen to talk about her journey from a horse-riding Oregon girl to writing gripping mystery novels. If you enjoy exploring new books, discovering authors, and finding your next great read, this conversation dives into Sandy’s inspiration, writing process, and the stories behind her growing collection of mysteries. Sandy writes both series mysteries and standalone novels, giving readers plenty of ways to discover new characters and suspenseful stories. 00:00 Mystery Author Interview – Sandy Jacobsen 00:42 From Oregon Horse Rider to Mystery Writer 02:05 Why Authors Choose to Write Mystery Novels 03:28 The Choices Mystery Book Series 05:18 Writing a Mystery Book Series vs Stand-Alone Novels 07:04 Stand-Alone Mystery Book Recommendations 08:55 Writing Nonfiction – Dressage Basics 10:02 Advice for New Authors and Writers 11:18 What’s Next for Mystery Author Sandy Jacobsen 12:05 Discover Sandy Jacobsen's Mystery Books We discuss: • How Sandy’s life experiences shaped her path to becoming a mystery writer• The inspiration behind her Choices mystery series• Writing both series fiction and standalone novels• Insights into the world of books and authors• Advice for writers and readers interested in discovering new books If you love author interviews, new books, and discovering great mystery stories, this episode is for you. 📚 The Choices, Mystery Series: Smart Choices: https://books2read.com/u/4XpVNg Dangerous Choices: https://books2read.com/u/4DMpje Foreign Choices: https://books2read.com/u/b5yVJ1 Deceptive Choices: https://books2read.com/u/bz5MqG Conflicted Choices: https://books2read.com/u/mdB8wR 🔎 Other Mystery Novels Slumlord, Not a Millionaire: https://books2read.com/u/4Nz65G This is Who I Am: https://books2read.com/u/baeAL2 Who’s Guilty Now: https://books2read.com/u/meYE8g Never Alone Again: https://books2read.com/u/mYwd9G Turn Around & Don’t Blink: https://books2read.com/u/mKnoPy 📖 Non-Fiction Dressage Basics – For dressage riding know-how. 🌐 Learn more about Sandy Jacobsen: https://mysteries4u2read.com/ 📚 Visit the Duramen Publishing Bookstore: https://www.duramenpublishing.com/book-store 🎙 For more episodes of, Author in the Headlights: https://www.duramenpublishing.com/author-in-the-headlights If you enjoy exploring new books, discovering authors, choosing your next read, and learning about the world of books and authors, subscribe for weekly author interviews and new book discoveries. #ExploreNewBooks #DiscoverBooks #ChooseBooks #BooksAndAuthors #AuthorInterviews #NewBooks #DiscoverAuthors #MysteryBooks #BookDiscovery #MarketingForAuthors
- AIMarch 6 · 13 min
Author in the Headlights – Interview with Andrew Sweet (Chuck Sweet) Future History, Virtual Reality Wars, and Building Worlds One Story at a Time
In this episode of Author in the Headlights, we welcome back science fiction author Andrew Sweet (Chuck Sweet). Known for writing future history, speculative fiction, and socially driven science fiction, Andrew explores how technology, culture, and human nature collide in tomorrow’s worlds. We discuss his major series—including Virtual Wars and Reality Gradient—along with his stand-alone novels, his approach to world-building as the story unfolds, and what he’s been working on since his last appearance on the show a couple of years ago. From virtual battlefields to evolving societies and philosophical questions about humanity’s future, Andrew’s work sits at the intersection of science fiction, social commentary, and immersive storytelling. If you enjoy thought-provoking sci-fi, future history, virtual reality themes, and speculative world-building, this conversation is for you. 📚 Andrew Sweet Books Virtual Wars Series Solitude and Retaliation: https://www.andrewsweet.net/bookstore/p/solitude-and-retaliation-paperback Evasion & Defiance https://www.andrewsweet.net/bookstore/p/d55grezqc1ra1smb8po08d8qme0p3t Inertia and Momentum: https://www.andrewsweet.net/bookstore/p/d55grezqc1ra1smb8po08d8qme0p3t-6wpcj Human Pride: https://books2read.com/u/mqdPRO Reality Gradient Series Models and Citizens: https://www.andrewsweet.net/bookstore/p/models-and-citizens-reality-gradient-book-1-ebook Bodhi Rising: https://www.andrewsweet.net/bookstore/p/bodhi-rising-reality-gradient-book-2-ebook Libera, Goddess of Worlds: https://www.andrewsweet.net/bookstore/p/libera-goddess-of-worlds-reality-gradient-trilogy-book-3-ebook Stand-Alone Novels Ordell: https://books2read.com/u/mvg8R8 Gemini: https://books2read.com/u/mdBevy Southern Highlands: Obi of Mars: https://www.andrewsweet.net/bookstore/p/southern-highlands-obi-of-mars-1 The Book of Joel: https://www.andrewsweet.net/bookstore/p/the-book-of-joel The Witch of the Isles: https://www.andrewsweet.net/bookstore/p/the-witch-of-the-isle Horror Novel (as Roman Hawthorne) Drift: https://www.andrewsweet.net/bookstore/p/drift 📖 Also Featured Strider S.R. Klusman’s newest novel, Recalled: https://books2read.com/u/3G0pqP 🌐 Learn More Andrew Sweet https://www.andrewsweet.net Duramen Publishing Bookstore https://www.duramenpublishing.com/book-store 🎙 About Author in the Headlights Author in the Headlights is a weekly podcast featuring conversations with novelists, memoirists, and storytellers about writing, publishing, and the craft of storytelling. Subscribe for more interviews with bestselling and emerging authors across every genre. #ScienceFiction #FutureHistory #SpeculativeFiction #VirtualReality #SciFiBooks #IndieAuthors #WorldBuilding #AndrewSweet #ChuckSweet #AuthorInterview #PodcastInterview #WritingCommunity #DuramenPublishing #AuthorInTheHeadlights #IndieSciFi
- AIMarch 3 · 13 min
Author in the Headlights | Steve Berry Interview | The Devil’s Bible (Cotton Malone #20)
In this week's on Author in the Headlights, we sit down with Steve Berry, NY Times and #1 internationally bestselling master of historical thrillers. With over 26 million books sold in 52 countries, Berry returns with the explosive new Cotton Malone adventure, The Devil’s Bible. We dive into the secrets behind his writing process, the 12-year journey and 85 rejections before success, and how a 30-year legal career shaped one of today’s most compelling thriller voices. If you're a reader or writer, this conversation is packed with practical insights and inspiration. We also discuss Berry’s passion for history, the creation of History Matters, and what’s next for Cotton Malone and beyond. 🔥 Featured in This Episode The release of The Devil’s Bible (Cotton Malone #20) https://books2read.com/u/b5yJoG Berry’s writing methods and tools Lessons from 85 rejections over 12 years Building global bestselling thrillers International Thriller Writers founding story The mission of History Matters What’s next for Cotton Malone 📚 Start the Cotton Malone Series The Templar Legacy — (#1 bestseller; and NPR’s Top 100 Thriller) https://books2read.com/u/3RMWLv The Alexandria Link — https://books2read.com/u/4A6GRJ The Venetian Betrayal — https://books2read.com/u/47pPVN The Charlemagne Pursuit — https://books2read.com/u/3LMJNN The Paris Vendetta — https://books2read.com/u/4DYNJr The Emperor's Tomb — https://books2read.com/u/baMRdx The Jefferson Key — https://books2read.com/u/bQoWND The King's Deception — https://books2read.com/u/bWqW0D The Lincoln Myth — https://books2read.com/u/3kzQ2R The Patriot Threat — https://books2read.com/u/mq2Qe8 The 14th Colony — https://books2read.com/u/bO0WPA The Lost Order — https://books2read.com/u/4jjZNo The Bishop's Pawn — https://books2read.com/u/bPMoL7 The Malta Exchange — https://books2read.com/u/m25nq6 The Warsaw Protocol — https://books2read.com/u/3GZ1pL The Kaiser's Web — https://books2read.com/u/4NJWgN The Last Kingdom — https://books2read.com/u/31AdV7 The Atlas Maneuver — https://books2read.com/u/br8Qek The Medici Return — https://books2read.com/u/mVxWDM 📖 Other Books by Steve Berry The Omega Factor — https://books2read.com/u/bO0WeA The list — https://books2read.com/u/boANRA The Amber Room — https://books2read.com/u/bzNJBZ The Columbus Affair — https://books2read.com/u/m25nE6 The Romanov Prophecy — https://books2read.com/u/bzNJB2 The Third Secret — https://books2read.com/u/m25nEj 🏛️ Learn More Steve & Elizabeth Berry’s History Matters — https://history-matters.org/ And for more great reads: Duramen Publishing’s Bookstore — https://www.duramenpublishing.com/book-store 👍 If you enjoy author interviews, hit LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and ring the bell so you never miss an episode of Author in the Headlights. 🏷️ Hashtags #SteveBerry #TheDevilsBible #CottonMalone #ThrillerAuthor #HistoricalThriller #AuthorInterview #WritersLife #AmWriting #BookTube #AuthorInTheHeadlights