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John Sandford and Dana Stabenow in conversation

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In an event hosted by The Poisoned Pen, acclaimed authors John Sandford and Dana Stabenow engage in a lively discussion about their latest books, inspiration, and writing processes.

John Sandford, known for his popular Prey series, shared insights into his latest latest Letty Davenport novel, Dark Angel, humorously mentioning it could have been titled “Lady Gets Laid” due to a significant relationship development. He also announced he is currently working on a standalone book but can’t reveal much about it yet, other than that it is “a great story”.

Dana Stabenow, famed for her Alaskan-based mysteries, discussed her inspiration from the Alaskan wilderness and the challenges of capturing the essence of her characters. She also introduced her latest book in the Kate Shugak series, Spoils of the Dead, which is set in Alaska and revolves around a mystery involving gas sabotage and wealthy landowners.

Stabenow also touched on the controversial use of AI in book creation, emphasizing the importance of human creativity and the edge it brings to storytelling. Both authors voiced their concerns regarding AI-generated images and the evolving landscape of writing, and expressed their doubts about AI’s ability to write novels with the same level of authenticity and depth as human authors. They also emphasize the importance of creating relatable and diverse characters in their books.

Towards the end, Sandford and Stabenow treated the audience to a book giveaway, adding to the excitement of the event. It was a captivating conversation that showcased the authors’ wit, wisdom, and camaraderie.

If you enjoyed this discussion, feel free to share it on your social media channels and keep an eye out for more exciting events from The Poisoned Pen Bookstore. And don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for the latest book news and updates.

Rhys Bowen and Clare Broyles discuss All That is Hidden

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In an exciting event hosted by The Poisoned Pen Bookstore, authors Rhys Bowen and Clare Broyles took center stage to discuss their latest collaboration, All That is Hidden. In this delightful conversation, they shared insights into their writing process and the inspiration behind their historical mystery series featuring Molly Murphy and her daughter.

The authors revealed that the idea for All That is Hidden was born from their research into historical events. Their discussion touched on various aspects of their work, from historical accuracy to the challenges of writing together. They also gave fans a sneak peek into their upcoming projects, including a new Molly Murphy book set in the Catskills and Rhys’s World War II standalone, titled The Paris Assignment.

They talked about incorporating real history into the book, including the story of Tammany Hall. Clare also shared some interesting stories she found during her research, such as a fire on the Hudson River and a mailbag mishap. The authors discussed the challenges Molly Murphy faces in the book, and talked about Molly’s daughter, Claire, and her experiences at a new school. The authors mentioned that there is a crime in the book, but did not reveal any details. 

If you enjoyed the discussion between Rhys Bowen and Clare Broyles, be sure to share this post on social media and don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on all the latest books and author events.

C.J. Box discusses Storm Watch at The Poisoned Pen

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Renowned author C.J. Box took the stage at The Poisoned Pen Bookstore to discuss his latest thriller, Storm Watch. The event was filled with humor, insights, and even a martini lesson or two, as Box engaged in conversation with our founder Barbara Peters.

Box started the evening with a nod to the in-person and online attendees, jokingly apologizing to those standing and hinting at the possibility of outdoor events in the future.

He then shared insights into his writing process, drawing inspiration from topics that interest him and weaving them into page-turning storylines. He highlighted how the Joe Pickett series always tackles current issues, this time delving into politics, resource management, energy, and environmental concerns. One intriguing plot twist involves an attempt to secede Wyoming from the Union, adding a thrilling layer to the story, among various issues addressed in the book, including cryptocurrency mining and the tension between states with federal lands.

Box expressed his approach of presenting both sides of controversial issues in his books and allowing readers to form their own opinions. Thus, the conversation didn’t shy away from the grittier aspects of the Western landscape, touching on rural poverty, meth addiction, and rising real estate prices due to tech entrepreneurs.

Throughout the discussion, the importance of ethics and doing what’s right in small communities resonated strongly. Box emphasized the unique dynamic of tight-knit Western communities, and how even in the face of disagreements, people must coexist and find common ground.

The conversation flowed seamlessly from character development to the challenges of writing and entering the world of TV adaptations. Box shared insights into his writing process, which includes having an ending in mind and writing a minimum of 1,000 words per day, his dedication to authenticity in his settings, and how his characters have evolved over the series.

In the final Q&A session, Box answered questions about his writing routines, his experiences as a journalist, and even shared a glimpse into the future of the Joe Pickett TV series.

If you missed this captivating event, don’t worry. The Poisoned Pen Bookstore regularly hosts engaging discussions with amazing authors. Subscribe to our newsletter for updates on future events and author discussions. And if you enjoyed the conversation, feel free to share your thoughts on social media and invite others to jump in.

James Rollins discusses The Cradle of Ice

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In this captivating live event hosted byThe Poisoned Pen, acclaimed author of the Sigma Force series James Rollins discusses his book The Cradle of Ice, the second in a tetralogy set on a tidally locked planet. The event offered intriguing insights into the book’s origins and the creative process behind it.

Rollins explained the unique setting of the book: “It takes place on a tidally locked planet, where one side is always facing the Sun, and the other is eternally cold and shrouded in ice. The story revolves around a prophecy of the Moon crashing into the planet and the quest to prevent it.“

He explained the inspiration behind the book’s title and its connection to the storyline of the Moon crashing into the planet, and shared how he developed the world and its different environments. Rollins highlighted the importance of maps in visualizing the world and how he worked with graphic artists to create them, stressing his philosophy of connecting with professionals in different fields to ensure the scientific accuracy of his novels. He also discussed the challenges of writing fantasy, including creating unique names and languages.

Rollins discussed the challenges of writing fantasy and balancing world-building with plot and character development and specifically delved into the challenges of writing fantasy and thrillers. “When writing fantasy, you want to be transported to that world and spend time there,” he said. “For thrillers, you need to provide more detailed descriptions, like describing a tavern.”

Towards the end, Rollins answered questions from the virtual audience, showcasing his passion for storytelling and the depth of research that goes into his novels.

If you enjoyed this amazing event that shed light into Rollins’s world-building process and the inspiration behind The Cradle of Ice, be sure to share on social media and subscribe to our newsletter for more author events and book recommendations.

Matt Witten’s Killer Story

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The weather may keep authors from home, but fortunately social media still allows The Poisoned Pen to host them no matter where they are. Matt Witten was stuck in Boston, but Barbara Peters, owner of the bookstore, was still able to have a conversation about books and writing for television. Witten’s latest book, Killer Story, is available through the Web Store. http://bit.ly/3Dhr4nM

Here’s the description of Killer Story.

How far will she go to catch the killer—and make her podcast a hit?

Talented and idealistic young reporter Petra Kovach is on the brink of being laid off from her third failing newspaper in a row. To save her job, she pitches the launch of a true crime podcast about a sensational, unsolved murder.

Years earlier, an alt-right YouTuber was killed in her Harvard dorm room, and the case went cold. Petra knew the victim—she was once her camp counselor and loved her like a little sister, despite their political differences.

Petra’s investigation gets off to a rocky start, as her promising leads quickly shrivel up. In her passionate quest for justice—and clicks—Petra burns sources and breaks laws, ultimately putting her own life on the line. Even as her star rises, she worries it could all come crashing down at any moment if her actions are exposed.

When her machinations start to backfire, there’s only one way to fix everything and solve the murder—even though it may cost her everything she loves.

Perfect for fans of Karin Slaughter and Harlan Coben

Matt Witten is a TV writer, novelist, playwright, and screenwriter. His television writing includes such shows as House, Pretty Little Liars, and Law & Order. His TV scripts have been nominated for an Emmy and two Edgars, and he has written four mystery novels, winning a Malice Domestic award for best debut novel. He has also written stage plays that have been produced throughout the world.

His previous novel, The Necklace, has been optioned for film by Appian Way and Cartel Pictures, with Leonardo DiCaprio attached as producer. Killer Story is his most recent novel.

This is an interesting conversation about writing and Killer Story. Enjoy!