KN Magazine: Interviews
Clay Stafford talks with Andrews & Wilson “On Collaborating”
Bestselling thriller authors Brian Andrews and Jeffrey Wilson—known collectively as Andrews & Wilson—discuss their journey from solo careers to a powerhouse writing team. In this candid conversation, they reveal their creative process, how they manage co-authoring, and advice for writers considering collaboration.
Clay Stafford talks with Author Tom Mead on “Writing Locked Room Mysteries”
Clay Stafford sits down with locked-room mystery author Tom Mead to discuss the intricacies of writing seemingly impossible crimes, the influence of stage magic and the Golden Age of detective fiction, and how modern readers can engage with this classic and complex genre.
Clay Stafford Interviews Cindy Dees: “You Can Write Espionage”
Clay Stafford talks with former spy and bestselling author Cindy Dees about writing realistic espionage thrillers. From Cold War tactics to modern HUMINT challenges, Dees shares her firsthand insights, favorite tropes, research strategies, and advice for writers who want to bring authentic spycraft to the page.
Clay Stafford Interviews Reviewer Maureen Corrigan: “I Want Good Books”
Clay Stafford interviews NPR's Fresh Air book critic Maureen Corrigan on how writers can stay true to their voice, why reading widely matters, what makes a book transcend, and why she still believes in the power of great literature. From pre-writing pitfalls to her enduring love of Gatsby, this conversation is a masterclass in what makes writing—and reviewing—matter.
Paying it Forward
Author, editor, and publisher Judy Penz Sheluk talks with Charlie Kelso about fiction, short stories, anthologies, and her path from journalist to indie press founder. With insights on writing, editing, submitting, and publishing, Judy shares her experiences behind Larceny & Last Chances and her broader mission to pay it forward through storytelling.
“Robert Mangeot: Short Stories and the Big Honking Moment”
Mystery writer Robert Mangeot discusses the art and craft of writing short stories, including structure, compression, voice, and the elusive “big honking moment.” With credits in Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine, MWA anthologies, and more, Mangeot explains what makes a short story resonate—and how writers can develop their own sense of story unity and emotional payoff.
“Dean Koontz: The Secret of Selling 500 Million Books”
Bestselling author Dean Koontz opens up about writing habits, character development, ditching outlines, and what it really takes to sell 500 million books. From 60-hour weeks to honoring eccentricity, Koontz shares advice every aspiring writer should hear.
“Bruce Robert Coffin: Using Your Life to Write a Police Procedural”
Bruce Robert Coffin, retired detective turned bestselling author, shares how real police work shapes compelling fiction. From emotional authenticity to procedural accuracy, Coffin reveals what it really takes to write a great police procedural—and how any writer can get it right.
“A Casual Conversation with Susan Isaacs”
In this informal and delightful follow-up conversation with bestselling author Susan Isaacs, we chat about writing description, plotting mysteries, working with ADHD, and how building a fictional series can feel like creating a second family. A refreshing reminder of why writers write—and why conversations like this matter.
Author Amulya Malladi on “Research: Doing It, Loving It, Using It, and Leaving It Out”
In this informal and delightful follow-up conversation with bestselling author Susan Isaacs, we chat about writing description, plotting mysteries, working with ADHD, and how building a fictional series can feel like creating a second family. A refreshing reminder of why writers write—and why conversations like this matter.
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