Welcome to the 3rd annual Dave & Tammy Year-End Extravaganza! This special episode features our favorite Top Ten lists, where we dive into the best books, audiobooks, films, and television series of the year.

Join us as we celebrate the stories that captivated us, from thrilling novels to heartwarming films, all while sharing our personal insights and experiences. Tammy, my wonderful wife and life-sidekick, brings her unique perspective, and our audience absolutely loves her contributions! Get ready for a fun-filled discussion packed with laughter, reflections, and a look ahead at what 2025 has in store for us in the world of storytelling.

Join Dave and Tammy as they share their top picks, highlighting the thrillers that captivated them and the joyful light-hearted stories that provided a welcome escape. With a mix of humor and heartfelt reflections, they explore notable performances, including standout roles from beloved actors like Keri Russell and Ryan Gosling.

This episode is packed with their favorite picks in literature, film, television, and podcasts, creating an engaging tapestry of their shared experiences. From the outset, their chemistry is palpable, drawing listeners into a lively conversation that feels both familiar and relatable. The duo's reflections on the impact of storytelling throughout the year resonate deeply, capturing the essence of their shared journey in a way that invites audiences to reflect on their own experiences.

Dave enthusiastically lists his top ten books, while Tammy humorously navigates her usual challenge of reaching the double digits. Their playful banter and honest discussions about their reading habits enhance the episode's charm, showcasing their distinct personalities and preferences.

Listeners are not only treated to a rundown of their favorite book titles, but also gain insights into the emotional connections these stories foster. The conversation organically transitions to their favorite television shows and movies, where they explore the narratives that have left a lasting impression on them, discussing themes of love, loss, and the human experience.

As they delve into the world of podcasts, they highlight emerging voices alongside established favorites, demonstrating their commitment to diverse storytelling. The duo emphasizes the importance of staying informed and entertained, encouraging listeners to explore the vast landscape of podcasts available today.

As they reminisce about the year's entertainment, the couple also looks ahead to exciting releases in 2025, sharing their anticipation for new projects from familiar favorites. The chemistry between Dave and Tammy shines through, making this episode a delightful way to wrap up the year and appreciate the stories that resonate with their audience.

This episode culminates in a heartfelt conclusion that celebrates their journey, the stories that have shaped them, and the community of listeners who have journeyed alongside them. With a perfect blend of humor, insight, and personal anecdotes, Dave and Tammy deliver an enriching experience that encapsulates the joy of storytelling and leaves listeners eager for what lies ahead in 2025.

Links referenced in this episode:

• apple.com
• netflix.com
• youtube.com
• hulu.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Apple TV
• Showtime
• Netflix

And for those who would enjoy a clean listing of Dave's Top 10 Faves:

TOP 10 BOOKS OF THIS YEAR:

1. MATTERHORN — Chris...

On today's 209th episode of The Thriller Zone, the conversation unfolds with host David Temple welcoming back Adam Hamdy, an acclaimed author whose latest work, 'Deadbeat', is the focal point of their engaging dialogue.

As they reminisce about their previous interactions, Temple expresses his admiration for Hamdy's unique storytelling abilities and narrates how much he has grown as a writer since their initial meeting.

The episode dives deep into the essence of 'Deadbeat', which is described as a gripping moral exploration of a deeply flawed protagonist, Peyton Collard. Temple praises the book for its ability to make readers root for a character bereft of conventional redeeming qualities, challenging the audience's perceptions of morality and empathy.

The discussion then transitions into the creative process behind Hamdy's writing, where he shares insights into how personal experiences and observations shape his characters and narratives.

The duo discuss the landscape of publishing today, the challenges authors face in promoting their work, and how the changing dynamics of media consumption impact storytelling.

Temple's enthusiastic endorsements and Hamdy's reflections on his writing journey culminate in a rich dialogue that is both informative and inspiring for aspiring writers and avid readers alike.

Keywords: The Thriller Zone podcast, host David Temple, Adam Hamdy interview, thriller books, writing advice, publishing industry trends, storytelling techniques, character development, psychological archetypes, true crime fiction, author interviews, book recommendations, creative writing tips, podcasting insights, reading challenges, literary analysis, contemporary literature, personal development through writing, emotional storytelling, engaging conversations.

Takeaways:

David Temple emphasizes the importance of authentic conversations in a world dominated by distractions.

Adam Hamdy discusses the challenges of promoting books in today's fast-paced publishing environment.

The podcast highlights how personal experiences can shape a writer's storytelling approach and character development.

Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their time management and what truly matters to them.

The conversation reveals insights into the evolving landscape of the publishing industry and the role of innovation.

Both hosts agree that understanding psychological archetypes can enhance character depth in writing.

Links referenced in this episode: AdamHamdy.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Steve Stratton December Sponsorship Close

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Steve Stratton December Sponsorship Commercial

Steve Stratton's newest thriller Caribbean Harvest is coming January 2025. Learn more at StevenStrattonUSA.com

Steve Stratton December Sponsorship Open

Steve Stratton's newest thriller Caribbean Harvest is coming January 2025. Learn more at StevenStrattonUSA.com

From CIA to Novelist: David McCloskey & The Art of Espionage

On today’s 208th episode of The Thriller Zone, host David Temple welcomes back former CIA analyst and author David McCloskey to discuss his latest thriller, The Seventh Floor.

The conversation explores the intersection of social media and author branding, the development of McCloskey's protagonist Artemis Proctor, and the balance between authenticity and storytelling in espionage thrillers.

McCloskey shares insights into the challenges of writing a series and the evolving nature of his characters, emphasizing the importance of engaging narratives over strict adherence to realism. In this engaging conversation, David McCloskey also shares his insights on the writing process, emphasizing the importance of perseverance through creative challenges, the solitude of writing, and the discipline of daily word counts.

Temple and McCloskey discuss the value of learning from established authors by copying their prose longhand and the necessity of reading one's work aloud to ensure clarity and flow. The conversation also touches on the craft of dialogue and the complexities of Middle Eastern policy, reflecting McCloskey's background and expertise, before ending with Temple’s signature Best Writing Advice.

Learn more at: DavidMcCloskeyBooks.com

Keywords: David McCloskey, The Seventh Floor, CIA, espionage, thriller, social media, character development, authenticity, writing challenges, author branding, writing, creativity, editing, discipline, authorship, dialogue, Middle East, storytelling, craft, literature

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to David McCloskey and The Seventh Floor

06:04 The Role of Social Media in Author Branding

12:35 Character Development: Artemis Proctor's Journey

18:48 Authenticity in Espionage Thrillers

24:54 The Challenges of Writing a Series

27:33 Overcoming Creative Obstacles

30:33 The Loneliness of Writing

34:05 Daily Writing Discipline

37:39 Learning from Great Authors

39:30 The Importance of Reading Aloud

41:10 Crafting Dialogue and Prose

42:55 Insights on Middle East Policy

Best Sound Bites:

"You're just a great natural entertainer."

"I need to throw it away and be done."

"It's an imposter syndrome for sure."

"The feed loop is a really long one."

"Writing has really become about the editing."

"Just write the effing story."

"You should probably be spending time longhand copying."

"Read your stuff out loud to yourself."

"Give the reader some credit to use their own imagination."

"It's always interesting to get back into that world."

"We have a real case of main character syndrome."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqhSNxKuWBE

Mentioned in this episode:

Steve Stratton December Sponsorship Commercial

Steve Stratton's newest thriller Caribbean Harvest is coming January 2025. Learn more at StevenStrattonUSA.com

Steve Stratton December Sponsorship Close

Steve Stratton's newest thriller Caribbean Harvest is coming January 2025. Learn more at StevenStrattonUSA.com

Steve Stratton December Sponsorship Open

Steve Stratton's newest thriller Caribbean Harvest is coming January 2025. Learn more at StevenStrattonUSA.com