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Author in the Headlights

Strider S. R. Klusman

Helping readers to find their new books and writers to reach their audience

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  • 25 episodes
  • Avg 13 min
  • English

Episodes 25

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  • S4 · E32
    September 7 · 14 min

    Gail Noble-Sanderson | Neither Life Nor Death | Author in the headlights

    Gail returns to Author in the Headlights to talk about Neither Life Nor Death, the third installment in her award-winning Drew Davies Railway Mystery Series. Set in post-war Mumbles, Wales, the series combines Gail’s love of history with something much more personal: she grew up in a railroad family. Her father was a railroad engineer, her uncles were brakemen and conductors, and her mother and aunts worked in the railroad office. Gail and Strider talk about turning real places into fiction, researching in Wales, building characters across a series, and discovering that there may be no single “right” way to write a book. Grab a cup of coffee and join us for another conversation about books, writers, and the stories behind the stories. Neither Life Nor Death was released August 30 and is a historical cozy mystery with romance, set in Mumbles, Wales. Author in the Headlights — Books • Writers • Real Conversations

  • S4 · E31
    September 4 · 14 min

    100 Years of Route 66—for Kids! | Beth Bacon, on Author in the Headlights

    Route 66 turns 100, and children's author Beth Bacon is celebrating by introducing America's most famous highway to a new generation. Beth returns to Author in the Headlights to talk with Strider S.R. Klusman about her new book, Route 66: Faces and Places Along America’s Most Famous Road. How do you take a century of history spread across eight states and decide which people, places, attractions, and stories belong in a children's book? Beth talks about the research behind the book, some of the surprises she discovered along the Mother Road, and how she designed the book to appeal to young and reluctant readers. We also explore the writer's side of the project: Route 66 already has travelers, museums, roadside attractions, gift shops, and families interested in its history—an unusual example of a book entering a marketplace with an audience already waiting. Plus, Beth tells us what's coming next, including Nightingale Rising. 📚 Beth Bacon's books Route 66: Faces and Places Along America’s Most Famous Road https://amzn.to/4iGzsTm I Hate Reading https://books2read.com/u/bONlV9 The Book No One Wants to Read https://books2read.com/u/mYxl0V The Worst Book Ever https://amzn.to/4fvy8Ri Blank Space https://amzn.to/4fbuJWq The Panda Cub Swap https://books2read.com/u/3n95B8 Grandmother Effect https://books2read.com/u/m0j8zM Coming Soon — Nightingale Rising https://books2read.com/u/bQrX2D #Route66 #BethBacon #ChildrensBooks #AuthorInTheHeadlights

  • S4 · E30
    August 28 · 13 min

    What Makes a Great Thriller? | Intelligence Expert Rick Steinke and his new book, Sicilian Nexus | Author in the Headlights

    What makes a great thriller? For Ralph R. “Rick” Steinke, it starts with a credible threat. Rick brings an unusual perspective to fiction. His career in the U.S. Army and Department of Defense took him from West Point to work involving Afghanistan, Kosovo, Ukraine, and high-stakes intelligence. Today, he draws on that experience as the author of the Major Jake Fortina global thriller series. Rick joins Strider S.R. Klusman on Author in the Headlights to discuss his newest novel, The Sicilian Nexus, how real-world intelligence experience influences his fiction, and what separates a believable thriller from one that doesn't quite work. We also talk about Rick's writing process, the Jake Fortina series, his new covers, how long it takes him to write a novel, the people he relies on during the writing process, and what comes next. If you enjoy military thrillers, international suspense, espionage fiction, or the craft of writing suspense, meet the man who's been there—and now writes about it. Author in the Headlights Discover authors, books, and the stories behind the stories. #RickSteinke #ThrillerBooks #MilitaryThriller #AuthorInterview #AuthorInTheHeadlights

  • S4 · E29
    August 19 · 13 min

    Stuck in the Muddy Middle? Write the End First | Marian Exall | Author in the Headlights

    Mystery and historical-fiction author Marian Exall returns to Author in the Headlights to talk about Loners, her journey from attorney to novelist, the craft behind her mysteries and historical fiction, and her newest book, Loners. Marian shares what years of reading taught her about writing, why historical fiction demands such careful research, and the practical technique she uses when a manuscript bogs down in the “muddy middle”: write the ending first. We also meet Loners detective Christine McQuarry and hear about Marian's work on the next book in the series.

  • August 15 · 14 min

    Lisa Gardner's ne w book - You’ll Be Sorry - Author in the Headlights

    #1 New York Times bestselling author Lisa Gardner joins Author in the Headlights to talk suspense, storytelling, and her newest novel, You’ll Be Sorry. Lisa takes us inside her writing process—how she develops her thrillers, builds suspense, handles the demands of publishing, and continues finding new stories after a remarkable career. We also talk about her bestselling series, the evolution of her writing, and what’s coming next. Whether you're a longtime Lisa Gardner fan, a thriller reader looking for your next book, or a writer fascinated by how bestselling suspense is created, come join the conversation. 📚 Discover Lisa Gardner's books and other featured authors: Author in the Headlights Bookstore 🎙️ More Author in the Headlights: Author in the Headlights

  • S4 · E27
    August 13 · 16 min

    What Can Human Writers Do That AI Can’t? | Steven Puri | Author in the Headlights

    What can human writers do that AI can't? Steven Puri returns to Author in the Headlights to explore AI, large language models (LLMs), creativity, and the flow state. Steven and Strider discuss how AI learns from patterns in what humans have already created—and why the writer's ability to break those patterns may be where genuinely new ideas begin. They also explore Strider's own experience of entering flow while writing, when an outline can suddenly turn into prose and the story begins heading somewhere the author never planned. Can AI replace writers—or can it become a tool that helps human creators do their best work? Contact Steven Puri: https://www.thesukha.co/writers Steven's previous episode — Flow State for Creators: https://youtu.be/7IDGXgJe4Ac More Author in the Headlights: https://www.duramenpublishing.com/author-in-the-headlights-new #AIForWriters #StevenPuri #CreativeWriting #FlowState #AuthorInTheHeadlights

  • S4 · E26
    July 29 · 12 min

    Author in the Headlights interview with Elliot Blake, and his new space novel, Into the Great

    Creative consultant. Entertainment producer., now Science-fiction novelist. Strider sits down with Elliot Blake to discuss his transition from the entertainment industry into fiction, with the creation of his new space fiction, Into the Great. From creative consulting and entertainment production to publishing his debut novel, Elliot shares insights into building believable science-fiction worlds, making the leap to writing,. He also gives tips on the how-to for new authors.

  • S4 · E24
    July 10 · 12 min

    FROM HOLLYWOOD TO EPIC FANTASY / Debbie Bishop's - Pillywiggin / Author in the Headlights

    Award-winning author and entertainment executive Debbie Bishop joins Strider Klusman to discuss Pillywiggin Awakening: The Complete Story Arc, a fantasy adventure twenty-five years in the making. The conversation explores world-building, comics, Hollywood storytelling, writing for fantasy readers, and the creative lessons Debbie learned while working with major studios before becoming a full-time author and creative strategist.

  • S4 · E16
    June 24 · 12 min

    What Happens When Society Is Rebuilt on Secrets? | D.A. Murray Interview on Author in the Headlights

    Author D.A. Murray joins Strider Klusman to discuss her debut speculative fiction novel, Dominion Ascension. Set thirty years after a biochemical war transforms America into a new nation known as Dominion, the story follows investigative reporter Dani Matthews as she uncovers truths hidden beneath the surface of society. The conversation explores worldbuilding, plotting, writing discipline, balancing creativity with a professional career, and the upcoming sequel, Anarchy. #books #authors #authorinterviews #discoverbooks #newbooks #bookrecommendations #speculativefiction #dystopianfiction #sciencefiction #DominionAscension #DAMurray #AuthorInTheHeadlights

  • S4 · E21
    June 17 · 10 min

    Brock Meier's - The Stone Cutter. Nabataeans & Historical Fiction | Author in the Headlights

    Award-winning author Brock Meier joins Author in the Headlights to discuss The Stone Cutter, the Nabataeans, Petra, and the historical research behind bringing an ancient civilization to life through fiction. From archaeology to storytelling, this conversation explores how historical fiction preserves the people and cultures often forgotten by history. The Stone Cutter: https://books2read.com/u/bPqNX7

  • S4 · E18
    June 11 · 11 min

    The 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.

  • S4 · E19
    June 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

  • S4 · E18
    May 30 · 13 min

    600 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

  • S4 · E17
    May 25 · 13 min

    Chloe 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

  • S4 · E16
    May 13 · 9 min

    Leslie 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

  • S14 · E15
    April 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

  • S4 · E14
    April 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

  • S4 · E13
    April 1 · 12 min

    In 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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