Don Winslow, New York Times Bestselling Author of City In Ruins

The Thriller Zone

On today’s 175th Episode of The Thriller Zone, now in our 6th Season, we’re happy to invite Don Winslow into our home for a face-to-face interview that, as you’ll quickly notice, is truly a one of a kind opportunity for this host, and for you as an audience member.

Don, as you may know, is a renowned thriller writer who has decades of experience as a seasoned writer, creating one hit after another. Today, Don discusses his journey as an author and the challenges he faced in the publishing industry.

Despite initial rejections and being labeled a cult writer, Winslow persevered and eventually achieved success. He credits his partnership with agent Shane Salerno as a turning point in his career. Together, they started a rebellion against the limitations imposed by publishers and Hollywood.

In our in-depth conversation, Winslow reflects on the impact of his mother, a librarian, who instilled in him a love for books and the belief that he could achieve anything. He also shares his thoughts on retirement and the future of the publishing industry.

Digging deeper and opening up, Don reveals the evolution of storytelling and the impact of technology and AI on the industry. He emphasizes the authenticity of human communication and the importance of bringing heart and soul to writing.

As our show begins to wrap, Don allows us an inside peek, as he shares advice for aspiring writers, encouraging them to never give up and set doable writing goals. He reflects on the emotional impact of his City Trilogy, which includes City On Fire, City Of Dreams and City In Ruins, as well as the upcoming film adaptation, and concludes by discussing his future plans, including his commitment to fighting against neo-fascism and—on a much lighter note—spending more time with his wife, Jean.

All in all, this will stand out as one of the very finest episodes of The Thriller Zone since I launched the podcast nearly three years ago. I’m your host, David Temple, now let’s meet the man of the hour, my friend Don Winslow here in TheThrillerZone.com

To learn more visit: DonWinslow.com and purchase his book #CityInRuins wherever you buy your books!

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:22 Early Days and Challenges

06:03 The Turning Point

09:25 Dealing with Rejection

13:19 Meeting Shane Salerno

22:57 The Moment of Confidence

26:41 Retirement and Future Plans

32:13 The Publishing Industry Today

35:13 The Evolution of Storytelling

36:10 The Impact of Technology and AI

37:31 The Authenticity of Human Communication

38:29 Advice for Aspiring Writers

40:57 Setting Doable Writing Goals

45:12 The Emotional Impact of the City Trilogy

47:09 Film Adaptation of the City Trilogy

49:32 Austin Butler as Danny in the Film Adaptation

52:51 Overview of the City Trilogy

56:13 The Emotional Impact of the Epilogue

59:05 Reflecting on Gratitude and the Writing Journey

01:04:35 Opening Line and Takeaway for a Writing Class

01:08:10 Future Plans and Priorities

Takeaways

• Don't give up on your dreams, even in the face of rejection and setbacks.
• Success often comes after years of hard work and perseverance.
• Having a supportive partner or mentor can make a significant difference in your career.
• The publishing industry is evolving, but books and storytelling will always have a place in society.
• The storytelling industry has evolved throughout history, with changes in platforms & technology, but the desire for stories remains constant.
• Artificial intelligence may never be able to replicate the authenticity and emotional impact of human communication in storytelling.
• Aspiring writers should never give up and set doable writing goals to make progress.
• The City trilogy by Don Winslow which includes City On Fire, City Of Dreams & City In Ruins, explores timeless themes from classical literature in a modern setting, with a focus on character development and emotional depth.

• (00:00) -
• (01:04) - Chapter 2
• (01:04) - Introduction and Background
• (03:26) - Early Days and Challenges
• (07:07) - The Turning Point
• (10:29) - Dealing with Rejection
• (14:23) - Meeting Shane Salerno
• (24:01) - The Moment of Confidence
• (27:45) - Retirement and Future Plans
• (33:17) - The Publishing Industry Today
• (36:17) - The Evolution of Storytelling
• (37:14) - The Impact of Technology and AI
• (38:35) - The Authenticity of Human Communication
• (39:33) - Advice for Aspiring Writers
• (42:01) - Setting Doable Writing Goals
• (46:16) - The Emotional Impact of the City Trilogy
• (48:13) - Film Adaptation of the City Trilogy
• (50:36) - Austin Butler as Danny in the Film Adaptation
• (53:55) - Overview of the City Trilogy
• (57:17) - The Emotional Impact of the Epilogue
• (01:00:09) - Reflecting on Gratitude and the Writing Journey
• (01:05:39) - Opening Line and Takeaway for a Writing Class
• (01:09:14) - Future Plans and Priorities

The Thriller Zone promises to wrap 2024 in a BIG way...Stay Tuned! Questions? Just write us at "[e-mail]"