Author in the Headlights

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 [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

👉 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 [https://books2read.com/u/47KdAN] 📚 The Raven’s Shadow: https://books2read.com/u/mgMRB7 [https://books2read.com/u/mgMRB7]

“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 [https://books2read.com/u/31NlOa] 👉 More episodes of Author in the Headlights: https://www.duramenpublishing.com/author-in-the-headlights [https://www.duramenpublishing.com/author-in-the-headlights]

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.

In this episode of Author in the Headlights, we interview J.D. Barker, a New York Times and internationally bestselling author known for his suspense thrillers and major collaborations.

What does it take to craft a truly chilling suspense thriller—and collaborate with some of the biggest names in publishing? In this episode of Author in the Headlights, we sit down with J.D. Barker, a New York Times and international bestselling author known for his gripping psychological thrillers and high-profile collaborations.  From working alongside James Patterson to co-authoring a prequel to Dracula with Dacre Stoker, Barker shares his journey through the world of suspense, storytelling, and publishing at the highest level. Listen in as we explore the difference between co-authoring and ghostwriting, dive into his breakout success with Forsaken, and unpack the wildly popular 4MK Thriller series—now expanding with The First Scarlet Door.  If you love dark, intelligent thrillers, this episode is for you. 📌 Video Chapters 00:00 – Intro & early career 02:10 – Forsaken & Stephen King connection 05:20 – Dracul & Bram Stoker legacy 07:05 – Co-authoring & collaborations 10:05 – 4MK series & future projects 📚 Featured Books by J.D. Barker 🔥 4MK Thriller Series * The Fourth Monkey: https://books2read.com/u/bwPeDO [https://books2read.com/u/bwPeDO] * The Fifth to Die: https://books2read.com/u/4XpzO1 [https://books2read.com/u/4XpzO1] * The Sixth Wicked Child: https://books2read.com/u/3yAYwp [https://books2read.com/u/3yAYwp] * The First Scarlet Door: https://books2read.com/u/b6N1EA [https://books2read.com/u/b6N1EA] 🧟 Early Work & Breakout * Forsaken: https://books2read.com/u/bWD7O7 [https://books2read.com/u/bWD7O7] 🧛 JD’s, Bram Stoker Legacy * Dracul: https://books2read.com/u/3ndege [https://books2read.com/u/3ndege] 📖 Standalone Novels * A Caller’s Game: https://books2read.com/u/mBWj6k [https://books2read.com/u/mBWj6k] * Something I Keep Upstairs: https://books2read.com/u/bQLMO0 [https://books2read.com/u/bQLMO0] * Behind a Closed Door: https://books2read.com/u/m0D25M [https://books2read.com/u/m0D25M] * She Has A Broken Thing Where Her Heart Should Be: https://books2read.com/u/m2wp8k [https://books2read.com/u/m2wp8k] * Heavy Are the Stones: https://books2read.com/u/3RE1En [https://books2read.com/u/3RE1En] 🌎 Spanish Editions (El Cuarto Mono Series) * El Cuarto Mono: https://books2read.com/u/4jklR5 [https://books2read.com/u/4jklR5] * La Quinta Víctima: https://books2read.com/u/bPPWvz [https://books2read.com/u/bPPWvz] * La Sexta Trampa: https://books2read.com/u/4796Gq [https://books2read.com/u/4796Gq] 🌐 Learn More About the Author Author Website: https://jdbarker.com/ [https://jdbarker.com/] 📚 Explore More Books Duramen Publishing Bookstore: https://www.duramenpublishing.com/book-store [https://www.duramenpublishing.com/book-store] Author in the Headlights: https://www.youtube.com/@AuthorInTheHeadlights 📖 Books by Strider S.R. Klusman * Stone: https://books2read.com/u/mvoe8V [https://books2read.com/u/mvoe8V] * Luna: https://books2read.com/u/bPeLxR [https://books2read.com/u/bPeLxR] * Recalled: https://books2read.com/u/3G0pqP [https://books2read.com/u/3G0pqP] 🔖 Hashtags #AuthorInTheHeadlights #JDBarker #ThrillerBooks #SuspenseThriller #AmReading #BookTube #WritingCommunity #IndieAuthor #JamesPatterson #StephenKing #BramStoker #Dracul #WritersLife #BookLovers #Podcast