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Five Compelling Questions with Shawn

Five Compelling Questions with Shawn

By: Shawn Reilly Simmons
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About this listen

 Award-Winning Author and Editor Shawn Reilly Simmons gets to know her guests by asking Five Compelling Questions (plus a few bonus ones) about the writing life. Topics include finding inspiration, staying motivated, writing as a career, staying sane during the creative process, and balancing fictional and real life.Shawn Reilly Simmons Art Literary History & Criticism
Episodes
  • EP 271: 5CQ for Mark Greaney, Author of The Hard Line

    EP 271: 5CQ for Mark Greaney, Author of The Hard Line
    Jan 26 2026

    In this engaging interview, Shawn speaks with bestselling author Mark Greaney, who offers a compelling look into his creative process, revealing how he crafts his stories, conducts in-depth research, and draws inspiration from current global events. He takes readers behind the scenes of his latest novel, The Hard Line, shares insights from his experiences with film adaptations, and provides thoughtful advice for aspiring writers looking to hone their craft.
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    22 mins
  • EP 270: 5CQ for Clea Simon, Author of Witch Cats of Cambridge

    EP 270: 5CQ for Clea Simon, Author of Witch Cats of Cambridge
    Jan 23 2026

    In this engaging interview, author Clea Simon explores her Witch Cats of Cambridge series, sharing how cats’ mystical qualities inspired her stories. She reflects on her writing journey, offers advice for aspiring authors, and reveals how her passion for both cats and literature has shaped her distinctive mysteries—while providing a glimpse into her creative process.
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    23 mins
  • EP 269: 5CQ for Christopher Farnsworth, author of Robert B. Parker's Big Shot

    EP 269: 5CQ for Christopher Farnsworth, author of Robert B. Parker's Big Shot
    Jan 19 2026

    In this engaging interview, author Christopher Farnsworth discusses his Jesse Stone novels, character development, the influence of real-world events on fiction, and his writing process. Discover insights into creating compelling characters, maintaining legacy characters, and the importance of rules in society.
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    19 mins
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