In this episode, J Ryan and Keira welcome thriller author Jack Arbor to discuss his action & espionage series The Russian Assassin, the weight of Cold War history, and the challenge of crafting a lovable anti-hero. The conversation also delves into the business side of independent publication and the benefits of cultivating an extensive Beta Reader network.

Episode highlights:

02:58             Growing up during the Cold War – A brief history

07:48             Did you feel the doom? - Anxieties of a new generation

10:06              Character is King: Cold War Edition (Technicality ahead!)

17:22               Welcome Jack Arbor

20:04             Creating Max Austin

24:20             The flavor of a place

35:10              The art of Product Market Fit

40:58             The best sketch artists

46:14              Who would play your main character?

48:00             Jack’s Beta Reader process

54:32             Getting the world right in Book-1

59:44             Bourbon or beer?

1:03:14            Makin’ Coffee