"If you're a skilled writer, then you can become a 19th century Texan." Daniel Silva

Welcome Daniel Silva:

We're joined on the Starline by a #1 New York Times bestselling author whose spy hero just went up against Russian drones in “Ransom” We welcome Daniel Silva.

Daniel, let’s go Beyond the Mic. Ransom is part kidnap drama, part global thriller, and you've said it's built around one of the most important security issues facing the West right now. What made that the story?

After 26 books with the same guy, is there something of you that goes into Gabriel every single time? And has that changed on you over 25 years?

What's the 1st rule about writing you believed at 36, publishing your first Gabriel Allon book, that you don't believe anymore today?

The Rockin' 8:

Ransom is the book and Daniel Silva joins us for the Rockin' 8, 8 random questions, just trust your first instinct. There is no Pressure.

1. Would Gabriel want to own a Banksy, or would he think it's beneath him?

2. You grew up in Merced, California, the son of two schoolteachers. What's one thing a classroom teaches that a newsroom never did?

3. You've done a book tour every July for 25 years. How many pens /sharpies have you actually gone through signing books?

4. After you vote: sticker, or no sticker?

5. What's something you owned before you were a bestselling author that you still can't get rid of?

6. Asking you to pick a favorite bookstore is like asking which twin you love more. Pick anyway.

7. What's the last thing YOU did that actually impressed Jamie?

8. There's a line in the new book Gabriel shook his head slowly, "Didn't they teach you anything at Detective school?" What's the one thing you would want to learn at "Detective School"?

One Big Question:

You've spent 25 years imagining the world's worst threats before they happen. What's the one you hope you never have to write about, because it actually happened first?

The Wrap:

He picks up a sticker after voting, went through 8 sharpies at his last event. He wants you to read his book Ransom. Daniel Silva, thanks for taking the time to talk with us today.

And that my friends is a Beyond the Mic Short Cut.