Thrillin' Out with Jack Arbor
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