Outliers Writing University Podcast Series

GET TO KNOW Best-selling Author Michael Connelly

Michael Connelly was born in Philadelphia, PA on July 21, 1956. He moved to Florida with his family when he was 12 years old. Michael decided to become a writer after discovering the books of Raymond Chandler while attending the University of Florida. Once he decided on this direction he chose a major in journalism and a minor in creative writing — a curriculum in which one of his teachers was novelist Harry Crews.
After graduating in 1980, Connelly worked at newspapers in Daytona Beach and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, primarily specializing in the crime beat.  In Fort Lauderdale he wrote about police and crime during the height of the murder and violence wave that rolled over South Florida during the so-called cocaine wars. In 1986, he and two other reporters spent several months interviewing survivors of a major airline crash. They wrote a magazine story on the crash and the survivors which was later short-listed for the Pulitzer Prize for feature writing. The magazine story also moved Connelly into the upper levels of journalism, landing him a job as a crime reporter for the Los Angeles Times, one of the largest papers in the country, and bringing him to the city of which his literary hero, Chandler, had written.
 
Michael is the bestselling author of forty-one novels and one work of non-fiction. With over eighty-nine million copies of his books sold worldwide and translated into forty-five foreign languages, he is one of the most successful writers working today. His very first novel, The Black Echo, won the prestigious Mystery Writers of America Edgar Award for Best First Novel in 1992. In 2002, Clint Eastwood directed and starred in the movie adaptation of Connelly’s 1998 novel, Blood Work. In March 2011, the movie adaptation of his #1 bestselling novel, The Lincoln Lawyer, hit theaters worldwide starring Matthew McConaughey as Mickey Haller. His most recent New York Times bestsellers include The Waiting, Resurrection Walk, Desert Star, The Dark Hours, The Law Of Innocence, The Night Fire, and Dark Sacred Night. Michael’s crime fiction career was honored with the Diamond Dagger from the CWA in 2018, and the Outstanding Contribution To Crime Writing Award at the 2022 Theakston’s Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival in Harrogate, England, and the Grand Master title from the Mystery Writers of America in 2023.
 
Michael is the executive producer of Bosch, and Bosch: Legacy, and Ballard, three Amazon Studios original drama series based on his bestselling characters: Harry Bosch played by Titus Welliver, and Maggie Q as Renée Ballard. These stream on Prime Video. He is the executive producer of The Lincoln Lawyer on Netflix, starring Manuel Garcia-Rulfo as Mickey Haller. He is the creator and host of the podcasts Murder Book and The Wonderland Murders & The Secret History Of Hollywood. He is the writer and producer of The Safe Man audio drama on Audible.  He is the executive producer of the documentary films, Sound Of Redemption: The Frank Morgan Story and Tales of the American and Power Trip. He spends his time in California and Florida.
 
https://www.michaelconnelly.com/

GET TO KNOW Author and PI Bruce Alterman

Bruce Alterman is a fourth-generation licensed private investigator with over forty years of field experience. Drawing from real-life cases, he has authored several exciting novels, including Fear in Phoenicia, The Deadly Hunt for Dutch Schultz’s Treasure, Exploit, Deep Hell, and Pain in Palmyra.
His expertise has landed him on major television programs, including The UnXplained with William Shatner (History Channel),
Secrets of the Dead (PBS), Mysteries at the Museum (Travel Channel), and Expedition Unknown (Discovery).
www.brucealterman.com

GET TO KNOW Best-selling Author Jeffrey Archer

Now published in 114 countries and more than 47 languages, Jeffrey Archer is firmly established as one of the world’s bestselling authors, with international sales passing 275 million copies.He’s written 58 books including 29 fiction books, 7 short story collections, 3 prison diaries, 3 plays, 11 children’s books, and other stories, His novels include the Clifton Chronicles, Kane and Abel and have topped bestseller lists around the world, Time Magazine declared, “Archer is a master entertainer.” The New York Times wrote of his books: “Cunning plots, silken style…Archer plays a cat-and-mouse game with the reader.”  The Washington Post called him,” “A storyteller in the class of Alexandre Dumas,” and The Los Angeles Times declared him” One of the top ten storytellers in the world.” He has been married to Dame Mary Archer DBE, who was until October 2012 chairman of Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (incorporating Addenbrooke’s and the Rosie Hospitals).In January 2015 Mary was appointed the Chairperson of the Science Museum Group by the Prime Minister. They have two sons, William and James, three grandsons and two granddaughters, and divide their time between homes in London, Cambridge and Mallorca.

GET TO KNOW Best-selling Author Alma Katsu

Outliers Get to Know host Tracey Devlyn sits down with New York Times bestselling author Alma Katsu to talk about FIEND—a chilling supernatural thriller with echoes of Succession, demonic deals, and twisted family loyalty.
A wealthy family. A cursed legacy. A demon in the details.
From freak accidents to vanishing evidence, the Berisha family’s fortune has always come at a price. But when the blessing starts to unravel, blood might be their only inheritance. A haunting, slow-burn thriller with dark power and razor-sharp teeth.
“Katsu’s exploration of the bloody price of privilege keeps the pages turning. It’s a supernaturally charged Succession that will have readers hooked.” —Publishers Weekly
New York Times bestselling author ALMA KATSU’s books have been nominated for and won multiple prestigious awards including the Stoker, Goodreads Readers Choice, International Thriller Writers, Locus Magazine, the Western Heritage Awards, Spain’s Celsius 232 festival, and appeared on numerous Best Books lists including NPR, The Observer, Barnes and Noble, Apple Books, Goodreads, and Amazon.
Ms. Katsu is also a contributor to the Washington Post Book World, where she reviews thrillers. She has relocated from the Washington, DC area to the mountains of West Virginia, where she lives with her musician husband Bruce and their two dogs, Nick and Ash. https://AlmaKatsuBooks.com
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GET TO KNOW Best-selling Authors Adrienne Giordano and Misty Evans

Outliers Get to Know host Tracey Devlyn sits down with USA Today bestselling authors Adrienne Giordano and Misty Evans to discuss their gripping cold case mystery—4TH SILENCE.
A glittering party. A dead girl. A cold case that won’t stay buried.
Thirty years ago, eight-year-old Tiffany was murdered during her family’s glamorous holiday bash. Now, the Schock sisters are chasing a killer who’s still hiding among D.C.’s powerful elite. Tense, twisty, and full of heart, 4TH SILENCE is a must-read for fans of Lisa Gardner and Karin Slaughter.
“I loved this fast-paced, well written book with unforgettable characters, danger, loyalty, humor, family drama, suspense, plot twists and turns.” – Heather, Amazon Reviewer
ADRIENNE GIORDANO is a USA Today bestselling author of over forty romantic suspense and mystery novels. She is a Jersey girl at heart, but now lives in the Midwest with her ultimate supporter of a husband, sports-obsessed son and Elliot, a snuggle-happy rescue. Having grown up near the ocean, Adrienne enjoys paddleboarding, a nice float in a kayak and lounging on the beach with a good book. www.AdrienneGiordano.com
USA Today bestselling author MISTY EVANS has been in the publishing world since 2008 and will celebrate her 100th novel in 2025. She loves writing urban fantasy, paranormal romance, and mystery/suspense. Under her pen name, Nyx Halliwell, she writes supernatural cozy mysteries. When not writing (which is pretty much never!), she reads, crafts, and hangs out with her husband, twin sons, and three spoiled puppies. She’s a crafter at heart and has far too many projects to finish. www.MistyEvansBooks.com
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GET TO KNOW Authors Christina Baker Kline and Anne Burt

Outliers Get to Know host Tracey Devlyn sits down with authors Christina Baker Kline and Anne Burt to discuss their gripping psychological thriller—PLEASE DON’T LIE.
A new town. A suspicious neighbor. A husband who’s not what he seems.
After unimaginable tragedy, Hayley Stone hopes the Adirondacks will bring healing. But the mountains hold dark secrets—and one wrong turn might cost her everything. Twisty, atmospheric, and utterly haunting, this is a must-read for fans of chilling domestic suspense.
“Unsettling, atmospheric and propulsive.” —Mary Kubica, New York Times bestselling author
CHRISTINA BAKER KLINE, whose eight novels include the New York Times bestsellers Orphan Train, The Exiles, and A Piece of the World, is renowned for crafting unforgettable characters and richly textured narratives. https://christinabakerkline.com
ANNE BURT has earned wide acclaim for the psychological depth and haunting atmosphere of her literary suspense novel The Dig. Together, the two authors have blended their complementary strengths and talents for their new thriller PLEASE DON'T LIE.  https://anneburtwriter.com
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GET TO KNOW Best-selling Author Rachael Herron

Outliers Get to Know host Tracey Devlyn sits down with internationally bestselling author Rachael Herron to discuss her lush, witchy, queer family saga—THE SEVEN MIRACLES OF BEATRIX HOLLAND.
A cheating husband. A family she didn’t know existed. A death prophecy she can’t ignore.
When Beatrice flees to a remote island to reclaim her sense of self, she discovers her twin sister, her not-so-dead mother, and her own extraordinary powers as a witch. The miracles are coming—and one of them might kill her.
RACHAEL HERRON is the internationally bestselling author of more than two dozen books, including thrillers (under R.H. Herron), mainstream fiction, feminist romance, memoir, and nonfiction about writing. She received her MFA in writing from Mills College, Oakland, and she’s taught writing extension workshops at both UC Berkeley and Stanford. A dual New Zealand and American citizen, she lives in Wellington, New Zealand with her banjo-playing wife and brick-eating dog. https://RachaelHerron.com
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GET TO KNOW Best-selling Author Lucinda Berry

USA Today bestselling author Lucinda Berry is a former psychologist and leading researcher in childhood trauma. She’s written multiple bestsellers reaching millions of readers worldwide. Some of her bestselling works include The Perfect Child, Saving Noah, When She Returned, The Best of Friends, and Keep Your Friends Close. Her books have been optioned for film and translated into several languages. If Berry isn’t chasing after her son, you can find her running through Los Angeles, prepping for her next marathon. To hear about her upcoming releases and other author news, visit her on social media (@lucindaberryauthor) or sign up for her newsletter online.
 
THIS IS A SAFE SPACE: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/This-is-a-Safe-Space/Lucinda-Berry/9781668135266

GET TO KNOW Best-selling Author DiAnn Mills

Bestselling author DiAnn Mills is known for her gripping romantic suspense novels where readers can Expect an Adventure. With multiple Christy Awards and numerous bestsellers, her stories captivate readers with their depth and intensity. 
https://diannmills.com/

GET TO KNOW Best-selling Author and Outlier Hank Phillippi Ryan

HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN is the USA Today bestselling author of 15 psychological thrillers, winning the most prestigious awards in the genre: five Agathas, five Anthonys, and the coveted Mary Higgins Clark Award. She is also on-air investigative reporter for Boston's WHDH-TV, with 37 EMMYs and dozens more journalism honors. National book critics call her “a superb and gifted storyteller.” Her current novel is the page-turning standalone THE HOUSE GUEST, a story of psychological manipulation exploring the dark heart of marriage and friendship. Publishers Weekly says “Ryan is a master of suspense!” and Library Journal says "Ryan is has a gift for writing superb suspense." Hank is the co-host and founder of THE BACK ROOM, host of CRIME TIME on A Mighty Blaze, and co-host of FIRST CHAPTER FUN. 
https://hankphillippiryan.com/