Alex Dolan's Blog, page 5

Ben Tripp talks about designing Disney rides and reinventing vampires on THRILL SEEKERS

For my inaugural show of "Thrill Seekers," Ben Tripp joined me for a fascinating discussion on his latest book, Fifth House of the Heart, which completely reinvents the vampire genre.   Listen to Episode   You're probably thinking, "Sure, he's a great writer, but did he create any interactive rides at Disneyland?" Why, yes. Yes he did. Ben has designed several rides for theme parks, including Disney. Notably, he created Disney's Kilimanjaro Safari ride.     He's also a fantastic illustrator. In

Ben Tripp joins me on Thrill Seekers

For my inaugural show of "Thrill Seekers," Ben Tripp joined me for a fascinating discussion on his latest book, Fifth House of the Heart, which completely reinvents the vampire genre.   Listen to Episode   You're probably thinking, "Sure, he's a great writer, but did he create any interactive rides at Disneyland?" Why, yes. Yes he did. Ben has designed several rides for theme parks, including Disney. Notably, he created Disney's Kilimanjaro Safari ride.     He's also a fantastic illustrator. In[image error]

New Show: "Thrill Seekers"

As part of the Authors on the Air Network, I will be the host of a new radio/podcast series called "Thrill Seekers," which will showcase new and established talent across all aspects of the thriller genre. Here's the blurb, so you'll know what to expect:   Thrill Seekers Radio scours the globe for the rarest and most exotic specimens of thriller authors. Some are popular varieties, while some authors are rarely spotted. I douse myself in the pheromones of these writers and wait for hours,[image error]

The Euthanist Audiobook is Available

I'm excited to report that the audiobook version of The Euthanist is now available through Audibe. Thanks to actor Mhari Sanvodal for doing an exceptional job with the text.   This was a fascinating process for me. Mhari started with a deep reading of the book, and we spent a few days reviewing questions that came up for her. Part of her process was trying to better understand the characters in the novel, and with each question, she made me think more deeply about these people and the world[image error]

Actor Mhari Sandoval will narrate The Euthanist

The audiobook is a completely new animal to me.   I'm excited to be able to work on the audio version of The Euthanist, especially with a seasoned professional to hold my hand throughout the process. Actor Mhari Sandoval will be recording the audio version of the book, which will be released through Audible.   Here's a clip of Mhari. How great is her voice?     We have already gone through notes for the recording, and she brings a warm, exuberant energy to the project, as well as an insightful

What's Your Top Five?

    All right, this was inspired by the Chris Rock movie "Top Five" (if you haven't seen it, see it—it's wee-yourself funny). In the film, the "top five" refers to your five all-time favorite hip-hop acts.   In this context, I'm highlighting my top five books of the year so far. I just got back from Thrillerfest last month, which gave me the chance to discover a slew of new writers. I'm always looking for new recommendations, and in case you are too, I'm sharing my current top five for 2015.  

What's Your Top Five?

​​     All right, this was inspired by the Chris Rock movie "Top Five" (if you haven't seen it, see it—it's wee-yourself funny). In the film, the "top five" refers to your five all-time favorite hip-hop acts.   In this context, I'm highlighting my top five books of the year so far. I just got back from Thrillerfest last month, which gave me the chance to discover a slew of new writers. I'm always looking for new recommendations, and in case you are too, I'm sharing my current top five for 2015.

How do you deal with writer's block?

  Goodreads asked me, "How do you deal with writer's block?" It's a good question, and I wanted to offer some tips in case they help anyone. Here's my response:   I trudge through it. Some days, that means slagging through a few hours of garbage before I feel like I've written anything worthwhile.  I feel like it happens more when I'm going through the "blank canvas" syndrome—in other words, it's easier for me to freeze up at the beginning of a project, before I've defined the characters or the

How do you deal with writer's block?

  Goodreads asked me, "How do you deal with writer's block?" It's a good question, and I wanted to offer some tips in case they help anyone. Here's my response:   I trudge through it. Some days, that means slagging through a few hours of garbage before I feel like I've written anything worthwhile.  I feel like it happens more when I'm going through the "blank canvas" syndrome—in other words, it's easier for me to freeze up at the beginning of a project, before I've defined the characters or the

Contra Costa Times: San Leandro author builds a thriller around the topic of mercy killing in his first novel, "The Euthanist"

Thanks to Lou Fancher and the Bay Area News Service for writing up a feature of me and The Euthanist! The print edition of the story will be available on Sunday, June 28 in the Contra Costa Times, and possibly The Oakland Tribune and the San Jose Mercury News.   Read the full article here