Who doesn’t love a good sequel? The characters feel familiar and we get that zing of being able to check in with what they are up to now. So, in this episode, Vicki Atkinson and I are delighted to be talking again with author Chris Thelen. We talked with Chris in episode 57 about his first novel, Islands of Deception. Now he’s back and we’re discussing his latest political thriller, Race for Redemption. It is so good!!
Chris shares insights into his writing process, the importance of character development, and the balance of managing multiple writing projects. The conversation also touches on the significance of research in creating authentic narratives and the creative growth that comes from switching genres. Chris offers valuable advice for aspiring writers, emphasizing the importance of networking and putting one’s work out into the world.
Takeaways
Writing a sequel presents unique challenges, including maintaining character consistency.
Chris balances multiple writing projects, including a light science fiction book.
Research plays a crucial role in Chris’s writing, enhancing authenticity.
Feedback from readers can significantly influence character development in sequels.
Switching genres can help authors grow creatively and expand their readership.
Blogging is a valuable tool for writers to share their work and receive feedback.
Networking within the writing community can open doors for aspiring authors.
The creative process often involves vulnerability and the courage to seek help.
Here’s a sneak peek of Chris talking about some of the challenges that come with writing sequels.
Here are some ways you can listen and watch to the full episode:
Wynne Leon and Vicki Atkinson talk with author Ilsa Rey about her book, Wish I Was Here that will be released on December 23, 2025. The conversation delves into the thrilling narrative where Anna's best friend Isaac invents an invisibility pill and is kidnapped for it. In a desperate attempt to save him, Anna takes the pill herself, leading to a race against time to find him and secure the antidote before she remains invisible forever.Ilsa tells us about her 10 year journey of writing the book as well as all the ways she used rejection and feedback to grow. We talk about writing in the zone as well as the research that goes into great books like Wish I Was Here.TakeawaysAnna's best friend Isaac invents an invisibility pill.Isaac is kidnapped for his invention.Anna takes the invisibility pill to save herself.She has one week to find Isaac and the antidote.Remaining invisible could lead to insanity and death.Anna must follow clues left by Isaac.The story explores themes of friendship and urgency.The narrative is filled with adventure and suspense.The invisibility pill serves as a catalyst for the plot.The stakes are high as Anna races against time.Links for this episode:For show notes and more great inspiration, please see https://sharingtheheartofthematter.comVideo Trailer for "Wish I Was Here": https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Py-B0EbMMmEV3QBsxDHxVX4Pfr3d04wy/view?usp=sharingPurchase Wish I Was Here on Black Rose WritingIlsa's blog: Writing and Martial ArtsFrom the Hosts:Vicki’s book about resilience and love: Surviving Sue; Blog: https://victoriaponders.com/Wynne’s book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith; Blog: https://wynneleon.com/
I think that’s a really cool idea to provide links on your blog to actual sites you write about. What a fantastic idea! Chris also laid out very well the challenges of writing a sequel; “there’s a history we can’t change” and keeping the “magic” of the characters intact for readers. Ooo, and I loved the nonverbal writing that Vicki pointed out. THAT is hard to do, not only in books, but in directing movies, too. It is a very important element that elevates the story. Thanks, Wynne and Vicki! 😊
Thanks so much for introducing us to Chris Thelen, Wynne and Vicki! He has some powerful takeaways for sure. I look forward to listening to the full episode! 🎧🎤😊
Good interview, Wynne-or should I say “nice fireside chat?” The challenges Chris pointed out in writing a sequel are apparently important issues to consider even before writing the original. I have a couple political thriller readers in my family, so Chris’s books may be right up their alley. 🙂
You make such a good point about considering these things before we write the original. It implies having some confidence that we’ll have a sequel, doesn’t it? Thank you so much for tuning in, Nancy!
“Blogging is a valuable tool for writers to share their work and receive feedback.” This is fantastic news for those of us who hope to write a book ‘one day’, and are getting our feet wet and finding our voice in the blogging world. I really enjoyed the conversation between Chris and Vicki about being vulnerable when we’re doing new things, and having the courage to ask for help from the wonderful guides around us. Thanks Wynne, Vicki, and Chris for this great interview!
I love that this was great encouragement for you, Rose! Yes, the power of hitting the publish button and how it transforms us over time is great! Thank you so much for tuning in!
Love this conversation and learning more about his writing routine and also his insights into crafting a successful sequel and thoughts on the business side of writing, which is so vital for success.
I appreciated the care he puts into taking the readers to different places and also sharing that research on his website. Talk about added value!
His upcoming science fiction work sounds intriguing. Love the juxtaposition of traditional settings such as a farm with the exploration of the impact of modern technology on our lives. Sounds like a winner already!
The Heart of the Matter 
Oh my — the term “page turner” sure does apply to Chris’ new book! So good – so fun to chat with him! Thanks, Wynne! 🥰
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Yes – you are so right! Great book and another fun conversation. So grateful to be doing these with you, dear Vicki!! ❤ ❤ ❤
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Same, same, same! xo! 💝
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This episode sounds like a real gem! Looking forward to listening. 😊
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Thank you, Erin!
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I think that’s a really cool idea to provide links on your blog to actual sites you write about. What a fantastic idea! Chris also laid out very well the challenges of writing a sequel; “there’s a history we can’t change” and keeping the “magic” of the characters intact for readers. Ooo, and I loved the nonverbal writing that Vicki pointed out. THAT is hard to do, not only in books, but in directing movies, too. It is a very important element that elevates the story. Thanks, Wynne and Vicki! 😊
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Oh, you are so good at picking up all the gems, Melanie!! yes!! Thank you for tuning in!! ❤
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Great podcast and lots of first hand experience from Chris and he’s so engaging. 🙌🏽
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Oh, you said it perfectly, Cindy!! Thanks for tuning in, my friend!
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Thanks so much for introducing us to Chris Thelen, Wynne and Vicki! He has some powerful takeaways for sure. I look forward to listening to the full episode! 🎧🎤😊
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Thank you so much for tuning in, Kym!! Wishing you a most wonderful weekend!
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You are so very welcome as always my dear Wynne. May you have a FANtabulous weekend too ladybug! 😍🙏🏼😊🥂😎
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I’ll be sure to listen!
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We so appreciate you tuning in, Elizabeth!
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Good interview, Wynne-or should I say “nice fireside chat?” The challenges Chris pointed out in writing a sequel are apparently important issues to consider even before writing the original. I have a couple political thriller readers in my family, so Chris’s books may be right up their alley. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You make such a good point about considering these things before we write the original. It implies having some confidence that we’ll have a sequel, doesn’t it? Thank you so much for tuning in, Nancy!
LikeLiked by 1 person
“Blogging is a valuable tool for writers to share their work and receive feedback.” This is fantastic news for those of us who hope to write a book ‘one day’, and are getting our feet wet and finding our voice in the blogging world. I really enjoyed the conversation between Chris and Vicki about being vulnerable when we’re doing new things, and having the courage to ask for help from the wonderful guides around us. Thanks Wynne, Vicki, and Chris for this great interview!
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I love that this was great encouragement for you, Rose! Yes, the power of hitting the publish button and how it transforms us over time is great! Thank you so much for tuning in!
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It is such a wonderful treat – the creative process, unfiltered. Great podcast!
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Thank you, Mary! We so appreciate you tuning in!
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Love this conversation and learning more about his writing routine and also his insights into crafting a successful sequel and thoughts on the business side of writing, which is so vital for success.
I appreciated the care he puts into taking the readers to different places and also sharing that research on his website. Talk about added value!
His upcoming science fiction work sounds intriguing. Love the juxtaposition of traditional settings such as a farm with the exploration of the impact of modern technology on our lives. Sounds like a winner already!
LikeLiked by 1 person