Hello and welcome to the 161st episode of The Thriller Zone. Today marks the next to the last time an author will appear on this podcast in 2023. I’m your host David Temple and our guest is a member of our RISING STAR MONTH. Steve Stratton is an author I’ve followed for nearly two years, and today I’m excited to present his new thriller, SHADOW SANCTION, the latest in the Lance Bear Wolf Series.Today, Steve talks to me about his illustrious career in the military, and the secret service, and shares several of his experiences as a thriller writer. Perhaps best of all—for foodies like me and Steve—we get to discuss a passion other than writing; that of good food.To learn more visit: SteveStrattonUSA.com and of course, follow us at TheThrillerZone.com and all Podcast Channels, as well as YouTube.com/thethrillerzone----In this conversation, Steve Stratton discusses his background in the military and the Secret Service, as well as his passion for food and culinary experiences. He shares how his experiences have influenced his writing and the development of his main character, Lance Bear Wolf. Steve also talks about his growth as an author and his future writing projects. Some of the principal themes discussed include differentiating the protagonist, the persistence of cartels, the importance of attention to detail—especially as it pertains to branding—lessons learned, the changing landscape of publishing, and both the power of self-publishing and the changing perception of self-publishing in the industry. Overall, the conversation highlights the joy and value of storytelling and the impact it can have on both writers and readers.Chapters00:00 -Introduction and Background02:03 - Passion for Food and Culinary Experiences04:08 - Early Career and Entry into the White House08:23 - Transition to the Secret Service11:07 - Joining the National Guard's 20th Special Forces Group16:00 - Writing Style and Growth as an Author20:35 - Future Writing Projects26:07 - Creation of the Character Lance Bear Wolf27:05 - Differentiating the Protagonist28:31 - Learning from Jack Carr31:27 - The Persistence of Cartels33:00 - The Octopus-Like Reach of Cartels34:23 - The Importance of Attention to Detail and Branding36:30 - Lessons Learned in Writing40:11 - The Importance of Editing and Conciseness43:08 - Learning the Publishing Side of the Business45:03 - The Changing Landscape of Publishing50:24 - The Challenges and Opportunities of Self-Publishing53:27 - The Power of Self-Publishing54:25 - The Power of Self-Publishing57:13 - The Role of Agents in Publishing59:23 - Continuing to Learn and Progress01:01:33 - The Importance of Community01:05:36 - Rapid Fire Questions01:11:04 - The Love for History and Perspectives01:14:27 - Dinner at the French Laundry01:18:19 - Don't Let Your Ego Control Your Writing01:20:24 - Book Recommendation: Shadow Sanction01:20:51 - Personal Background and California01:21:20 - Reflections on Life and Writing01:22:09 - The Importance of Reading and Writing01:23:23 - Commitment and Discipline in Writing01:24:15 - Final Thoughts and Lunch Plans01:25:15 - Writing Less Complex Stories01:26:11 - Deepening Character Development01:27:20 - The Importance of Characters in Books01:28:13 - The Role of Setting in Books01:29:10 - Recommended Book: The Spy Coast01:30:08 - Appreciating Characters and Craftsmanship01:31:10 - The Influence of Personal Experience01:32:04 - The Power of Fully Fleshed Out Characters01:33:13 - Writing in the Flow State01:34:02 - The Joy of Writing in the Flow State01:35:26 - The Benefits of Face-to-Face Interactions01:36:25 - Book...