Books & Looks: Real Books for Real Readers was started as a literary podcast to supplement Blaine Desantis’ website, ViewsOnBooks.com, and expand into audio and video interviews with authors.
With Books & Looks, Blaine’s goal is to focus on real books that real people will read. At least half of the books he reviews are either new authors or unknown authors that many in the general public are unaware of. After a segment reviewing books or interviewing authors, Blaine ends each episode with a discussion of the movies and TV shows he is currently watching.
Learn more about Blaine and his podcast at ViewsOnBooks.com.
This Week’s Episode
Today we sit down with Jaclyn Goldis, the author of the thrilling new novel “The Main Character.” Goldis, who previously practiced law in Chicago, has been dreaming of becoming a full-time writer since childhood. Her earlier works include the historical fiction “When We Were Young” and the thriller “The Chateau.”
Book Spotlight: “The Main Character”:
“The Main Character” is a gripping mystery set on the luxurious Orient Express, following Rory, a disgraced news anchor turned main character in a famous author’s latest novel. As Rory embarks on a journey from Italy’s Cinque Terre to Positano, she finds herself entangled in a web of secrets, lies, and murder.
Discussed in this Episode:
- The unique writing process of the fictional author Ginevra X, who hires real people as inspiration for her characters
- Goldis’ inspiration for the book, including a fascinating article about the revamped Orient Express
- The challenges of writing an ensemble cast and creating distinct character perspectives
- Goldis’ personal connection to the story, drawing from her father’s experiences as a Jewish refugee from the Soviet Union
- The art of crafting a compelling murder mystery and keeping readers guessing until the end
- Goldis’ thoughts on adapting her novels for television or film and her upcoming thriller “The Safari”
Tune in for an engaging conversation about the twists and turns of “The Main Character,” Goldis’ journey from lawyer to author, and the real-life experiences that shape her captivating stories. Whether you’re a fan of mysteries, thrillers, or simply love a good read, this episode offers fascinating insights into the world of writing and the creation of a page-turning novel.
Links:
Listen to the latest episode of Books & Looks:
About Blaine Desantis:
Blaine is an avid lifetime reader, a retired attorney, and has been a book club leader for the past seven years. He is an active teacher in senior education classes at Furman University. Blaine loves fiction, nonfiction, histories, mysteries and almost all genres of books.
