Book Talk: Ryan Steck
Click here to listen to the episode with Ryan Steck
Welcome back to Book Talk with Cara! In this episode, we’re thrilled to present a captivating conversation with the ultimate thriller insider, Ryan Steck, the acclaimed author of the Matthew Redd series, founder and editor-in-chief of The Real Book Spy, and even a continuation author for Ted Bell’s iconic Alex Hawke series.
In this episode, Ryan sits down with Cara for a fun, relaxed chat that feels like a conversation over coffee and tea, rather than a data dump. Cara, a thriller enthusiast herself who grew up on authors like Tom Clancy and currently inhales books by Daniel Silva and Vince Flynn, guides Ryan through an insightful discussion about his writing, career, and his latest Matthew Redd thriller, Target Down.
Here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll discover in this adrenaline-packed episode:
• From Reviewer to Renowned Author: Learn how Ryan’s years as “The Real Book Spy” – analyzing the best in the genre and growing his readership to around 3 million readers a year – uniquely shaped his approach to pacing, plot twists, and building tension in his own Matthew Redd series. He knows what readers want!
• The Genesis of Target Down: Dive into the exciting premise of Target Down, featuring former operative Aaron Decker who cashes in a major favor with Matthew Redd after a Russian mafia home invasion. Ryan reveals this book is a reimagining of his very first unpublished manuscript, exploring themes of old military debts, tactical relocation, and relentless action across Michigan, Yellowstone, and Montana.
• Matthew Redd: Vince Flynn Meets C.J. Box: Ryan shares his ambition to write a series that blends the action-driven pace of Vince Flynn with the deep character focus of C.J. Box, Matthew Redd’s character is a “sledgehammer in a scalpel’s world” who also grapples with the challenges of being a hero with a family.
• Unconventional Writing Methods: Get an exclusive look into Ryan’s unique writing process, including his fascinating habit of writing the last chapter first to ensure a satisfying ending for readers. He also explains his “write what you want to read” philosophy and how his real life – including his best friend Mikey Durhammer and his 144-pound Rottweiler, Rubble – inspires his characters.
• The Art of the Hook: Discover Ryan’s secret to instantly grabbing a reader: a great first line or opening sentences that make you “want to know more”.
• Beyond the Books: Cara and Ryan also “geek out” about intellectual property law and his surprising journey as a part-time seminary student who had to learn to write “bland” academic papers.
This episode is packed with insights for aspiring writers, thriller fans, and anyone curious about the journey of an author. Don’t miss this engaging conversation that promises to entertain and enlighten!
Connect with Ryan Steck:
• Social Media: @TheRealBookSpy and @RyanSteckAuthor
• Website: TheRealBookSpy.com
• Substack: The Real Book Spy Substack
Want to watch this interview? You can see this episode as well as multiple others on YouTube! Enjoy!
If you enjoyed this conversation, I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app and leave me a note below letting me know who you would love to see on the show!