Guest Name: Brad Elder
Instagram: brad.elder.novels
Facebook: BradElderNovels
Summary:
In this gripping interview, author and former lawyer Brad Elder discusses his transformation from practicing law to crafting high-stakes thrillers. His debut novel, Recoil of Justice, introduces readers to Ryan Wolfe — a relatable protagonist drawn into a world of danger, deception, and human trafficking. Elder shares how personal challenges and an unexpected foray into painting sparked his creative journey, leading to a fast-paced, believable story layered with cartel intrigue, technological threats, and richly developed characters. With Core of Truth already in the works, fans can expect more pulse-pounding adventures in the Ryan Wolfe series.
Takeaways:
- Unexpected Writing Journey : Brad Elder never planned to become an author, but personal challenges and a need for creative release led him to write Recoil of Justice.
- Legal Background Influence: His career as a lawyer provided insight into crafting believable scenarios, even though he didn’t want to write a legal thriller.
- Creative Spark from Adversity: A stressful lawsuit and personal struggles pushed him to explore painting, which eventually unlocked his storytelling drive.
- Relatable Protagonist: Ryan Wolfe is intentionally portrayed as a skilled but ordinary man, making his actions believable rather than over-the-top.
- Believable Technology: The story’s tech elements feel authentic, reflecting Elder’s research and consultations with experts.
- Complex Antagonists: Villains are layered, intelligent, and dangerous, with personalities that add depth to the story.
- Layered World-Building: Cartel backstories and international settings enrich the plot and make it feel grounded in reality.
- Series Potential : Recoil of Justice is the first in the Ryan Wolfe series, with Core of Truth already underway and ideas for future installments.
- Easter Eggs for Friends: Some character names are based on Elder’s friends, adding personal touches and inside jokes.
- Cinematic Quality: The fast pace, vivid scenes, and intricate character arcs make the novel feel ready for on-screen adaptation.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Brad Elder and Recoil of Justice
05:37 The Creative Spark: Painting and Writing
11:06 Character Development and Story Arcs
16:12 Looking Ahead: Core of Truth and Future Works
24:33 The Complexity of Characters
29:06 Humanizing Villains and Their Depth
36:00 The Role of Technology in Storytelling
Keywords:
#actionthriller #authorinterview #bookdiscussion #booklover #bookrecommendation #bookreview #bradlelder #cartelthriller #coreoftruth #crimefiction #fictionauthor #humantraffickingawareness #interviewseries #mustreadbooks #newbookrelease #podcastinterview #recoilofjustice #readingcommunity #readerlife #ryanwolfethriller #suspensebooks #suspensenovel #techthriller #thrillerauthor #thrillerbooks #thrillerseries #writersjourney #writingcommunity #writinginspiration #writingprocess
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
Cardiac Cowboys
The heart was always off-limits to surgeons. Cutting into it spelled instant death for the patient. That is, until a ragtag group of doctors scattered across the Midwest and Texas decided to throw out the rule book. Working in makeshift laboratories and home garages, using medical devices made from scavenged machine parts and beer tubes, these men and women invented the field of open heart surgery. Odds are, someone you know is alive because of them. So why has history left them behind? Presented by Chris Pine, CARDIAC COWBOYS tells the gripping true story behind the birth of heart surgery, and the young, Greatest Generation doctors who made it happen. For years, they competed and feuded, racing to be the first, the best, and the most prolific. Some appeared on the cover of Time Magazine, operated on kings and advised presidents. Others ended up disgraced, penniless, and convicted of felonies. Together, they ignited a revolution in medicine, and changed the world.