In this episode of In the Writer's Chair, host Lana McAra sits down with John Winn Miller, an award-winning investigative reporter, Pulitzer finalist, foreign correspondent, and screenwriter turned historical novelist.

John discusses his unconventional journey into writing fiction and the release of his latest book, Miriam in the Shadows, the third standalone thriller in his Peggy C. series. Listeners will hear the fascinating story of how a vivid dream sparked his first novel, The Hunt for the Peggy C., and how his years reporting from conflict zones taught him to capture the vivid, five-sense details that make a story come alive.

We also dive deep into the craft of historical fiction. John shares his meticulous research process—from using Google Earth and the Imperial War Museum to recreate authentic 1940s settings, to weaving real-life historical figures like Ian Fleming into his plots with absolute accuracy.

As a self-described "pantser," John offers an honest look at his writing routine, the danger of falling down research rabbit holes, and the importance of silencing your inner perfectionist to keep the words flowing.

In this episode, we cover:

• How John transitioned from the Associated Press and screenwriting into writing complex historical novels.
• The real-life spy history and moral ambiguity behind his latest heroine in Miriam in the Shadows.
• Tips for researching historical periods, understanding 1940s slang, and making your characters act and sound authentic to their time.
• The difference between "plotters" and "pantsers," and why you should always quit writing for the day when you know exactly what happens next.

Links & Resources:

• Connect with John Winn Miller and explore his Peggy C. series at johnwinnmiller.com.

This episode is sponsored by Vendela Publishing. Learn more about their traditional publishing model at vendelapublishing.com.