The Art of Storytelling: How Brad Elder Mastered the Thriller Genre

Writing a thriller is more than just crafting an engaging plot—it’s about creating tension, developing compelling characters, and keeping readers on the edge of their seats. Brad Elder, a lawyer turned author, has taken on this challenge with his debut novel, Recoil of Justice. What started as a personal creative experiment soon turned into a full-fledged passion for storytelling. Drawing inspiration from his legal background, real-world research, and the influence of thriller legends like Jack Carr and Harlan Coben, Elder has created a gripping novel that explores the moral dilemmas of an ordinary man caught in extraordinary circumstances. But his journey to becoming an author wasn’t without challenges, from self-doubt to the complexities of self-publishing.

In this exclusive interview, Elder opens up about the creative process behind his book, the challenges he faced in developing his main character, Ryan Wolfe, and the research that went into making the story feel authentic. He also shares his personal writing philosophy, offering valuable advice for aspiring authors who want to dive into the thriller genre. Whether you’re an avid reader, a budding writer, or simply someone who enjoys a good behind-the-scenes look at the art of storytelling, Elder’s journey is both inspiring and insightful. Get ready to step inside the mind of a new and promising voice in thriller fiction.

Thank you so much for joining us, Brad! Our readers would love to get to know you a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your backstory?

Absolutely, and thank you for having me. It’s truly an honor. My journey into writing was far from traditional. I never considered myself a creative person. I was a business major, then went to law school, and hadn’t taken a creative writing class since 1988. For most of my life, I was focused on my career, and creativity wasn’t something I explored. However, in my late forties, I decided to step outside my comfort zone. I had three weeks off, and instead of simply relaxing, I wanted to do something that engaged me. I went to an art store, bought canvas and paint, and started painting for the first time. While my early attempts weren’t masterpieces, they ignited a creative spark in me that I had never tapped into before. Fast forward a few years, and I was reading Red Sky Morning by Jack Carr, and a thought hit me—I think I can do this. Of course, doubt crept in. I wasn’t a trained writer, I didn’t have a creative writing degree, and my last formal writing experience was decades ago. But then I asked myself, “Why not me?” I had spent years reading hundreds of thrillers, absorbing the structure, the pacing, and the storytelling techniques from some of the best authors. So, I opened my laptop and started writing. That’s where Recoil of Justice began.

What was the most challenging part of writing this thriller?

The biggest challenge was convincing myself that I could do it. Writing a novel is an exercise in both humility and vulnerability. At first, I doubted whether I had what it took to craft an engaging story. To test the waters, I wrote the first few chapters and shared them with a friend who is a professor and a published non-fiction author. He gave me positive feedback, but I still wondered if he was just being nice. Then came another challenge—telling people about the book. I was nervous about how my friends and family would react. I didn’t even tell many people I was writing until I had a finished draft. The process of putting your work out there, especially for people who know you personally, is daunting. It’s one thing for strangers to read your book, but when the people in your life are reading something you created, there’s an added level of vulnerability. Beyond the writing itself, publishing was another challenge. I decided to self-publish, which meant navigating a world filled with endless options, companies promising to “help” for a fee, and figuring out what steps I needed to take. It was overwhelming at first, but now that I’ve gone through it, I feel much more confident for my next book.

How did you develop your main character, Ryan Wolfe, and his motivations?

Ryan Wolfe is a character who grew organically from my own life experiences and observations. While he’s not me, there are aspects of my own life that influenced his development. They say, “Write what you know,” and that helped me create a character I could deeply connect with. Ryan is a lawyer, but I wouldn’t call Recoil of Justice a legal thriller. His profession plays a role in the story, but it’s more about how his work puts him in a situation that forces him to grow in ways he never anticipated. I also wanted Ryan to feel like a real person—flawed, conflicted, and faced with difficult choices. Throughout the book, he finds himself in a dangerous situation where he has to ask himself how far he’s willing to go to protect those who can’t protect themselves. That question—what would I do if I were in his situation?—became central to his character development. It’s a question many of us ask ourselves when reading thrillers, and I wanted Ryan to be relatable in that way. He’s not a trained operative, a soldier, or a special agent—he’s an everyday guy thrown into extraordinary circumstances, and he has to adapt. That’s what makes his journey so compelling.

What kind of research did you do to create the setting and plot for your book?

A lot of the book takes place in Houston, Texas, which is where my title company is based. I lived there for a while and know the landscape well, so that part was easy. However, as the story unfolds, the cartel becomes involved, and that required extensive research. I wanted to make sure that every detail was realistic and plausible. I spoke with a friend whose brother-in-law works for the FBI—not to get any classified information, of course, but to make sure that certain plot points were accurate. I also had to research artificial intelligence because AI plays a role in the book’s central conflict. While I’m not an IT expert, I have friends in the field, and I leaned on them to make sure I got the details right. The last thing I wanted was for readers who are knowledgeable in these areas to be pulled out of the story because something didn’t feel authentic. So, I took the time to do my homework and ensure that every aspect of the book felt grounded in reality, even as it took on the high-stakes drama of a thriller.

Were any real-life experiences or personal influences woven into the book?

Definitely. Ryan’s relationship with his father is loosely based on my own experiences, and there are elements of his journey that reflect personal struggles and lessons I’ve learned over the years. There’s one particular scene—without giving too much away—that was directly inspired by something from my own life. It’s not necessarily a dramatic or life-altering moment, but it’s one of those small, pivotal experiences that shape who we are. My sister also played a huge role in my life, and she influenced certain aspects of the book as well. On a lighter note, I included a lot of Easter eggs—references to people I know, inside jokes, and tributes to authors I admire. Some of my friends will recognize their names in the book, though I assure you none of them are cartel members! I wanted to make the story feel personal, not just to me but to those who have been part of my journey.

How do you maintain suspense and tension throughout the book?

One of the biggest things I learned from reading thrillers is the power of a well-placed cliffhanger. Some of my favorite authors do this brilliantly—they take you right to the edge of a major moment, then switch perspectives or timelines, forcing you to keep reading. It used to frustrate me as a reader because I just wanted to know what happened next, but I realized that’s what kept me turning the pages. I worked hard to incorporate that technique into Recoil of Justice. I also didn’t write from an outline. Some writers swear by outlining, but for me, creativity flows best when I let the story develop naturally. This approach allowed for some unexpected twists and turns, and I think that spontaneity helped keep the suspense high. My developmental editor was also instrumental in helping me refine the pacing—identifying where the tension was strong and where I needed to build it up.

Were there any thriller authors who influenced your writing style?

Absolutely. Jack Carr, Harlan Coben, David Baldacci, and Brad Thor are major influences. I also have to give credit to Larry McMurtry—Lonesome Dove was the first book I read for pleasure, and it opened my eyes to how deeply characters can be developed. One of the things I admire about these authors is their ability to create real tension, even when you know their protagonist isn’t going to die. They make you feel like anything could happen, and that’s the kind of experience I wanted to create for my readers. Even though Ryan Wolfe is the central character, I wanted to make sure the stakes felt real—like he could lose everything at any moment. That’s what makes thrillers so gripping.

How do you handle writer’s block?

Writer’s block definitely happens, but I’ve found that stepping away is the best way to deal with it. I don’t try to force words onto the page when I’m stuck. Instead, I do something completely unrelated—exercise, mow the lawn, even just take a shower. Those are the moments when ideas tend to come to me unexpectedly. I’ve also found that shifting my focus to a different kind of writing—something outside of the book—can help loosen things up. Sometimes I’ll write a completely unrelated short story or just describe something I see outside my window. Once my mind is relaxed and engaged in a different way, the solution to whatever was blocking me usually presents itself. I try not to stress over it because the more I push, the more frustrating it gets. Instead, I let the ideas come naturally.

What advice would you give to aspiring thriller writers?

Just start writing. That’s 90% of the battle. Many aspiring writers never take that first step because they overthink the process or let self-doubt creep in. If you have a desire to write, you likely have more talent than you give yourself credit for—it might just be undeveloped or unrecognized. When I started Recoil of Justice, I had no idea what I was doing, but I kept going. Even if you write just a few paragraphs a day, you’re moving forward. And don’t worry about perfection in the first draft. No one’s first draft is great. The key is to get the words down, then refine them later. Also, be open to feedback. It’s tough to hear constructive criticism, but it’s essential for growth. Writing a novel is an accomplishment in itself, whether you sell a million copies or just share it with family and friends. Completing that process gives you confidence—not just in writing but in life.

Are there any Easter eggs or hidden references in your book?

Yes, quite a few! Some are little nods to friends and family—inside jokes that they’ll recognize right away. Others are tributes to authors I admire. For example, some of my favorite thriller writers have character names that I’ve woven into the book as the names of places—like a bar or a street name. One of my favorite movies is Shawshank Redemption, and there’s a small reference to that in the book that fans of the film might catch. I made sure to mention in my author’s notes that these references are meant as tributes, not as me taking credit for anything. I hope readers enjoy those little details, and I think it makes the book even more fun for those who pick up on them.

What’s next for you? Are you writing another book?

Yes, I’ve already started the next book in the Ryan Wolfe series. The first book leaves the door open for more, and I knew as I was writing it that Ryan’s story wasn’t finished. I even included a small preview at the end of Recoil of Justice as a teaser for what’s coming next. I’m about ten chapters in, and it’s exciting to explore how Ryan evolves after the events of the first book. Some of the characters from Recoil of Justice will return, while new ones will be introduced. One challenge of writing a sequel is that you’re bound by the choices you made in the first book—sometimes I think, “I wish I had set this up differently,” but that’s part of the creative process. The fun part is figuring out how to build on what’s already there while keeping the story fresh and unpredictable.

If there’s one takeaway from this conversation that you’d like to emphasize, what would it be?

Start the process. That applies to writing, but it’s true for anything in life—fitness, financial goals, personal growth. The hardest part is just beginning. I once heard a great piece of advice for people who struggle to work out after work: the second you get home, put on your gym clothes—even if you sit on the couch for a while. Just by changing into workout clothes, you remove one of the excuses. Writing is the same way. If you sit down and open your laptop, even if you only write a few lines, you’re already ahead of where you were yesterday. You don’t have to write a masterpiece in one sitting. Just keep moving forward, and before you know it, you’ll have something tangible. Writing a book isn’t just about finishing a novel—it’s about proving to yourself that you can accomplish something big.

Where can people find your book?

Recoil of Justice will be available anywhere books are sold online—Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other major retailers. Readers can also visit my website, bradeldernovels.com, to get a sneak peek at the prologue. I’ll be posting updates on the official release date, and I’m also offering a giveaway where readers can enter to win a signed copy of the book. For social media updates, they can follow me on Facebook at Brad Elder Novels and Instagram at brad.elder.novels. My Instagram is still a work in progress—I’m not as social media-savvy as some—but I’m working on it!

That’s fantastic! Thank you so much, Brad. I can’t wait to read your book, and I know our audience will love it too.

Thank you, Stacey. I really appreciate the opportunity to share my journey!