​​Erin E. Adams is a first-generation Haitian American writer and theater artist. She received her BA with honors in literary arts from Brown University, her MFA in acting from The Old Globe and University of San Diego Shiley Graduate Theatre Program, and her MFA in dramatic writing from NYU Tisch School of the Arts. She is an award-winning playwright and actor, and also the author of One of You and Jackal.

Among other things, Erin and Carter discuss the complications of accurately portraying a town, Erin’s training as a dramatic actor and how it translates to writing prose, and printing out and reading your whole manuscript. At the end of their conversation, they make up a gripping story using a line from Kristen Perrin’s How To Solve Your Own Murder.

J.D. Barker (Jonathan Dylan Barker) is an international bestselling American author whose work has been broadly described as suspense thrillers, often incorporating elements of horror, crime, mystery, science fiction, and the supernatural. He has collaborated several times with James Patterson. His books have been translated into two dozen languages, sold in more than 150 countries, and optioned for both film and television.

Among other things, J.D. and Carter discuss J.D.'s experience starting out as a ghost writer, having a working relationship with a major best-selling author, and J.D.’s newsletter controversy. At the end of their conversation, they make up an eerie story using a line from Clare Mackintosh's A Game of Lies.

Lauren Thoman writes speculative fiction for teens and adults. Her debut novel, I'll Stop the World, was selected for publication in 2023 by six-time Emmy nominee Mindy Kaling through her eponymous imprint, Mindy's Book Studio. Lauren's pop culture writing has also appeared in numerous online outlets including Parade and Vulture. Her second novel, You Shouldn’t Be Here, was released in July 2024.

Among other things, Lauren and Carter discuss the pros and cons of attending writing conferences, marketing a book as young adult vs. adult fiction, and how writing on a deadline can impact how you perceive your work. At the end of their conversation, they make up an odd story using a line from Clare Mackintosh’s The Last Party.