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A former paediatric ER doctor turned blockbuster novelist, CJ Lyons writes thrillers steeped in the life-and-death realities she once faced on the hospital floor.
With more than 2.5 million books sold and awards ranging from the ITW Thriller Award to USA Today bestseller medals, CJ joins the show to reveal how true stories of courage, trauma and hope power her fiction – and how she built a resilient career when traditional publishing almost derailed her debut.
Episode summary
CJ Lyons
CJ describes her work as ‘thrillers with heart’. After seventeen years in emergency medicine she swapped the trauma bay for the keyboard, translating real-world heroism and horror into page-turning fiction. When her first publishing deal collapsed she self-published, built a direct relationship with readers and hit the New York Times list – proof that a doctor’s determination can also save an author’s career.
Big ideas in this conversation
- Stories are survival tools – humans have used narrative to make sense of danger for at least 50,000 years.
- ‘Thrillers with heart’ – honest emotion matters as much as explosions and car chases.
- Know yourself, your story – and your audience – CJ’s three-part formula for creative success.
- Failures can be springboards – the cancelled debut that became a self-publishing triumph.
Advice worth hearing in full
- Delight your readers first – every business decision starts with ‘What will make them dance with joy?’.
- Give something away – a gift builds trust faster than any advert.
- Create your own definition of success – money, impact or mastery – decide what really counts for you.
Where next?
Download Snake Skin free, discover CJ’s other series and join her ‘Thrillers with Heart’ newsletter at CJLyons.net – you’ll also find links to her young-adult suspense, writing resources and live appearances.
About The 21st Century Creative podcast
Hosted by creative coach and award-winning poet Mark McGuinness, The 21st Century Creative podcast helps you succeed as a creative professional amid the demands, distractions and opportunities of the 21st century.
Each episode features insights from Mark and interviews with outstanding creators – including artists, writers, performers, commercial creatives, directors, producers, entrepreneurs and other creative thought-leaders.
Make sure you receive every episode by subscribing in Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen.
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