Jon Lindstrom

The Thriller Zone

In this 167th episode of The Thriller Zone, host Dave Temple interviews John Lindstrom, a movie & television star turned debut author.

Lindstrom discusses his journey from acting to writing, including his experience writing screenplays and the lessons he learned about storytelling. He also shares the challenges he faced in writing his first book and the importance of authenticity in storytelling.

As we get going, Lindstrom reflects on his career in soap operas and the attrition rate in Hollywood, and discusses his wife's involvement in theater and the impact and evolution of indie films.

The conversation concludes with a discussion on the dark side of Hollywood and the cautionary tale in Lindstrom's book, 'Hollywood Hustle,' a book that reflects, in part, some of his experiences in the entertainment industry. In this engaging conversation, Jon shares his passion for supporting orphanages and helping foster kids tell their stories through film.

Dave and Jon also discuss the contrasting characters in his book and the dark side of Hollywood. Perhaps most of the fun involves an "acting conversation" which has the two personalities reading from the book, playing two characters. And sure, there are potential film adaptations and casting choices, but that remains to be seen.

As we close, Lindstrom shares his writing process and the therapeutic nature of writing, and as always, Dave concludes the show with much-loved "Rapid-Fire Questions." It's fun for everyone.

To learn more about Jon visit: JonLindstrom.com, and as always, connect with TheThrillerZone.com & watch our podcast at YouTube.com/thethrillerzone.

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Takeaways

Writing screenplays can teach valuable lessons about storytelling, structure, and character development.

• Authenticity is crucial in writing, and it is important to draw from personal experiences and knowledge.
• The attrition rate in Hollywood is high, and maintaining a successful career requires perseverance and gratitude.
• Indie filmmaking remains a challenging endeavor, despite advancements in technology and accessibility.
• 'Hollywood Hustle' explores the dark side of Hollywood and serves as a cautionary tale about the pursuit of fame and success.

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Chapters

00:00 - Introduction and Background

03:00 - Writing Screenplays and Learning Storytelling

06:19 - Attending Book Conferences and Working with an Editor

08:44 - Writing What You Know and the Importance of Authenticity

11:36 - The Challenges of Writing a Book

13:28 - The Importance of Research and Authenticity in Writing

15:16 - The Challenges and Benefits of Writing What You Know

17:45 - The High Lonesome Band and the Music Industry

19:40 - The Beginnings of John's Acting Career in Soap Operas

24:37 - The Difference Between Soap Operas and Episodic Shows

26:34 - The Attrition Rate in Hollywood and John's Career

28:00 - John's Wife, Katie McClain, and Her Involvement in Theater

30:01 - The Impact and Evolution of Indie Films

34:01 - Stylistic Influences from Books and Films

42:23 - Product Placement and Movie References in 'Hollywood Hustle'

45:16 - The Dark Side of Hollywood and the Cautionary Tale in the Book

49:33 - Investing in Orphanages

50:30 - Kids in the Spotlight

50:58 - Contrasting Characters

51:28 - Dark Side of Hollywood

52:16 - If This Scene Could Talk

52:46 - Chapter 31: Hollywood Hustle

53:43 - Phone Call with the Kidnappers

56:10 - Potential Film Adaptation

57:08 - Casting the Characters

58:36 - Tough Casting Choices

59:35 - Recommendation: Your Honor

01:00:03 - Writing as Therapy

01:03:54 - Enjoyment of the Book

01:04:52 - Rapid Fire Questions

01:08:15 - Top of TBR Stack

01:09:10 - Dream Dinner Guests

01:20:48 - Writing Advice: Trust Your Desire

01:25:14 - Memorizing Lines

01:27:34 - Realistic Acting