Why National Reading New Book Month Matters More Than Ever — Guy Morris | Ep 8

This episode of Observe Day is perfect if you’re a curious reader or creator looking to tap into the meaning behind storytelling—especially in thrillers. I chat with Guy Morris, an author who weaves real events, tech intrigue, and deep life experiences into page-turning novels. Listen in and you’ll discover why thrillers can be a powerful entry point for people wanting to read more—offering not just escapism, but a fresh way to face real-world challenges. If you’re a podcaster or creator, you’ll pick up how to blend fact with fiction for a compelling narrative and learn what it really takes to research and plot out a complex story (spoiler: Guy went through 36 drafts for one of his books!). Guy also shares a behind-the-scenes story about his run-in with the FBI and what drives his curiosity in historical mysteries. There’s plenty here to spark ideas for your own storytelling or creative process.

Connect with Guy Morris

Website:https://www.guymorrisbooks.com/

Twitter: https://x.com/guymorrisbooks

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/guymorrisbooks/

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Chapters

00:00 Welcome and National Reading New Book Month
00:22 Meet Guy Morris: Author and Technologist
01:25 Transitioning from Tech to Writing
02:01 Michael Crichton’s Influence on Guy’s Fiction
04:15 Using Personal History for Character Depth
05:17 Why Thrillers Engage Modern Readers
06:36 Facing Reality and Anxiety Through Thrillers
08:43 Swarm: The Real NSA Program Inspiration
10:21 Researching the Story Behind Swarm
14:21 Choosing Historical Mysteries to Fictionalize
15:45 The Real Story of Ethiopia’s Ark
17:08 The Mystery of Henry Morgan’s Treasure
18:43 Guy’s Research and Writing Process
20:26 Why First Drafts Always Stink
21:16 The Power of Fiction to Inspire Change
23:23 End Times, Prophecy, and Human Choices
25:14 Where to Start With Guy Morris’s Books
26:06 Where to Find Guy’s Work
26:39 Closing and How to Stay Connected