Big explosions are fun, but they’re not what makes a thriller truly terrifying. The real fear hides in the silence—the still moments when nothing’s happening, yet you know something’s about to. From No Country for Old Men to Saving Grace, Mark Posey explores why quiet scenes hit harder than gunfire—and why the pause before the door opens is the scariest sound of all.
The Quietest Moments Are the Scariest Read More »
Disappearing isn’t about vanishing—it’s about confidence. From Angelina Jolie’s cool-headed makeover in Salt to Natasha Romanoff’s mall-date sleight of hand, the best spies don’t run; they blend. In fiction, that kind of composure is thrilling to watch—and in Fall From Grace, Thomas Billings is about to need every trick in the book.
How to Disappear in Plain Sight (Without a Q Branch Budget) Read More »
Back in the trenches: I’ve started writing Fall From Grace, Book 2 in the Thomas Billings thrillers. Thomas and Grace head to London for an audience with the Queen—then get yanked into Establishment crosshairs. Expect chases, betrayals, and the kind of moral gray that leaves even “good guys” guessing.
Back in the Trenches: Fall From Grace Begins Read More »
Mark reflects on the strange physics of author life—writing about the Hazeldean Artisan Market before it happens, even though you’re reading about it after the fact. Between the smell of coffee, glitter-covered tables, and fellow creatives, he celebrates the timeless joy of connecting with readers and fellow artisans (and maybe bending the space-time continuum just a little).
The Hazeldean Artisan Market—Wait, When? Read More »
Mark Posey shares the five thrillers that rewired his brain — from First Blood to Cujo, these are the books that taught him how to build tension, twist morality, and keep readers one heartbeat away from panic.
Five Thrillers That Ruined Me (in the Best Way Possible) Read More »
Why do authors put their characters through hell? Because without conflict, there’s no story. In Confessions of a Sadistic Author, Mark explains why Jacobine, Billings, and the rest of his cast are constantly battered and bruised — and why their scars make them unforgettable.
Confessions of a Sadistic Author Read More »
The votes are in, the ballots counted, and my writing schedule is now set—thanks to all of you. Fall From Grace is up first (yes, Thomas Billings is about to get shoved off an emotional cliff). Next comes Sister Jacobine #7—because apparently six books of bullets, assassins, and bad coffee weren’t enough for you. And finally, Credible Threat, Season 2 rounds things out. I’ll admit, I briefly considered ignoring the results and writing a cookbook instead—“101 Ways to Kill a Man With Kitchen Utensils” still has a nice ring to it—but you spoke, and I’m listening. Mostly.
So, You’ve Spoken (and I’m Listening… Mostly) Read More »
One of the perks of writing thrillers is getting to torture characters. Jacobine makes me work harder—she’s deadly, clever, and never blinks. Billings, though, is convinced he’s in control…until the floor drops. Who’s more fun to torment: the nun with a gun, or the cocky spook?
Jacobine vs. Billings: Who’s More Fun to Torture? Read More »
Mark’s got three thrilling projects fighting for attention in his brain—another Jacobine adventure, a high-octane Billings sequel, or a brand-new season of Credible Threat. He’s throwing the decision to readers: which story should he dive into next?
Help Me Decide What to Write Next Read More »
Mark’s desk is overflowing with thrillers, Jacobine adventures, anthology deadlines, and even a dash of erotica. Add in a Kickstarter campaign, real-world book selling, and you’ve got the “good kind of busy.” Coffee recommended.
Juggling Chainsaws (and Books) Read More »
Just a quick reminder, Assassinating Yesterday is currently on pre-order at half price of just $2.99. After it release on November 28, it will jump up to full price of $5.99. If you’d like to make sure you get it at half price, here’s the link to pre-order: https://storiesrulepress.com/product/assassinating-yesterday-project-gateway-1-0/ In the meantime, here’s the first chapter. Enjoy!
Meet Special Agent Ryan Cochrane Read More »
Happy Saturday! (I hope your Friday the 13th was a good one!) Based on the emails I’ve been getting in the last week or two, several of you have noticed that I haven’t done my regular Saturday posts for a couple weeks now. So, I thought I’d bang out a quick one to let y’all
Making The Heart Grow Fonder Read More »