A few weeks ago, we had the pleasure of sitting down with the incredible Daniel Hurst, an Amazon #1 bestselling author known for his gripping psychological thrillers. Now, we’re excited to make the full interview available to everyone! If you haven’t already, you can watch the full conversation on YouTube or listen to it on our podcast.Daniel’s journey from a passionate storyteller to a full-time bestselling author is nothing short of inspiring. In our interview, he shared insights into his writing process, the challenges he faced breaking into the industry, and his thoughts on the evolving landscape of publishing.From Early Struggles to Full-Time WritingHurst’s love for storytelling began in childhood. Growing up in the northwest of England, he enjoyed creating stories and always had a vivid imagination. However, like many aspiring writers, he struggled to see a viable career path in writing and spent years working a ‘sensible’ job while writing in his spare time.Eventually, his persistence paid off. By 2021, he transitioned into full-time writing—a decision that led to a string of bestsellers, including The Doctor’s Wife, The Passenger, and The Couple’s Revenge. His ability to craft fast-paced, unputdownable thrillers has earned him a loyal readership and significant success in the publishing world.The Writing Process and Keeping the MomentumOne of the most fascinating parts of our discussion was Daniel’s approach to writing. Unlike many writers who spend years perfecting a single manuscript, Hurst thrives on momentum. He emphasized the importance of consistency, treating writing like a full-time job, and producing stories efficiently without overcomplicating the process.His advice to aspiring authors? Don’t wait for the perfect moment—just start writing. Discipline and routine play a crucial role in staying productive, and he believes that overthinking often kills creativity.The Publishing Journey: Self-Publishing vs. Independent PublishingInitially, Daniel took the self-publishing route, a decision driven by impatience with traditional publishing’s lengthy timelines. By doing so, he gained valuable experience in marketing, reader engagement, and rapid storytelling. His self-published success eventually led to partnerships with independent publishers, allowing him to reach an even wider audience.Hurst believes that while traditional publishing still holds prestige, the accessibility of self-publishing has made it an excellent path for writers willing to learn the business side of the industry.Engaging with Readers and What’s NextOne of Daniel’s biggest strengths is his ability to connect with readers. He frequently interacts with fans on social media and values their feedback. This direct engagement, he says, has shaped his storytelling and made him a better writer.As for what’s next, Daniel has multiple books in the pipeline with Bookouture, with more thrilling stories set to hit the shelves in the coming months. His ability to consistently deliver compelling narratives ensures that his readers always have something to look forward to.Watch or Listen to the Full InterviewThis conversation was filled with inspiration, advice, and behind-the-scenes insights into the life of a bestselling thriller author. If you’re a writer, a reader, or just someone who loves a good success story, you won’t want to miss it!🔗 Watch the full interview on YouTube: We’d love to hear your thoughts! What did you take away from Daniel’s journey? Drop a comment below and let’s discuss!
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit
thewccs.substack.com/subscribeBecome a supporter of this podcast:
