About this episode
David Hagberg discusses his thriller novel "Joshua's Hammer" featuring a plot eerily similar to the recent attacks. Hagberg examines the fiction versus reality convergence as his terrorism novel anticipated actual events. The conversation explores the research Hagberg conducted into terrorism threats that informed his fictional scenario. Hagberg discusses the publishing industry's response to the September 11th attacks and whether fiction depicting terrorism remains appropriate. The discussion addresses how thriller writers imagine future threats and whether intelligence agencies should pay attention. Hagberg examines the psychology of terrorists and the motivations driving individuals to commit mass murder. The broadcast explores whether fiction can help prepare society for emerging threats or inadvertently provides roadmaps for criminals. Hagberg discusses the responsibility of authors dealing with terrorism plots in the post-September 11th environment. The conversation addresses the cathartic value of fiction processing traumatic events versus concerns about glorifying violence. Hagberg examines his next book and how recent events influence his approach to writing thrillers.