Where Character Serves the Plot: Writing Like a “Gardener” with Lisa Unger

Chapter Chat sits down with New York Times bestselling author Lisa Unger to talk thrillers and the creative process behind them. Unger shares why she’s a writing “gardener,” letting stories evolve on the page instead of relying on detailed outlines, and how plot flows from character in her work. She also dives into the research that fuels her suspense, the mix of luck and hard work behind publishing success, and why she believes “failure is the norm” (and nothing to fear). Plus: a candid conversation about introverts and extroverts, and how different personality types help society and storytelling flourish.

Sit back, relax and enjoy Chapter Chat. Hosted by news anchor and avid reader Jessica Foster, Chapter Chat explores the inner workings of the literary world. Episodes will have a combination of best-selling author interviews and discussions of trending literary topics.

Whether you love to read a good book or aspire to write one, you'll find these discussions enjoyable. The Chapter Chat Podcast is an expansion of a WJHG/WECP-TV initiative to share the love of reading with the community. Chapter Chat was awarded the prestigious National Association of Broadcasters Service to America award in 2023.

The initiative began as a monthly book club that encouraged viewers to read along with a selected book and then meet up at the local library to discuss with the news team. Reporters and anchors also visit schools to read to children. The idea is that if children see the adults around them reading, they will learn to love it as well.