Description

This intriguing 1996 episode features author Dan Brown several years before his meteoric rise to literary superstardom with “The Da Vinci Code.” At this point in his career, Brown was an aspiring thriller writer developing the intricate plotting, historical puzzles, and breakneck pacing that would later make him one of the bestselling authors of all time. His debut novel “Digital Fortress” wouldn’t be published until 1998, followed by “Angels & Demons” in 2000?the first appearance of his iconic protagonist Robert Langdon.

The 2003 publication of “The Da Vinci Code” would transform Brown into a global phenomenon, selling over 80 million copies worldwide and sparking intense debate about religious history, secret societies, and biblical interpretation. The novel spent 136 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list and was translated into 44 languages, becoming one of the bestselling novels in history. This early interview captures Brown discussing his writing process, research methodology, and passion for codes, symbols, and historical mysteries before worldwide fame would make him a household name.

Also featured: relationship expert Bob Berkowitz, Peter Lind, Debbie Van Kiekebelt, and Charles Robertson. This episode provides a fascinating glimpse of a future literary phenomenon in his formative years, offering insights into the development of the thriller genre and the dedication required to craft the complex narratives that would captivate hundreds of millions of readers worldwide.