Welcome to Story Deep Dive!
In this episode, Dana and Rachel explore the nuanced character development in Cold and Deadly by Toni Anderson.
Whether you write romance, thrillers, or emotionally layered fiction, you’ll take away practical insights on shaping emotional wounds, leveraging social dynamics, and using internal conflict to craft characters that feel real and unforgettable.
You can also watch the video version of this podcast on YouTube!
Estimate Timestamps
00:00 – Intro & Writing Life Updates
Rachel and Dana open with a candid discussion on the realities of creative fatigue, burnout, and the importance of rest. Rachel reflects on using Cold and Deadly as a model while plotting her romantic thriller, and Dana shares why burnout and visibility are recurring themes for writers balancing multiple roles.
08:00 – What Makes a Character Deeply Compelling?
They unpack what creates an emotionally resonant character, starting with the balance of vulnerability and strength. Rachel notes how Toni Anderson gives each character a deep emotional wound, while Dana highlights the restraint and self-protection shown through body language and internal dialogue.
14:00 – Social Privilege and Identity in Characterization
The hosts examine the contrast between Ava and Dominic, including how race, gender, and professional standing impact their choices and behavior. Dana appreciates Anderson’s light but intentional handling of Ava’s identity as a woman of color in a white-dominated agency, and how that affects power dynamics with Dominic.
23:00 – Characterization Through Conflict, Not Monologues
Rather than relying on exposition or monologues, Anderson lets us discover character truth through small conflicts and reactions. Dana and Rachel analyze scenes where emotional undercurrents, like grief and fear, surface naturally through dialogue, pacing, and inner resistance.
31:00 – How Subtle Tension Builds Character Depth
Dana calls out how Toni Anderson uses everyday friction—like Ava bristling at Dominic’s control—as a way to layer emotional complexity. These quiet conflicts deepen the story without derailing the external plot, making the romance feel earned and the characters feel authentic.
40:00 – Why the Love Story Hits Harder Because of the Wounds
The hosts agree that Cold and Deadly’s love story lands emotionally because it’s built on pain, healing, and choice—not just chemistry. Rachel talks about how both characters need to overcome internal barriers before they can truly connect, and Dana praises how restraint becomes part of the romantic payoff.
Book Selection
FBI Crisis Negotiator Dominic Sheridan is adept at dealing with high-stake situations under treacherous conditions. But nothing prepared him for the headstrong rookie agent, Ava Kanas, who seems hell-bent on destroying her fledgling career while in pursuit of justice.
When several agents die in quick succession it becomes obvious a killer is targeting the FBI, and Dominic in particular. Together, Dominic and Ava race to find the murderer, all the while fighting a forbidden attraction that will complicate everything, especially when a predator has them in their sights.
Where to Find the Book
Cold & Deadly by Toni Anderson is available in several formats. It’s also widely available in libraries and online retailers. Details on the author’s website.
Next Episode:
In the final episode of this series, Dana and Rachel share their overall editor’s take on Cold and Deadly—exploring how Toni Anderson blends mystery, crime, and romantic suspense to deliver a story that’s both emotionally resonant and tightly plotted. Writers will walk away with key insights on elevating both emotional and external stakes across genres.
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