Deborah Greenberg, Writing as Deven Greene, on Happy Sun Farm, Science-Based Thrillers, and the Power of Research

In this episode of the Authority On Demand Podcast, formerly Authors On Mission Podcast, hosted by Danielle Hutchinson, **Deborah Greenberg, who writes under the pen name Deven Greene**, shares how her background in biochemistry and more than 20 years as a pathologist has influenced her career as a thriller writer. Writing as Deven Greene, she combines her medical and scientific knowledge with stories about subjects that may sound fictional but could potentially happen. She explains that she enjoys writing about what she knows while also researching topics that are outside her professional background. Her latest novel, *Happy Sun Farm*, takes place in rural Southern California and focuses on a farm that appears to be part of a larger agricultural business. As the story develops, the farm has a much more troubling purpose involving genetic engineering of crops. Deven shares how researching the book introduced her to areas of plant science that she had not previously studied. She also explains how research can lead to unexpected discoveries. While working on the book, she learned about plant pathogens such as Fusarium and even discovered information about small submarines used for drug trafficking. These random facts became examples of how writing can expand an author’s knowledge far beyond the original subject of a story. The conversation also explores *The Organ Broker*, another thriller that deals with the moral questions surrounding organ donation and the use of organs from executed prisoners. Deven explains how the story explores the possibility of people influencing the justice system in order to obtain organs. Deven also gives listeners a look into her writing process. She usually begins with research and develops a general story arc before writing. However, she does not follow a rigid outline because new ideas often appear once she starts putting the story on the page. When writing her rough draft, Deven has a structured routine of writing 1,100 words every day. At that pace, she can complete a draft in about three months. She then spends more time editing, reviewing the story with her husband as her first reader, and making sure scientific and medical information can be understood by readers without her background. Deven is also working on her next science-based thriller, *Rhino Wars*, which focuses on rhino poaching and the possibility of growing genuine rhino horns in a laboratory. Her research led her to unexpected information about the science, economics, and politics surrounding the subject. The conversation closes with practical advice for writers. Deven encourages authors to enjoy writing, avoid becoming discouraged, and remain skeptical when people approach them with offers to promote their books or turn their stories into films. She shares examples of scams she has encountered and reminds writers to check whether an offer is coming from a legitimate and reputable source. **Key Takeaways:** 🔬 Your professional background can give your fiction a strong foundation of knowledge and credibility. 📚 Research can help you understand unfamiliar subjects and uncover unexpected story ideas. 💡 Keep interesting facts and information because they may become useful in a future book. ✍️ A general outline can provide direction while still leaving room for new ideas during the writing process. 📝 Setting a daily word-count goal can help you complete a rough draft consistently. 🧠 Scientific and medical information should be explained in a way that everyday readers can understand. 🔎 Research does not always end before writing begins. New questions can require additional research as the story develops. 🌱 Writers can learn about subjects far outside their original area of expertise. ⚠️ Authors should be careful with unsolicited offers to promote their books or create film adaptations. 👀 Always check whether someone offering publishing, marketing, or promotional services is legitimate before engaging with them. ❤️ Writers should enjoy the process and avoid becoming too discouraged by the challenges of publishing. Deven’s journey shows how a writer can turn professional knowledge, curiosity, and research into compelling stories. Her approach also reminds authors that writing is not only about creating a story. It is also about learning, questioning, researching, and making complex ideas accessible to readers. **Connect with Deven Greene:** - Website: DevenGreen.com - Books: *Happy Sun Farm* and *The Organ Broker* - Upcoming Book: *Rhino Wars* **Follow the Authority On Demand Podcast:** - YouTube: Authority On Demand on YouTube - Facebook: Authority On Demand on Facebook - Instagram: Authority On Demand on Instagram - LinkedIn: Authority On Demand on LinkedIn - Captivate: Authority On Demand Podcast #AuthorityOnDemand #AuthorsOnMission #DevenGreene #DeborahGreenberg #HappySunFarm #TheOrganBroker #RhinoWars #MedicalThriller #ScienceBasedThriller #WritingTips #AuthorJourney #PodcastInterview