February 24 2026
Ep44: We welcome back to Elaine’s Literary Salon critically acclaimed bestselling author John Gilstrap
This week at Elaine’s Literary Salon, we are excited to share our newest interview with critically acclaimed, bestselling author John Gilstrap.
Today, he talks with Elaine’s Literary Salon host Jeffrey James Higgins about his new novels, writing process, and what makes his books so popular with readers.
About the author and his books: When John Gilstrap’s first novel, Nathan’s Run, hit the market in 1996, it set the literary world on fire. Publication rights sold in 23 countries, the movie rights were scooped up at auction by Warner Brothers, and John changed professions. A safety engineer by training and education, he specialized in explosives and hazardous materials, and also served 15 years in the fire and rescue service, rising to the rank of lieutenant. Outside of his writing life, John is a renowned safety expert with extensive knowledge of explosives, hazardous materials, and fire behavior. John lives in Fairfax, VA. Learn more: johngilstrap.com
“Scorched Earth,” by John Gilstrap
Vengeance, murder, and violent political games are on a collision course in a propulsive book. We find disgraced U.S. President Darmond has been ousted from office, but his minions have taken aim at everyone they perceive to be enemies. Off-the-record contractors on a secret list are being eliminated, one by one. Jonathan Grave and his Security Solutions team manage to turn the tables when the assassins come for them. But the ultimate attack will strike deep at the heart of what’s best about American values. High-tech weapons, terror-driven fanatics, and top-level betrayal shred the peace of a peaceful gathering in the rolling hills of rural North Carolina. In this showdown, the winner will take all. Click here to buy the book.
History in the Making
That “first” book was really his fourth, and that one call from an agent (after logging 27 rejections) changed the trajectory of his life. Twenty books and seven movie projects later, it’s been a good run, and it’s still running. But his career track looks more like a sine curve than a rocket ship. There were lots of setbacks along the way. At one point, his writing career appeared to be dead. Then came the comeback. John’s presentation, “Dare to Dream”, tells the story of triumph, disappointment, despair, and finally some long-lasting success.
John has spoken at events across the country, most recently at the Pike’s Peak Writers Conference in Colorado Springs, and Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers in Denver. In February, he will be the keynote speaker at the annual meeting of the California Association of Teachers of English in Los Angeles. His YouTube channel, “A Writer’s View of Writing and Publishing” has over 1,700 subscribers and more are coming aboard every day. Outside of his writing life, John is a renowned safety expert with extensive knowledge of explosives, hazardous materials, and fire behavior. Learn more here: johngilstrap.com.
About Burned Bridges — An Irene Rivers Thriller:Brimming with suspense, intense drama, and riveting intrigue, Burned Bridges plunges readers into a world of hidden threats and unlikely heroes. The creator of the renowned Jonathan Grave thriller series captivates readers again with the release of Burned Bridges, the first novel in a groundbreaking new series.
Known for his electrifying storytelling and gripping narratives, Gilstrap introduces fans to a powerful new protagonist, former FBI Director Irene Rivers, who is ready to take justice into her own hands. A standout character in the Jonathan Grave series, Rivers is the last truly “honest” civil servant. She’s willing to bend, and even break, the rules to restore justice, making her one of modern fiction’s most formidable female protagonists.
“Irene Rivers is a badass female protagonist,” says Gilstrap. “Readers of my Jonathan Grave series will recognize her, but Burned Bridges casts her in a whole new light. She’s done playing by the old rules; now she’s creating her own.”
John shares: “My lovely bride, Joy, surprised me with this massive pistol ice sculpture, which doubled as a liquor flume. Your pour the booze into the hammer, and it comes out cold through the muzzle.”
Gilstrap’s literary journey began with his critically acclaimed debut novel, Nathan’s Run, published in over twenty countries and translated into multiple languages. His remarkable success continued with At All Costs, for which he sold book and movie rights before ultimately leaving his “day job” to pursue writing full-time. With Burned Bridges, Gilstrap embarks on his most compelling series yet, blending his signature suspense with an unflinching look at small-town corruption and justice. With an unparalleled ability to craft heart-pounding narratives, Gilstrap once again delivers a thriller that raises the bar for the genre. Fans of intense, character-driven suspense won’t want to miss this explosive new series. Click here to buy the book!
Movie News: Netflix is in early development on the adaptation of John Gilstrap and Kurt Muse’s Six Minutes To Freedom, the incredible true story of a daring hostage rescue. Jared Rosenberg has been hired to adapt the non-fiction book, which draws on Muse’s harrowing experiences, into a film. It is being produced by Toby Jaffe and his new venture, RDV Films. Read all about it in Variety.
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Elaine’s Literary Salon
About Elaine’s: Elaine’s modern Mediterranean cuisine is based on exquisite food found in Alexandria, Egypt. The unique style is best described as Middle Eastern with French, Greek, and Italian influences. Elaine’s is located at 208 Queen Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314. The 1880 building, the previous home of Bilbo Baggins for 38 years, has been completely renovated with a new look and feel. The restaurant is located in the heart of Old Town’s Historic District within sight of the Potomac River. Founders Park, The Torpedo Factory Art Center, and Old Town Alexandria Waterfront are only blocks away. Elaine’s is named after the owner’s grandmother. When the owner was twelve years old in Cairo, Egypt, she promised her grandmother that she would someday own a restaurant and name it after her. The owner proudly shares her family’s recipes with the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Make a reservation today: elaines-restaurant.com.
Watch the interview on Inkandescent.tv!
About our Elaine’s Literary Salon Host 
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