Soap superstar Jon Lindstrom is set to release his second novel, Hollywood Payback, on April 14, 2026, and the longtime soap star is opening up about what he enjoys most about writing.
Lindstrom spoke with longtime soap journalist Roger Newcomb of We Love Soaps about his upcoming novel and his time on Beyond the Gates.
When asked what he learned between writing the first and second novel, Lindstrom said, “That I genuinely enjoy writing.”
He added that his writing routine starts early in the day. “I’m an early‑morning writer—up at 5:00 or 5:30, and I don’t check email or texts. It’s peaceful.”
The actor also addressed whether writing feels isolating. “People ask if it’s lonely, but no—you’ve got all these voices in your head,” he said. “Honestly, I prefer it to sitting in a development meeting with people who haven’t read the material but still have opinions.”
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The actor previously teased that his first novel, Hollywood Hustle, is being developed for an on-screen adaptation.
Lindstrom is perhaps best known for his portraying twins, serial killer Ryan Chamberlain and Dr. Kevin Collins, on the ABC soap opera General Hospital, roles he originated beginning in 1992.
In 1997 Lindstrom crossed his character Kevin Collins over to the spinoff series Port Charles.
Lindstrom made his daytime debut as Brady Chapin on Rituals in 1984, later joining Santa Barbara in 1985. He also played Craig Montgomery for the final two years of As the World Turns from 2008 to 2010.
He currently portrays the role of mob boss Joey Armstrong on the CBS soap opera Beyond the Gates while making occasional appearances on General Hospital as Kevin Collins.
Beyond the Gates airs new episodes weekdays on CBS and weeknights on Paramount Plus. Viewers can watch episodes from the beginning on Paramount Plus or on Pluto TV’s dedicated 24/7 Beyond the Gates FAST channel.
Hollywood Payback, the sequel to his debut novel Hollywood Hustle, can be pre-ordered at all major book retailers.
