Spy Thrillers: Tradecraft, Tension, and Real World Inspiration

What does it take to write a convincing spy thriller? In this session, authors share the experiences, research, and real world encounters that informed their stories. The discussion covers contemporary and historical espionage, fascinating tradecraft details, and the challenges of bringing the secret world of spies to life on the page.

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What It’s Like to Operate in the Shadows

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Some stories can only come from lived experience. Leo J. Maloney recounts moments from his work as a black operative inside a clandestine government agency, showing how real missions shape tension, pacing, and character choices. This session gives writers insight into...