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Printed from https://shop.writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/10916-Espionage-for-writers.html
For Authors: August 11, 2021 Issue [#10916]




 This week: Espionage for writers
  Edited by: Vivian Author IconMail Icon
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Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter

         Several years ago, I took part in the Muse Online Writers Conference, and D.S. Kane (http://swiftshadow.com/) had a workshop on how to write about espionage realistically. The information I gained from that workshop will be helpful in some of my upcoming work, and I hope you'll find some of what I share will aid you, too.
         I miss the Muse Online Writers Conference, but I still often use some of the information gained in my writing to this day.

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Letter from the editor

Getting Started with Intelligence Agencies


         To begin writing a military or spy thriller, an author needs to have some knowledge of intelligence agencies.

         D.S. Kane listed ten intelligence agencies in the United States: CIA, NSA,FBI, DIA, NCIS, ATF, DEA, NRO, ONI, U.S. Marshals. He said he knows of sixteen, even though he didn't list that many. One that he didn't know about, and that I do because of my research for my work-in-progress (WIP), is the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI), the Air Force equivalent to NCIS.

         Of course other nations have their intelligence agencies, too, such as AFI (intelligence branch of the Israeli Air Force), The Mossad (Israel's "secret" service), MI-6 (Great Britain), and the former KGB (former Soviet Union).

         The more one knows about the intelligence agencies used in writing fiction, the more believable the writing is. Research is vital. I would suggest to begin with D.S. Kane (http://swiftshadow.com/) before going to some of the following works, just a short list of possibilites:

John Perkins, Confessions of an Economic Hit Man

John LeCarre, Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy

Thomas Gordon, Gideon's Spies: The Secret History of the Mossad

Peter Wright, Spy Catcher: The Candid Autobiography of a Senior Intelligence Officer

         Thank you, D.S. Kane for information to help writers be better writers.

         I don't often recommend TV shows as sources of information, but the shows about many military shows and government agencies gives a fictional glimpse into espionage and intelligence agencies. Those glimpses can give starting ideas for research. Never be afraid of research to make writing believable.


Editor's Picks

Writings from W.Com


 "Maccabee" excerpt Open in new Window. [13+]
A Jewish detective breaks up a Nazi spy ring.
by Matthew Buchwald Author Icon

 Sky Burial Open in new Window. [E]
Regarding Ethel and Julian Rosenberg, their trial, and their controversial executions.
by BeHereBook Author Icon

 It Had to Happen Open in new Window. [ASR]
A spoof of James Bond's ilk: villains, weapons, evil plots, and more! (Honorable Mention)
by LeeReay Author Icon

 The Peenemunde Secret Open in new Window. [13+]
Honorable Mention Winner in the Writer's Digest 2007 Popular Fiction Contest.
by StephBee Author Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor

 
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Word from Writing.Com

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Ask & Answer

Words from Our Readers


JCosmos Author IconMail Icon
thanks for doing this. Useful advice. Perhaps in a future posting you can discuss how to get started blogging. I have had a blog for a few years and finally am getting notice but getting started in hard for a lot of people. I use word press which is not the most user friendly. I tried google blog but decided to stick with what I know. thanks again.

          Blogging isn't my forte. The only way I know to start is to start.


K8 Author IconMail Icon
Thank you for writing this news letter. Marketing is not something I'm good at but I do enjoy. So I will put these ideas in action ASAP!

          I hope they help.



Lilli 🧿 ☕ Author IconMail Icon
Great tips! Thanks for the info!

         I'm glad to help.


Alex Morgan Author IconMail Icon
Vivian, in your first bullet, you recommend generating buzz and fan support before publishing. I do not have a big social media following, so where are other places one can start?

         Since most buzz is generated through social media, you will need to build that media following. If you can get newspaper interest, TV and radio interest, public appearances, then those may suffice.



Thanks for joining me this issue. I hope we're back together again next month.



Viv

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