From The Author
What Makes a Great Spy Thriller? 5 Elements to Keep Readers Hooked
Spy thrillers vary tremendously, from James Bond to Jason Bourne, to Pike Logan, Scot Horvath, and my own Petra Shirazi. This genre captivates us because
Overcoming Writers Block and Staying Inspired: Practical Tips from a Thriller Author
Every writer I know—bestsellers, debut authors, even myself at 50,000 words into a manuscript—has faced the same paralyzing thought: I can’t write today. That’s writer’s
Creating Compelling Characters Readers Truly Care About
One of the most common compliments I receive from readers isn’t about the twists in my spy thrillers, but about Petra Shirazi. They tell me
How to Write a Gripping Spy Thriller
I still remember the jolt of adrenaline the first time a reader told me they missed their subway stop because they were “too deep in
How the Ahriman Series Was Born: My Journey into Spy Fiction Writing
Writing international thrillers was never on my five-year plan. I was busy analyzing infrastructure loans in Madagascar and drafting policy memos in Washington, D.C., hardly
How to Build a Writing Habit: 10 Steps That Actually Work
Writing a novel sounds romantic until you realize that inspiration doesn’t show up every day, and life definitely doesn’t slow down to make room for
Biggest First Chapter Mistakes New Fiction Writers Make
Writing the first chapter of a novel is like standing at the edge of a cliff. The view is breathtaking, the possibilities endless, and the
How to Start Writing Fiction: A Real Author’s Advice
One of the most common questions I get, whether at a book signing, in my inbox, or over coffee, is this: “How do I start
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