How to Create Suspense in Writing (Without Cheap Tricks)
You know the feeling. You’re reading a book, and suddenly you realize you’ve been holding your breath for three pages. The house is quiet, it’s
November 3, 2025
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Ahriman: The Spirit of Destruction
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Articles
3 Best Thrillers with Strong Female Protagonists
When I first began sketching Petra Shirazi, I wasn’t chasing a trend; I was trying to put a very specific woman on the page. Someone
October 30, 2025
Top 5 Must-Read Spy Thrillers (Classic to Modern)
Before I ever typed “Chapter One,” I was a reader with an overstuffed backpack and a habit of missing subway stops. Those commutes and long-haul
October 16, 2025
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
September 16, 2025
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
September 15, 2025
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
August 21, 2025