DAVID McCLOSKEY | CIA Spycraft and Fixing Plot Holes (Ep. 573)
Feb 29, 2024
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Former CIA analyst turned novelist David McCloskey discusses his journey, CIA myths vs realities, security risks at the southern border, and transitioning to writing. He shares insights on espionage narratives and resilience during the interview.
Transition from CIA analyst to novelist was influenced by desire for change and risk-taking.
Writing process involves intuitive crafting, multiple drafts, and thorough research for narrative coherence.
Dispelling misperceptions, writing a novel requires hard work, revisions, and attention to detail.
Deep dives
Transition from CIA Analyst to Novelist
David McCloskey, a former CIA analyst, transitioned into becoming a novelist, writing books like 'Damascus Station' and 'Moscow X'. This transition was influenced by his desire for change and a more normal life, moving from DC to Dallas. He took a consulting job before fully committing to writing, a move that required him to 'burn the ships' and take the risk of pursuing his passion for writing.
Writing Process and Research Approach
David describes his writing process as intuitive, where he crafts the story as he writes, rather than following a detailed outline. He acknowledges the need for multiple drafts, typically around 10, to refine the characters, plot, and solve inconsistencies. Research is done as needed, with initial focus on getting the story down on paper before diving deep into specific details like safe cracking or international contexts.
Identifying and Addressing Plot Holes
During the editing process, David tackles plot holes, characterization issues, and inconsistencies that arise in the manuscript. He refines the narrative structure to ensure coherence and eliminates any story elements that don't align with the characters or overall plot. David emphasizes the importance of maintaining narrative continuity and believability throughout the writing and editing stages.
Misperceptions about the Writing and Editing Process
David dispels common misperceptions about the writing and editing process, highlighting the arduous nature of crafting a novel. He challenges the romanticized view of writing as a glamorous or effortless endeavor, stressing the hard work, multiple revisions, and attention to detail required in the publishing world. By sharing insights into the meticulous editing and rewriting involved, David provides a realistic portrayal of the challenges writers face in bringing a book to fruition.
The Struggle of Getting Started
Starting any endeavor, whether writing, working out, or learning a new skill, can be daunting. The feeling of facing a blank page is akin to the initial stages of various tasks where progress feels slow and challenging. Success in life often comes from consistent small decisions and actions rather than grand leaps, underscoring the importance of persistence and dedication.
Balancing Realism and Fiction in Writing
In creating his novels, the author blends truth and fiction to maintain authenticity while crafting compelling narratives. By incorporating genuine espionage elements and CIA practices alongside fictional plot twists, the stories strive to engage readers while keeping a sense of realism. This balancing act aims to build a solid foundation of credibility within the imaginative world of espionage, ensuring an immersive and captivating reading experience.
In this episode, we welcome David McCloskey to the show. He is a former CIA Analyst turned novelist. While in the CIA, he worked in field stations across the Middle East and briefed senior White House officials and Arab royalty. He has written two novels: Damascus Station and his newest book Moscow X. In this interview, we discuss what led him to working at the CIA, common misperceptions of the work the CIA does, what a day in the life of a CIA analyst looks like, whether or not the CIA has “black ops” groups, whether or not the CIA is spying on American citizen, what the federal government knows about potential terrorists crossing our porous southern border, why he decided to leave the CIA and become a professional writer, the major mistakes that he has made in his writing career, misperceptions of the publishing world, his writing and research process, and much more. Let’s get into it…
