Sources & Methods Tradecraft and secrets of a CIA analyst-turned novelist
21 snips
Sep 29, 2025 
David McCloskey, a former CIA analyst and novelist, shares insights from his unique background in spy fiction. He reveals how authentic CIA tradecraft informs his storytelling, creating a captivating blend of reality and fiction. McCloskey discusses the delicate balance of classified information and censorship through the CIA review board. He parallels real-life conflicts, specifically Israel-Iran tensions, with plot elements in his novel. His latest book dives into the complexities of the US-UK special relationship, hinting at an intriguing narrative on espionage.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Authenticity Anchors His Fiction
- David McCloskey prioritizes authentic settings and tradecraft drawn from his CIA experience when building fiction.
- He layers real lingo and operational detail to make stories feel true to intelligence work.
Surveillance Scene Based On Real Practices
- McCloskey describes a scene where Mossad-recruited Kamran conducts realistic surveillance in Iran using genuine techniques.
- He credits CIA and Mossad conversations for the operational authenticity in that sequence.
Redaction Rules Can Be Unpredictable
- Publication review can be inconsistent about what stays classified versus what is allowed to be published.
- McCloskey notes surprising redactions and surprising allowances during CIA review.
