

From CIA Secrets to Bestsellers: Barry Eisler on Writing What’s Real
9 snips Oct 1, 2025
Barry Eisler, a former CIA covert operations officer turned bestselling thriller novelist, shares his insights on blending truth with fiction in storytelling. He discusses the inspiration behind his latest novel, The System, exploring themes of power and compromise in Washington. Eisler elaborates on his research methods, which include personal experience and expert interviews, ensuring authenticity in his writing. He also critiques political communication strategies and proposes innovative solutions, such as universal basic income, to reshape economic narratives.
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Power Shapes Politicians' Priorities
- Barry Eisler says novels show how power reshapes ideals and priorities once people enter government.
- Real power, he argues, lies with military‑industrial, Wall Street, Silicon Valley and lobbying, not congressional politics.
Layer Your Research Before Writing
- Use three research levels: personal experience, internet for foundation, then books for depth.
- Finally interview real experts and iterate your questions from prior research before writing.
Do A Final Expert Check
- After drafting scenes, show passages to real practitioners who do the thing you describe.
- Use their feedback to correct small but glaring errors before publication.