EPISODE · Oct 7, 2025 · 41 MIN
Behind the Spy Novels: David McCloskey on THE PERSIAN
from The Fresh Fiction Podcast · host Fresh Fiction Media
Former CIA analyst and bestselling author David McCloskey joins Samantha Tennant from FreshFiction.com to discuss his newest spy thriller, THE PERSIAN. They dive deep into the book’s origins, the shadow war between Israel and Iran, the creative chaos of first drafts, and how real-world geopolitics keep catching up to his fiction. Plus, hear how a Swedish dentist and a Mossad officer inspired one of his most complex stories yet.
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What this episode covers
In this episode, Samantha sits down with David McCloskey, author of DAMASCUS STATION, MOSCOW X, THE SEVENTH FLOOR, and now The Persian. McCloskey opens up about his writing process—how a terrible first draft turns into a masterclass spy novel—and the challenge of creating authentic tradecraft without giving away secrets. They talk redemption, moral gray zones, and why he thinks all of us might be “double agents” in our own lives. You’ll also hear how his wife plays the role of first reader, how real spy stories sneak into his fiction, and what might be next for his Hollywood deals.
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Behind the Spy Novels: David McCloskey on THE PERSIAN
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