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March 25, 2025

Spies, Lies, and the Secrets We Keep – Spy fiction, what is it and how do we write it?

In this 2-part event, get a a deeper understanding of what makes a novel fall into the spy fiction genre, as well as how to write stories that possess the basic elements of spy novels. The principles also apply to thriller and mystery genres.

Book Pipeline

Book Pipeline connects writers to publishers, agents, and the film industry through competitions and workshops, providing hands-on support to bridge the gap between emerging authors and the industry since 2014.

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Script Pipeline connects writers with producers, agents, and managers, facilitating over $8 million in sales through competitions and ongoing industry support, helping launch major films and secure high-profile representation since 1999.

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Film Pipeline connects filmmakers and writers with agencies and executives, focusing on diverse storytelling and playing an active role in developing and promoting projects, reviewing thousands of submissions annually since its launch in 2018.

Spies, Lies, and the Secrets We Keep – Spy fiction, what is it and how do we write it?

Scheduled

Tuesday, March 25, 2025

Time

7 pm EDT / 4 pm PDT

Duration

4 Hours

Cost

$65

Subject

Publishing

Topic

Craft

Two-Part Event:

March 25th: 4-6 p.m. PT | 7-9 p.m. ET
April 1st: 4-6 p.m. PT | 7-9 p.m. ET

This two-part symposium explores the unique elements and techniques for writing spy fiction.

The symposium will open with a discussion about the real world of espionage and intelligence agencies, but the focus is to examine the following:

  • The basic components of spy fiction
  • The traditional as well as unique facets of character and character arcs
  • How to develop intrigue and conflict in an espionage context
  • How to use dialogue and setting
  • The various writing styles that comprise spy fiction
  • Research methods
  • Q&A

At the conclusion of this two-part event, the intent is for attendees to have a deeper understanding of what makes a novel fall into the spy fiction genre, as well as how to write stories that possess the basic elements of spy novels.

Additionally, although the majority of the discussion will be around spy fiction, the principles discussed are applicable to thrillers and mysteries in general.

Both sessions will be recorded.

Questions about registration? Check our handy FAQ page.

*NOTE: If you want the recording sent to you, do not check off the box in the Zoom Events registration process that restricts us from obtaining your email address and do not unsubscribe from Symposium emails.

Confirmation emails come from Zoom Events—search your inbox for noreply-zoomevents@zoom.us—not Pipeline Media Group.

Host

Adam Sikes
Adam Sikes is a former paramilitary officer with the CIA and a US Marine Corps combat veteran. He has operated around the world, and his experiences now inform his writing. His first novel, Landslide, was a finalist for the National Indie Excellence Awards, and his latest novel, The Underhanded, was a finalist for the American Fiction Awards. Adam holds […]

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March 25, 2025

Spies, Lies, and the Secrets We Keep – Spy fiction, what is it and how do we write it?

In this 2-part event, get a a deeper understanding of what makes a novel fall into the spy fiction genre, as well as how to write stories that possess the basic elements of spy novels. The principles also apply to thriller and mystery genres.

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Symposium, presented by Pipeline Artists, is a year-round virtual conference empowering creatives with honest, no-nonsense guidance across the arts. Through seminars, industry panels, and Town Hall discussions on screenwriting, filmmaking, publishing, and career-building, Symposium offers grounded advice from working professionals to help you forge your own unique path.

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