On this episode of Spybrary, I welcome back one of today's finest spy fiction authors, Paul Vidich. We're diving into his gripping new novel, The Poet's Game, a contemporary espionage thriller rooted in the tense geopolitics of modern-day Russia and the United States. Paul joins me to unpack the creative process, real-life inspirations, and the deeply personal conflicts faced by his latest protagonist, Alex Matthews.
We explore how Paul's personal family connections to the intelligence world have shaped his storytelling, and what drives him to keep revisiting the morally complex world of spies. From constructing rich character backstories to virtually navigating the streets of Moscow via Google Street View, Paul reveals the meticulous research and layered writing that make his novels so immersive. Tune in to hear about literary Easter eggs, historical intrigue, and the emotional depths that define The Poet's Game.
[2:22] - Paul shares the real-life inspiration behind his enduring fascination with spy fiction. [4:50] - The 2017 White House meeting that sparked the idea for The Poet's Game.
[7:42] - Decoding the significance of the title and the poetic codenames in the novel.
[11:21] - How personal loss and professional guilt shape protagonist Alex Matthews.
[18:47] - The secrets to vividly portraying cities like Moscow without ever visiting.
[24:42] - The role of real historical figures and why Paul doesn't shy away from controversy. [32:25] - The E. Howard Hunt Easter egg and why The Judas Hour made it into the story. [42:54] - What Paul hopes readers will take away from The Poet's Game.
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