MJ Javani Combines Personal History and Intelligence Experience to Craft Authentic Espionage Thrillers
Espionage Thrillers Grounded in Cultural Authenticity and Real-World Intelligence
MJ Javani blends personal history and CIA experience to write compelling espionage thrillers, offering authenticity in geopolitical elements, cultural nuance, and suspenseful narratives that challenge modern political correctness and entertain readers.
MJ Javani’s espionage thrillers bring a refreshing level of authenticity to the genre, offering a powerful narrative that’s deeply rooted in the real-world complexities of international politics. His personal experiences as a CIA operative with Iranian roots and his commitment to cultural accuracy elevate his work beyond simple thrillers. Fans of espionage fiction will find his stories engaging, well-researched, and full of unexpected twists. Read the full interview in Reader’s House Magazine for deeper insights into Javani’s journey and his approach to writing espionage thrillers.
MJ Javani’s blend of personal experience and professional expertise delivers a fresh, authentic voice in espionage thrillers, captivating readers with depth.
MJ Javani’s thrillers offer an exciting, realistic take on espionage, grounded in deep cultural and political insights. His main character, Janusz Soltani, is the heart of the Janusz Soltani trilogy, beginning with The Buraq Project. Inspired by an individual Javani met during his time at the CIA, Soltani’s unique background – with a Polish mother and Iranian father – allows him to navigate a variety of languages and cultures, making him a perfect candidate for espionage work.
Javani explains, “Someone with such a unique background absorbs a variety of languages and cultures, which is a great advantage for a spy. These types of people also have physical characteristics that allow them to blend into different environments seamlessly.”
Drawing on his own experience as an intelligence operative with Iranian roots, Javani ensures his novels reflect a cultural and political authenticity that is often missing from other espionage thrillers. “The Janusz Soltani trilogy is about the Iranian regime and its activities around the globe,” he explains. “I wanted to write a story with more authenticity, reflecting the realities of the world, without the unrealistic portrayals that some other bestselling authors present.”
The Geopolitical Landscape
The Middle Eastern geopolitical elements in Javani’s novels are informed by both personal experience and his fifteen years working in the American intelligence community. In The Buraq Project, for instance, the plot revolves around Iran’s development of Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs), requiring Javani to delve into complex scientific research to make the story accurate. Similarly, Operation Devil’s Vengeance, the second book in the series, touches on the weaponisation of the Marburg virus, a highly contagious pathogen, which involved rigorous research into the immune system and hemorrhagic fevers.
“Espionage thrillers require discussions of advanced technologies to excite readers,” Javani says. “It’s essential to balance the thrill with realistic, technical knowledge.”
The Challenges of Writing Spy Fiction
One of the greatest challenges Javani faces is the secrecy that surrounds his intelligence work. As a former CIA agent, he is bound by a lifetime nondisclosure agreement, meaning that any work he publishes must go through the CIA’s Publications Review Board. This process, which can take months, sometimes results in redactions, even in works of fiction. “The review process is time-consuming, and if you’re on a tight deadline with publishers, it can make things difficult,” he admits. Despite these hurdles, Javani’s dedication to accuracy and realism remains unwavering.
Political Correctness in Modern Espionage Fiction
Javani is also vocal about the limitations that political correctness has placed on modern storytelling. “Over the past fifteen years, the boundaries for honest debate have eroded, and it’s made it harder to write fiction that stays true to the complexities of the world,” he says. “My books do not bow down to political correctness or woke orthodoxy. If you take offense to my attempts to entertain, my novels may not be for you.”
Balancing Suspense and Accuracy
When discussing his approach to balancing suspense with political and cultural accuracy, Javani emphasizes the importance of fear. “Suspense is about fear—the fear of not knowing what comes next for the character the reader has come to care about. Political and cultural accuracy should enhance the story, not drag it down. When done right, both elements complement each other and create a more immersive experience.”
Advice for Aspiring Authors
For aspiring espionage writers, Javani offers some straightforward advice: “Don’t get intimidated by what others think about your writing. Keep working at it, and don’t be afraid to revise and refine. The process is never perfect, but you just have to keep going.”
Originally published in Reader’s House Magazine.
