Mark Greaney is one of the most successful thriller authors working today — a #1 New York Times bestselling writer who built an entire spy fiction universe with his Gray Man series and helped carry forward Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan legacy. His novels have become global hits, translated into dozens of languages, and turned into major motion pictures on Netflix starring high-profile talent. We dive deep into what separates hobbyists from career storytellers, why meticulous research matters, and how Greaney approaches pacing, character, and realism in a crowded genre. In this episode, Greaney walks us through his journey from early drafts to international bestseller, the hustle behind sustaining a long-running series, and how real-world preparation — from travel to tactical training — feeds the kind of action readers devour but seldom see the work behind. The Hard Line: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/786216/the-hard-line-by-mark-greaney/ Today's Sponsors: Black Rifle Coffee: https://www.blackriflecoffee.com Helix: Go to https://www.helixsleep.com/CLEAREDHOT for 27% off sitewide. Better Help: Listeners get 10% off their first month at https://www.BetterHelp.com/clearedhot