Spy Novel Writing Guide (Urdu) by Shahzad Bashir

“Spy Novel Writing: What – Why – How? An Introduction”

Read the column by Shahzad Bashir — widely regarded as the best spy fiction writer in Urdu.

★ Many readers are curious about how I write spy novels. And honestly, this curiosity is very natural. I had the same question since childhood: How do famous spy writers like Ibn-e-Safi, Ishtiaq Ahmed, and others actually write their novels?
Because anyone can claim to be a spy-fiction writer, but proving it — and earning readers’ approval — is the real test. Spy-fiction readers instantly sense authenticity.
Many new writers send me their spy stories, and the biggest issue I notice is a lack of proper information and research. This post may help them.
Although I still consider myself a student in this genre, I have written sixty novels in the past five years. Based on what I’ve learned, I’ll try to guide you. If readers appreciate this, I will continue the series.

★ Spy-fiction itself has many branches: international conspiracies, global missions, domestic plots, crime detection, murder mysteries, high-profile cases, courtroom stories, police files, and individual espionage.
For now, this is only an introductory overview. If readers like it, I’ll write more detailed columns on specific aspects and the essentials of spy-novel writing.

Note: My book “Learn Novel Writing” has been delayed since last year; I am completing it and will publish it next year, InshaAllah. Limited copies will be printed, so interested readers may book in advance.
Now, let’s proceed to the main topic.

★ In spy-novel writing, originality is what binds the reader to your work. I have four spy-fiction series. Two of them — Inspector Jarrar Series and DSP Tahir Series — focus on crime solving, police investigations, modern gadgets, courtroom proceedings, and presenting the full case logically.
The Ridwan Series deals with international conspiracies and the adventures of a courageous family.
The Vicky–Mona Series is entirely different — set in a Western environment with Eastern characters: Vicky, a boxer, and Mona, a rock climber.

★ Spy writing is challenging because it requires logic, reasoning, and accurate information to satisfy readers.
Supernatural, magical, or horror stories don’t rely on logic — anything can happen. But spy fiction is grounded in facts and realistic reasoning.

★ A proper spy novel involves a crime, clues, investigation, identification of the culprit, evidence, and finally a climax where all scattered puzzle pieces fit into one frame. Only then do readers consider it a great spy novel.

★ In simple words, you must first imagine the full story, then consciously break it into puzzle-like pieces that gradually increase the reader’s curiosity. When all pieces come together at the end, the reader should feel satisfied, informed, and rewarded — that their time and money were worth it.

★ For new writers, this post can become a starting point. If you want to write spy fiction, the formula is simple:
Create the story → Build the plot → Write the crime, investigation, and climax with solid logic.

★ Characterization is the most important part of a spy novel. Then come dialogues and scene-building. When all puzzle pieces finally connect, you have created a strong novel.
Share it with friends and your social circle. Accept constructive criticism. Then post it in a good spy-fiction group to build your reader base.
Remember, you will meet exceptional readers who have consumed countless spy novels and can instantly judge quality.

★ Your first challenge is not competing with other writers — it is facing the elite circle of spy-fiction readers. They can dissect your novel in detail. Their approval is meaningful because they truly understand spy fiction.

★ This is a demanding genre. If you don’t read spy novels, don’t research crimes, investigations, and modern technology, it will be difficult to establish yourself.
Research is the backbone of spy writing. You cannot start an investigation in your story until you know the climax. Many writers start easily but later get stuck because they did not plan properly.

★ Always outline your story carefully. Build a strong plot. Focus deeply on characterization. Study crimes, motives, and investigative procedures. I rely on books as well as the internet. Many contain fascinating information that can spark ideas for entire novels — but writing experience is essential.

★ Surprises are crucial in spy novels. Each chapter should end in a way that forces the reader to turn the next page.
This “surprise element” showcases the writer’s skill.
A simple, straightforward story — crime, investigation, arrest — is not enough.

★ This post is also for readers who want to understand this genre — whether they are shifting from other genres or are writers looking to improve.

★ Remember, I am still a learner. I have written around fifty spy novels so far, and whatever I’ve learned from my four spy-fiction series is what I’ve shared here.

If you liked this column or learned something new, do comment and share your thoughts.
Thank you for reading.

— Written by: Shahzad Bashir
Spy Fiction Author — widely known as the best spy fiction writer in Urdu

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