The Real Story
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My name is Brent Hartinger. I write novels and screenplays.
This website and newsletter are about my books and movies — and also the story of my career. Click here if it's your first visit.
Jul 3, 2023
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Brent Hartinger
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I Divide Art into Two Categories: Dessert or Broccoli. But the Best Projects Are Both.
And I think the audience usually agrees!
3 hrs ago
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Brent Hartinger
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I Once Met Keanu Reeves and River Phoenix. But I Was More Interested in River's Girlfriend, Martha Plimpton.
Also, I'm recommending a fantastic movie you've probably never heard of.
May 2
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Brent Hartinger
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Most Popular
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Five Stupid Plot Twists in Otherwise Great Movies
Sep 17, 2025
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Brent Hartinger
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Are Sex Scenes Gratuitous?
Nov 4, 2023
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Brent Hartinger
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How Do You Successfully Self-Publish Your Book?
Dec 13, 2023
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Brent Hartinger
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The Secrets to Being a Successful Writer
Sep 29, 2024
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Brent Hartinger
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Madonna vs. Cyndi Lauper: What Their Careers Taught Me About Art
Jun 20, 2023
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Brent Hartinger
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My Friend Laura Died Yesterday. If I Hadn't Met Her, I'd Be a Different Person Today.
Nov 23, 2025
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Brent Hartinger
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Latest
Top
Discussions
Movies and Books Aren't Dead Yet. And I'm Not Either.
I have a weirdly optimistic prediction about the future of entertainment — and my writing career.
Apr 5
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Brent Hartinger
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A Good Story Makes Everything Better — Even Amusement Park Rides
Journey to the Center of the Earth at Disney Sea in Tokyo is the best ride ever created.
Jan 29
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Brent Hartinger
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John Wasn't the "Cool" Beatle. Paul Was.
Last year, I visited Liverpool, and it reminded me of a really important lesson for all artists.
Jan 2
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Brent Hartinger
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The Time of the Elves is Over. And by "Elves," I Mean "Writers of Fiction."
What's next for us in a world of AI and social media?
Dec 1, 2025
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Brent Hartinger
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My Friend Laura Died Yesterday. If I Hadn't Met Her, I'd Be a Different Person Today.
Life sucks. But sometimes it's also magic.
Nov 23, 2025
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Brent Hartinger
53
47
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Should Charlie Brown Have Been Allowed to Finally Kick the Football?
What I've decided living in a land of ancient wisdom.
Sep 29, 2025
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Brent Hartinger
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Five Stupid Plot Twists in Otherwise Great Movies
Just because a film is fantastic doesn't mean it's perfect.
Sep 17, 2025
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Brent Hartinger
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The Real Story
The website and newsletter of novelist/screenwriter Brent Hartinger. The story of my writing career is almost as interesting as my books and movies!
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BRENT AND MICHAEL ARE GOING PLACES
A newsletter about my husband and me traveling the world!
MICHAEL JENSEN
The website of my husband, a fellow novelist.
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