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.
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Brent Hartinger
The Weird and Wonderful MURIEL'S WEDDING is a Perfect Movie
This 1994 Australian film is on Netflix, and you should totally watch it. But is it really "feel-good"?
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Brent Hartinger
17
Are Sex Scenes Gratuitous?
Gen Z says yes. But here's the thing: I agree with them.
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Brent Hartinger
25
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What's the Difference Between Science and Magic?
 • Brent Hartinger
16
It's Not You. It's Really, Really Hard to Get a Major Book or Movie Deal Right Now
 • Brent Hartinger
17
Do Book Marketing Gimmicks Work?
 • Brent Hartinger
14
Are Sex Scenes Gratuitous?
 • Brent Hartinger
25
Twenty Years Ago, Everyone Thought My Gay Teen Novel Would Flop. They Were Wrong.
 • Brent Hartinger
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What Do You Call a Word That Can Mean Two Opposite Things?
A riddle for writers.
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Brent Hartinger
14
What I Learned From Getting Trapped in Some Mud as a Kid
Are freaked out Americans reacting to real concerns? Or did they just never learn how to manage stress?
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Brent Hartinger
2
What's the Difference Between Science and Magic?
In stories, I love both. But the two conceits explain the difference between science fiction and fantasy.
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Brent Hartinger
16
Do Book Marketing Gimmicks Work?
Yes! And no. Like everything, it depends.
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Brent Hartinger
14
Twenty Years Ago, Everyone Thought My Gay Teen Novel Would Flop. They Were Wrong.
My book, Geography Club, changed the world a little tiny bit — and utterly transformed my life.
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Brent Hartinger
9
The Secret of a Good Book Trailer
Does anyone watch book trailers anyway?
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Brent Hartinger
8
It's Not You. It's Really, Really Hard to Get a Major Book or Movie Deal Right Now
But weirdly, for writers, it's still kinda the best of times.
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Brent Hartinger
17
The Real Story
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!
links
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.

The Real Story

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