The Real Story

I'm Tired of People Trying to Guilt Me Into Buying Their Book

Here's the only reason you should support *my* art: because you want to!

Oct 24 • Brent Hartinger

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The Writer’s Dilemma: Swing for the Fences — or Play It Safe?

At first glance, the answer seems obvious. But the more I think about, the more I’m torn.

Oct 11 • Brent Hartinger

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Turkey is Engaged in a Massive Crackdown Against Gays. The World is Mostly Ignoring It.

I used to live in Turkey. And what’s happening there is breaking my heart.

Oct 3 • Brent Hartinger and Michael Jensen

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May 2026

I Divide Art into Two Categories: Dessert or Broccoli. But the Best Projects Are Both.

And I think the audience usually agrees.

May 24 • 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 • Brent Hartinger

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April 2026

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 • Brent Hartinger

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January 2026

A Good Story Makes Everything Better — Even Amusement Park Rides

Journey to the Center of the Earth at DisneySea in Tokyo is the best ride I've ever been on.

Jan 29 • 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 • Brent Hartinger

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December 2025

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 • Brent Hartinger

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November 2025

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 • Brent Hartinger

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September 2025

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 • 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 • Brent Hartinger

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