TY MITCHELL's BLOG

She’s fearless under fire, dangerous when crossed, and loyal only to the truth. Dive into the real history behind Zasha Avery — and uncover what drives The Catalogue’s most unpredictable player.

What if The Catalogue hit Netflix as a gritty espionage thriller? Picture Richard Madden leading an all-star cast with twists, betrayals, and high-stakes secrets. I pulled together my dream cast and a cinematic poster to show you exactly how it could look.

Jake Penny didn’t arrive fully formed—he grew from fragments of memory, inspiration, and real-life influence. In this behind-the-scenes dive, I share how I built his character, the traits that make him tick, and the people who inspired him. Plus, a few bits of trivia fans won’t find in The Catalogue.

Relatable characters are the heart of every story. In this post, I share what I’ve learned about making readers truly care—why flaws matter more than perfection, how small details breathe life into characters, and how empathy, not likability, is the real key to connection.

This article explores how to weave worldbuilding into plot and character without slowing the pace. From revealing setting through action to trimming excess detail, these tips show how to immerse readers in a believable world without overwhelming them.

Discover how I shifted from freewheeling pantsing to meticulous plotting in my spy thriller writing. I share why thrillers demand structure, how outlining became my secret weapon for building tension, and why a detailed roadmap doesn’t kill creativity—it fuels it.

Ethan Parker isn’t who he first appears to be. In this behind-the-scenes look, I reveal the real history and inspirations behind one of my most complex characters—a trusted NSA agent who hides a darker truth until the very end. Discover how Ethan’s past shaped his shocking role in the story.