David Cariens is a retired CIA officer. He spent most of his thirty-one years at the Agency as a political analyst dealing with Eastern Europe. In this capacity he wrote for all levels of the U.S. government--from the President to the working level analysts and policymakers.
Dave served as an officer overseas in Eastern Europe and as an editor at the BBC/Foreign Broadcast Information Service facility outside London. He headed the CIA University program to teach new analysts writing and briefing skills. He also served on the CIA's Inspector General’s staff. Cariens currently teaches Intelligence Analysis and Writing for the Intelligence Community. In addition to his work in the U.S., Dave has taught intelligence and crime analysis for the RoyDavid Cariens is a retired CIA officer. He spent most of his thirty-one years at the Agency as a political analyst dealing with Eastern Europe. In this capacity he wrote for all levels of the U.S. government--from the President to the working level analysts and policymakers.
Dave served as an officer overseas in Eastern Europe and as an editor at the BBC/Foreign Broadcast Information Service facility outside London. He headed the CIA University program to teach new analysts writing and briefing skills. He also served on the CIA's Inspector General’s staff. Cariens currently teaches Intelligence Analysis and Writing for the Intelligence Community. In addition to his work in the U.S., Dave has taught intelligence and crime analysis for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Correctional Service of Canada, and he has taught for the Singapore Police. He served as a member of the Ad-hoc Program Advisory Committee (PAC) relative to the development of the Bachelor of Applied Public Safety (BAPS) - Specialization in Crime and Intelligence Analysis at Seneca College, Toronto, Canada. He teaches a course at the University of Richmond’s Osher Institute entitled, “What Should We Expect From Intelligence.” He is also an adjunct professor in Virginia Commonwealth University’s Homeland Security Department. His new textbook, “A Handbook for Intelligence and Crime Analysts” is slated for publication in 2015.
Dave is also a victims' rights advocate, working pro bono for the families of the Virginia Tech shootings. ...more
David CariensEvery writer has to deal with writer’s block. I have to cope with it all the time. To get over writer’s block I sit down and start putting ideas down …moreEvery writer has to deal with writer’s block. I have to cope with it all the time. To get over writer’s block I sit down and start putting ideas down on the subject as they come to mind. I don’t worry about spelling, grammar or punctuation—I just want the ideas. From the ideas patterns begin to form. I also keep a list of words and sentences. When I read I make a list of the words or sentences the author uses that inspire me. I take notes on all books that I read. Words are a wonderful inspiration and I re-read my list frequently for inspiration. I hope this helps.(less)
David CariensThere are so many things that are great about being a writer. My whole life I wanted to write. From the time I was six (and used my father’s typewrite…moreThere are so many things that are great about being a writer. My whole life I wanted to write. From the time I was six (and used my father’s typewriter against his orders not to touch it), I wanted/knew I would write. Every stage of my writing life has been fulfilling—they have been different and each stage has been fulfilling. What is best? Well, the honor and thrill of knowing that someone thinks enough of what you have to say to read your words, and in some cases they find inspiration. Creativity is a marvelous think, and as writers we are creative. For me, creativity (writing) is the essence of the meaning of life. And, perhaps in some small way some of my words will help someone or enrich someone’s life—nothing can be better than that.(less)