ABOUT THIS EPISODE
🎙 Intelligence Conversations | Marc La Ferrière — From CSIS Officer to Spy Novelist
In this episode of Intelligence Conversations, Neil Bisson — retired CSIS intelligence officer and Director of the Global Intelligence Knowledge Network — sits down with Marc La Ferrière, a retired CSIS intelligence officer, Pillar Society member, and author of the novel Escalating Fury.
Marc reflects on his atypical 30-plus-year career with CSIS, which spanned the pre-9/11 era through to modern intelligence operations. He discusses what first sparked his interest in intelligence work, his time in regional roles in Vancouver, his experience in training and internal security, and how he moved back and forth between operational and non-operational positions over the course of his career.
The conversation then turns to what led Marc to start writing. He explains the catalyst behind his first book, an autobiography, and how that project eventually pushed him into fiction. Marc opens up about the realities of being a self-published author, including the challenges, discipline, and creative demands of the process.
Neil and Marc dive into his novel Escalating Fury, where Marc shares what inspired the story, how his intelligence background shaped the narrative, and how he developed the book’s main character, Zak Power. Marc also walks listeners through his writing technique, how he structures his work, and when readers can expect the next installment in the series.
As a bilingual Canadian author, Marc also discusses the advantages and challenges of writing in both official languages, and how working in both French and English has shaped his creative approach.
This episode offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the transition from intelligence officer to novelist — and how real-world intelligence experience informs fictional storytelling.
📚 Connect with Marc & Get His Books
Connect with Marc:
Facebook: Marc La Fury
Instagram: Marc La Fury
LinkedIn: Marc La Ferrière
Email: marclaferriere25@gmail.com
Marc is frequently out and about in the Ottawa–Gatineau region and is often happy to meet in person — which means you may be able to purchase a copy of his books directly from him and get a personally signed copy.
Where to get Marc’s books:
📖 Escalating Fury (ebook):
https://librairielouisfrechette.ca/fr/Produit-24965-Escalating-Fury-Neuf-Format-Regulier
📚 All available titles:
https://www.booksellers.ca/catalogue?s=Marc%20La%20Ferrière&sort=pertinence
