Spy novelist's writing room
Author John le Carré showed 60 Minutes how he cut anything extraneous when he edited his work -- and why he avoided adjectives
Books
Tip 5: Writing routine
In 2017, the author’s daily ritual was early and uninterrupted -- A habit developed when he was writing in secret in MI6
Tip 4: Avoid fuzzy endings
The author told 60 Minutes why he felt he owed his readers a satisfying ending
Tip 2: Travel notebook
When le Carré traveled, he scribbled notes about everything he saw, heard and smelled, so he could draw on the experience later
Tip 3: Opening lines
John le Carré wanted to get his reader’s attention with his opening lines, to do that, he took a cue from Alfred Hitchcock.
Le Carré's newest novel
One of the world's most famous spy novelists reads from his celebrated works, including his newest novel "A Legacy of Spies"
Sneak peek at Dan Brown's "Origin"
Author Dan Brown is releasing the fifth installment of his internationally bestselling Robert Langdon series. His books, including "Angels & Demons" and "The Da Vinci Code," have sold more than 200 million copies and been turned into Hollywood blockbusters. Tune in Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2017 for Brown's live interview on "CBS This Morning."
Sarah Sanders calls Clinton's new book "sad"
White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders called Hillary Clinton's election post-mortem book "sad" Tuesday
Charting the summer's top entertainment
"Sunday Morning" checks out what were the biggest movies, songs and books of the season
Louise Penny on inspiration for Inspector Gamache books
Th bestselling mystery author's latest installment in the Inspector Gamache series, "Glass Houses," is out Aug. 29
In book, Clinton says Trump's debate stalking made her "skin crawl"
Former presidential candidate writes that Trump "loomed" behind her during the entire October debate
Jeannette Walls on writing "The Glass Castle"
The society columnist's bestselling memoir about her peripatetic family life growing up poor in West Virginia is now a film starring Brie Larson, Naomi Watts and Woody Harrelson
"How Dare the Sun Rise" interview
As a child, Sandra Uwiringiyimana escaped a violent war and made her way to the United States. Uwiringiyimana and journalist Abigail Pesta joined CBSN to discuss their book "How Dare the Sun Rise: Memoirs of a War Child," which deals with the trauma and transition of resettling.
George RR Martin working on next “Song of Ice and Fire”
There might be two Westeros books in 2018
Linda Fairstein on crime fiction and her latest, "Deadfall"
The best-selling mystery author of the Alexandra Cooper series says her long career as a prosecutor "gave me books"
2 new Harry Potter books set for October
Harry Potter universe is expanding yet again
Crime author Linda Fairstein
As a prosecutor in Manhattan's District Attorney's Office, Linda Fairstein pioneered the use of DNA evidence in cases against sexual offenders. She was even the inspiration for some of the tough prosecutors you see on TV. But Fairstein has made a second career for herself as an award-winning writer of crime novels featuring prosecutor Alex Cooper, including her 19th, "Deadfall." Lesley Stahl talks with Fairstein about the truth behind her fiction.
Linda Fairstein: Living the dream, one murder at a time
The former prosecutor is into her second act in life, as a prolific author of bestselling crime fiction
Book excerpt: "Deadfall" by Linda Fairstein
The latest volume in the crime series featuring New York City prosecutor Alexandra Cooper
Book excerpt: Al Gore's "An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power"
The former Vice President writes on promising technologies that will help the world phase out fossil fuels, and says the will to change social behaviors (such as relying on polluting energy sources) is itself a renewable resource
Gayle King interviews author
Imbolo Mbue's novel "Behold the Dreamers" has been receiving high praise. Recently, Oprah selected it for her book club. "CBS This Morning" co-host Gayle King sat down with Mbue on Facebook Live.
What are millennials reading? Chat fiction
Move over, e-books
Oprah on "Behold the Dreamers" book
In June Oprah Winfrey announced on "CBS This Morning" that "Behold the Dreamers" would be her next book club selection. Now we're learning more about why Winfrey chose Imbolo Mbue's book and how the work resonated with her.
Revival of James Baldwin's work
James Baldwin is widely considered to be one of the most influential writers and social critics of the 20th century. This year marks the 30th anniversary of his death. There has been a recent revival of interest in Baldwin's work, in part because of the Oscar-nominated film "I Am Not Your Negro." Now, the public can view a rare collection of Baldwin's work at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in New York City, and a collector's edition of Baldwin's "The Fire Next Time" is also being released Monday featuring photos by Steve Schapiro.
Louise Penny: How writing became her solace
The author's fictional Quebec town of Three Pines, the setting of her bestselling murder mysteries, is a safe harbor for her and her fans
Entertainment
Entertainment
Reporter details dinner with Reiner family
The Hollywood Reporter's Steven Zeitchik wrote an article detailing a dinner he had with Rob, Michele, Nick and his sister Romy Reiner at the Toronto International Film Festival 10 years ago. Zeitchik says, in hindsight, the conversations he had with them sheds light on a "dark dynamic" within the family. Zeitchik joined CBS News to discuss.
Nick Reiner will not be in court today due to medical reasons, attorney says
Nick Reiner, who is being held in connection with the murder of his parents Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner, will not be in court on Tuesday due to medical reasons, his attorney said.
Matt Rife tackles holiday chaos in new show
Comedian Matt Rife is known for poking fun at everything and everyone. Now, he's taking on Santa. He joins "CBS Mornings" to preview his new Netflix special, "Matt Rife: Unwrapped - A Christmas Crowd Work Special."
Storied career of "the king of country music"
George Strait, known as "the king of country music," has racked up more than 60 number one hits and the most certified platinum albums of any country artist. "CBS Mornings" takes a look back at the Kennedy Center honoree's storied career.
Hugh Jackman, Kate Hudson on "Song Sung Blue"
Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson are starring in one of this year's most anticipated movies, "Song Sung Blue," which is based on the real-life story of Mike and Claire Sardina. They join "CBS Mornings" to discuss their upcoming roles.
Anthony Geary, "General Hospital" star, dies at age 78
Anthony Geary, who played Luke Spencer on the long-running soap opera "General Hospital," has died.
Extended interview: Kate Hudson & Hugh Jackman
In this web exclusive, Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson, stars of the new film "Song Sung Blue," talk with Tracy Smith about playing Mike and Claire Sardina – real, not-very-famous musicians who performed a tribute act pretending to be very-famous musicians Neil Diamond and Patsy Cline. They also discuss singing, Neil Diamond's songs, and the Oscars (including, as Jackman was, being nominated opposite Daniel Day-Lewis).
Rob Reiner's political activism included landmark wins for marriage equality
Known as a popular Hollywood director, Rob Reiner also had a lengthy record of political and civic activism, especially in California.
Touting Warner Bros. offer, Netflix execs vow to keep releasing movies
Netflix co-CEOs Greg Peters and Ted Sarandos sought in a letter to tamp down concerns that the streaming giant is not committed to the movie business.
From the archives: Rob Reiner
In this Aug. 15, 2010 "Sunday Morning" profile, actor, writer and director Rob Reiner talked with Russ Mitchell about starring in the classic sitcom "All in the Family," and directing such hits as "Stand By Me," "The Princess Bride," "When Harry Met Sally" and "A Few Good Men."
Hollywood stars, politicians react to deaths of Rob Reiner and his wife
Tributes and condolences have poured in for the prolific director, actor and activist Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele, who were found dead Sunday in their home in Los Angeles.
Nick Reiner, son of Rob Reiner and wife Michele, arrested for their murders
Nick Reiner, a son of director Rob Reiner and his wife Michele, has been arrested on murder charges following their deaths, police said.
Members of rock band Kiss on road to fame
The legendary rock band Kiss, a Kennedy Center honoree this year, has sold more than 100 million records worldwide. Founding members Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley talk about their road to stardom.
Remembering Rob Reiner's life and legacy
Rob Reiner starred in "All in the Family" for eight seasons. He later went behind the camera and built a decades-long run as a director across multiple genres. Vlad Duthiers looks back at Reiner's legacy.
Rob Reiner remembered for beloved films, iconic performances
Rob Reiner was the son of a comedy giant who became one himself with movies such as "The Princess Bride," "When Harry Met Sally…" and "This is Spinal Tap."
U.S.
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Oregon hospital races to build a tsunami shelter as FEMA fights to cut funding
Columbia Memorial Hospital near Oregon's coastline is forging ahead with emergency plans in case of a major earthquake or tsunami.
Former Harvard morgue manager sentenced for selling body parts
A former morgue manager at Harvard Medical School was sentenced to eight years in prison for stealing and selling body parts donated for scientific research, the DOJ said.
House won't vote on health care tax credit extension, angering GOP moderates
An 11th-hour effort by moderate Republicans to put an extension on the floor for a vote failed Tuesday night.
Jared Kushner's private equity firm backs out of Paramount's bid for Warner Bros.
The exit came a week after Paramount Skydance made its $108.4 billion all-cash offer to Warner Bros. Discovery.
Former top vaccine official sues Trump administration over her firing
Dr. Jeanne Marrazzo succeeded Anthony Fauci in leading the vaccine research division at the National Institutes of Health.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
2 big unions balk at merger creating first U.S. transcontinental railroad
The proposed $85 billion merger of Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern railroads, which would create the first U.S. transcontinental railroad, has lost the support of two major unions.
Jared Kushner's private equity firm backs out of Paramount's bid for Warner Bros.
The exit came a week after Paramount Skydance made its $108.4 billion all-cash offer to Warner Bros. Discovery.
Millions of Hyundai and Kia owners can get free repairs from settlement
Automakers Hyundai and Kia have reached a settlement with dozens of states over anti-theft technology in models of their vehicles.
These are the most popular internet services of 2025, as AI gains traction
Global internet traffic rose 19% this year as people rely more on tech for daily communication and entertainment, a new report finds.
FIFA slashes some World Cup ticket prices after global fan backlash
FIFA slashed the price of some World Cup tickets following a worldwide backlash, with some final seats available for $60.
Politics
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U.S. labels Colombian cartel a terror group, opening door to military action
The U.S. State Department said Clan del Golfo is a "violent and powerful criminal organization" that uses cocaine trafficking to fund violent activities.
Oregon hospital races to build a tsunami shelter as FEMA fights to cut funding
Columbia Memorial Hospital near Oregon's coastline is forging ahead with emergency plans in case of a major earthquake or tsunami.
Capitol replaces statue of Robert E. Lee with civil rights icon Barbara Rose Johns
The U.S. Capitol has begun displaying a statue of a teenaged Barbara Rose Johns as she protested poor conditions at her segregated Virginia high school.
House won't vote on health care tax credit extension, angering GOP moderates
An 11th-hour effort by moderate Republicans to put an extension on the floor for a vote failed Tuesday night.
Trump orders "total and complete blockade" of sanctioned oil tankers in Venezuela
President Trump on Tuesday called for a "total and complete blockade" on all sanctioned oil tankers that enter or depart Venezuela, as the administration heaps pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
HealthWatch
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Measles outbreaks worsen in South Carolina, Arizona and Utah
Nationally, the measles case count is nearing 2,000 for a disease that has been considered eliminated in the U.S. since 2000, a result of routine childhood vaccinations.
He made his brothers see a cardiologist. Each had advanced heart disease.
Kevin Murray was his family's health watchdog. His vigilance helped his brothers "avoid a real catastrophe."
Millions of Americans could see health plan costs double as ACA credits vanish
"I don't know how I'm going to pay for this," said one person with an Affordable Care Act plan that will cost her $1,100 a month starting in January.
Vaccine vote signals turbulence for immunization policy, public trust
Clinicians and epidemiologists warn the decision could unravel decades of progress and expose newborns to a deadly, preventable disease.
Botulism outbreak tied to ByHeart products includes 51 babies in 19 states
Health officials say an infant botulism outbreak tied to ByHeart baby formula has been expanded to include all illnesses reported since the company began production in 2022.
World
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Researchers capture video of rare polar bear adoption
The footage of a bear caring for an adopted cub was captured during the annual polar bear migration along the Western Hudson Bay in Churchill, Manitoba.
More than $1M already donated for hero who tackled Bondi Beach gunman
Ahmed al Ahmed, the Syrian-Australian father who wrestled a shotgun from one of the gunmen attacking a Jewish gathering, is facing a long road to recovery.
Trump orders "total and complete blockade" of sanctioned oil tankers in Venezuela
President Trump on Tuesday called for a "total and complete blockade" on all sanctioned oil tankers that enter or depart Venezuela, as the administration heaps pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
Bondi suspects reportedly trained where Islamist separatists have been for years
Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that the terror attack on Jewish people at Bondi Beach was "motivated by ISIS ideology."
Dinosaur tracks showing "herds moving in synchrony" found in Italy
Most of the footprints are elongated and made by bipeds. The best-preserved ones bear traces of at least four toes.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Reporter details dinner with Reiner family
The Hollywood Reporter's Steven Zeitchik wrote an article detailing a dinner he had with Rob, Michele, Nick and his sister Romy Reiner at the Toronto International Film Festival 10 years ago. Zeitchik says, in hindsight, the conversations he had with them sheds light on a "dark dynamic" within the family. Zeitchik joined CBS News to discuss.
Nick Reiner will not be in court today due to medical reasons, attorney says
Nick Reiner, who is being held in connection with the murder of his parents Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner, will not be in court on Tuesday due to medical reasons, his attorney said.
Matt Rife tackles holiday chaos in new show
Comedian Matt Rife is known for poking fun at everything and everyone. Now, he's taking on Santa. He joins "CBS Mornings" to preview his new Netflix special, "Matt Rife: Unwrapped - A Christmas Crowd Work Special."
Storied career of "the king of country music"
George Strait, known as "the king of country music," has racked up more than 60 number one hits and the most certified platinum albums of any country artist. "CBS Mornings" takes a look back at the Kennedy Center honoree's storied career.
Hugh Jackman, Kate Hudson on "Song Sung Blue"
Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson are starring in one of this year's most anticipated movies, "Song Sung Blue," which is based on the real-life story of Mike and Claire Sardina. They join "CBS Mornings" to discuss their upcoming roles.
Technology
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Technology
Local pushback grows against AI data centers
A frenzy of development to support the artificial intelligence boom is prompting pushback from communities who say they don't want data centers in their backyards. Technology journalist Jacob Ward joins CBS News to discuss.
These are the most popular internet services of 2025, as AI gains traction
Global internet traffic rose 19% this year as people rely more on tech for daily communication and entertainment, a new report finds.
How AI powered robots are helping small farms
From labor shortages to environmental impacts, farmers are looking to AI to help revolutionize the agriculture industry. One California startup, Farm-ng, is tapping into the power of AI and robotics to perform a wide range of tasks, including seeding, weeding and harvesting.
How computers in classrooms impact students
Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath, a neuroscientist and director at LME Global, joins "CBS News 24/7 Mornings" to discuss his new book "The Digital Delusion," where he examines the impact of increased reliance on computers in classrooms. Horvath also talks about his recent article in The Free Press, a Paramount publication.
Spotify says it's investigating after thousands of users report outages
Tens of thousands of Spotify users reported outages on Monday, with some saying they had lost access to their playlists.
Science
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Researchers capture video of rare polar bear adoption
The footage of a bear caring for an adopted cub was captured during the annual polar bear migration along the Western Hudson Bay in Churchill, Manitoba.
Dinosaur tracks showing "herds moving in synchrony" found in Italy
Most of the footprints are elongated and made by bipeds. The best-preserved ones bear traces of at least four toes.
Interstellar comet is making its closest approach to Earth
NASA continues to aim its space telescopes at the visiting ice ball, estimated to be up to 3.5 miles in size.
Fossil footprints in Bolivia reveal dinosaurs' awkward attempts to swim
Paleontologists have discovered and documented 16,600 footprints left by theropods, the dinosaur group that includes the Tyrannosaurus rex.
"Space gum" discovered in asteroid Bennu samples, NASA reveals
Samples collected from the asteroid Bennu are continuing the shed light on the origins of the solar system and how life developed on Earth, scientists say.
Crime
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U.S. labels Colombian cartel a terror group, opening door to military action
The U.S. State Department said Clan del Golfo is a "violent and powerful criminal organization" that uses cocaine trafficking to fund violent activities.
Former Harvard morgue manager sentenced for selling body parts
A former morgue manager at Harvard Medical School was sentenced to eight years in prison for stealing and selling body parts donated for scientific research, the DOJ said.
Police ask public for help on Brown gunman
Police in Providence, Rhode Island, are asking the public for more help as the manhunt continues for the shooter who opened fire at Brown University over the weekend. CBS News' Anna Schecter and Katrina Kaufman report.
Early details on Nick Reiner murder charges
Los Angeles officials announced Tuesday that Nick Reiner will be charged with two counts of first-degree murder for the deaths of his parents, Rob and Michele Reiner. CBS News' Adam Yamaguchi reports on what we know. Then, retired FBI special agent Mary Ellen O'Toole and CBS News legal contributor Caroline Polisi break down the charges.
Nick Reiner being charged with first-degree murder in parents' deaths
Officials in Los Angeles held a news conference about the killings of Rob Reiner and his wife Michele Singer Reiner, who were found dead in their home Sunday.
Space
More Space
Interstellar comet is making its closest approach to Earth
NASA continues to aim its space telescopes at the visiting ice ball, estimated to be up to 3.5 miles in size.
"Wet lava ball" exoplanet may have an atmosphere, evidence shows
Super-Earth TOI-561b is about 40 times closer to its host star than Mercury is to the sun.
NASA says Maven spacecraft that was orbiting Mars has gone silent
NASA has lost contact with a spacecraft that's been orbiting Mars for more than a decade.
Black hole spotted blasting winds at 130 million miles per hour
The European Space Agency said that the black hole inside the spiral galaxy NGC 3783 has the mass of 30 million suns.
3-man crew undocks from space station, wrapping up 8-month stay
Russian Soyuz crews are now spending eight months aboard the space station instead of six to stretch supplies and lower costs.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2025
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
The life & near death of prizefighter Christy Salters-Martin
Christy Salters-Martin dominated in the boxing ring but faced her toughest challenger at home.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Who is Alix Tichelman?
Meet the tattooed beauty charged in the death of Google executive Forrest Hayes.
"Son of Sam": A serial killer's reign of terror
Calling himself the "Son of Sam" in a letter left at one of the crime scenes, David Berkowitz claimed voices were ordering him to kill -- starting in the summer of 1976, he went on a 13-month spree of impulse killings in New York City that left six dead and seven injured
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
Homes swamped after levee breach in Washington
Overnight, a levee was breached on the White River in Pacific, Washington, after days of heavy rain and flooding in the region. Carter Evans reports.
Louisiana immigration crackdown continues
Border Patrol agents have been making arrests as an immigration crackdown in Louisiana continues. CBS News' Kati Weis has more.
South Carolina confirms 138 cases of measles
South Carolina's Department of Health has confirmed 138 reported cases of measles. The outbreak began in October. Dr. William Schaffner, professor of infectious diseases for Vanderbilt Medical Center, joins CBS News to discuss.
Why one woman is cutting back on holiday spending
Lori Peloso looks forward to giving gifts every Christmas, but for the New Jersey mom, this year was different. Peloso made a decision to spend time with friends and family and not money on gifts. Elaine Quijano reports.
Heroes praised after deadly Bondi Beach shooting
The first funerals are being held for the 15 people killed in the mass shooting on Australia's Bondi Beach. They'd been celebrating the first night of Hanukkah. As Anna Coren reports, it's a story of heroism, as well.