Journal – John Murzycki, Author

December 19, 2024December 19, 2024

The Season For Memories

I’ve collected the fallen leaves and am ready for winter. As you can see in this picture from my backyard, it was just in time. We had our first snowfall several weeks ago.

Although the snow has melted, another dusting is forecasted. I like looking out at the snow, and the changing seasons make living in New England enjoyable.

Wherever you live, this is a time of year to step back from life’s daily hustle and bustle. The holidays allow us to spend precious moments with friends and family, gather at the table, tell stories, and capture plenty of pictures.

November 25, 2024November 25, 2024

Calling All Book Readers

I recently received a message from a reader who wondered why I frequently write about writing techniques and the writing process in this blog post. “After all,” this person said, “we are readers, not aspiring authors.”

That’s a valid comment, and it goes to the core of why I write this blog in the first place.

The answer is simple. My mission is to provide book readers, such as yourself, with insight into what it takes to write and produce a novel so that you can better appreciate the books you read.

By providing a small glimpse into an author’s craft and what it takes to publish a novel, I hope to convey the richness of a good book and give readers a deeper understanding of the storytelling process.

October 23, 2024

How Books Are Born

You may have heard about the comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, which recently came close enough to Earth that we could view it without a telescope. If you’ve followed the news, you know it won’t return for another 80,000 years.

Events like this can ignite a spark in many authors, launching new storylines for novels. Let me explain.

Last month, I discussed how authors use their creativity to develop ideas for new books. Today, I provide an example of how we use events like this comet to create exciting new plots, whether in fantasy stories, historical fiction, literary fiction, or other genres.

For us authors, events like this are a goldmine for story ideas.

September 29, 2024

Inspiration and Creativity, the Lifeblood of an Author

When I tell someone that I write fiction, I often hear the question, “How do you come up with ideas for your stories?”

One famous author answered this by saying, “I have an idea generation machine that spits out more storylines than I can use.”

That response may sound a bit snarky, and the truth is that creativity doesn’t come from a secret tool only authors know about, nor does it usually appear in a sudden flash of genius.

For me, creative material often comes from unexpected places.

August 28, 2024

What’s in a Name?

A famous line from William Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet goes as follows: “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” The implication is that the name does not matter.

But I’ll tell you a little secret.

In the book-writing world, names do matter a great deal. Most authors I know spend an excessive amount of time fretting over the names of characters and places. Don’t even get me going about how much effort goes into the title of books.

July 22, 2024

So Many Choices

Readers have many options. They are in the driver’s seat when it comes to purchasing books. As authors, we do all we can to help readers select our specific books.

But if I simplify the equation, it all comes down to two basic decisions authors must make: products or promotions.

Products are everything. Without them, we would only have dreams as wannabe authors.

Most readers may not consider novels as products like a bar of soap or any number of other items on the shelf of a department store. But to an author, that’s precisely what they are.

June 24, 2024

A Summer Update

Summer has officially arrived, at least here in the Northern Hemisphere. I enjoy the warm weather, but an early heat wave in the Northeast was a little too much.

This time of year allows me to step away from my writing desk for a bit to tend the flower gardens in the yard. Gardening, cooking, and writing are three of my favorite activities (although not necessarily in that order). These days, writing is my first love. Back when I was in corporate marketing, gardening was a way to ease tension from hectic jobs.

I’m happy to update you on the new plants I’ve added to the gardens this year, but let’s discuss writing instead. I’m now penning Book 5 in The Story of Elthea’s Realm Series. Like the other books in the series, I spend a lot of time in the early stages of the draft before picking up steam.

April 10, 2024

The Life of a Writer

Ah, what a glorious life becoming a novelist, gleefully crafting thousands of words daily. A seemingly endless flow of creative ideas keeps bubbling to the surface. Fanciful dreams take flight—New York Times Best Seller, Oprah’s Book Club, movie rights.

You probably guessed where I’m going with this.

The life of a writer is mostly hard work. There are moments when everyone in this business asks, “What made me think I could ever do this?”

March 15, 2024

The Big Idea and the Long Game

When I was in college, beginning a graduate degree in public communications, I had to decide whether to focus on journalism or corporate communications. The school offered several concentrations, but I never seriously considered film, TV, or any other tracks.

I decided against journalism because the thought of pounding out an article, ripping the page from the typewriter (yes, I did say typewriter) and having it appear in a newspaper that day seemed daunting.

What about editing or revising a story until you’ve poured your heart and soul into it? The pressure seemed too much for me to accept.

February 8, 2024

Winter, My Favorite Season

Did I ever tell you I really enjoy the winter season here in New England? Those of you who have been with me for a while have heard me say it before, but it’s worth repeating.

Alas, as I write this, the forecast is for warmer-than-average temperatures for the next week. But I’m hoping the season will linger for a bit longer.

For me, this is an excellent time to focus on the craft of writing. There are fewer distractions during the cold and snowy weather. Although I love gardening during spring, summer, and fall, I always feel torn between that and my true passion for writing.