Publishing – John Murzycki, Author

April 29, 2025

Surprise! Bookstores Are Back

The predicted slow demise of brick-and-mortar bookstores has been a topic of discussion ever since Amazon first made its mark in the online market. However, physical bookstores are thriving like never before. This news will surely warm the hearts of every reader and author alike.

In the words of Mark Twain, reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated.

Both independent bookstores and major chains are attracting patrons, especially among younger generations, transforming the industry into a remarkable success. Gen Z and Millennials comprise a significant portion of those purchasing books in physical stores.

So, what’s driving this bookstore renaissance in a society that has become more digital than ever?

Many bookstores have evolved into community hubs, hosting events and fostering connections, often featuring in-store cafes. Readers appreciate engaging with knowledgeable staff at these establishments, while many enjoy the tactile experience of wandering among bookshelves and discovering intriguing titles. Digital browsing simply doesn’t compare.

While Amazon has long been known for its cheaper prices and convenience, many shoppers still prefer the emotional connection they have with their local stores.

In fact, mega chains like Barnes & Noble opened 30 new stores in 2023 and 57 stores in 2024. They plan to add at least 60 additional stores this year, including some in prime locations like the new D.C. flagship in Georgetown with its highly sought-after retail space.

In Cambridge, MA, just outside of Boston, Lovestruck Books—a romance-focused bookstore in Harvard Square—opened earlier this year and welcomed eager customers with a line out the door.

A few miles from my home, An Unlikely Story, a bookstore owned by children’s book author Jeff Kinney, is booming with nearly daily events, a cozy café, and a hall for author events.

Bookstores provide a welcoming space for conversation, whether chatting with knowledgeable clerks, meeting others, attending a book signing or event, or enjoying a snack at the café.

So, go ahead—connect, unwind, and explore at your local bookstore.

All the best,

John

Also, all my books are available in print, either hardcover or paperback, at all bookstores. They might not be stocked on the shelves, but the store will happily order a copy for you.

Photo by Budgeron Bach: https://www.pexels.com

March 1, 2025March 1, 2025

Discover new Fantasy Books

I’m excited to share an incredible book deal with you!

Here’s your chance to connect with amazing new authors and discover fresh fantasy books. 📚✨

I’ve partnered with a group of talented authors who are offering you free books. Each author has contributed one complimentary ebook, plus you’ll have the opportunity to win a $20 gift card to Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or iTunes.

January 28, 2025

Reading Books May Extend Your Life

Yes, it’s true!

At least according to a study published in the journal Social Science and Medicine by researchers at Yale University. The study, conducted over 12 years, revealed a significant link between reading books and longevity.

The researchers analyzed data from 3,635 participants in a nationwide health study of individuals over 50. These people were asked about their reading habits as part of the study. Those who read books for up to three and a half hours per week were 17 percent less likely to die than those who didn’t.

Furthermore, those who read more than that were 23 percent less likely to die. On average, book readers lived two years longer than those who did not read at all.

This is fantastic news. Books are shaping up to be the elixir of life. Who would have guessed?

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.

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.

May 18, 2024May 18, 2024

Finding The Books We Want

You might be interested to learn that in today’s bookselling world, authors have to take on many roles.

Publishing involves much more than thinking up a plot, writing about it, and editing it.

As with any business, potential buyers need to understand the benefits of a product (in this case, the reasons you will love reading a novel) and how to purchase it. This is especially important in the book world because there are a gazillion books to choose from.

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.

September 19, 2023September 19, 2023

Why Some Novels Are So Easy To Read

The photo above was taken at my desk where I am working on my latest novel.

I once heard a writing coach say that the easiest novels to read are often the ones that authors worked the hardest on.

My novels take a long time to produce because I spend so much effort fine-tuning the little things that the reader will never notice. Every author has a million choices to make as the story progresses, and those choices make the difference between a dull story and a book that you can’t stop reading.

July 18, 2023July 19, 2023

Starting a New Novel

As an author, starting a new novel can be both thrilling and intimidating. Right now, I’m spending my summer writing the initial chapters of an upcoming book. At this point, I am taking a bit of a departure from writing the next book in The Story of Elthea’s Realm series—which will be Book 5.

Currently, I’m working on a story that takes place in Elthea’s Realm universe, but it’s set before the first book in the series. This particular time was crucial as the Bots and other great races engaged in a major war, which the Bots almost won. Although I mentioned these events in the first book, it was only in the narrative. This era is now known as the first significant conflict with the Bots.