Publishing – Page 2 – John Murzycki, Author

February 28, 2022March 20, 2022

Fantasy Filler Phrases

I hope you are doing well today. Here’s a photo of an ice-covered tree in our front yard during a winter’s day as the season nears its end. That’s my dog, Missy, at her usual vantage spot where she can keep an eye on the neighborhood.

In this article, I will touch upon the topic of filler phrases often used in fantasy novels.

Fiction writers are often known for their creativity, at least in their writing. The stories we pen are intended to elicit a gasp, maybe a tear, certainly a chuckle now and then.

We scrub our manuscripts ceaselessly to ensure readers hang on every word. As a result, it’s often a wonder we publish anything—a trap befalling more than one writer.

December 6, 2021

Progress on My Latest Novel

Here’s a picture of my writing desk on a chilly and damp early December day as I write this. Our first measurable snow is predicted in a few days, just in time because I only yesterday finished cleaning up the dead leaves from the lawn (a fall ritual here in New England).

Some people hate the cold and inclement weather of winter. But I love it. The season gives me a chance to hunker down inside and devote more time to writing.

As we head into these final weeks of 2021, I thought it would be a good time to update you on the headway I’m making on my next work, Elthea’s Nemesis. It will become Book 4 in The Story of Elthea’s Realm series.

July 22, 2021

Double Down on Being Human

I spend a lot of time thinking about otherworldly beings to include in my novels. But I don’t write about imaginary creatures to scare, shock, or show how cleverly the book is written.

The nonhuman entities in my books are there to provide a contrast to the human side of existence.

The themes I often use in my storylines are the power of love, bonds of friendship, and the goodwill people have for one another. Long after you’ve finished reading one of my stories, those are the things I hope you’ll remember most about them.

January 27, 2021January 27, 2021

Elthea’s Paradox is now available

I am thrilled to announce the launch of my latest book, Elthea’s Paradox, the third novel in The Story of Elthea’s Realm series. Like all my books, it is available in hardcover, paperback, and ebook. You can order any of my books online at major booksellers, including independent bookstores.

If you love reading fantasy adventures, you’ll enjoy Elthea’s Paradox.

A reluctant hero stands against an evil spreading across the land.

Newfound powers awaken within Philip Matherson. But when he needs them most, the spectral energies of Elthea elude him. His worst fears come true as the Bots capture his friends on the utopia team.

January 6, 2021January 6, 2021

The Promise of a New Year

The last twelve months have been a strange and difficult year for many people. But 2021 is here, and with it the hope of life returning to normal with more family gatherings, a resumption in travel, and the prospect of renewed friendships in person once again.

You can almost feel the collective longing for this to happen soon.

My daughter recently took the above photo. It’s a view outside our window during a murky, foggy morning. The bright sun rising on the horizon is about to dispel the gloom. I feel the scene is a perfect depiction of where we stand in the world today.

December 2, 2020

The Enchantment of a Good Book

Have you ever been stuck in a Groundhog Day movie as you experience the same events over and over again? Lately, I feel that way. It seems as if I’ve been editing and dealing with production and publishing decisions on my latest book, Elthea’s Paradox, forever. The process seems never-ending.

At times, I become impatient that it has taken too long. I want this book to be available so you can be as excited as I am about the story. I also want to begin working on the next book.

But this isn’t about me; it’s about you, the reader. A book, professionally crafted, can become positively magical. Within one simple container, you will find words that will entertain you for many hours. You never know what you will discover.

August 8, 2019August 8, 2019

The Ups and Downs of Writing

I always appreciate you taking the time to read my Journal posts. I try not to post too often, only when I feel I have something meaningful to discuss. Plus, as I’ve often said, I would rather be writing my next book than talking about it.

But the fantastic thing about this Journal is that the more you know about the person writing the book, the better your experience as a reader. You’re able to learn something about me and the reasons why I want to share my stories with you.

In this post, I’ll discuss a few of my thoughts about how I write and the motivation I use to keep writing.

July 1, 2019October 14, 2019

Great Information About My Upcoming Novel

Here are nine facts about the latest novel I’m currently writing.

1.) I expect to publish the book later this year, hopefully by this fall.

I wish it could be sooner. I’m thrilled to share the story with you because I believe it’s really, really good. But it takes time for me to craft a tale, especially a good one. I had decided long ago that the books I produce will be the best I can make them.

2.) The title of the next book will be Elthea’s Paradox.

At least that’s the title I’m working with now. Without revealing too much, the book contains a dilemma about how to use the powers of Elthea. The main character, Philip Matherson, must overcome this paradox to survive.

October 27, 2018October 14, 2019

My First Three Years

Well, somehow it’s been three years now since I began writing fiction full-time. I’ve learned much during this time, like how to piece together a bunch of disparate ideas into a seamless plot.

But mostly, I’ve learned that a good novel is actually a conversation between two people — the writer and the reader. To me, that’s the magic of fiction, and of storytelling. And it’s what I try to achieve in my books.

Continue reading “My First Three Years”