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.

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.

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.

January 4, 2024

Welcome to 2024

And so, a new adventure begins. I hope you had a wonderful holiday and decided on all your New Year’s resolutions. If so, I wish you the best in keeping them for the year.

As for me, I’m not much of a resolution-type of person. Just as in my writing style, I prefer to take things as they come along without sticking to a plan.

With some luck and hard work, we will find happiness and success in 2024. At least that’s my wish. As in previous years, I’ll spend as much time as possible writing the next installment in The Story of Elthea’s Realm series.

November 14, 2023

The Magic of Words

Have you ever considered the magic mere words can have when strung together in a novel? I don’t necessarily mean the sorcery or witchcraft in a supernatural or fantasy story.

I’m referring to the feeling you get from a good book, whether it’s happiness, wonder, surprise, or whatever the emotion.

Most people read fiction because they want to experience something from the story.

Many readers love getting swept away to another place and time. Maybe it’s the excitement of seeing a hero or heroine overcome insurmountable odds. Or perhaps you like twists and turns and shocking surprises.

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.

August 22, 2023August 22, 2023

My Most-Cherished Books

In this journal post, I am excited to share a list of my all-time favorite books, spanning beyond just the past year or so. These are the books that have captured my heart and that I have remembered through time.

I once heard someone say that books provide a view into a reader’s soul, and the ones readers choose can tell a lot about them. So, I’d like to share some of my most cherished books with you. Looking at this tally is like taking a snapshot of who I am.

I’ll begin with those most recently read and work my way back. Let me know if we have any in common, or even better, if you have recommendations of books I should consider.

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.

June 29, 2023

Creating Fantasy Fiction

People often ask me, “Why did you decide to write fantasy fiction?” The other question I often get is, “How do you come up with ideas for your stories?”

So, today, I pull back the curtain just a little to show you what’s behind my books and what inspired me. This won’t answer all your questions, but it will give you a peek into why I write and what I think about as I develop a manuscript.

Why Do It: Everyone has a passion in life—that one thing you want to accomplish more than anything else. For me, it has always been to write fiction (at least since I was in college). I had worked as a communications and marketing manager in the corporate world for many years, which paid the bills. Eventually, I pursued my passion and wrote the story I had secretly worked on for decades.

May 16, 2023

Artificial Intelligence Is No Longer Science Fiction

Not that long ago, artificial intelligence was a topic limited to science fiction novels and movies. That is no longer the case. AI is here, it will change many aspects of our lives, and it’s not going away.

AI systems are generally more intelligent than humans and are already beginning to change our society in many ways.

Experts with more knowledge about the subject are debating AI’s positive and negative ramifications–something we all should pay close attention to. AI has the potential to transform society by improving human creativity. However, it also comes with a serious risk of misuse and societal disruptions that could have dire consequences.

April 17, 2023April 17, 2023

The Satisfaction of Publishing a New Book

This may take a while for me to get over. Those of you who have been with me for a while know I do not release books rapidly. When writing a novel, I take the time to reflect on every sentence to ensure it conveys the right emotion and meaning.

So, please forgive me for still celebrating the publication of my latest story Elthea’s Nemesis. During the rest of the year, I have little hard news to speak about. After all, there are so many times I can say, “I’m still writing (or editing) a manuscript. So stay tuned for more.”

March 28, 2023

Elthea’s Nemesis is here

My latest novel is now available on all book retailer sites. Phew. That took a long time.

Maybe every author feels that way, but for me, it’s one of my writing habits I hope to improve.

I’m sure you’ll like this installment in the series. Elthea’s Nemesis is book four in The Story of Elthea’s Realm series, and it’s available in ebook, paperback, and hardcover. You can now purchase books online at your favorite book retailer.

March 20, 2023

Release Date Approaches

Elthea’s Nemesis, Book 4 in The Story of Elthea’s Realm, is nearly here. Yippee! The next installment in the series will be available in the next week.

This is both an exciting and nervous time for me. Finally, after spending months upon months writing and perfecting my latest novel, it is nearly ready for publication. Elthea’s Nemesis will be ready to order online at your favorite bookseller.

Putting a new book out in the world for others to judge is scary. But, after spending so much time wrestling with words, typing them out one after another until somehow the chapters come together in an imaginative story, I’m ready to push it out for others to read.

January 26, 2023

My Resolution for 2023

The New Year is already a month old. Have you given up on your resolution yet? Did you even make one?

Until today, I hadn’t either. But I had a change of heart when I started thinking about this post. What to write? Too bad I wasn’t doing this a few weeks ago, I said to myself. That would have been perfect timing for a New Year’s article.

Better late than never. So, here’s my pledge for 2023: more reading and more writing.

“Wait a minute,” you might say. “Aren’t those things you enjoy? That’s no resolution.”

December 15, 2022December 15, 2022

A Story of the Christmas Book Flood

Here’s a picture of the first snowfall of the season in my area of New England, granted that it wasn’t much and didn’t last long. Other areas of the country have received considerably more, and we’ll likely be buried with a nor’easter before this winter is over.

I hope you have an enjoyable beginning to the holiday. I find this time of year simultaneously hectic and fun. Somewhere along the way, the season has become a time of giving gifts to those you love. And sometimes, random people we don’t know that well.

Many people have traditions around gift-giving. For example, have you heard of the Icelandic custom called the Christmas book flood? The name for it is Jólabókaflóðið.

October 19, 2022

Rediscover the Fun of Reading

I know what you’re thinking, so let me stop you right now. This is not a shameless promotion about getting you to read more of my books (although don’t get me wrong, it’s one reason I write). Instead, consider this a public service announcement about bringing more joy to your life.

If you feel you don’t have enough time in your day for reading, you are not alone. Look, it’s not easy. Books require a commitment that many people believe they just can’t make. You probably have a million other things to do in your spare time: movies to stream, social media feeds to check, doomsday scrolling… you name it.

And even if you pick up a book, is it the right one? Any book you find will have some negative reviews. What if those reviews are correct, regardless of the many other five-star reviews? Should you take the chance, especially since the time commitment to finish a full-length novel is considerable?

August 31, 2022

The Bond Between Author and Reader

Many years before I became an author, I worked as a marketing and communications manager, crafting messages for large and small companies, primarily in the tech industry. I enjoyed the profession and found it rewarding, at least most of the time.

Writing was always a cornerstone of my responsibilities during that period of my life, and I learned many best practices, which I frequently use today as an author. For example, I learned to be concise, limit unnecessary superlatives, use proper grammar, and captivate readers regardless of the topic.

Although good writing is always essential, whether for promotional marketing material or a fantasy novel, I quickly learned that writing fiction was an entirely different ballgame.

July 5, 2022July 5, 2022

All About Books, Including a Quote from Carl Sagan

Surprise!!! Today’s topic is all about books, including great quotes on this topic from Carl Sagan.

Reading is a terrific pastime regardless of your specific preference. I write about magic in my novels because that’s the type of story I like to read. But I have a little secret. Books themselves are the real magic.

A remarkable transformation happens whenever you begin a new novel. The rush of excitement, a sense of wonder, an otherworldly feeling, takes over as you read.

May 11, 2022May 11, 2022

The Scary Part of Writing

Greetings! During these past couple of months, I focused much of my attention on finishing the manuscript of my next novel, Elthea’s Nemesis. Happily, the draft is complete as I move on to the editing phase.

I’m super excited about how this plot unfolded, and I can’t wait to make it available to you. But I still have work to do before it’s polished and ready for publication.

Writing a novel is a magical, intoxicating, and rewarding process. It touches a deep part of my core. I carefully consider every plot twist and word before committing it to the script. This method may take me longer, but in the end, I know each book I produce will be the best I can make it.

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.

January 18, 2022

Inspiration or Perspiration

Here’s a picture of our gazebo after a recent snowstorm in the Northeast where I live. The snow has since melted because of a few warm and rainy days, but I hope it will look like that again soon.

Winter is a great season for an author (or an avid reader, for that matter). It’s a time to hunker down in bad weather and concentrate on the tasks we love most.

Writing is one of the pursuits I love the most. But it’s not always easy. The words don’t always appear magically on the page.

I recently heard a fellow fiction writer quote Thomas Edison. The message can apply to writers and non-writers alike.

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.

October 13, 2021

A Healthy Addiction to Books

If you’re like me, you look forward to the time of day when you read for pleasure. I enjoy meeting people who are avid readers.

These are the ones who steal glances at cover jackets whenever seeing someone else reading. They ignore the trinkets and furniture at yard sales as they rummage through piles of dusty old books. Bookstores are a mandatory stop while shopping. They subscribe to a half-dozen online promotional sites offering discounted ebooks.

In the book publishing business, these people are called whales. They consume far more books than the typical person. When it comes to word of mouth, whale readers are priceless. They will tell everyone what they are reading and post detailed reviews.

August 31, 2021

Our Public Libraries

Next to bookstores, I love libraries. They are a great national treasure. Regardless of what kind of book you’re looking for, you will probably find it at your local library.

And in today’s world, it’s easier than ever because most public libraries list their catalogs online for print books and ebooks. As an added bonus, libraries are the one place you can borrow and read all my books for free. All you have to do is request the books if they haven’t purchased them yet.

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.

June 9, 2021June 10, 2021

Writing and Gardening Have Plenty in Common

The roses are in full bloom, and the heat is rising here in the Northeast. I was once very passionate about gardening. You could often find me out in the yard from morning until dusk when I wasn’t at my office job. I still enjoy tending the flowers, but now I prefer to work on my next book.

Staying with the topic of gardening, it’s easy to see the parallel between writing and gardening.

With gardening, you plant a seed, nurture it with water until the plant blossoms into something beautiful. And then you prune and weed.

May 6, 2021August 15, 2021

A Few Words About Fictitious Names

Greetings. Spring has arrived here in New England, and with it the hope of life returning to normal after the past year. The cherry tree in our front yard has bloomed, and the daffodils are flowering.

That’s Missy in the picture. She’s looking at me suspiciously, wondering what I’m doing away from my writing desk.

I hope you had a chance to read my latest book, Elthea’s Paradox. If you have, and you enjoyed it, please consider posting a brief review. Help others decide if the book is right for them by posting a comment or two. Tell others what you liked in the story. I appreciate your assistance.

One of the creative aspects of writing fiction is devising fictitious names for people, places, and things. I often spend a lot of time trying to decide on the right name for a character or race.

April 7, 2021April 7, 2021

When Reality Becomes Fantasy

The first question I’m typically asked when someone finds out I’m an author is, “What kinds of books do you write?” My simple answer is Science Fiction and Fantasy.

That’s an uncomplicated response, which most people immediately understand. The problem is, it really doesn’t do justice to the question. If I’m asked to explain more, I might say that I write in the category of magical realism, or science fantasy, or (a definition I’m not crazy about) metaphysical and visionary. More often than not, I’ll receive blank stares.

So, here’s my attempt to explain what my books are about without putting a label on them.

March 1, 2021March 1, 2021

Regarding Snowstorms and Writing

Congratulations! We’ve made it through another winter … almost. I took the above photo in our family room during one of our many snow events this winter.

Although most people are ready for spring, here in the Northeast, we’ve had snowstorms in April. It’s uncommon to have snow that late in the season, but it has happened.

Whatever takes place at this point, it feels good knowing that spring is nearly here.

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.

October 27, 2020October 27, 2020

Writing During a Turbulent Year

This has been a strange year and, in many ways, a difficult one. Anyone who has written a novel understands how events in the world can detract from the focus needed to craft a story. I felt the need to check news feeds more often during the past twelve months. Throw a U.S. presidential election into the mix, and the impulse can become obsessive.

Somehow during this turbulent year, my next book developed nicely. The storyline gradually took a life of its own, and the characters came alive. Nothing is more exhilarating to an author than knowing a story works and evokes a passionate response from readers.

It’s a magical feeling, believe me.

September 28, 2020September 29, 2020

When Bots Go Bad

Monsters take many different forms. If you’ve read Elthea’s Realm and Elthea’s Gambit, you’ll understand the suffering caused by the Bots in my novels. In case you’re not familiar, the Bots I write about are not benign software programs operating mundane tasks.

In my books, the Bots kill without remorse. They are evil creatures that came to life from today’s computer viruses. We all understand the problems when a virus infects one of our tech devices. Now, imagine that destructive force as a living, breathing entity with magical powers.

I’ve taken what already exists in our world and turned it into something more deadly in my stories. During my time as a corporate marketing manager, I had frequently considered how technology could evolve in beneficial ways for civilizations or become disastrous to all.

August 29, 2020August 31, 2020

The Power of Story

Thanks for taking the time to read my latest journal article. Much of my day now involves writing my next book, and I’m often surprised I haven’t posted in a few weeks.

Today, I reminisce about the power of story, and why I craft the novels I do.

Let me tell you what drove me to become a writer and storyteller. I wasn’t always this way. But even as a child, the love of books was part of my nature.

July 22, 2020

A Summertime Update

The above picture was taken in my backyard, where the flowers are looking fabulous. As for my writing, I am nearly done editing my third novel, Elthea’s Paradox.

This one has taken me longer than the others. Yet, as a good friend explained, “Once published, nobody will compliment you on how rapidly you finished it. Every book is judged on its quality.”

Editing can be both exciting and frustrating. Exciting because this is the point where I massage the storyline to make it shine and easier to read. No reader wants to trip over sentences throughout a book, and this is where I polish those rough edges. It’s frustrating because, well, good writing is hard. I can spend hours reworking a short passage over and over again.

June 16, 2020June 17, 2020

Global Events Can Spark Your Imagination

If you feel like the world has been spinning out of control during these past few months, you’re not alone.

First, we faced the coronavirus and then witnessed the massive protests for racial equality. We haven’t even begun the ruckus that’s sure to unfold as we approach the presidential election here in the U.S.

I’m a news junkie, so I tend to pay attention to events taking place in the world. I try to tune out the noise when it becomes too much by concentrating on my writing. But the evening news has a way of capturing my attention.

In some ways, science fiction and fantasy writers are lucky. We draw upon events in the world as fodder for our plots. We use them to stimulate our imagination, asking what-if questions. And often, we come up with some pretty creative results. So, in a way, I’m really doing research by clicking on that Apple News app while I work.

May 5, 2020

The Language of a Pandemic

Words define us and explain the events of our generation. Such is the case with the current Coronavirus.

The Merriam-Webster dictionary recently added the word COVID-19. It took one month from conception to formal recognition, the fastest in the company’s nearly 200-year history. This wasn’t the only new word included in the dictionary because of the virus.

Usually, new words are added only after years of generally accepted use. But now, practically overnight, an entirely new vocabulary has developed.

Life may never be the same because of the virus, and that goes for our language. Here are some of the newest additions to our lexicon.

April 2, 2020April 2, 2020

The Fear of COVID-19

I considered writing something else in this blog post — anything except what’s on everyone’s mind these days. It can be overwhelming listening to the barrage of news, statistics, and commentary about the virus that has spread across the globe.

Right now, however, any other subject feels trivial. We’ve been upended by a small bit of chemistry too tiny to be seen. We are fighting a faceless, unseen enemy intent on destroying us. I’ve read too many science fiction novels where this story doesn’t end well for humanity.

March 3, 2020

The Storyteller in Each of Us

At a recent Writers’ Club meeting, a member complimented me on my skill at storytelling.

I had to think about it. Me? I might call myself a writer, author, indie publisher, or editor. But storyteller?

Best-selling authors receive accolades all the time that are something like, “A brilliant book by a skillful writer.” That’s the praise most authors would be delighted to see or hear. Most of the people who write books probably prefer the title of writer or author.

But the comment about being a storyteller stuck with me.

February 4, 2020

My Daily Writing Routine

Here’s a photo of Missy, my loyal dog, and a writing companion. Her breed is a Havanese, and we brought her home nearly a year ago.

My life hasn’t been the same since.

I initially hoped that Missy would help me write faster by planting herself on my lap while I was at my desk, forcing me to keep at my task. But alas, the opposite has typically been the case.

She’d much rather play. She will often coax me into chasing her around the house or in the backyard as she tries to keep one of her toys away from me. And if that fails, she’ll find some trouble to get into, like chewing on a slipper or sneaker I’ve left on the floor.

January 2, 2020

What are your wishes for the new decade?

New Year’s day has come and gone, the beginning of a new decade. It’s the time of year to reflect on everything you’ve accomplished in the past and make your wishes for 2020 and beyond.

The new year has barely begun, and I have already received a slew of newsletters and listened to several book publishing podcasts about setting an agenda for 2020.

My biggest desire for this year is a simple one: I want to become an even better writer and provide more stories that entertain, excite, and cause you to think about the unimaginable.

November 25, 2019November 25, 2019

A Thankful Post

With the holidays upon us, my message for this journal post is a simple one. I offer you my appreciation and gratitude. You make it possible for me to continue my dream of writing.

I’ve discovered that a writer’s life is not always an easy path to follow. It can be a daunting profession, putting words onto a blank page, knowing others will eventually judge the quality and worthiness of the books I write.

November 18, 2019

Find Escape Fantasy Books

I primarily read books that contain tales of science fantasy, magical places, or different worlds. If you also enjoy this genre, you’ll be interested in this free book promotion.

October 15, 2019

My Inspiration for The Story of Elthea’s Realm

Good writing is unbelievably complicated. I feel that’s especially true for novels. Fiction authors have many decisions to consider when crafting stories that are enjoyable and easy to read.

But it all starts with the seed of an idea that can be developed into a plot.

I used a college course called The Utopia Project to help me write a story that became the science fantasy series The Story of Elthea’s Realm. The course was the springboard for everything that followed in my books.

September 5, 2019

Great Books by Super Authors

I will often decide to read a new book based on someone’s recommendation. If you’re the same, read this post.

Because of my writing experience, I’ve become friends with a group of remarkable authors. You might not be familiar with their books, but be prepared for great reading in a variety of genres, both in fiction and non-fiction.

I highly recommend these authors and their books because of the flair they have for telling a story, or in the case of non-fiction, explaining a place and activity.

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.

May 20, 2019

How to Write a Novel

During my life, I’ve read a ton of books about writing a novel. From books about character development, world building, dialog, plot development… you name it, I’ve read about it. I have an entire bookcase full of books about how to write.

Many of those books did help me understand the essential techniques needed to develop a well-written story. But for me, the most crucial part of my road to becoming a published author was to sit down and do it.

Of course, my first attempts were horrible. But I kept trying. I put those early manuscripts in the bottom drawer of a file cabinet and began again. And when those results weren’t good enough, I started the process over from the beginning.

April 17, 2019

My Next Book

I hope you enjoyed reading my first two books, Elthea’s Realm and Elthea’s Gambit. Here’s an update on my third book in the series. Spoiler alert: I still have a lot of writing and editing to complete before it’s released.

That doesn’t mean I can’t begin talking about my next novel. After all, the publishing cycle is so much more than when the book is released. Right now, I’m doing the hard work of writing and editing the first draft of the next story, making sure it’s as exciting and captivating as I can make it.

March 8, 2019

My Twenty Best Inspirational Quotations on Reading and Writing

I love finding inspirational quotations. That’s especially true when I read a quote regarding the love of reading books, or about writing them.

I always enjoy the pleasure others take in reading and writing. Even quotes about the challenges and pitfalls of writing interest me. They help me understand I’m not alone when I hit rough patches as I craft my next novel.

January 29, 2019October 14, 2019

The Joy of Writing

Next month will be two years since I released my first book, Elthea’s Realm. Since then, I’ve also published Elthea’s Gambit, the second book in the series. It doesn’t seem possible that I’m living a life I had wished for so many years ago.

But as the saying goes, careful what you wish for.

Before you jump to conclusions, let me say I love writing. Almost as much as that, I love working for myself. After spending most of my career as a marketing and communications manager at both global corporations and small tech start-ups, it’s nice to be my own boss.

December 29, 2018January 5, 2019

Wishing you the Very Best for 2019

Happy New Year!

This is the time of year that marks a transition in our lives from what has happened to what will be. We face a blank page where everything is possible for the good things we have yet to accomplish.

For myself as a writer, it’s an occasion to reflect on how I’ve evolved in this craft. I believe I’ve come a long way, but I’m always trying to improve my skills before I’m satisfied. The feeling is simultaneously one of the banes and one of the joys of being an author.

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”