The Story of Elthea's Realm – John Murzycki, Author

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.

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.

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.