Unleashing the Thriller Within: Insights from John Bukowski’s Writing Journey
In a recent episode of The Life Unscripted with Rosabel, bestselling thriller author John Bukowski shared how a career in veterinary medicine and public health led him back to his first love: crafting suspenseful novels that keep readers on the edge of their seats. From “what if” sparks to disciplined word counts, John’s story offers both inspiration and actionable guidance for aspiring writers—and a reminder that free speech isn’t free, but every story born of it is worth the effort.
From Lab Coats to Leather-Bound Thrillers
John’s journey began in southeastern Michigan, where he earned a DVM and spent seven years practicing veterinary medicine. A subsequent master’s and PhD in public health led him into medical writing—yet the pull of fiction never left him. Reflecting on summers lost in the Detroit Library devouring H.G. Wells and Jules Verne, he realized that passion never truly fades. When the Great Recession slowed his consulting work, John seized the gift of time to write his first novel. In 2022, Project Suicide was published—a chilling tale of an Alzheimer’s “cure” twisted into an undetectable assassination weapon.
“What If?”: The Spark Behind Every Thriller
John’s creative process often starts with a simple question: what if? For Project Suicide, it was imagining a benign dementia treatment with a deadly side effect. For his sequel, Bad Pennies, he built on that world, pitting hero and heroine against an old nemesis resurrected for revenge. His standalone thriller, Checkout Time, originated from spotting a trap door in a hotel room—what better way to hide a bomb? These moments of curiosity, logged immediately on his phone, demonstrate how real-world observations can ignite fiction.
Crafting a Suspenseful Ride
Thrillers, John explains, must mirror roller coasters: a series of escalating obstacles leading to a climactic showdown. He reads prodigiously in his genre—and beyond—to absorb pacing and structure. Then, he writes 750 words a day on average, typically in morning sessions in his home office. Over time, daily consistency transforms intimidating word totals into a completed manuscript. As he puts it, “even 400 words on a tough day keeps the momentum—and all great books start one sentence at a time.”
Five Key Tips for Aspiring Thriller Writers
- Read Widely and Deeply: Immerse yourself in the genre you aim to write. Study how masters build tension.
- Write Every Day: Treat it like a hobby that demands daily attention—small steps accumulate into thousands of words.
- Embrace Imperfection: Your first draft need not be perfect. Get words down, then revise ruthlessly—often 3–5 times—until the story sings.
- Plotters vs. Pantsers: Find your style: outline extensively, or let the characters surprise you. Both can yield gripping narratives.
- Power of the “Mushy Middle”: Prepare for the challenging midsection. Keep pushing through low-output days; new ideas often arise in those very struggles.
Looking Ahead: New Releases & Adaptation Dreams
John’s latest novel, The Peeper (May 2025), introduces a chilling serial killer who auctions victims’ eyelids online. He’s also refining And A Child Shall Lead Him, a lighter “chick lit” departure set for late 2025, plus a forthcoming short-story anthology. While he’d relish seeing his work adapted for screen, he cautions that moving from page to production requires formidable connections—and a readiness to embrace creative reinterpretations.
Connect, Review, Repeat
To support authors, John urges readers to leave honest reviews on Amazon or Goodreads—star ratings and brief comments accrue social proof that fuels discovery. You can explore his full bibliography at:
- ProjectSuicideNovel.com
- BadPenniesNovel.com
- CheckoutTimeNovel.com
- ThePeeperNovel.com
- ThrillerJohnB.net
Let’s Connect!
Enjoyed these insights? Connect with me at www.rosabelzohfeld.com and don’t forget to subscribe to The Life Unscripted with Rosabel on YouTube for more inspiring conversations.
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