Ever wonder how a medical thriller is born? Or what happens when a real-life experience sparks a pulse-pounding fiction excerpt? Today, I’m joined by Dr. John Bukowski, former veterinarian, epidemiologist, and now full-time novelist. John brings a fascinating journey from medicine to fiction, with a knack for turning scientific curiosity into gripping narratives. In this episode, we discuss how his background shaped his storytelling, how real moments become powerful “what if” plot points, and how an ordinary hotel stay inspired a high-stakes, suspenseful scene. John reads an excerpt from his latest novel, Checkout Time—a page-turner about a mysterious arsonist targeting hotels and the unlikely duo racing to stop him.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- (02:10) Bukowski’s path from veterinarian and epidemiologist to fiction writer
- (05:06) Summary of Project Suicide, a thriller based on an Alzheimer’s drug turned weapon
- (06:49) Value of short fiction for building credibility before novel publishing, and how they differ
- (11:38) How a real hotel stay sparked the plot for the thriller Checkout Time
- (14:30) Paid subscribers will hear an excerpt from The Wheel of Fortune
- (15:50) Excerpt from Checkout Time, where an unassuming hotel room trap door erupts into an explosion
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Bukowski turned a science and medical background into a foundation for writing medical thrillers like Project Suicide.
- Publishing short fiction helped Bukowski refine his skills and establish himself as a novelist.
- A hotel trapdoor inspired Checkout Time, showing how everyday moments can lead to compelling fiction.
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BIO:
Dr. John Bukowski is a former veterinary practitioner, health researcher, and medical writer who now writes short fiction and fast-paced novels, including Project Suicide (www.projectsuicidenovel.com) and the recently published Checkout Time (www.checkouttimenovel.com). He has authored fourteen published short stories and a variety of consumer materials, including handbooks, website content, and radio scripts. He has extensive experience in public speaking, having appeared on the theatrical stage, radio, television, and podcasts, as well as in workshops and seminars. He’s a Detroit native who currently resides in Eastern Tennessee.
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