John David, a public relations whiz and award-winning author, joins us today to dive deep into the exhilarating journey of planning and writing his debut novel, "The Bystander," which snagged the 2025 Page Turner Award for mystery. We're talking all things writing, from the thrilling highs to the daunting lows, and how a casual barbecue chat about gun rights sparked the fire for his gripping tale of an active shooter thwarted by an armed bystander. As John shares his unique process, we’ll explore the age-old debate between plotters and pantsers—those who meticulously outline their stories versus those who go with the flow. So grab your favorite beverage, kick back, and come along for the ride as we unravel the fun, creative chaos that comes with crafting a novel! Authors After Action is back with a bang, and this time we're diving deep into the world of writing with the incredible John David! He's not just your average Joe – he's a seasoned public relations guru, corporate ghostwriter, and, oh yeah, an award-winning author! His debut novel, *The Bystander*, won the prestigious Page Turner Award for mystery in 2025 and has already started making waves in the thriller genre. What's even more fun? John’s got a playful side – he loves fishing, chatting about politics, and rooting for the Florida Gators (we won’t hold it against him!). In this episode, we chat about everything from the birth of his writing journey to the challenges he faced while penning his first fiction piece. John shares his transition from a PR consultant to an author, revealing how his extensive background in journalism and marketing influenced his storytelling. We also explore the age-old debate between 'plotters' and 'pantsers' – do you plan your entire story or just let the characters take you on a wild ride? Spoiler alert: John’s a proud pantser, and his insights will resonate with anyone who’s ever stared at a blank page wondering what happens next.
Takeaways:
- John David's journey from PR consultant to award-winning author highlights the importance of life experiences in storytelling.
- The difference between plotters and pantsers in writing can shape how one approaches their novel, each method has its pros and cons.
- Finding joy in the writing process is crucial; if you're not having fun, it's likely your readers won't either.
- Balancing a busy professional life with writing requires flexibility and creativity; sometimes you need to steal moments throughout the day.
- The importance of character development is emphasized, as authors often draw from real-life experiences and people they know.
- Mental health issues can deeply influence storytelling, allowing authors to address real societal problems through fiction.
Links referenced in this episode:
- byjohndavid.com
- bookshop.org