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JZ Murdock

JZ Murdock

JZ Murdock is an award-winning author, screenwriter, and filmmaker known for exploring the darker edges of speculative fiction and horror. His novel Death of Heaven won the 2024 NYC Big Book Award for Horror and was a finalist in the American Legacy Book Awards. A former IT professional turned full-time storyteller, Murdock blends sharp psychological insight with cosmic unease, earning praise for both his fiction and experimental film work—including the antiwar documentary Pvt. Ravel’s Bolero, which has won over 70 international awards. When he’s not writing, he’s thinking about writing, or talking about why reality might be the scariest story of all.

  • JZ Murdock

    JZ Murdock

    When you're working on a book and a new idea pops up, should you pursue it immediately (also known as 'UP syndrome') or finish your current project first? What do you think is the best course of action?
    When a new idea pops up while I’m working on a book, I usually make notes and keep moving. I read years ago that professional writers throw nothing away—and I’ve taken that to heart. When I cut a favorite phrase, sentence, or paragraph, I save it. Same goes for new ideas. I jot them down so I don’t lose them, but I stay on track with the current project to maintain the mindset and momentum I’ve built. That said, if an idea is so strong it pulls me away completely, it often means I’m either bored with what I’m working on or something’s off. In that case, I give myself permission to explore the new idea—taking a break can help me return to the original work with renewed energ...
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  • JZ Murdock

    JZ Murdock

    Today, we have the pleasure of diving into the creative universe of JZ Murdock, an accomplished author, filmmaker, and storyteller known for his captivating blend of horror, science fiction, and noir. With a repertoire spanning intriguing books, ebooks, screenplays, and award-winning indie films, JZ Murdock has carved a niche for himself in the realm of thought-provoking narratives. His latest ebook, "The Unwritten," Volume II in the “Anthology of Evil” series, delves into the complexities of multiverse exploration and existential mysteries, reflecting his penchant for exploring the boundaries of reality and consciousness. Join us as we explore his creative process, inspirations, and upcoming projects in this insightful interview. Welcome, JZ! Let's start by talking about your latest book/ebook. Can you tell us a bit about it?
    Thank you for having me! My latest ebook, "The Unwritten," is the second volume of the sequel to my first published book of short stories, "Anthology of Evil." The first volume was a collection of short stories where I had originally planned to include a novella. However, as I began writing, the story took on a life of its own and expanded into its own full-length book."The Unwritten" is a unique tale set across three distinct universes within our multiverse. As the hook on the back of the book says, "Three Hells. Three Unverses. One ending."One unfolds in a remote mountain society, offering a familiar yet eerie backdrop. Another is set in a high-tech world where a sequence of conflicts—a ...
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