John J. Blenkush – Crafting Worlds with Depth and Imagination
Blenkush’s diverse career enriches his storytelling with concrete details and imaginative depth.
John J. Blenkush‘s diverse career and travels enrich his storytelling, blending mythology with modern conflicts and exploring themes of redemption, forgiveness, and human connection in his award-winning novels.
John J. Blenkush is a master storyteller whose diverse career and life experiences have significantly enriched his writing. With a background in aeronautics, engineering, and construction, Blenkush brings a unique perspective to his novels, infusing them with concrete details and imaginative depth. His extensive travels, from New Zealand to the South Pole, have broadened his worldview, providing a rich tapestry of cultural insights that he skillfully weaves into his narratives. Now residing in northern California with his wife, Nancy, Blenkush dedicates his time to writing, woodworking, and family, drawing inspiration from the mystical landscapes that surround him.
Blenkush’s award-winning Solstice Series and other critically acclaimed novels showcase his ability to blend mythology with modern-day conflicts, creating stories that resonate with readers on both fantastical and human levels. His exploration of ancient civilizations, such as the Lemurians and Atlanteans, reflects his fascination with history and myth, while his characters’ emotional journeys reveal his sensitivity and depth of understanding. Through his work, Blenkush invites readers to embark on adventures that challenge perceptions and explore the complexities of redemption, forgiveness, and human connection.
In discussing his transition from a career in aeronautics, engineering, and construction to full-time writing, Blenkush emphasizes the importance of concrete detail and imagination in storytelling. He believes that living a full life is essential to envisioning the worlds he creates. His travels and interactions with diverse cultures have altered and deepened his perspective, allowing him to capture and store elements that later surface in his writing.
In his novel “Sandman of Caye Caulker,” Blenkush explores deep themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the complex relationship between father and son. His personal experiences, including growing up largely without a father and having a complex relationship with him in adulthood, inspired him to delve into these emotional and moral complexities. Blenkush’s sensitivity and emotional depth contribute to the passionate nuance of his novels, as he crafts characters like Hawk and Sandman with authenticity and empathy.
The Solstice Series, which delves into ancient civilizations and blends mythology with modern-day conflicts, was inspired by Blenkush’s long-standing fascination with the mystical Mount Shasta. His research into the myths, folklore, and legends of Mount Shasta and its fabled history of Lemuria and Atlantis fueled his imagination. Balancing the fantastical with relatable human experiences is a challenge that Blenkush embraces, taking years to seamlessly blend these elements into his narratives.
Character development is a crucial aspect of Blenkush’s storytelling. In “Solstice Sacrifice,” the protagonist Julissa’s journey is fraught with tension, both internal and external. Drawing from his experiences with emotionally volatile teens, Blenkush crafts Julissa’s character development with care, exposing her to diverse characters and forcing her to make choices that shape her destiny.
Blenkush’s writing process involves weaving intricate plots with layers of mystery, history, and interpersonal dynamics. As an organic writer, he labors intensely for hours each morning, allowing his imagination to run wild while performing daily tasks. He meticulously maintains a spreadsheet of characters and pertinent information, ensuring that each piece of the puzzle fits seamlessly into the larger narrative. His process is slow and deliberate, but it is one that he savors and enjoys.
Living in northern California, particularly near the mystical Mount Shasta, has profoundly influenced Blenkush’s writing. The landscapes and stories surrounding him serve as a wellspring of inspiration, sparking ideas for novels like “The Dothorian Door,” “Reddition,” and the Solstice Series. Blenkush believes that one is never apart from the world, and his keen awareness of his environment allows him to draw inspiration from the world around him, infusing his work with authenticity and depth.
