True Fiction Project: Episode Summary – "Checkout Time" (S6 Ep 11)
Host: Renita Hora
Guest: Dr. John Bukowski
Release Date: July 22, 2025
Introduction
In episode 11 of season 6, titled "Checkout Time," host Renita Hora welcomes Dr. John Bukowski to the True Fiction Project. This episode delves into Dr. Bukowski's unique journey from a veterinary practitioner and health researcher to a successful fiction writer. The discussion offers insights into his transition between professions, his writing process, and the inspiration behind his novels.
Guest Background and Career Transition
Renita Hora opens the conversation by inquiring about Dr. Bukowski's shift from veterinary medicine and health research to writing fiction.
Dr. John Bukowski (02:11):
"I'll go back to my secondary school training and into college. I'm a person fascinated by history, English, reading, writing, fiction, nonfiction, and science. I chose science for my career, earning a veterinary degree and practicing for about seven years in Michigan."
He further explains his move into epidemiology, driven by a desire to reduce the stress associated with life-and-death decisions in veterinary practice. During his 20-25 year career in epidemiology, Dr. Bukowski found himself increasingly drawn to writing, leading him to pursue freelance medical writing.
Dr. Bukowski (05:21):
"I started writing fiction during a slow period in medical writing. My first thriller novel remains unpublished, but this experience ignited my passion for storytelling. Eventually, in 2015, I retired from medical writing to focus entirely on fiction."
Publishing Journey: Short Stories and Novels
Renita probes into Dr. Bukowski's publishing experiences, highlighting the challenges of debuting as a novelist.
Dr. Bukowski (07:41):
"Short fiction is much easier to get published. While there are fewer venues now compared to 50 years ago, there are still more opportunities for short stories than for novels. Publishing short stories provides credibility, making it easier to pitch novels to publishers."
He emphasizes the importance of short stories not only for building a writer’s portfolio but also for their enjoyable and less time-consuming nature compared to novel writing.
Dr. Bukowski (08:22):
"Short stories are a great way for debut novelists to establish themselves. They are fun to write and don't require the long commitment that novels do."
Insights into Novel Writing
The conversation shifts to the intricacies of novel writing versus short stories. Dr. Bukowski dispels the myth of the lone writer producing a bestseller in isolation, explaining the rigorous process of drafting, revising, and editing.
Dr. Bukowski (08:30):
"Writing a novel takes 6 to 12 months for the first draft, followed by multiple rounds of revisions and feedback from beta readers and editors. It's a lengthy and collaborative process."
Exploring "Checkout Time"
Renita introduces Dr. Bukowski's second published novel, "Checkout Time," and seeks to understand its inspiration and thematic elements.
Dr. Bukowski (11:17):
"Checkout Time" revolves around an arsonist named Conrad Hilton who uses a cure for Alzheimer's disease as a means of assassination. The protagonist, modeled after myself as a handsome government researcher, pursues Hilton, leading to a thrilling confrontation."
When asked about the true-life inspiration for the story, Dr. Bukowski recounts an experience in a hotel where he discovered a hidden trapdoor, sparking the "what if" scenario that ignited the plot of "Checkout Time."
Dr. Bukowski (12:07):
"I noticed a trapdoor in a hotel room ceiling and wondered what could be concealed there. This sparked ideas ranging from stolen jewels to microfilm, ultimately leading to the concept of an extortionist using a bomb."
He cites the 1970s movie "Roller Coaster" as an influence, particularly its premise of a man extorting money by threatening to bomb amusement park rides.
Creative Segment: Excerpt from "Checkout Time"
Dr. Bukowski shares an excerpt from the first chapter of "Checkout Time," illustrating his ability to craft suspenseful and vivid narratives. The passage follows Thomas Tomaszinski as he navigates a sudden and catastrophic fire in a hotel room, showcasing Dr. Bukowski's talent for creating intense, high-stakes scenarios.
Excerpt Highlights:
- Immediate Action: The sudden eruption of a fire and the chaos it causes.
- Character Experience: Tom's struggle to escape through smoke-filled corridors.
- Atmospheric Detail: Vivid descriptions of the environment, enhancing the tension and urgency.
Conclusion and Resources
Before concluding, Dr. Bukowski shares where listeners can find his work:
- Website: thrillerjohnb.net
- Novels:
- Short Stories: Published in various anthologies and magazines, including "The Wheel of Fortune" in the Larceny and Last Chances anthology.
Renita encourages listeners to explore Dr. Bukowski's novels and short stories, providing multiple avenues to engage with his work.
Key Takeaways
- Career Flexibility: Dr. Bukowski's transition from veterinary medicine and epidemiology to fiction writing underscores the possibility of shifting career paths based on evolving passions.
- Importance of Short Stories: Publishing short fiction can be a strategic step for writers aiming to establish credibility and build a portfolio before tackling novel writing.
- Writing Process: Crafting a novel is a time-intensive process that involves multiple drafts and revisions, contrary to the common perception of sudden inspiration or solitary effort.
- Inspiration from Daily Life: Everyday observations and experiences can serve as potent catalysts for creative storytelling, as exemplified by the inception of "Checkout Time."
Stay Connected:
For more stories and updates from Dr. John Bukowski, visit his websites and follow his work on Amazon. Aspiring writers and storytellers are encouraged to reach out to the True Fiction Project for potential features or to share their own narratives.