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John Zeleznik

@johnzeleznikauthor.bsky.social

470 followers 960 following 1K posts

Father, Husband, Teacher and Writer. Jedi Knight and friend to Captain Solo. Winter is coming. Mets, Orange, Isles, Bills fan. Novelist and writer NOT the artist with the same name! Opinions stated are mine and mine alone.

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John Zeleznik @johnzeleznikauthor.bsky.social · Apr 13

So, I did a thing....my first novel, WINTER'S DISCORD, is available Amazon for purchase or through KU. If you think that you might like a PG-13 Game of Thrones this might be for you. Please enjoy.

Winter's Discord: Book One of The Seasons of Destiny

Amazon.com: Winter's Discord: Book One of The Seasons of Destiny eBook : Zeleznik, John : Tienda Kindle

www.amazon.com

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John Zeleznik @johnzeleznikauthor.bsky.social · 17h

And another season of indoor lacrosse begins and for an hour on Friday nights I’m white knuckle stressed the entire time. #goaliedad #lacrosse

John Zeleznik @johnzeleznikauthor.bsky.social · 1d

The DA in Law and Order is maybe the worst DA in the history of this show. I mean he’s awful.

John Zeleznik @johnzeleznikauthor.bsky.social · 1d

Had to bring my son out of town for a doctor’s appointment (he’s fine) and on the car ride back I had FOUR story ideas pop into my head. One is definitely a short story that’s already spawning off a series of related short stories and three book ideas ranging from MG to YA to adult.

John Zeleznik @johnzeleznikauthor.bsky.social · 3d

This was fun again. Great topic and great conversation. Hopefully by next time, I'll have found my mojo and written some words! #kidlitchat

John Zeleznik @johnzeleznikauthor.bsky.social · 3d

The weather is killing me. I remember football game hot chocolates and mulled cider. Can we even write about those anymore and have a point of reference? #kidlitchat

John Zeleznik @johnzeleznikauthor.bsky.social · 3d

I definitely think it's a combination of all of it. #kidlitchat

John Zeleznik @johnzeleznikauthor.bsky.social · 3d

I'm teaching a college writing course and a college writing prep class and it's ALOT of feedback on their writing. And both classes are really big. I love it. It's energized me but it's A LOT of work. #kidlitchat

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John Zeleznik @johnzeleznikauthor.bsky.social · 3d

Don't mistake what I posted. I am most definitely anti-AI, especially when it comes to writing and art. But that's where teaching the ethical part comes in. #kidlitchat

John Zeleznik @johnzeleznikauthor.bsky.social · 3d

Do you think that the "creepiness" we associate with Fall because of Halloween or is it something else? #kidlitchat

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John Zeleznik @johnzeleznikauthor.bsky.social · 3d

Let me say that there is a shift and you have to realize that it's a tool that is going to be used whether we want it or not. Trying to guide kids to use it responsibly and ethically is the dicey part. #kidlitchat

John Zeleznik @johnzeleznikauthor.bsky.social · 3d

Yes. June, July and August are usually huge production. Then I crater out in September (I honestly don't think I wrote anything last month). #kidlitchat

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John Zeleznik @johnzeleznikauthor.bsky.social · 3d

Sure. Absolutely. The first few months of school usually kill me and this year was no different. I have a heavy workload this year, so it's been even harder this year. #kidlitchat

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John Zeleznik @johnzeleznikauthor.bsky.social · 3d

My UMG uses "friendsgiving" as the inciting incident, so to speak. #kidlitchat

John Zeleznik @johnzeleznikauthor.bsky.social · 3d

Summers seemed longer too. But that's a different discussion. #kidlitchat

John Zeleznik @johnzeleznikauthor.bsky.social · 3d

Does anyone's writing/reading habits change in the fall? I'm obviously focused on school work right now and I've spoken frequently about my summer malaise (that's still had a hold of me), but I'm feeling the itch again to actually do something again. #kidlitchat

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John Zeleznik @johnzeleznikauthor.bsky.social · 3d

Not to sound like the old guy shouting at clouds, but it seemed to get cooler earlier when I was a kid. But time does funny things to what we remember. #kidlitchat

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John Zeleznik @johnzeleznikauthor.bsky.social · 3d

I mean Homecoming is a huge trope, especially in YA. #kidlitchat

John Zeleznik @johnzeleznikauthor.bsky.social · 3d

It's funny but I lean heavily into the "summer adventure" stories, but the UMG I'm stalled on takes place around Thanksgiving time. Halloween, harvest and Thanksgiving are all "fall" points of reference. #kidlitchat

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John Zeleznik @johnzeleznikauthor.bsky.social · 3d

I'm a big guy and I think I look much better in sweaters, henleys and sweatshirts. #kidlitchat

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John Zeleznik @johnzeleznikauthor.bsky.social · 3d

It always does feel like to me that the "lack of light" creates a sense of the need to buckle down. Less desire to "be outside" and more time to hanker down and get to work. #kidlitchat

John Zeleznik @johnzeleznikauthor.bsky.social · 3d

Those first few cool, "sweatshirt" nights are the best. They just seem to be coming later and later each year! It's a feeling I'd love to replicate in a story. #kidlitchat

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John Zeleznik @johnzeleznikauthor.bsky.social · 3d

I've been toying with several football ideas for years but I can never get them right. I think it's the only kind of counter to the "horror/mystery" feel of the fall. #kidlitchat

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John Zeleznik @johnzeleznikauthor.bsky.social · 3d

Those old school B&W horror movies are fertile ground for inspiration. #kidlitchat

John Zeleznik @johnzeleznikauthor.bsky.social · 3d

And obviously it's creepy time. I mean I spent the entire weekend watching Stephen King adaptations! #kidlitchat

John Zeleznik @johnzeleznikauthor.bsky.social · 3d

I live in Central NY, so the fall is so that cliched Northeaster fall and I've always wanted to tap into that feeling. School, football games, bonfires, etc. Especially football games. #kidlitchat