Exploring the Mystical and Emotional Depths of His Novels
John J. Blenkush discusses how his diverse career and global experiences influence his
novels, blending mythology with emotional depth to create captivating stories of redemption, ancient civilizations, and complex human relationships.
John J. Blenkush is a literary craftsman whose diverse career and life experiences have enriched his storytelling, allowing him to create intricate and immersive worlds that captivate readers. With a background in aeronautics, engineering, and construction, Blenkush brings a unique perspective to his writing, infusing his novels with concrete details and imaginative depth. His travels across the globe, from New Zealand to the South Pole, have broadened his worldview and provided 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, is a testament to his fascination with history and myth, while his characters’ emotional journeys reflect 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. As you delve into this interview, prepare to be inspired by the insights and creativity of an author whose passion for storytelling knows no bounds.
John J. Blenkush masterfully intertwines myth and emotion, crafting stories that captivate readers with their depth, complexity, and imagination.
Your career has spanned diverse fields such as aeronautics, engineering, and construction before you transitioned to writing full-time. How have these experiences influenced your storytelling, particularly in creating the complex worlds in your novels?
I believe concrete detail is key for great novels while imagination is the engine that fleshes out a novel, and one has to live life to truly envision it. I’ve traveled and lived beyond my home state of Minnesota, such as New Zealand, the South Pole, Mexico, Belize, Europe, and many others, intimately interacting with many cultures, while gaining experience, altering and deepening my perspective, widening my view, and capturing and storing elements, which surface later.
In Sandman of Caye Caulker, you explore deep themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the complex relationship between father and son. What inspired you to delve into such emotional and moral complexities, and how did you approach crafting the characters of Hawk and Sandman?
By nature, I am an emotional creature. I wear my heart on my sleeve, and it’s not uncommon for me to weep over a sad movie, or during the depth of trauma. My wife has labeled me “sensitive,” which I believe contributes to the deep passionate nuance of my novels. I grew up largely without a father (divorce) and, in adulthood, had a complex relationship with him. Separation divided us, yet as I lived, my life paralleled his to the point I’m toying with the idea of writing a book entitled, Like Father, Like Son.
A man, old and weathered by sea and sun, standing hip deep in the ocean, digging and loading sand into a dugout begs the question, why? Once answered, who can gift him redemption? Other than the son who was the catalyst for the events that took place.
The SOLSTICE SERIES delves into ancient civilizations, such as the Lemurians and Atlanteans, blending mythology with modern-day conflicts. What drew you to these ancient myths, and how do you balance the fantastical elements with relatable human experiences in your writing?
The Solstice Series evolved from my 30-year lovefest with the mystical Mount Shasta, which I summited more than a dozen times. I became enamored with the mysticism, myths, folklore, and legends of Mount Shasta and her smaller sister, Shastina. Lemuria’s and Atlantis’ fabled history enkindled as I researched, and, although fantastical, there’s physical evidence indicating advanced societies did occupy Earth. It’s tricky balancing magic with realism and I think time is key. It took eight years to write The Solstice Series, to blend fantastical with relatable human experiences, which would seamlessly blend together. In 2024, I revised all five books for the third time and discovered there’s more to the saga. Book 6, The Circle of Life, is stewing.
In SOLSTICE SACRIFICE, Julissa’s journey is fraught with tension, both internal and external. Can you share more about her character development across the series and how her interactions with Aaron and others shape her destiny?
While growing up with six sisters and professionally interacting with high school/college age students for 24 years, I’ve witnessed how emotionally volatile teens can be. Take a 16-year-old teen and shatter her life. Give her fleeting hope. Propel her into an ideological conflict. With world Armageddon consequences. Through diverse characters, expose her to the good and the bad. Force choices. And grow her, physically, emotionally, psychologically. She’ll react.
Your work often involves intricate plots with layers of mystery, history, and interpersonal dynamics. What is your process for weaving these elements together, and how do you ensure that each piece of the puzzle fits seamlessly into the larger narrative?
I’m an organic writer with a heightened awareness of my surroundings, who labors intensely for two to four hours every morning and then, while performing daily tasks, allows my imagination to run wild. I write by trial and error, much like solving a puzzle. I maintain a spreadsheet of characters and pertinent information, so I don’t lose track. And research everything. Then I revise, revise, and revise. Painfully slow, yes, but it’s what I enjoy. So why not savor?
Living in northern California, particularly near the mystical Mount Shasta, seems to have influenced some of the settings and themes in your work. How has your environment impacted your writing, and do you find inspiration in the landscapes and stories surrounding you?
The Dothorian Door was sparked by a light in the woods; Reddition by the phrase, rue the day; Stacy’s Story by a fire tower I visited, the Solstice Series by my lovefest with Mount Shasta, and Sandman by the vision of the main character digging sand on Caye Caulker. My next book, For the Love of Joe, will be based on true events. One isn’t apart from the world, but they can be oblivious to it.
