Jan Notzon's Blog, page 16
February 13, 2024
Review 3
Here's a review of my novel "The Id Paradox" by Literary Titan: 5 stars
Jan Notzon’s novel, The Id Paradox, invites readers into a gripping narrative of friendship, adventure, and resilience. Set against the backdrop of Texas’ majestic Big Bend National Park, we meet Jake Kazmareck, Connors McClain, and Arturo Cavazos, friends drawn together by their thirst for adventure.
Their journey, initially filled with the promise of
scenic exploration, takes a harrowing turn when a dangerous mission leads to Arturo’s disappearance. The story deepens when, years later, Jake and Connors discover that Arturo has been languishing in a Mexican prison,
enduring unspeakable hardships at the hands of a violent drug cartel. This revelation propels the narrative into a daring rescue mission.
Notzon skillfully portrays Arturo’s harrowing
experiences and the subsequent psychological
aftermath. The inclusion of Dr. Judith Neuwirth, a therapist with her own unresolved trauma, adds a nuanced layer to the
exploration of mental health and healing.
Notzon’s writing style is notable for its
vivid descriptions and ability to draw readers into the emotional landscape of his characters. The novel does not shy away from the darker aspects of its story, including profanity and graphic portrayals of violence, which serve to underscore the brutal reality of the characters’ experiences. Through these elements, Notzon delves into philosophical and psychological themes, offering insights into the human psyche under extreme circumstances.
With its blend of adventure and psychological depth, The Id Paradox is a compelling read for those interested in stories that explore the complexities of the human mind and the bonds of friendship tested by extraordinary challenges. Notzon’s narrative prowess ensures that the reader remains engaged,
navigating the twists and turns of this emotionally charged adventure.
Jan Notzon’s novel, The Id Paradox, invites readers into a gripping narrative of friendship, adventure, and resilience. Set against the backdrop of Texas’ majestic Big Bend National Park, we meet Jake Kazmareck, Connors McClain, and Arturo Cavazos, friends drawn together by their thirst for adventure.
Their journey, initially filled with the promise of
scenic exploration, takes a harrowing turn when a dangerous mission leads to Arturo’s disappearance. The story deepens when, years later, Jake and Connors discover that Arturo has been languishing in a Mexican prison,
enduring unspeakable hardships at the hands of a violent drug cartel. This revelation propels the narrative into a daring rescue mission.
Notzon skillfully portrays Arturo’s harrowing
experiences and the subsequent psychological
aftermath. The inclusion of Dr. Judith Neuwirth, a therapist with her own unresolved trauma, adds a nuanced layer to the
exploration of mental health and healing.
Notzon’s writing style is notable for its
vivid descriptions and ability to draw readers into the emotional landscape of his characters. The novel does not shy away from the darker aspects of its story, including profanity and graphic portrayals of violence, which serve to underscore the brutal reality of the characters’ experiences. Through these elements, Notzon delves into philosophical and psychological themes, offering insights into the human psyche under extreme circumstances.
With its blend of adventure and psychological depth, The Id Paradox is a compelling read for those interested in stories that explore the complexities of the human mind and the bonds of friendship tested by extraordinary challenges. Notzon’s narrative prowess ensures that the reader remains engaged,
navigating the twists and turns of this emotionally charged adventure.
February 10, 2024
Film Outline
I'm writing a film outline for my novel ONLY THE DEAD. I'm depending on my agent to tell me if I'm on the right track
Here's a sample:
ONLY THE DEAD
Story Outline
Act I, Scene 1: Indian attack on cattle drive, west Texas 1874: Trail boss and co-owner of the Lazy 8 ranch, GP Macalister, jumps from his horse onto the back of the wagon behind him to protect wife and child.
Hispanic woman, Luz Macalister, on buckboard grabs reins from young man beside her, pulls wagon to side at the same time as pulling down the young man (John Michael Kaczmarek) to safety. Behind them, an Indian sneaks up from the dry creek behind and cuts the throat of one cowboy. Indian starts for wagon. At the last possible moment, John Michael shoots him.
The attack finally over, John Michael throws up in response to having killed a man. Luz notices that GP has an arrow in his thigh. GP calls his son, Jacob, to push the arrow through so that the barb can be cut off. Jacob falters, then flees. John Michael volunteers and does it successfully.
Here's a sample:
ONLY THE DEAD
Story Outline
Act I, Scene 1: Indian attack on cattle drive, west Texas 1874: Trail boss and co-owner of the Lazy 8 ranch, GP Macalister, jumps from his horse onto the back of the wagon behind him to protect wife and child.
Hispanic woman, Luz Macalister, on buckboard grabs reins from young man beside her, pulls wagon to side at the same time as pulling down the young man (John Michael Kaczmarek) to safety. Behind them, an Indian sneaks up from the dry creek behind and cuts the throat of one cowboy. Indian starts for wagon. At the last possible moment, John Michael shoots him.
The attack finally over, John Michael throws up in response to having killed a man. Luz notices that GP has an arrow in his thigh. GP calls his son, Jacob, to push the arrow through so that the barb can be cut off. Jacob falters, then flees. John Michael volunteers and does it successfully.
January 4, 2024
Research
I suppose that as a writer (it still feels rather pretentious to think of myself that way) almost any reading I do could be considered research. Now on page 800 of The Brothers Karamazov--and only 63% of the way through--I'm reading the Bible as well. Maybe this time I'll get past Deuteronomy.
I have to say that I even find inspiration in The Wall Street Journal I read every morning. Its editorial page often treats questions of ethics and morality, including political questions that have ethical and moral implications.
I tried to find a book treating the psychology of ideologues for the story I'm (trying to) writing now. The closest I could come was one entitled Authoritarian Ideologues and Tyrants. Lo and behold, there is an editorial in today's paper dealing with the tyranny of Yasser Arafat and Hamas.
I have to say that I even find inspiration in The Wall Street Journal I read every morning. Its editorial page often treats questions of ethics and morality, including political questions that have ethical and moral implications.
I tried to find a book treating the psychology of ideologues for the story I'm (trying to) writing now. The closest I could come was one entitled Authoritarian Ideologues and Tyrants. Lo and behold, there is an editorial in today's paper dealing with the tyranny of Yasser Arafat and Hamas.
January 2, 2024
Who Can Say?
Here is another short story I wrote. I do hope you enjoy it.
The ironies in Jordan Kelly’s life continue to assault with all the fury of the Eumenides.
So many years ago, decades now, Jordan made the biggest mistake of his life—and he had an awful lot to compete with. When Kathryn Greenwald, a truly beautiful in a wholesome way woman in her mid-30s came into his life as a student in his public speaking class, the attraction was immediate. She had been a stay-at-home mom with three daughters recently separated from her husband and had now gone back to school, studying business administration.
Kathryn, Jordan realized too late was actually the ideal mate for him. She was one of those rare kind, empathetic and supportive women for whom a committed relationship was of paramount importance. Her devotion to her daughters and to the marriage now in tatters exuded from her like a body-length halo.
Jordan was pursuing his MFA in theatre and being an actor was how he defined himself. All other considerations were secondary—even tertiary. Having received a fellowship and teaching assistance-ship to attend the University of South Carolina, he had what were perhaps delusions of grandeur concerning his acting talents. In any case, he clung to his identity as a thespian and was certain he was bound for the love of millions of adoring fans.
Such an ideal told him that he could only make a life with a fellow actress and together, they would conquer the theatrical world. Though his heart told him that Kathryn was his true soulmate, his mind—his image of himself—could not accept it.
To this day, so many eons later, the red-hot pike of regret for sending her away still grinds without remorse in the pit of his stomach.
By his late sixties he had made peace with the evident proposition that he would spend the rest of his life single—with friends, but without that special someone. He decided that he’d had his chance. And had blown it.
Then, so many trials and failed relationships later, he met Stacey. As she sat beside him at a reading of prospective writers, he felt a fundamental kindness from her. He believed that it was that very quality that attracted him. The jury is still out on that.
It had been more than 20 years since he’d felt the stirrings of attraction—beyond the physical—for any woman. He was completely caught off guard. It had been so long! How would he go about getting to know this person? He had always been shy, hesitant, uncertain of his own attractiveness. It was fortunate that she had been impressed with his own reading and had chosen to sit next to him. As he walked her and her friend to her friend’s car, asking if he could give her a call seemed as natural as breathing. So, he did.
They had so much in common, a love and knowledge of classical music. It didn’t matter a whit to Jordan that her knowledge was superior. They shared a love of literature, a taste for Asian foods and a passion for nature. She was an artist. He’d traded storytelling as an actor for doing so as a writer.
How they enjoyed each other’s company! They both had a gentleness about them, and she had a joyous ability to laugh at herself that Jordan so much admired. He couldn’t believe his good fortune. He considered that God had sent Kathryn to him and that he’d thumbed his nose at such a wondrous gift.
He wondered if this might be divine forgiveness.
They got together for concerts, she probably appreciating them with greater depth than he. They went to art exhibits and he drank in her extraordinary insights and expertise. They loved most of all simply visiting with each other over a fine meal—even over a quite mediocre one.
Jordan noticed one thing with a touch of curiosity. Anytime he opened a door for her, she raced to open the next door for him. Whenever he took her out to dinner, she had to return the favor with almost military rigor. But he enjoyed her company so much that he didn’t even give it a second thought. He only wondered, after they’d been seeing each other for the better part of a year, how she truly felt about him. He not a single doubt that this was the woman he wanted to share the rest of his life with.
His fantasy was not of sex. At his superannuated age, he longed to simply hold her with her head on his shoulder their bodies sealed to one other. He could tell, however, that such physical intimacy was unwelcome. But her very company was so fulfilling that he could accept if she needed more time.
Then, another curious occurrence passed between them. There were occasions when they had connected like a house afire and Jordan knew Stacey wanted to be kissed. And on those occasions, she kissed him back with feeling. Then, the next time they would get together she would be cold and distant as the arctic tundra. Those occasions sent Jordan’s head spinning. Unfortunately, Jordan was too uncertain to sit them both down and say, “Hey, what’s going on? We were really cooking on Tuesday evening and now you’re miles away? Did something happen? Did I do something to push you away?”
But Jordan was a “no means no” kind of guy and simply respected her apparent desire for distance.
It may have been a tragic error. But who can say if it would have made any difference?
The denouement came one evening when they sat on Jordan’s deck behind his house and Stacey shared that it was Jordan’s lack of membership in the progressive community that made impossible their ever being, in the rigorous vocabulary rules of the left, “committed partners”. It sounded to Jordan like a business arrangement, but he still didn’t care.
Alas, however, it was for her an absolute requirement. Could it have been a pretext for some fear? Who can say? But as Jordan thought about how her very identity was cloistered in being the echt liberal-progressive feminist icon in which all doors must be open equally, all money must be spent equally and relationships were to be governed by absolute rules that disallowed empathy, care and solace, he wondered if there were another possibility.
Might it have been that those few occasions of genuine connection caused Stacey to have feelings that were incompatible with that cast-in-stone self-image: unwelcome feelings of wanting to be cared for, so unpalatable for the absolutely strong, independent feminist icon?
Jordan remembered that night on his deck that her affirmation of membership in the progressive community was made with such emphasis that it seemed to be an essential part of her identity and that anyone who didn’t share every tenet of its creed was “outside the family”, the family of the decent, the caring.
The irony, if that was true, was like a slap with a wet towel. All those years ago, he had forsaken Kathryn because she was not a member of the theatrical community. Now, Jordan was considered unworthy for his estrangement from the progressive community.
The irony stabs with the arrows of vengeance. And it fills Jordan with wonder.
Could this have been a lesson from the divine? Was it perhaps even a punishment for his ingratitude—his rejection of such a precious gift?
Or was it simply a coincidence in a universe without meaning, without purpose, random and pointless with no hope of redemption?
Who can say?
The ironies in Jordan Kelly’s life continue to assault with all the fury of the Eumenides.
So many years ago, decades now, Jordan made the biggest mistake of his life—and he had an awful lot to compete with. When Kathryn Greenwald, a truly beautiful in a wholesome way woman in her mid-30s came into his life as a student in his public speaking class, the attraction was immediate. She had been a stay-at-home mom with three daughters recently separated from her husband and had now gone back to school, studying business administration.
Kathryn, Jordan realized too late was actually the ideal mate for him. She was one of those rare kind, empathetic and supportive women for whom a committed relationship was of paramount importance. Her devotion to her daughters and to the marriage now in tatters exuded from her like a body-length halo.
Jordan was pursuing his MFA in theatre and being an actor was how he defined himself. All other considerations were secondary—even tertiary. Having received a fellowship and teaching assistance-ship to attend the University of South Carolina, he had what were perhaps delusions of grandeur concerning his acting talents. In any case, he clung to his identity as a thespian and was certain he was bound for the love of millions of adoring fans.
Such an ideal told him that he could only make a life with a fellow actress and together, they would conquer the theatrical world. Though his heart told him that Kathryn was his true soulmate, his mind—his image of himself—could not accept it.
To this day, so many eons later, the red-hot pike of regret for sending her away still grinds without remorse in the pit of his stomach.
By his late sixties he had made peace with the evident proposition that he would spend the rest of his life single—with friends, but without that special someone. He decided that he’d had his chance. And had blown it.
Then, so many trials and failed relationships later, he met Stacey. As she sat beside him at a reading of prospective writers, he felt a fundamental kindness from her. He believed that it was that very quality that attracted him. The jury is still out on that.
It had been more than 20 years since he’d felt the stirrings of attraction—beyond the physical—for any woman. He was completely caught off guard. It had been so long! How would he go about getting to know this person? He had always been shy, hesitant, uncertain of his own attractiveness. It was fortunate that she had been impressed with his own reading and had chosen to sit next to him. As he walked her and her friend to her friend’s car, asking if he could give her a call seemed as natural as breathing. So, he did.
They had so much in common, a love and knowledge of classical music. It didn’t matter a whit to Jordan that her knowledge was superior. They shared a love of literature, a taste for Asian foods and a passion for nature. She was an artist. He’d traded storytelling as an actor for doing so as a writer.
How they enjoyed each other’s company! They both had a gentleness about them, and she had a joyous ability to laugh at herself that Jordan so much admired. He couldn’t believe his good fortune. He considered that God had sent Kathryn to him and that he’d thumbed his nose at such a wondrous gift.
He wondered if this might be divine forgiveness.
They got together for concerts, she probably appreciating them with greater depth than he. They went to art exhibits and he drank in her extraordinary insights and expertise. They loved most of all simply visiting with each other over a fine meal—even over a quite mediocre one.
Jordan noticed one thing with a touch of curiosity. Anytime he opened a door for her, she raced to open the next door for him. Whenever he took her out to dinner, she had to return the favor with almost military rigor. But he enjoyed her company so much that he didn’t even give it a second thought. He only wondered, after they’d been seeing each other for the better part of a year, how she truly felt about him. He not a single doubt that this was the woman he wanted to share the rest of his life with.
His fantasy was not of sex. At his superannuated age, he longed to simply hold her with her head on his shoulder their bodies sealed to one other. He could tell, however, that such physical intimacy was unwelcome. But her very company was so fulfilling that he could accept if she needed more time.
Then, another curious occurrence passed between them. There were occasions when they had connected like a house afire and Jordan knew Stacey wanted to be kissed. And on those occasions, she kissed him back with feeling. Then, the next time they would get together she would be cold and distant as the arctic tundra. Those occasions sent Jordan’s head spinning. Unfortunately, Jordan was too uncertain to sit them both down and say, “Hey, what’s going on? We were really cooking on Tuesday evening and now you’re miles away? Did something happen? Did I do something to push you away?”
But Jordan was a “no means no” kind of guy and simply respected her apparent desire for distance.
It may have been a tragic error. But who can say if it would have made any difference?
The denouement came one evening when they sat on Jordan’s deck behind his house and Stacey shared that it was Jordan’s lack of membership in the progressive community that made impossible their ever being, in the rigorous vocabulary rules of the left, “committed partners”. It sounded to Jordan like a business arrangement, but he still didn’t care.
Alas, however, it was for her an absolute requirement. Could it have been a pretext for some fear? Who can say? But as Jordan thought about how her very identity was cloistered in being the echt liberal-progressive feminist icon in which all doors must be open equally, all money must be spent equally and relationships were to be governed by absolute rules that disallowed empathy, care and solace, he wondered if there were another possibility.
Might it have been that those few occasions of genuine connection caused Stacey to have feelings that were incompatible with that cast-in-stone self-image: unwelcome feelings of wanting to be cared for, so unpalatable for the absolutely strong, independent feminist icon?
Jordan remembered that night on his deck that her affirmation of membership in the progressive community was made with such emphasis that it seemed to be an essential part of her identity and that anyone who didn’t share every tenet of its creed was “outside the family”, the family of the decent, the caring.
The irony, if that was true, was like a slap with a wet towel. All those years ago, he had forsaken Kathryn because she was not a member of the theatrical community. Now, Jordan was considered unworthy for his estrangement from the progressive community.
The irony stabs with the arrows of vengeance. And it fills Jordan with wonder.
Could this have been a lesson from the divine? Was it perhaps even a punishment for his ingratitude—his rejection of such a precious gift?
Or was it simply a coincidence in a universe without meaning, without purpose, random and pointless with no hope of redemption?
Who can say?
December 28, 2023
For What It's Worth
For those of you with an open mind and a willingness to have your ideologically driven conclusions possibly challenged, I would recommend a documentary called "The Fall of Minneapolis". It's quite an eye-opener and it is free to view directly from their website.
I highly recommend it if you have any affinity for the truth.
I highly recommend it if you have any affinity for the truth.
December 7, 2023
Radio Show
I am now hosting a radio show on www.WDRBmedia.com. It airs every Sunday at 2:45pm. It has been quite a learning experience. I fortunately have a person/coach named Kimberly Guns who does the show with me, ostensibly to interview me about the writing process.
I'm not sure any of you, my followers (since I assume most of you are already published authors) would benefit. But then, who knows? I'm nervous as a cat when I don't have a script, but the people at the station have been very complimentary.
We prerecorded our Christmas show, to air on Dec. 24. In it we did an impromptu Christmas story. Talk about being nervous! But I think it actually came out pretty fair. Won't win any literary awards but for being impromptu...
I'd like to once again invite all of you to view the video trailer for my latest (published) novel, ONLY THE DEAD (Know the End of War). Please give it a looksee.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/ahviiiq6763...
I'm not sure any of you, my followers (since I assume most of you are already published authors) would benefit. But then, who knows? I'm nervous as a cat when I don't have a script, but the people at the station have been very complimentary.
We prerecorded our Christmas show, to air on Dec. 24. In it we did an impromptu Christmas story. Talk about being nervous! But I think it actually came out pretty fair. Won't win any literary awards but for being impromptu...
I'd like to once again invite all of you to view the video trailer for my latest (published) novel, ONLY THE DEAD (Know the End of War). Please give it a looksee.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/ahviiiq6763...
November 16, 2023
Trailer
I hope you will enjoy this trailer for my most recently published novel, ONLY THE DEAD (Know the End of War).
https://www.dropbox.com/s/ahviiiq6763...
And I would love to hear any critical feedback you might have.
Thanks to all.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/ahviiiq6763...
And I would love to hear any critical feedback you might have.
Thanks to all.
November 9, 2023
Review 2
November 6, 2023
This is a difficult book to evaluate. It has some extraordinary insights and for those open to faith, it would be of considerable significance. To those who eschew such belief, it might not.
The testimony of the author is quite compelling and his conclusions more that credible. His choices of quotes from scripture are so on target, it is obvious he has engaged in penetrating thought in completing this project.
I highly recommend this book for both the believers and the non-believers. Both might very well benefit.
This is a difficult book to evaluate. It has some extraordinary insights and for those open to faith, it would be of considerable significance. To those who eschew such belief, it might not.
The testimony of the author is quite compelling and his conclusions more that credible. His choices of quotes from scripture are so on target, it is obvious he has engaged in penetrating thought in completing this project.
I highly recommend this book for both the believers and the non-believers. Both might very well benefit.
November 8, 2023
Review
November 6, 2023
This is a very entertaining mystery with some wonderful adventure that opens the novel and really hooks you in and keeps you guessing.
There was one twist I found a bit hard to swallow, but to mention it would definitely be a spoiler. It concerns a reported change in one of the characters. However, I have to admit that people continue surprising me, so maybe it's not so far-fetched.
This is a very entertaining mystery with some wonderful adventure that opens the novel and really hooks you in and keeps you guessing.
There was one twist I found a bit hard to swallow, but to mention it would definitely be a spoiler. It concerns a reported change in one of the characters. However, I have to admit that people continue surprising me, so maybe it's not so far-fetched.
October 30, 2023
I Should Be Ecstatic!
My agent just told me that he made a pitch to Greg Paul the COO of Castle Rock Entertainment and Mr. Paul was receptive, not just about my latest, ONLY THE DEAD, but also two of my others, AND YE SHALL BE AS GODS and The Id Paradox.
I am totally stunned. I'm just praying that this is not another scam the likes of which I get more than once a week. The only thing he's asked money for is to make a trailer for "Only the Dead". But he assures me that the trailer will be mine. If he's telling the truth, then it will be an investment both of us will be able to use.
I also had a wonderful Saturday with neighbors and friends. Such truly wonderful people, so caring and supportive.
I can only surmise that the state of barbarity in the world and the fecklessness of our response to it makes me extremely pessimistic about the future of humanity.
God help us all!
I am totally stunned. I'm just praying that this is not another scam the likes of which I get more than once a week. The only thing he's asked money for is to make a trailer for "Only the Dead". But he assures me that the trailer will be mine. If he's telling the truth, then it will be an investment both of us will be able to use.
I also had a wonderful Saturday with neighbors and friends. Such truly wonderful people, so caring and supportive.
I can only surmise that the state of barbarity in the world and the fecklessness of our response to it makes me extremely pessimistic about the future of humanity.
God help us all!
