Spotlight - John Delaney

Since 1999, John has been crafting intricate murder mystery party games, selling over forty boxed and downloadable editions worldwide—particularly in the UK and the USA. His games, now available exclusively through Play Murder Mystery, have captivated audiences with their engaging plots and immersive storytelling.

Beyond mysteries, John has ventured into musical theater, writing the book for three musicals—Directions, Dream Home, and 68 The Musical—as well as a pantomime. His work has seen the stage in prestigious venues, with Directions premiering at the Lichfield Garrick in 2018 and 68 The Musical set to tour Yorkshire in October 2024. He also collaborated with composer Oliver Davis on Tir na Nog, an opera featuring This Mortal Man. This aria impressively topped the UK Classical charts and reached No. 18 on the USA Billboard chart.

John’s earliest memory as a writer dates back to childhood when he penned a poem about a Spanish mouse named Pepe at just eight years old. Even today, he holds onto that piece and considers revisiting it for publication.

When asked about his favorite author, John fondly recalls Round Ireland with a Fridge by Tony Hawks—a lighthearted and adventurous book inspired by an unusual bet.

Outside of his literary career, John finds joy in travel and music. A dedicated performer, he spent ten years in a rock band and occasionally takes the stage. Music remains integral to his life, whether he listens, attends gigs, or plays.

In 2022, John published his debut novel, A Dangerous Fossil, introducing readers to the sharp-witted fossil hunter Jurassic Jemma Thorne. Set on Dorset’s Jurassic coast, the book weaves a thrilling tale of discovery, greed, and murder. Following its success, John released Jurassic Jemma and the Mysteries of Time, an exciting continuation of Jemma’s adventures alongside her loyal companion, Dino. The trilogy concluded in November 2024 with Jurassic Jemma and the Trail of Evil, promising a resolution with no lingering cliffhangers.

Choosing the indie publishing route allowed John to maintain full creative control over his work—free from imposed deadlines and external influences. While indie publishing offers content, timing, and cover design flexibility, it also presents challenges, particularly in marketing support. Still, the independence and ability to shape his projects make it a rewarding path.

For John, the greatest thrill of writing lies when he holds the first physical copy of a book. Additionally, reader feedback is essential to his motivation—especially the excitement and requests for further installments from devoted fans.

John deeply values the connections he has built through author events, particularly his involvement with the Swadlincote Festival of Words. The opportunity to share his experiences and interact with enthusiastic readers fuels his passion for storytelling.

Advice

John’s advice to new writers is simple yet powerful: "My advice would be just to make a start and get the first words written. They can be improved and edited later. Invest in characters."

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