A conversation with Brian Fitzpatrick, author and screenwriter

Today we welcome author and screenwriter Brian Fitzpatrick to Red Fox Writer.

Brian is the author of the bestselling science fiction trilogy, Mechcraft, and the co-screenwriter for the upcoming science fiction film, The Simian Trials. He recently completed epic fantasy adventure novel, To Slay a God, set in the Dungeons & Dragons campaign, The Black Ballad, from Storytellers Forge, which will be published in May 2025.

He has also compiled his 10 years of author branding, marketing, and networking experience into a self-directed online course to help fellow writers navigate a writing career (it happens on April 5, 2025 -- more on that below!)

Brian, thank you for taking the time to have a conversation today. First, can you share what inspired you to start writing?

When I was just seven years old, I accidentally watched the horror classic, "Night of the Living Dead," while alone in the dark. I was terrified but riveted. I couldn't look away. Needless to say, I endured a week or so of nightmare-fueld sleep. In a desperate attempt to help me get past my trauma, my mother suggested I try writing a story of my own. I took her up on the idea nd put pen to paper. I was instantly hooked. I've been telling tales of wonder and horror ever since.

Do you have a specific routine or schedule for writing?

I used to be religious about word count and dedicated writing days, but life can get complicated and disrupt the routine. I used to beat myself up over missing writing time. Now, however, I take a more holistic approach: I write when I'm able. I still maintain the dedication but no longer get upset if I have to skip a day or cut the time short.

What's the most challenging part of writing for you?

Though technically not "writing," the most difficult thing for me is growing my audience. For indie authors especially, increasing readership is a constant challenge. I've spent the last 10 years mastering branding and marketing myself and my work.

How do you develop your characters and plot?

This is going to sound strange, but every story I've written--be it novel, screenplay, or short--developed differently. I have no consistent formula. The plot for Mechcraft came to me after reading a medical article about nanotechnology. The Dark Below began with a dysfunctional team of urban exploreres, and the story developed around the women of the team. The Simian Trials screenplay was a writing assignment with the flexibility for me to flesh out the characters. To Slay a God, my Dungeons & Dragons novel, had the setting provided, but I dreamt up the characters and plot to organically work with the existing world.

Which character in your book do you relate to the most and why?

In Mechcraft, I see a bit of myself in all three protagonists. Jake's perseverencs, Bex's loyalty, and Trent's smart-ass attitude. Dare I say, I even see a bit of myself in the villain, Sasha... but we don't talk about that. Shhhh.

Tell us a little about your journey as a screenwriter.

I grew up loving movies, blessed to have been raised on Spielberg, Lucas, Burton, Zemekis, and Cronenberg. Cinema was my life growing up. But I never imagined writing scripts--there simply wasn't a path for the average person to enter that world. So, I wrote a novel in my 20s. I loved the idea but ended up hating the finished book. I rewrote all 400 pages several times over, but still something was

amiss.

I then realized the story worked better as a movie! But how does one write a movie? There were no classes, gurus, or coaches back then. The only help available was Syd Field's iconic book, Screenplay. I devoured that text and got to work. I realized immediately that I loved writing screenplays, and have been honing my craft ever since.

Over the years I've had more near-sales and rejections than I can count. Screenwriting as a careeer is a true test of perseverence. It's brutal, chaotic, and one of the biggest thrills in life. I have navigated my way from novice to now obtaining consisten writing assignments and work. And now I'm represented by a manager.

For writers who want to turn their story into a screenplay--but have never written one before--what's your advice for getting started?

For so many reasons, I recommend authors convert their books into screenplays. Not only to expand into new territory and create more opportunites, but also to hone their craft and become more well-rounded writers.

If you need something to help get a jump-start, and learn some of the fundamentals, Syd Field's book is definitely where you should start. And do not pay someone else to convert it for you. Learn the craft and do the work. You'll be so proud of yourself at the end.

How do you balance writing with other aspects of your life?

It's not easy. Between the day career, family responsibilities, and supporting my wife's business, my schedule can get tight. I just make sure to prioritize writing and take advantage of the spare times that come my way. Deadlines help me as well, even self-imposed ones. When push comes to shove, I can write very fast.

What's the most unusual or unexpected thing that's happened as a result of your writing?

You may not know this but the industrial rock band, Chemical Straitjacket wrote and released a song inspired by the Mechcraft series.

What do you enjoy doing when you're not writing?

My wife and I have TV shows we enjoy together, as well as movies. I also love to cook. I find it relaxing and a unique creative outlet. We have a board game day with friends once a month. And we go to concerts as often as we can--we are big fans of live music.

Thanks for taking time to share your perspectives today, Brian. Before we wrap up, what are you up to next?

My  latest novel, To Slay a God, will release in May 2025, but readers interested in checking out my other work can check out the Mechcraft series, You can find Book 1 here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1684336791

Plus, on Saturday, April 5, 2025, I'm delivering an online all-day masterclass on author branding, marketing, and networking. Here's the link for more information and registration: https://www.storyrocket.com/branding-for-authors-2025. And be sure to use code: Fitzpatrick-2025 for $50 off the registration feel. 

Thanks for joining us today, Brian -- and good luck with all of your projects!

About Brian Fitzpatrick

Brian’s writing journey began at the age of seven after accidentally watching the horror classic, Night of the Living Dead. After a week of sleepless nights, his mother encouraged him to write stories of his own. He took her advice, put pen to paper, and has been creating tales of wonder and terror ever since.

In addition to his sci-fi novel series, Mechcraft, Brian co-wrote the gritty science fiction feature, The Simian Trials, which is currently in post-production. He contributed cyberpunk horror short story, Deus Ex Sythetica, to the Blood Fiction V2 anthology of challenging fiction, and recently completed an epic fantasy adventure novel, To Slay a God, set in the Dungeons & Dragons campaign, The Black Ballad, from Storytellers Forge, which will be published in May 2025.