Just messing around, I asked ChatGPT AI to comment on what it could find about me. Kind of like "Googling yourself" on steroids. I thought I'd share it here for those who don't know me.
Author Book reading in Port Orchard, WA
Before I get into all that, please feel free to stop by my Facebook page. I know, all that stuff about who uses what social media. I've been on there for over 14 years. A couple of weeks ago Facebook disabled my entire account without talking with me about it, and I'm now rebuilding from scratch. I'm not impressed with their customer service. A lot of people suddenly saw me, my branded pages for films and books and groups all gone. So I'm moving on, starting again.
I'm offering a free download until election day November 5, 2024, because it is relevant. It is for me, my scariest story, because of how much it became true but cannot ever again. "In Memory, Yet Crystal Clear" (coupon: CL4MM) is a world resembling a Philip K. Dick novel, where a renowned surgeon's attempt to help his missing son's best friend sparks a series of events that transform the U.S. into a dystopian nightmare. Originally published in 1990, In Memory, Yet Crystal Clear foreshadows the rise of popularism, revealing how good intentions can lead a nation into madness—while only one man sees the truth. Also available as an audiobook.
This isn't my best-written story (though it was good enough to be bought and published), or perhaps my scariest. "EarVu" for instance is scarier, or I could name others. But this is not only the first story I sold (and to a horror quarterly magazine decades ago), it is one of my most disturbing. While my writing has gotten better since I penned this story, it remains such a disturbing story still because when I wrote it in the 1980s, I never imagined it could in a way, come true. I saw things headed in this direction back then, but on election day in 2016, it became in various ways, all too true.
One more thing.
I actually got t my orientation in life and politics, organically, as few do today. It came through education, my university degree is in Psychology, concentrating in Phenomenology where I learned to be a researcher. I worked for years as a Senior Technical Writer and research in high tech, on some of the top IT teams in the Pacific Northwest.
Also, I've read, a lot. In 8th grade, I was trained to read at 10,000 words per minute with tested 80% comprehension. All my life I picked my books carefully, reading many science and "intelligence" books as well as history and world issues. Not IQ type intelligence, though that does help, but through actual data sources as raw as I could acquire them.
Along with a history of studying espionage and world politics, where since the 1970s I was interested in a career in that area. I was intensely interviewed and tested to get into the USAF OSI. However I chose at the end to start a university career. Later I worked at the University of Washington for over seven years. I've received much of my information not just through media, which I paid little attention to until the past couple of decades, but a variety of vetted sources and materials.
I had a secret clearance for nuclear weapons in the USAF where we received quarterly secret-level briefings on a variety of things. Decades later I was a founding member of an international cyber security group with business, government, and law enforcement that went on for years through the 1990s/2000s, getting direct briefings from law enforcement and high-level government sources.
OK, enough fo that. Here's what ChatGPT AI had to say about me, with a few additions of links and titles I added for reader orientation:
JZ Murdock is a versatile and compelling storyteller whose work spans across horror, science fiction, true crime, and psychology. As an author, screenwriter, and filmmaker, Murdock brings a unique voice to each of these genres, blending dark, thought-provoking themes with a deep understanding of human nature.
Master of Horror and Science Fiction
Murdock’s work is a hidden gem in the realms of horror and science fiction, captivating those who discover it with its unique blend of dark, thought-provoking themes. While independently produced, his stories resonate deeply with readers and viewers who appreciate fresh and original voices in the genre.
True Crime and Psychological Insights
Beyond fiction, Murdock has delved into the world of true crime and non-fiction, bringing his narrative skills to real-life stories that examine the complexities of criminal behavior with such works as his screenplay, "The Teenage Bodyguard", almost made into a movie several times. Murdock pulled the film each time, saying he would wait for a director who has a vision for the screenplay that would best fit what actually happened.
Exploring the Human Psyche
Murdock’s interest in psychology is evident throughout his work, whether in his fiction, screenwriting, or non-fiction articles. With a university degree in psychology, concentrating on phenomenology, he delves into the psychological underpinnings of his characters and stories, offering readers and viewers a deeper understanding of the human psyche.
JZ Murdock is a versatile and compelling storyteller whose work spans across horror, science fiction, true crime, and psychology. As an author, screenwriter, and filmmaker, Murdock brings a unique voice to each of these genres, blending dark, thought-provoking themes with a deep understanding of human nature.
Master of Horror and Science Fiction
Murdock’s work is a hidden gem in the realms of horror and science fiction, captivating those who discover it with its unique blend of dark, thought-provoking themes. While independently produced, his stories resonate deeply with readers and viewers who appreciate fresh and original voices in the genre.
His novels and short stories, such as "Anthology of Evil" and "Death of heaven," (even the "h" in "heaven" in the title has a reason and a meaning) are infused with cosmic horror and dark fantasy, often drawing comparisons to H.P. Lovecraft and Clive Barker's older stories.
His stories explore the unknown, the supernatural, and the darker aspects of human nature, leaving readers with a lingering sense of unease and fascination.
JZ Murdock: "I love the roller coaster ride of a good horror film or story. I do not however equate that with real horrors in life, which I have done my best to avoid or protect others from them. I studied martial arts from 5th grade on. I studied and practiced search and rescue and first responder training for lost/downed aircraft in junior high as a Civil Air Patrol cadet. I packed parachutes in the USAF and prepped B-52 nuclear weapons systems for war. All things that make one quite aware of the horrors surrounding our human experience. But a good horror story, or a good SF story? These things offer us a vision of the possible, of our future, perhaps as forewarning. They can be greatly disturbing things to behold. Or they can simply be great fun."
Blending horror and science fiction in such disturbing stories as, "EarVu" where a lab experiment goes wrong. A stark contrast to another story of an experiment gone wrong as in the humorous, "Quantum History" from his short story collection series, "Anthology of Evil". Or as with the short story, "In Memory, Yet Crystal Clear" (his first fiction story sold a long time ago) which details the journey of a world-famous surgeon who reluctantly aids a disturbed mind, who goes on to take over all advertising in America, to the demise of our most valued traits as a country. That title is an homage to one of Murdock's favorite authors growing up, Isaac Asimov whose first autobiography is, "In Memory Yet Green". There is often something more behind small things in his writings.
True Crime and Psychological Insights
Beyond fiction, Murdock has delved into the world of true crime and non-fiction, bringing his narrative skills to real-life stories that examine the complexities of criminal behavior with such works as his screenplay, "The Teenage Bodyguard", almost made into a movie several times. Murdock pulled the film each time, saying he would wait for a director who has a vision for the screenplay that would best fit what actually happened.
His short true crime horror story "Gumdrop City" and its film prequel ("Gumdrop", a short horror) delve into the chilling tale of a man who descends into the darkest depths of criminality. The film, a short horror piece, offers a gripping exploration of one possible origin story behind the harrowing events depicted in the story. His true crime writings are marked by meticulous research and an insightful analysis of what drives individuals to commit heinous acts.
His well-researched memoir after dealing with COVID-19 and the ensuing "long covid" led to his book, Suffering "Long Covid", which has been well received by those reviewing and reading it. The ebook version has clickable research links used in the book. In his non-fiction works and articles, he explores a wide range of psychological themes, from the intricacies of the human mind to the motivations behind our actions.
Screenwriter and Filmmaker
As a screenwriter, Murdock has created scripts that blend his love for horror, science fiction, and psychology, often exploring surreal and dark themes. As in his award-winning, "Gray and Lover The Hearth Tales Incident", about two demon-hunting women. His screenplays have garnered attention in film festivals, highlighting his ability to translate complex narratives into compelling visual stories. Even their titles are interesting: "Popsicle Death", "Colorado Lobsters", and "Poor Lord Ritchie's Answer", to name a few.
Screenwriter and Filmmaker
As a screenwriter, Murdock has created scripts that blend his love for horror, science fiction, and psychology, often exploring surreal and dark themes. As in his award-winning, "Gray and Lover The Hearth Tales Incident", about two demon-hunting women. His screenplays have garnered attention in film festivals, highlighting his ability to translate complex narratives into compelling visual stories. Even their titles are interesting: "Popsicle Death", "Colorado Lobsters", and "Poor Lord Ritchie's Answer", to name a few.
Murdock’s filmmaking through his LgN Productions company also reflects his unique vision, creating atmospheric and unsettling experiences for audiences. His film "Gumdrop", a short horror (17 international awards), and his "Pvt. Ravel's Bolero" (63 international awards), a non-fiction/filmic poem and historical documentary on WWI, composer Maurice Ravel, and his infamous composition "Bolero", are unique visions in filmmaking.
Cover art by Marvin Hayes
Murdock’s interest in psychology is evident throughout his work, whether in his fiction, screenwriting, or non-fiction articles. With a university degree in psychology, concentrating on phenomenology, he delves into the psychological underpinnings of his characters and stories, offering readers and viewers a deeper understanding of the human psyche.
His writing on psychology is insightful and accessible, providing valuable perspectives on how our minds work and how these principles can be applied to storytelling. His senior-level presentation to his seminar on abnormal psychology, a paper on synesthesia and schizophrenia was commented on by their professor that he had found a field of study one could spend a career on, something unusual below the graduate student level. That paper and another are included in the ebook: "On Psychology: With Illustration in Psychopathology via Synesthesia and Schizophrenia."A Voice for the Dark and the Thought-Provoking
JZ Murdock’s work appeals to those who are drawn to the darker and more mysterious aspects of life. His ability to weave psychological insights into compelling narratives makes his stories not just entertaining but also deeply thought-provoking. Whether you’re a fan of horror, science fiction, true crime, or psychological exploration, Murdock’s work offers a rich and immersive experience.
For readers and viewers who appreciate stories that challenge the mind and explore the depths of human nature, JZ Murdock is an author and creator who delivers on all fronts. His work is a testament to the power of storytelling to not only entertain but also to provoke thought and reflection on the complexities of the human condition.
JZ Murdock’s work appeals to those who are drawn to the darker and more mysterious aspects of life. His ability to weave psychological insights into compelling narratives makes his stories not just entertaining but also deeply thought-provoking. Whether you’re a fan of horror, science fiction, true crime, or psychological exploration, Murdock’s work offers a rich and immersive experience.
For readers and viewers who appreciate stories that challenge the mind and explore the depths of human nature, JZ Murdock is an author and creator who delivers on all fronts. His work is a testament to the power of storytelling to not only entertain but also to provoke thought and reflection on the complexities of the human condition.
Gee, thanks ChatGPT!
Cheers! Sláinte!
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