Title: Why I Write: From Engineering to Fiction
Most of my professional life was spent in the world of high-stakes engineering. From the shipyards of Newport News to the complexities of international LNG projects, my days were governed by precision, analytical thinking, and the pursuit of solutions to complex technical challenges.
You might wonder why I transitioned from that world to writing long-form fiction.
The truth is, it wasn't much of a transition at all.
I’ve always been fascinated by the intersection of history, archaeology, and the hard sciences—physics, mathematics, and the intricate properties of the world around us. In my novels, I don’t rely on magic or convenient plot devices. I rely on the truth. I find that when you start with a foundation of documented history and rigorous scientific research, the story that emerges is not only more grounded but far more compelling.
I like to think of writing a novel like sailing: sometimes, you have to sail east to go west. I don’t look for immediate resolution. I prefer to explore the dynamics of a mystery, letting the logic of the situation dictate where the characters go and what they discover.
I recently completed my second novel, a journey of some 70 chapters that kept me deeply immersed in research and structural planning. I am already well into the planning stages of my next project, and I decided it was time to open a digital space here at Obolus Publishing to share this journey with you.
In this space, I’ll be sharing:
The Science Behind the Fiction: Occasional deep dives into the real-world physics or historical artifacts that serve as the "bones" of my mysteries.
Notes on the Process: A look at how I tackle the structure of a novel—from using differential equations to map narrative problems to the quiet labor of drafting chapter by chapter.
Project Updates: Brief, honest dispatches from the desk as I work through the research and writing of my next manuscript.
If you enjoy mysteries that prioritize logic, research, and a slow-burn narrative, I invite you to follow along.
Thank you for your interest in my work. There is much more to come.
MJ Orgeron