Not Dead Yet
John R York
December 8, 2025Alive and Grateful
For those of you who read my monthly blogs, you may have noticed they were absent for October and November. At the risk of sounding melodramatic, this was due to my enduring and surviving a very painful bout of pancreatitis, a cholecystectomy to remove my gallbladder, and agonizing postoperative complications that landed me back in the hospital for another 10 days to endure more procedures.
Now, I know something about pain. I live in the House of Payne. That is to say that my wife’s last name is Payne. However, the pain I experienced in the hospital was off the charts. I never actually thought I was going to die, but there were moments when it briefly seemed like the better option.
Though I may have auditioned for the afterlife during my ordeal, I didn’t get the part. So, here I am, still haunting the Earth. The real downside to surviving is that I’ve disqualified myself from becoming a literary legend – apparently, you have to be dead for that.
To Write or Not to Write
I have some news about my quest to write the next great American novel. I’ve decided to discontinue writing novels. I’ve been writing for the past 10 years. I’ve published nine novels (three of them winning book awards) and rewrote two early novels into a two-book, illustrated series.
My reasons for quitting are manifold and complicated. I still have plenty of stories churning around in my brain, so it’s not a matter of what they call writer’s block. I’ve just come to a point where my growing disappointment in the external validation of my work overshadows my desire to invest more of myself in pursuing this category of creative writing.
I intend to keep writing this blog because it offers a form of creative expression unburdened by the formal demands of a novel. Whether or not it is ever read, it serves as a space where I can explore and articulate what occupies my mind.
I’m going to spend some time studying playwriting. What?? There is a local theater here in New Port Richey, and they offer a playwriting workshop. I’ll keep you posted.
'Tis The Season
Meanwhile, I will remind you that this is the season for giving. For some of you, it may come as a surprise that books are a wonderful gift idea. Even if you’re not an avid reader or don’t read at all, there is almost certainly someone you know who is. Here are some great reasons to buy books as a Christmas gift:
It’s a personal and meaningful gift. A book can reflect the recipient’s interests, passions, or aspirations, making it feel carefully chosen rather than generic.
It offers lasting enjoyment. Unlike many gifts, a book can be revisited, reread, and even shared—providing value long after the holidays have passed.
It encourages reflection and escape. Whether informative or fictional, a book invites the reader to slow down, explore new ideas, or escape into another world.
It shows thoughtfulness without excess. A book is a gift of substance rather than extravagance—thoughtful, enriching, and perfectly suited to the spirit of the season.
On a slightly less altruistic note, if you decide to give one or more books as Christmas gifts this year, I urge you to give my novels top priority. Shop right here: My Books
Seasonal Thoughts
I have much to be thankful for, and this is a good time of the year to reflect on the positive aspects of my life. We just finished decorating inside and out for Christmas, so we’re in the spirit. I consider myself very fortunate.
I’ve been involved in several community projects aimed at helping neighbors who are struggling. The need for assistance feels greater than ever. Maybe it’s always existed, but with the cost of nearly everything rising, more people are finding it increasingly hard to make ends meet.
Providing help to all those who are in need may seem like an Impossible task. I often feel that way, but if each person who is fortunate enough to have the means to contribute even a little time volunteering, or a small bag of groceries, or maybe a toy, it does make a difference.
I sincerely hope you and your family have a Merry Christmas and a healthy, prosperous New Year. Be nice to each other!
A Florida Christmas card
