An Inspired Chat with Brian Fitzpatrick of Orange County

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Brian Fitzpatrick. Check out our conversation below.

Brian, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What do you think is misunderstood about your business? 
The entertainment industry is often misunderstood in how it all works. From idea to script to movie, the general public tends to not realize how much can go wrong or sideways along the way. How a deal could be made or lost at any moment. How rejection plagues screenwriters. Writers rooms for TV shows are shrinking. And most writers never finish the script or book they begin. It’s a miracle when a movie or series makes it to release. People would be shocked at what a Herculean task it is to get entertainment made.
And yet, in spite of all the obstacles and disappointments, dedicated writers, directors, producers, and countless crew persist and give their all to get projects made for the audience. We do this because we love it, and because we cannot imagine doing anything else.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello. I’m Brian Fitzpatrick, a bestselling author and produced screenwriter.

My writing journey began at age 7 after accidentally watching Night of the Living Dead. I was terrified but riveted. I couldn’t look away. After a week of nightmare-fueled sleep, mom had had enough. She nudged me into trying to write a scary story of my own. I gave it a go, putting pen to paper, and became immediately hooked. I’ve been writing tales of wonder and terror ever since.

I’m a seasoned writer, fortunate to grow up on Spielberg, Lucas, Carpenter, Rice, King, Cronenberg, and Barker. Sci-Fi and horror are in my DNA.

Fast forward to today. I know who I am as a writer. My brand is dark science fiction that delves into the flaws of man, exploits the moral and ethical toils of technology, and torments heroes who bleed and obsess over coffee.

My gritty, nanotechnology science fiction novel series, MECHCRAFT, has achieved #1 ranking on Amazon multiple times over. This IP is expanding with short stories, a song released, and coming soon a TTRPG.

My manager is currently shopping a dark, sci-fi horror script, THE DARK BELOW, that is as crazy as it is scary.

Lastly, an indie sci-fi script I co-wrote, THE SIMIAN TRIALS, is now in post-production and hopefully releasing in 2026.

My latest release is a fantasy adventure novel, TO SLAY A GOD, set in the Dungeons & Dragons game world of The Black Ballad.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
I’m fortunate to have several mentors in the writing arena.

Early on in my screenwriting journey, Luke Ryan taught me the hard truths on how Hollywood truly operated. The deals. The meetings. The rewriting process. He revealed to me what it takes to succeed as a writer in the entertainment industry.

More recently, actress, producer, writer, director, Gina Nemo, brought me into her world of indie filmmaking by hiring me to write different projects for her, and had me as script supervisor on set for THE SIMIAN TRIALS. That was a crash course in the process of filmmaking that has vastly improved my screenwriting.

And finally, my friend and now-manager, “Uncle” James Moorer. James believed in my writing and my business acumen enough to add me to his client roster. His knowledge, advice, connections, and friendship have excelled my career by miles.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Like everyone born and lived, I have suffered. I’m not special. We all endure hardships. Some more severe than others. However, without the suffering, we would not be forged in the fires that make us who we are- stronger than steel.

Boiling it all down, what my suffering has taught me most is perseverance. Suffering has given me the tools to never give up. No matter what obstacles impede my path, I will never stop striving for the goals. I have become the freakin’ Terminator.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Whose ideas do you rely on most that aren’t your own?
100% my wife. We’ve been together for over 3 decades, and we are a unified team. She is my rock, my ride-or-die, my best friend, and partner in crime.

We are each other’s sounding board, and consulting team. We keep it real with each other.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
Pursuing what I was born to do. I’m in a state of flux, transitioning from a 9-5 career to writing full time. It’s been a long journey, but the goal is in sight.

And this is where perseverance applies. Never give up on the dream. That is always my advice to others who ask.
Never. Give. Up.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.brianfitzpatrickwriter.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorbrianfitzpatrick/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianfitzauthor/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorBrianFitzpatrick
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@brianfitzpatrickwriter
• Other: Substack: https://substack.com/@brianfitzpatrick
  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brianfitzpatrickwrites