Where awesome book readers meet awesome writers.
Today, we are honored to speak with John Biscello, a multi-talented artist whose creative spirit moves seamlessly between disciplines. As an author, poet, playwright, screenwriter, director, and performer, John’s work captures the vibrant intersection of imagination and humanity. His latest novel, The Last Furies, is a bold and genre-defying literary creation that challenges the boundaries of storytelling itself.
Meet John Biscello
John Biscello is a storyteller in every sense of the word. Based in Taos, New Mexico, he has spent decades shaping his unique artistic voice through writing, theater, and education.
“I am an author, poet, playwright, screenwriter, director, and performer,” he shares. “My multi-disciplinary interests constantly inform and influence one another. They often interweave in unexpected ways.”
Beyond his own art, John is deeply committed to nurturing creativity in others. He is the founder and director of the Taos Youth Ensemble, a theater company that helps students from grade school through high school develop stage productions through a six-month program and summer camps.
To date, John has published five novels, two poetry collections, and two children’s books, showcasing his versatility and passion for the written word.
About His Latest Book: The Last Furies
John’s newest novel, The Last Furies, is a testament to patience, persistence, and evolution.
“The inspiration began more than twenty years ago,” he recalls. “At the time, I was reading the poetry of French Symbolist Arthur Rimbaud and several biographies about his life. I started working on a play called Abyssinia, fragments of which eventually made their way into The Last Furies.”
Over two decades, the project transformed into something entirely new a hybrid novel that blends screenplay, stage play, letters, musical prompts, and traditional narrative.
“The book became a literary work of fusion,” he explains. “It’s a spectrum of conversations between realities, merging different forms and genres into one creative whole.”
His Writing Habits
While John’s work spans many forms, his writing routine remains grounded in simplicity and tradition.
“I still write longhand in my notebooks,” he says. “It might seem old-fashioned in the digital age, but for me, it keeps the connection between thought and language organic.”
Authors Who Inspire Him
John’s influences are as diverse as his artistic pursuits. He lists ten authors who have profoundly shaped his creative vision:
- Haruki Murakami
- Henry Miller
- Patti Smith
- John Fante
- Patrick Modiano
- Clarice Lispector
- Raymond Carver
- Samuel Beckett
- Julio Cortázar
- Roberto Bolaño
“These writers taught me how to navigate the balance between clarity and chaos,” he explains. “They explore the human condition through beauty, absurdity, and truth.”
Current Projects
John is currently developing a new project titled Vanishing Points, a collection of interconnected short works exploring the theme of disappearance.
“I’m not sure what it will ultimately become,” he admits. “But the guiding idea how and why things vanish has captivated me.”
Promoting His Work
John’s official blog, johnbiscello.com, serves as his main platform for connecting with readers.
“My blog functions as a hub for everything,” he explains. “It includes links to all my books, reviews, interviews, excerpts, videos, and performance clips. It’s not just a promotional tool it’s a living archive of my creative journey.”
Advice for Aspiring Authors
John’s advice for new writers is straightforward but essential:
“Whatever schedule you cultivate, be consistent.”
He believes consistency matters more than bursts of inspiration. “It’s about showing up every day,” he says. “Inspiration often comes from the discipline of the work itself.”
The Best Advice He’s Ever Heard
One piece of wisdom that continues to guide him comes from Konstantin Stanislavski, the legendary theater director:
“Inspiration is born of hard work, not the other way around.”
“It’s the perfect reminder,” John says. “Waiting for inspiration rarely works. You create the conditions for it through effort.”
What He’s Reading Now
John’s current reading list includes two acclaimed novels:
- How I Became a Nun by César Aira
- Human Acts by Han Kang
“I’m drawn to writers who take risks,” he says. “Both Aira and Kang challenge readers to think differently about form, trauma, and identity.”
What’s Next for John Biscello
With The Last Furies freshly released, John is focusing on book signings, readings, and promotional events.
“I’m also preparing for the publication of my sixth novel, No One Dreams in Color, which will be released in April 2026 by Unsolicited Press,” he shares. “It’s another step in my ongoing journey of exploring language, structure, and emotion.”
If Stranded on a Desert Island
If he could bring just a few books to a deserted island, John would choose works that have continually inspired his creative philosophy:
- Agua Viva by Clarice Lispector
- Antwerp by Roberto Bolaño
- Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami
- Molloy / Malone Dies / The Unnameable trilogy by Samuel Beckett
“These are books I could live inside,” he says. “They remind me of the power of mystery and introspection.”
Connect with John Biscello
To explore John’s work, visit his official platforms:
- Website: johnbiscello.com
- Amazon Author Page: John Biscello on Amazon
- Goodreads Profile: John Biscello on Goodreads
Final Thoughts
John Biscello embodies the essence of a modern renaissance artist a writer who blends genres, disciplines, and forms to create something wholly original. His latest work, The Last Furies, stands as a celebration of creative freedom and artistic fusion.
Through literature, performance, and mentorship, John continues to prove that art is not bound by medium but guided by imagination and authenticity.
