Tuesday, February 11, 2014

The Story Behind Storytelling by Rudy Mazzocchi

Making the leap from writing two novels that are based on ‘true events’, to this non-fiction book was not too difficult. Given my 25+ years of experience as an entrepreneur, starting over a dozen technology companies, I’ve accumulated a great deal of enticing material for both fiction and non-fiction manuscripts.

Storytelling 7My debut novel, EQUITY of EVIL, was fortunate enough to receive multiple literary awards that not only gave me the initiative and encouragement to continue writing, but it also started building brand recognition for this unknown new author. The systems were then in place to support a second novel in what is now known as The EQUITY Series; including a literary agent, publisher, several professional editors, publicists, and (soon) a screenwriter.

My day job as a start-up CEO has also provided a few awards along the way, including numerous Entrepreneur and Businessman of the Year Awards. Most recently I was nominated for a second prestigious Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award about the same time I was given the 2013 Global Entrepreneur of the Year Award by the Intelligence Business Group. As I was patting myself on the back in front of the Ernst & Young judges, they pressed me hard for an explanation of my business success.
Without any formal business or finance training, it was a difficult question for me to answer. It wasn’t until they made the connection to my award-winning novels did I spew out an answer… “It’s all about telling the proper story to the appropriate audience.”

These judges scratched their head over my answer as I continued to elaborate on how I construct my stories surrounding new medical discoveries and how and when the story evolves based on not only the timing of the new venture, but the audience as well. My stories have all the essential elements of any good story; the necessary components to hook and hold an audience… and more importantly, a compelling message that makes a particular audience want to join me for the rest of the journey.
These judges then asked – and it was a strong ask – that I consider writing a book on the topic which they would promote as part of their entrepreneurial program. While writing this book, it became evident that this is a topic not taught in business/entrepreneurism programs in universities or colleges. (We are now in communication with over two dozen such schools who are considering making this book mandatory reading in their curriculums.)

Blending Fiction with Non-Fiction

By design, I wanted to write a business book that reads like fiction. There are too many dry “how-to” books out there and the last thing the world needs is another chest-thumping author bragging about his success. So, I used my fiction writing skills to tell a real-life tale about the good, bad and ugly of how storytelling can mean the difference between success and failure. It will make you laugh, and if you’re a sap like me… it will also make you cry.

Therefore, you’ll discover that this book is not just for wannabe or seasoned entrepreneurs, it’s designed for everyone and anyone who needs to “tell a story”. The theme throughout the book is also inspired by one of my favorite stories, The Wizard of Oz. I’ve always related to Dorothy’s journey, the importance of staying on the yellow brick road, the stories she told along the way to convince others to join her, and good and evil she had to endure. Even the cover of this book, STORYTELLING, reveals the importance of staying on that ‘yellow brick road’ and how to avoid those damn flying monkeys. I just hope my readers find the numerous nuggets throughout the book as inspiring as well!

About the Author:
Rudy Mazzochi
Rudy Mazzocchi is best known as a medical device and biotechnology entrepreneur, inventor, and angel investor, with a history of starting new technology ventures throughout the U.S. and Europe. He’s been privileged to have the opportunity to see the newest innovations in healthcare and work with some of the most brilliant researchers, scientists and physicians in the industry.

Authoring more than 50 patents, he has helped pioneer new companies involved in cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, neurosurgery and even embryonic stem-cell development. Through these efforts, he has become the recipient of many technology and business awards, including the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award in Healthcare (2004), Businessman of the Year Award (2005), and Global Entrepreneur of the Year Award (2013).

Combining these experiences and opportunities, with thousands of hours of travel and long evenings in hotel rooms, he found the initiative to start writing a collection of award-winning business/medical thrillers based on true events, known as The EQUITY Series. STORYTELLING was his debut non-fiction business book released in November 2013.

Visit his website at www.RudyMazzochi.com.