Chapter 1: The Young Storyteller

Meet Nick Struutinsky, a promising talent in the world of storytelling. He arrived at Ellemeno in August of last year, sharing a captivating narrative about snow-covered roads and wooden pallets. His voice, rich and sensitive, belied his youthful appearance—he looks like he could easily be mistaken for a skateboard-riding teenager. This contrast piqued our interest.

As it turns out, we are witnessing the work of a versatile artist. Nick is not just a budding writer but also a street photographer, videographer, ghostwriter of children's fiction, and creator of web novels. At this rate, he might just pull a rabbit out of a hat!

Despite his youth—presumably in his twenties, though we are too courteous to inquire—Nick has gathered a wealth of life experiences through his travels. His contributions often reflect his observations from different cultures, and his unique ability to engage in deep conversations with strangers sets him apart from many in his generation. I find great joy in exploring his adventures through his writing.

Nick doesn't merely observe from a distance; he immerses himself in the cultures and lives of those he encounters, pondering what it might feel like to walk in their shoes. This courage, or perhaps natural curiosity, is a remarkable gift. His creative approach favors nuance and depth, capturing the essence of every situation.

A lover of art history and ancient structures, I envision Nick as a young Frank Sinatra, sketching the pyramids on a napkin in a Casablanca bar. After a moment of reflection, he could easily be found engaging the bartender in conversation, crafting his next science fiction piece that may feature a leviathan or some fantastical sea creature—his imagination knows no bounds.

In his own words, here is the ingenious and visionary Nick Struutinsky.

Q1. How would you describe your writing compared to how others see it?

I often perceive my writing as somewhat erratic. I enjoy the freedom of exploring different genres, although I recognize that I’ve been in this exploration phase for quite some time. Some writers thrive by sticking to a specific niche like comedy or fantasy, juggling multiple projects at once. I envy that focus, but my approach is different. If an idea resonates, I'll pursue it—be it a travel piece, a sci-fi short, or a novel set in the 1960s.

Q2. How has your writing evolved over the years?

It's transformed significantly. Years ago, I wouldn't have even considered using the word "transformed." I've been writing numerous screenplays—though few have seen the light of day—which has influenced my current writing style. I've learned to minimize descriptions, sometimes relying heavily on dialogue or character thoughts. More importantly, my inner editor has become more critical, asking the right questions and prompting me to reconsider pretentious language.

Q3. How does the Nick Struutinsky of your writing compare to the real Nick?

The real Nick is a bit shyer. He’s an introvert among extroverts, comfortable around others yet hesitant to initiate conversations. Traveling has helped with this; while meeting new people can be daunting, it often leads to rewarding encounters.

Q4. What’s the most memorable or bizarre feedback you’ve received?

While ghostwriting children's stories with a colleague, we encountered a particularly demanding client who wanted to revise every minor detail without providing clear guidance. Their feedback was unforgettable: "Thank you for the rewrite. It's less bad, but still bad." I've grown accustomed to criticism, but I prefer constructive feedback that helps me improve.

Q5. Is there a story you wish you could write but haven't yet?

I have this incredible Japanese legend in my mind that sparked ideas for a novel, an anime, and potentially a game. It's been lingering in my thoughts for over a year, but I don't feel ready to bring it to life. I worry about the imperfections that may arise during the creative process, although I remind myself that perfection is an illusion—except, perhaps, for The Lord of the Rings.

Q6. What cringeworthy content appears when you Google your name?

So far, not much comes up. LinkedIn takes the lead, with Medium following closely. I’m hopeful that will change, and when it does, I might just reach out to Beyoncé for tips on managing online presence.

Q7. Have you ever hesitated to write a certain story?

I attempted to write a story titled "The Power Of Me-h," focusing on the theme of indifference, but it didn’t come out funny, so I scrapped it. I often dislike my initial drafts, finding them lacking, and I’ve learned to navigate that feeling—thank you, Microsoft, for the Ctrl+Z shortcut.

Q8. Do you have any peculiar writing rituals?

Honestly, I struggle to establish a consistent ritual. I try to create one, but I often forget about it. For example, I might decide to use a specific mug for tea while writing, only to find that I'm not thirsty.

Q9. Are there popular themes you wish to write less about?

I’m content with my diverse themes right now. I love writing about music, but I have several unfinished fiction pieces and travel stories, which has forced me to pause my music-related writing. It’s a bit frustrating, but I trust I’ll return to it.

Q10. What could make you give up writing permanently?

I’ve studied the History of Art and have a deep admiration for it. While I once painted, I shifted my focus to writing. Currently, I don’t see anything that could make me abandon writing for good. It’s a necessity for me, much like taking medicine for a cold.

Q11. Do you feel misunderstood as a writer?

Anyone who shares their opinions publicly can be misunderstood. Thankfully, most of us can engage in discussions to clarify our intentions. However, I wonder about the notion that writers shouldn't feel compelled to explain themselves.

Q12. What book can you read endlessly?

Ready Player One by Ernest Cline is my ultimate favorite. I've read it five times and relish not only the narrative but also the writing style. The adventure begins immediately, inviting me into a world I love.

Q13. What are you willing to sacrifice for a story?

I once stayed awake for two days to draft a book, becoming so absorbed that my thoughts became jumbled. I often return to places I find intriguing, eager to gather stories from locals, including waitstaff and street musicians. Most people are delighted to share their stories.

Q14. Who inspires your writing?

I share everything I write with my partner, who offers honest and sometimes brutal feedback. Music often inspires my writing; a certain song can spark an entire scene in my mind.

Q15. What other creative outlets do you have?

I watch an excessive amount of cartoons, which is partly due to my job as an animation producer. This passion has been a constant in my life for over two decades and significantly influences my creative work.

Chapter 2: Nick's Journey and Inspirations

In this video, we delve into the major league debut of Nick Nastrini, showcasing his journey and the experiences that shaped his path to success.

Chapter 3: The Podcast Perspective

This episode of the Path to Follow Podcast features Nick Lutzky discussing topics ranging from the Myth of Sisyphus to his thoughts on Frank Sinatra, offering a rich exploration of ideas.