Tim Northburg is a versatile author and screenwriter dedicated to crafting dramatic narratives that touch the spirit, evoke profound emotions, and ignite personal connections. His work spans multiple genres including fantasy, sci-fi fiction, and motivational/business non-fiction, demonstrating a unique ability to move seamlessly between imaginative storytelling and practical life guidance.
Key Discussion Points The Multi-Genre Creative ApproachTim's creative portfolio showcases remarkable versatility:
- Fiction: Fantasy and sci-fi novels that explore humanity's potential and courage
- Non-Fiction: Success, motivational, and business guidebooks drawn from real-world leadership experience
- Screenwriting: Feature films, TV pilots, and short scripts across multiple genres
This cross-pollination of genres and formats allows Tim to reach diverse audiences while maintaining his core mission of creating emotionally resonant, transformative narratives.
Current Projects & Upcoming Releases 1. EXHIBITANT - The Sci-Fi Novel (Released January 2025)The Big Pivot: Tim successfully converted his sci-fi screenplay into a full-length novel, demonstrating the fluidity between his screenwriting and novel-writing crafts.
The Story:
- A grounded sci-fi drama following zookeeper Alex Mills, who is abducted to a cosmic zoo
- Mills must lead humanity and endangered animals to a new world before mass extinction
- Features the unique element of human-animal communication
- Explores themes of transformation, unity, and survival among the stars
Creative Influences:
- The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
- Castaway
- Contact
- Interstellar
Why It Matters: EXHIBITANT represents Tim's ability to expand cinematic concepts into deeper, more expansive literary experiences, giving readers intimate access to character psychology and world-building that screenplays can only hint at.
2. The Artifacts of Merlin Saga - Young Adult Fantasy SeriesZebulon Quest: Book Two (Currently in Editing)
- Continuation of Tim's young adult fantasy adventure series
- Categorized as Adventure/Fantasy/Sci-Fi
- Follows the success of Zebulon Quest: Book One and prequel The Decnalab Codex
Series Appeal: This saga demonstrates Tim's commitment to long-form storytelling and world-building, creating a universe that can sustain multiple books while keeping young adult readers engaged with adventure, magic, and coming-of-age themes.
3. The Vengeance of Eleanor Dumont - Western Screenplay to NovelThe Conversion Project: Tim is actively transforming his female-led western screenplay into novel format.
Screenplay Pedigree:
- Quarterfinals placement at PAGE International Screenplay Awards (2020)
- Quarterfinals placement at Los Angeles International Screenplay Awards (2020)
Significance: This project highlights Tim's commitment to strong female protagonists and his belief that great stories deserve to exist in multiple formats, reaching audiences who prefer reading over viewing.
4. Motivational & Leadership GuidebooksTim draws on his background as a sales manager and leader to create practical, inspirational non-fiction:
Four Pillars of Purpose (In Development)
- Aligns with messages from his hybrid novel/graphic novel The Fetcher Fletcher Barnes
- Promises to provide a framework for discovering and living with purpose
Recent Releases:
- desiderata Things Desire: Pocket guide breaking down Max Ehrmann's classic poem "Desiderata"
- IF—Guiding Principles: Analysis of Rudyard Kipling's motivational poem "If—"
Upcoming Titles:
- ANTergy Mindset
- Boss Manager, Buddy Manager, or Leader?
- Manage Last
- Sales Is Mashed Potatoes
The Philosophy: Tim believes in making timeless wisdom accessible and actionable, breaking down classic motivational literature into practical guidebooks that modern readers can immediately apply to their lives and careers.
5. Ongoing Screenwriting DevelopmentActive Portfolio:
- Six completed feature scripts
- One TV pilot script
- Two short scripts
- Multiple spec scripts and shorts in various development stages
Completed Feature Scripts Include:
- Romantic musical
- Sci-Fi drama (EXHIBITANT)
- Female-led western (The Vengeance of Eleanor Dumont)
- Hallmark-style fall romance
- TV dramedy pilot
The Screenwriting Edge: Tim's screenwriting discipline informs his novel writing with tight pacing, visual storytelling, and compelling dialogue—while his novel work allows him to explore character
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