Richard Zmuda
Publications
Richard Zmuda Publications
"... good reading is necessary to the life of the soul." -- Pope John XXIII
Bio
Richard Zmuda has co-authored non-fiction books for cancer survivors (I Flunked My Mammogram: What Every Woman Needs To Know About Breast Cancer; I Flunked My PSA: What You Need To Know About Prostate Cancer Now!). For twenty years he served as the editor of the Johns Hopkins Breast Center's online patient educational magazine, Artemis. After the passing of his first wife from breast cancer, he wrote an anecdotal autobiography, A Father's Notes, excerpts from which were published in Chicken Soup for the Soul and Chicken Soup for the Single Parent's Soul. Richard has also written a play for middle-school and high-school students, Apollo 11: Original Adaptation for the Stage, to inspire a new generation of space scientists, and he published a children's book, 'Cuz That's Just My Way, that offers a beautiful lesson on tolerance.
The Mole of Vatican Council II
The True Story of "Xavier Rynne"
The Mole of Vatican Council II is historical fiction at its best, based closely on the eyewitness accounts of the late Father Francis X. Murphy, who found himself in Rome in 1962 at the start of the Second Vatican Council and chronicled its proceedings and political intrigue for The New Yorker magazine in his "Letter from Vatican City" series under the pseudonym "Xavier Rynne."
The book follows the furious efforts of the Vatican's Congregation of the Holy Office (successor to the ancient "Holy Inquisition") to unmask Rynne's true identity and make him pay for his perceived disloyalty. It provides rich detail about the unlikely election of Pope John XXIII, chosen as a transitional pope, whose dream of launching Vatican Council II became a reality during his brief papacy. It also follows the challenges of his successor, Pope Paul VI, to keep Vatican II alive despite the subversive efforts of certain powerful cardinals in the Roman Curia who were determined to destroy it - and came perilously close to succeeding.
Apollo 11
Original Adaptation for the Stage
This riveting stage adaptation of the historic Apollo 11 mission is written in the classic style of Tennessee Williams. The dialogue reflects virtually the exact words of the astronauts and Mission Control CapComs themselves. It brings to life - in breathtaking detail - the drama that captivated the world as Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin took their unforgettable first steps on the lunar surface on July 20, 1969.
"Apollo 11 - Original Adaptation for the Stage" is a MUST READ for anyone interested in the history of space exploration and the technology behind its remarkable achievements. Furthermore, as a play it was specifically crafted to be produced at the collegiate and secondary school levels, thus enabling a new generation to finally share in the experience that changed mankind forever.
'Cuz That's Just My Way'
A Lesson in Tolerance and Understanding
'Cuz That's Just My Way is a fun, rhythmic journey of tolerance and self-discovery that will delight both children and the child within each one of us. Through a series of encounters with animals, each unique in their own special way, an innocent young boy learns that "differences can be good things." 'Cuz That's Just My Way offers a simple yet poignant lesson in tolerance and understanding for children of all ages. Enjoy!
A Father's Notes
A Father's Notes is a poignant yet humorous collection of stories written by a young father of 3 small children after the death of his wife from breast cancer.
(Previously published in 2002)
Current Project
The Life That I Have Chosen
Stories Inspired by the Art of Winslow Homer
By Richard Zmuda
Current Project:
The Life That I Have Chosen
A book of short stories inspired by the artwork of Winslow Homer
“The life that I have chosen gives me my full hours of enjoyment
for the balance of my life: the sun will not rise or set without
my notice and thanks.” -- Winslow Homer