From Headlines to Whodunits

FOR DECADES, Neal Lipschutz was a trusted voice in journalism, shaping coverage as deputy editor-in-chief of The Wall Street Journal. Before that, he was the Journal’s standards and ethics editor, following a position as the top editor for Dow Jones Newswires (part of the same company).

PEN TO PAGE

Lipschutz had a heart for writing from an early age. Growing up in the pre-cable, pre-24-hour news and pre- internet era, he was always fascinated with newspapers and regularly Followed various columnists.

“Newspapers were such an essential way of life,” he says. “Journalists are responsible for observing important happenings and then letting the world know the story. It’s a compelling way to earn a living, and I’m fortunate to have been an integral part of the journalistic effort for such a significant period of time.”

With a professional career defined by sharp analysis, editorial integrity and a deep understanding of the stories that shape our world, in retirement, Lipschutz is now embarking on a new storytelling journey—this time, in the realm of mystery fiction. Trading headlines for plot twists, he brings his keen editorial eye to crafting compelling crime narratives.

A NEW ENDEAVOR

Although retirement often marks the end of a professional journey, it’s the beginning of a new creative pursuit for Lipschutz. After years of navigating the fast-paced world of journalism, he has embraced fiction writing to explore storytelling in a fresh, imaginative way.

His transition reflects a growing trend among retirees who seek fulfillment by channeling their expertise into passion projects, proving that a lifelong career doesn’t have to mean the end of meaningful work.

Now, he takes the reins as writer, editor and critic. “It’s something I’ve wanted to do for quite a while,” says Lipschutz. “I enjoy creating worlds and circumstances that are consistent within themselves, yet wholly imaginary. It’s the opposite of the fact-based pursuit of accuracy that guides work in journalism.”

His new book, “No Write Way to Die,” primarily takes place throughout Manhattan and Scarsdale, New York, areas very familiar to Lipschutz. He grew up in Brooklyn and lived in New York City and its surrounding suburbs throughout his life.

“Brooklyn was a great place to grow up at the time,” he says. “I attended the public schools in Brooklyn and graduated from New York University. At NYU, I served for a year as editor-in-chief of the student newspaper, The Washington Square News.

For the past ten years, Lipschutz has made his home in Ridgewood with his wife, Jane Stone. They live in one of the historic homes that define Ridgewood—an 1840s carpenter-gothic style made prominent by noted American architect Andrew Jackson Downing.

A second marriage for both of them, they have four grown children between them. “My stepson benefitted from Ridgewood’s excellent public schools and enjoyed playing sports in high school. I think Ridgewood is a great place to live; the downtown area has everything—banks, stores, restaurants—and commuting to New York City is easy. I’m also a big fan of the Ridgewood Public Library. I do a lot of writing there.”

While his personal reading choices span from American history and literary novels to the mystery genre, Lipschutz says that regardless of the style, he is drawn to complicated characters and their interactions. The writing flows better when the story and character relationships are compelling. “No Write Way to Die” is a perfect example. It’s the first book in a series focusing on the captivating theme of how far a parent should go to protect an adult child.

“I believe parent protection and involvement, regardless of the age of the child, is a broadly relatable theme,” says Lipschutz.

“When should parents step back? The actions of a few characters make it clear that it’s a big issue in their lives and generational relationships. Then, someone is murdered, and those characters become subject to pressures and choices that they’ve never imagined! I believe that how people react to crises is usually a product of how they’ve conducted their lives and behaved toward others before their big troubles began.”

Lipschutz relishes the mystery and suspense genre, with its multifaceted characters and intriguing twists and turns, and is looking forward to the release of his new book, which will feature all that and more.

“I hope I’ve managed to deliver a strong story. It grew out of a short story I had written about two characters’ different life choices and how they bring them into conflict.”

Starting his writing projects in his late 60s has been very rewarding for Lipschutz, and he advises those individuals thinking about retirement to make a plan to keep busy.

“Retirement has different phases. What interests you at first may not interest you in a few years. Learn something new. If there’s something you’ve always wanted to do, pursue it. It’s wonderful to have the freedom to invent and be creative. You get better at it as you get older!”

The novel’s publication date is set for July 8 and will be available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other retail sites as well as at tuckerdspress.com/product-page/no-write-way-to-die.

“NO WRITE WAY TO DIE”

Here’s a sneak peek at Neal’s debut novel!

Scott Morgan’s carefully crafted life—one he had worked hard to insulate from the sort of tumult he had experienced growing up—is upended when a murder victim is found in his daughter’s Manhattan apartment. Scott and his loved ones become prime suspects. Morgan had lifted himself out of his old Brooklyn neighborhood into a successful career as a respected management consultant. A sign of his progress: His current address is an expensive home in the affluent suburb of Scarsdale, New York. When his 28-year-old daughter brings home a new beau—a 55-year-old one hit wonder of a novelist—Scott suspects the writer is a serial user of people and sets out to expose him.

Murder, however, applies a screeching halt to Scott’s investigation, as he, his wife, and daughter become suspects. His quest to forestall catastrophe means facing submerged demons from his Brooklyn past and matching wits with a clever and idiosyncratic NYPD detective. Scott’s tool kit consists of the take-no-prisoners lessons he’s gleaned from an ethics-free approach to business. How far will Scott go to protect everything he’s worked for?

BY KRIS PEPPER