Mario Puzo was born today in writing history, October 15. Celebrate the writer’s birthday by learning more about his life and contributions to the writing world. Aspiring writers should also use this opportunity as a writing exercise. Look for inspiration today in writing history.

Writing Prompts for Today In Writing: October 15

Please take this opportunity to learn more about Mario Puzo and his contributions to literature. The author’s portrayal of crime and the mob has captivated audiences for generations. The Godfather was adapted into a film trilogy, which firmly rooted itself as an iconic masterpiece.

What led Mario Puzo to write? Where did the inspiration for his ideas come from? And what helped the author create his writing style? Find inspiration about Puzo, learn more details about his life, and write!

Mario Puzo Biography

Mario Francis Puzo was born in Hell’s Kitchen in New York City, New York, on October 15, 1920. His parents were poor and illiterate immigrants from Italy. When Puzo was 12, his father was committed to Pilgrim State Hospital for schizophrenia, leaving his mother to raise seven children on her own. During his childhood, Puzo developed an interest in literature.

Puzo in World War II

At the start of World War II, Puzo enlisted in the US Air Force. He would be stationed in India and Germany throughout the conflict. His experiences would provide ideas and inspiration for short war adventure stories that he would write for periodicals.  

Following the war, Puzo returned to the United States, where he enrolled in literature and creative writing classes at the New School for Social Research and Columbia University. Mario Puzo would also marry Erika Lina Broske, whom he met in Germany in 1946.

Mario Puzo’s Writing Career

Puzo worked a series of writing and editing jobs throughout the 1950s. On the side, the aspiring writer worked on his own stories. In 1950, the American Vanguard published the author’s first story, The Last Christmas. His first novel, The Dark Arena, was published in 1954. Despite excellent reviews, the book never gained enough popularity to support him as an author.

He continued to work writing and editing jobs through the 1960s as well. Puzo wrote World War II adventure features for several men’s magazines for these publications. His second novel, The Fortunate Pilgrim, was published in 1965. Again, despite a positive reception, his work did not break him out. However, he persevered.

Mario Puzo would find continued work in screenwriting, playing a role in both Godfather sequels. He wrote several other scripts. Most notably, Puzo wrote the original screenplay for the 1978 Superman film.

Later Life and Death

Puzo continued to write through his later life, publishing several more bestselling crime novels. On July 2, 1999, Mario Puzo died of heart failure in his New York home. He was 78. At the time of his death, his penultimate book Omertà was being published, and he had completed a manuscript for The Family, which would be his final novel.

5 Mario Puzo Quotes

1. The strength of a family, like the strength of an army, lies in its loyalty to each other.

2. What is past is past. never go back. Not for excuses. Not for justification, not for happiness. You are what you are, the world is what it is.

3. Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgment.

4. A friend should always underestimate your virtues and an enemy overestimate your faults.

5. Many young men started down a false path to their true destiny. Time and fortune usually set them aright.

Notable Mario Puzo Books

1955 The Dark Arena 

1965 The Fortunate Pilgrim 

1966 The Runaway Summer of Davie Shaw 

1967 Six Graves to Munich 

1978 Fools Die 

1969 The Godfather (Series)

1984 The Sicilian (Series)

1990 The Fourth K 

1996 The Last Don

2000 Omertà 

2001 The Family

Today in Writing: October 15 – Daily Writing Exercise

Now that you have done some reading, it is time to write. Aspiring writers should look to the stories from Today in Writing: October 15 and Mario Puzo’s life. Read his quotes and study his writing to understand the author’s style. 

Find a topic and freewrite for 10 minutes. The stories of Mario Puzo have become cult classics. The Godfather has embedded itself into the mythos of the mafia. Despite a slow start to his career, Puzo persevered, improved his writing, and authored a memorable masterpiece. Aspiring writers should look for inspiration in this author’s creative inspiration and start writing.

Don’t let any opportunity to write go to waste. Aspiring writers: Practice your writing today. Celebrate Today in Writing History October 15.