Alumnus self-publishes debut novel

Luke Wronski, ’12, has released his debut novel “Stan Jones” through Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing. Wronski’s journey began in the English department in Oddfellows Hall, where he shifted away from political science to literature.
“The English department was so good,” Wronski said. “I look back at all my classes and judge that education as first-rate. It gave me the tools to comprehend literature at a high level, something I use everyday as a writer.”
Wronski’s senior comprehensive project on “Gulliver’s Travels” was formative for him as a lover of literature and as a writer.
“The comp process taught me how to sit with a text, pull it apart, and understand why it works,” Wronski said. “That analytical muscle has been invaluable.”
Maggie Deneen, ’27, finds Wronski’s story to help her better understand her own time at the college.
“Hearing how his Allegheny education directly shaped his writing makes me appreciate my classes differently,” Deneen said.
After Allegheny, Wronski went abroad to study at the University of East Anglia — one of the U.K.’s top-ranked creative writing programs and alma mater of Nobel Laureate Kazuo Ishiguro. The experience at UEA would hone Wronki’s voice and work ethic.
After UEA Wronski pursued screenwriting and performed stand-up comedy at night.
“Stand-up teaches you to be brutally honest about what works,” Wronski said. “There’s no hiding behind anything when performing for 80 drunk people.”
He eventually relocate to Los Angeles in 2017 to focus on screenwriting.
Wronski was getting his footing, having screenplays read and receiving feedback but when the pandemic hit, he had to pivot. He channeled a long-standing and recently reignited fascination for UFOs (sparked by declassified Pentagon videos) in what would become the “Stan Jones” short stories.
After traditional publishers offered deals with some creative differences, Wronski chose Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing, due to his ability to retain creative control over his novel.
One Amazon reviewer called the novel “hilarious though imaginative and beautifully written,” while another thanked the author “for giving us hope.” The novel’s ability to blend otherworldly situations with logical character reactions has been noted by multiple reviews.
Reviewers have highlighted the book’s wide-ranging cultural references, from ABBA to Michael Jackson, all woven together with what one reader described as “a WHOLE LOT of football.”
Logan Tiedjen, ’28, sees broader significance for Luke’s DIY approach.
“His success proves Allegheny gives you the tools to succeed through adversities,” Tiedjen said.
The ability to balance coursework, acting projects and his personal life is something Tiedjen described as “a war” and something Allegheny helps students learn to do.
“Luke pivoted from stand-up to screenwriting to novels,” Tiedjen said. “That adaptability is everything.”
Wronski’s success validates the liberal arts college experience for students like Deenen.
“It’s another page in Allegheny’s history,” Deneen said. “When prospective students see an alumnus like Luke thriving, they’ll realize how strong programs like our English department truly are.”
Deneen draws parallels between Wronski’s comp process and their own academic milestones.
“His story shows how classroom skills, research and critical analysis translate into real-world success,” Deneen said, “whether you’re writing novels or helping students as a future school psychologist.”
Tiedjen particularly relates to Wronski’s path into the industry as a prospective theater student.
“In theater you audition constantly and face rejection and self-reflection, but seeing alums like Luke push through and self-publish, it proves you don’t need Marvel movies or Broadway to matter,” Tiedjen said. “Your work can resonate in meaningful ways where you make it.”
Both Dineen and Tiedjen emphasized how Wronski’s visibility inspired them.
“We’re seeing more Allegheny alums break through,” Tiedjen said, citing Wronski’s publishing as evidence that unconventional paths can succeed.
Dineen called Wronski’s book more than a “career milestone,” but a “beacon for current students.”
“College isn’t a waste if you’re building tools to endure,” Dineen said. “Luke’s novel didn’t happen overnight; it grew from years of Allegheny classrooms, screenwriting, studying abroad and comedy clubs.”
For current students like Dineen, their takeaway is clear.
“His story isn’t just about writing — it’s about sustaining creativity,” Dineen said. “That’s the real lesson for all of us.”
Wronski is now drafting “Stan Jones Two” while also performing with his band Wronski & Settles.