by Jim
So for the most part, my reader base is used to me giving them answers to their queries about various topics in literature… or hearing me ramble on about whatever topic I can branch from my writing. Well… today I wanted to do something different. I have two separate stories that I’ve been working on and am considering as the sequel to my first … Read More Magnifica 4: Dark Redeption vs. Taryn
+ advice, fantasy, Fiction, literature, non-fiction, Reading, Writing
by Jim
“Dear Jim, I saw the updates on the book you have coming out (congrats by the way) and was wondering if you could tell us how you overcame certain obstacles. For example, in my writing, I’m having a hard time establishing character relationships. I don’t want my story sounding like a Disney princess story where two people just instantly fall in love, but I … Read More ‘Damn’ Obstacles
+ advice, fantasy, Fiction, literature, non-fiction, Reading, Writing
by Jim
“Hi Jim, I’m currently writing a story dealing with fantasy characters. I wanted to include a couple of classical fantasy characters in my story. I was wondering if you had any advice about how to go about this? I don’t want to get sued by their owners. Thanks, Jeremy J.” Hi Jeremy, Hi Jeremy, by classical, I assume you’re talking about the creative works … Read More Classic Cameos
+ advice, Characters, Fiction, History, literature, Reading, Writing
by Jim
“Hi Jim, I’ve been reading your blog for quite a while now, and am hoping that you can offer me some advice. I am working on a piece of historical fiction and want to write in some historical characters. These characters would mostly be supporting roles, but I might make one of them a lead. The issue is that some of their family members … Read More Fictional Story, Non-fictional People
by Jim
So I wanted to go over something that has always kind of irked me a little. I covered it in a few of my stories, but I feel the need to go over it in a little more detail. I know we’ve all had this person in our lives at one point… Someone from our past comes back to haunt us and basically brings … Read More Forced Regret?
by Jim
“Hi Jim, I was just wondering what your thoughts were on using contractions in narration, for example having the narrator say ‘He wasn’t sure’ instead of ‘He was not sure’. I’ve been told that it’s too informal, and sounds too much like speaking, especially when the narration isn’t in the first person. (There is, of course, always the rather sneaky thing of getting rid … Read More Contractions Too Informal?
by Jim
“Hi Jim, My book is done. I’m super excited about getting it published. My question to you is about the cover. What do you think I should go with, a simple cover with maybe a single item as the focal point or a big cover depicting a scene and characters? My artist is really pushing the idea that less is more in the cover. … Read More Minimalist vs. Ornate?
by Jim
“Hi Jim, You’ve given out a lot of advice on your blog about writing and I was just wondering… do you have any piece of advice you would give to a writer? For example, if someone came up to you and told you that they are going to start writing a book, what advice would you give them right off without them asking? Thanks, … Read More This Above All…
by Jim
(Aaah aaah ah aaah aaah ah aaah aaah aaaaaah!!) “Good Morning Jim, You’ve wrote many times about how to end a story and where to end it. In your opinion, couldn’t there be a scenario where a story wouldn’t end? Is it not possible to have a serial adventure go on forever? Thanks, Jackson” Hi Jackson, In my opinion, as you asked, no. All … Read More A Never Ending Story.
by Jim
“Hi Jim, I’m in the middle of writing a fantasy novel. In my book, two of my main characters fall in love. I noticed in Magnifica that your main characters wind up having sex. I don’t want my story turning into sex-novel, which it looks like it’s starting to. When you wrote yours, how did you limit yourself? What made you stop when you … Read More Tasteful vs. Smut-peddling
by Jim
“Good day, I have already finished a novel and decided to post my second novel on a blog and give people something to read while I decide on publishing. My question for you is do I self publish my book or try and find a literary agent. I have sent my work out to a few but I am slightly impatient and want to … Read More Self Publishing, good or bad?
by Jim
“Hi Jim, I’m in the process of writing a fantasy novel and was wondering how you chose what species to focus on? Your writings seem to focus on Angels and Elves, what made you decide to go that route over say… dwarves or faeries? Thanks, Allison” Hi Allison, Good question. It honestly comes down to a couple of different things. For starters, what does … Read More Fantasy Creatures
James Harringtons Creative Work 