+ advice, Fiction, life, literature, non-fiction, Writing
by Jim
“I am currently writing a book about my life experiences how do i give it life i currently have the bones (dates facts) but feel that it’s just a series of events how do i make it into a story? Thank you” –lostgirl82 Hi Lostgirl82 Have you thought about writing it in the present tense in first person? If it’s something you experienced, then … Read More Give Life to a Book about Life
by Jim
“Hi Jim, So I’ve been writing this book series for a few years now and have always gone the indie route publishing. I have about 8 books in the series, all of which have sold well, however everyone is telling me that I should move on and write something new instead of sticking with the same world and characters. Are they right? Should I … Read More Too Many Sequels?
by Jim
“Hi Jim, I was just wondering, Divinity’s cover looks really cool! May I ask where you get the ideas for yours? Like what makes you choose one scene in your writings over another? I want to create an awesome cover for my story and was hoping that you could point me in the right direction.” -Abby Hi Abby, I’m afraid that you caught me… … Read More Cover Inspiration
by Jim
So in the questions I’ve had asked, a few of the same came up: “I have the desire to become a writer, a published writer. I just have no idea where to to start.” –plasticfacesofdorothy ——————————————————- Hey Jim, I’ve come to the point where I’m revising a draft of a novel for mainly grammar and wording, no more major changes to the plot. My … Read More Getting Published… the basics…
+ advice, fantasy, Fiction, literature, Non Fiction, Writing
by Jim
“how do we keep motivated on writing? I used to write, then stopped for months, then im starting again, bt how do i keep being motivated? 🙂 would really appreciate the advice :D” -Senra Hi Senra, Great question. Motivation is very important in writing, if you’re not motivated to write and you just keep writing to finish what you’re working on and ‘just get … Read More Writing Motivation
by Jim
Hi all, Know it’s been a while and I apologize for that. However I hope that Damnation, once it’s published, will make up for this. Anyway, onto today’s advice piece. Don’t be afraid to break out of your mold. I hate the term ‘typecast.’ I really do. No one should be stuck into one category as a sci-fi or drama actor or writer or … Read More Author’s Advice #19
+ advice, Inspiration, literature, Music, Writing
by Jim
This one, from one of the greatest Metal collectives out there, was instramental when I was writing Divinity. It doesn’t end well as Tobias Sammet’s singing cannot match the power of Amanda Somerville, but it’s still a really great song to listen to if writing about a relationship that may not last. Readers, Do you have a question about writing, publishing, my stories, etc? … Read More More Inspiration…
by Jim
Hi all, I’m very thrilled to report that Damnation is going very well. The editing is underway and the cover design, care of Brett Warniers who did Divinity’s cover, already has ideas down on paper. Another facet of the book’s cover that was recently completed was the inclusion of a representation of the main character on the cover. A very special thanks go out … Read More Damnation Status update!!!
by Jim
Nothing anyone does with their own two hands is EVER a waste of time. This is especially true when it comes to writing. Too often I have heard people write out a few chapters then look up, sigh, and say that they’re wasting their time. Their story makes no sense, the characters suck, and the progression isn’t… progressing. That’s not a waste of time, … Read More Author’s Advice Pt. 18
by Jim
“When did the need for series and/or sequels start, anyway? I’ve been reading Diana Wynne Jones’ REFLECTIONS ON WRITING, and she isn’t shy about sharing her thoughts on series arcs (that is, she didn’t like them). If memory serves, out of the gazillion books she wrote, only three, maybe four had sequels. Even in the Chrestomanci series, Chrestomanci himself is not always a primary … Read More Are Sequels Really Necessary?
by Jim
This happens to everyone at some point. Either we meet the girl of our dreams… only to find out after pouring our hearts out to that person that they’re already engaged to be married! 😡 We see some treasured item that we really want, but can’t afford it, etc. The worst is when we find out that we could have had that something or … Read More Character Loss vs. Reality
by Jim
Writers, Sequel Bait is a very dangerous move to make, especially if you’re going to end on a down note. I’ve seen many good stories that didn’t fare too well on the market end with all their loose ends untied in anticipation of a sequel. I’ve seen it in movies too. Now, I understand that you’re confident in your writing and you want a good setup … Read More Author’s Advice Pt. 17
James Harringtons Creative Work 