Category: Author

All Things Must End #Fantasy #Fiction #Advice

“It is always important to know when something has reached its end. Closing circles, shutting doors, finishing chapters, it doesn’t matter what we call it; what matters is to leave in the past those moments in life that are over.” ― Paulo Coelho, The Zahir How long can you continue a story before it has to come to an end? It’s a tough question … Read More All Things Must End #Fantasy #Fiction #Advice

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Beating the Writer’s Block

Hi Jim, I saw your posts inviting people to ask for advice, so I thought I’d ask… How do you deal with writer’s block? Right now, I’m having issues with it. I had a great idea, I’ve gotten about half way into writing my story, but now I’ve just run out of steam. I can’t even get myself behind the keyboard to type because … Read More Beating the Writer’s Block

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Bad Reviews…

Hi James, We connected on Twitter and I got your email address from your website. You had made a comment on Twitter to feel free to email for advice. I’m new to self-publishing and released my first book in January.  I had worked on the manuscript off and on for a couple of years before getting serious about publishing.  I did the best I … Read More Bad Reviews…

Marketing Your Book

“Marketing is a big one! I’d love to know more about that. My book will be free for all, so I’m trying to figure out how best to handle that. But that’s a very specific situation.” -Thesarahdoughty Excellent question. So you mentioned that your book is going to be free… personally I always say that if you’re good at something, don’t do it for free, but … Read More Marketing Your Book

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Author’s Advice Pt. 11

Don’t be afraid to mix and merge. So you have a fairly successful series going, but now you’re experiencing writers block. You have fragments of two or three sequels written, but don’t know where to take them. You’ve even considered starting on a third, but haven’t gotten anywhere with it. You really like the first two and would love to continue one of them, … Read More Author’s Advice Pt. 11

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Star Wars Dark Disciple Review #Writing #Author #Advice

I don’t usually do book reviews. I don’t like criticizing fellow authors’ work… usually I’m not one to talk, but this is one book that I cannot keep quiet about. Why you may ask? Because it is amazing! With the fall of the expanded universe into ‘Legend,’ several new books have risen out of what is being euphemistically called ‘New Canon.’ Which basically means … Read More Star Wars Dark Disciple Review #Writing #Author #Advice

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Bad Reviews… #Writing #Author #Advice

Hi James, We connected on Twitter and I got your email address from your website. You had made a comment on Twitter to feel free to email for advice. I’m new to self-publishing and released my first book in January.  I had worked on the manuscript off and on for a couple of years before getting serious about publishing.  I did the best I … Read More Bad Reviews… #Writing #Author #Advice

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Vampires Suck!?!? #Writing #Author #Advice

First there was high fantasy… elves, dwarves, orcs, goblins, and the race of man… people saw it and were pleased. (1970s) Then came the aliens craze, starting with horror, and moving into action and urban fantasy. People saw it and were pleased… (Late 70s-1980s) Then came angels. They were sensitive, romantic, and powerful. Drama lovers saw it and were pleased. (1990s) Now… well… So … Read More Vampires Suck!?!? #Writing #Author #Advice

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Star Wars Dark Disciple Review #Fantasy #Fiction #Advice

I don’t usually do book reviews. I don’t like criticizing fellow authors’ work… usually I’m not one to talk, but this is one book that I cannot keep quiet about. Why you may ask? Because it is amazing! With the fall of the expanded universe into ‘Legend,’ several new books have risen out of what is being euphemistically called ‘New Canon.’ Which basically means … Read More Star Wars Dark Disciple Review #Fantasy #Fiction #Advice

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Bad Reviews… #Fantasy #Fiction #Advice

Hi James, We connected on Twitter and I got your email address from your website. You had made a comment on Twitter to feel free to email for advice. I’m new to self-publishing and released my first book in January.  I had worked on the manuscript off and on for a couple of years before getting serious about publishing.  I did the best I … Read More Bad Reviews… #Fantasy #Fiction #Advice

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Embracing the Dark Side… #Fantasy #Fiction #Advice

“Dear Jim, I’ve been writing a novel for some time now, but it’s been a struggle. I’ve come on hard times recently with a friend. I’ve felt betrayed and hurt. The problem is that I’m afraid to write while I feel that way. I’m worried that it will affect my writing and change how the story goes. Do you think I should keep going … Read More Embracing the Dark Side… #Fantasy #Fiction #Advice

Why do we care about word count? #Fantasy #Fiction #Advice

“Hi Jim, Just wanted to know how important you think word count is when writing a book? Appreciate it, John.”   Well John, the short answer is that it is not important. It shouldn’t be a factor when you’re writing… usually. If you have your heart set on writing a novel and getting it published as a stand-alone book, then… yes word count may … Read More Why do we care about word count? #Fantasy #Fiction #Advice