Category: fantasy

Fantasy Creatures

“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

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Basing Characters on Loved Ones

Writing characters based on loved ones is a mistake. A BIG mistake every time for a multitude of different reasons and it could not be any more clear why as with the recent Frank Cho vs. Robbi Rodriguez dispute. Allow me to explain, Robbi Rodriguez is one of the brilliant people who created the now-extremely-popular series Spider Gwen. Recently, a known comic artist, Frank … Read More Basing Characters on Loved Ones

Too Many Sequels?

“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?

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Cover Inspiration

“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

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Getting Published… the basics…

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…

Writing Motivation

“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

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The ‘Alternate Universe’ Excuse

In one form or another be it Marvel, Star Trek, Star Wars or even many book series out there, we see writers wanting to change things and thus creates an alternate universe where they can explore things if they’d happen differently. Some do it better than others… Let me explain. I’ve seen two ways of doing this: 1. Making one or two minor changes … Read More The ‘Alternate Universe’ Excuse

Author’s Advice #19

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

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Damnation Status update!!!

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!!!

Author’s Advice Pt. 18

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

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Character Profiles: Piero Lorenzi.

From Damnation Species: Human Rank: Ensign Affiliation: Papal Army, Army of the Republic of Florence Character Information: A brazen young commissioned officer in the Florentine Army during the War of the League of Cognac, Piero Lorenzi seeks to restore the name of his house, who’s honor was taken due to his father’s cowardice. He serves faithfully though his commanding officer, Captain Ferruccio has frequently … Read More Character Profiles: Piero Lorenzi.

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Character Profile: General Xaphan

As Damnation slowly begins to take form, I thought it might be a good idea to give everyone an introduction to one of the main characters and arguably one of the best characters I’ve ever created, Xaphan. Species: Angel Affiliations: Choirs of the Most High, Legions of Hell. Rank: General Character profile: Xaphan was originally created by Collin de Plancy in his book, Dictionnaire Infernal. While … Read More Character Profile: General Xaphan