by Jim
Note: Updates going forward are going to be titled Drakin: The Orphans of Haven Update!!!. As most of my readers know, I finished writing Drakin’s sequel soon after the Story of Raiya came out. I’m presently on the 6th draft, having run it through a couple of editors and spelling/grammar check software. This is without a doubt the most ambitious book I’ve ever written. … Read More New Book Announcement!!! (Update)
by Jim
I don’t know why I do this every year, but it gives me peace of mind. I know it may be a little childish, but I thought I’d share some of the more hilarious and/or cringy ones with all of you… because misery loves company! We’re going absolutely low on the spelling/grammar/relevance scale here, people. Be very afraid. … okay? Well, thanks … Read More Spam Comment Spring Cleaning.
by Jim
Hello Jim, I am working on a story of my own for quite a while already. From several sources, I’ve heard that self-published writers are quite friendly community that often can share advice with one another. I’d like to discuss the writing process and the joys and perils that come with us with like-minded people but I have no idea at all where to … Read More In the Circle… Circle of Writing!
by Jim
Hello all! So it’s been a couple of weeks now, it looks like sales are going well! Thanks BTW! So I know I haven’t been around in a while since I published Drakin and for that I do apologize. However I had some inspiration come my way… and actually managed to write out a full sequel in a matter of weeks. It’s really … Read More Drakin, where to buy, and what’s next?
by Jim
In your experience, how many drafts does a book go through? Your post above seems to indicate four drafts, total. Thanks! Thanks, Laura Beth Hi Laura, The answer stops being wrong after 3. Beyond that, there is no wrong answer. First Draft: You just finished writing your book. This is the draft where you literally typed ‘The End.’ No edits, no proofing, nothing. If … Read More Drafting and Re-Drafting the Draft of the Book you want to Publish.
by Jim
Hi Jim, HELP!!! … please! 🙂 I am so frustrated, I’m not sure what to do. I am trying hard to write my book. I’ve got a lot of great ideas, but I keep getting held up on when we meet new characters. Each time one of my main cast makes their first appearance in the story, I wind up with five or six … Read More Dumping the Info Dump on New Characters
by Jim
Hello all! So it’s been a couple of weeks now, it looks like sales are going well! Thanks BTW! So I know I haven’t been around in a while since I published Drakin and for that I do apologize. However I had some inspiration come my way… and actually managed to write out a full sequel in a matter of weeks. It’s really … Read More Drakin, where to buy, and what’s next?
by Jim
So… a lot’s been going on. Following the completion of Drakin: The Story of Raiya, I dove right into the sequel. This… is admittedly kind of rare as I usually take time off between books… however, I got a really good idea going and decided to just keep chugging along since I was on a roll! I usually do these announcements independent of the previous … Read More New Book Announcement!!!
by Jim
Hi Jim, I have about three books in publication and… honestly, I have some ideas for other stories that I think about do well, but I spend so much time writing that I’m starting to feel like it’s consumed my life. I don’t want to let some really good ideas go down the drain, but there are other things I want to do … Read More Calling it Quits
by Jim
Hi Jim, So I’m published and like you, I have a blog with a fairly decent following. Over the past few months, I’ve gotten a number of friend requests to my personal facebook page. I’ve ignored them, but they keep coming and I don’t want to seem unprofessional. Do you have any advice on how to handle this? Thanks, Lindsey Hi Lindsey, I … Read More Private vs. Public Profile
by Jim
Hi Jim, I read a few of your other pieces about character creation and was hoping you could expand more upon how you create a character based on a historical person. I’m trying to do something similar right now, and am really having a hard time. You said that you wanted the character to be as close to the historical person as humanly … Read More The Hurdles of Creating Characters from People of History
by Jim
Hi Jim, I’m actually in the process of writing a novel, but I’m having a hard time getting the characters together. At times, it seems like the storyline kind of interferes with any chance to get them together. Do you have any advice on how to write a story with a romantic element? Thanks, Marylou Hi Marylou, It’s not always the easiest thing in the world, … Read More Relationship Drama vs. Dramatic Relationship
James Harringtons Creative Work 