Category: Fiction

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Private vs. Public Profile

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

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The Hurdles of Creating Characters from People of History

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

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Relationship Drama vs. Dramatic Relationship

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

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Blogging Motivations

You have a great blog. Would you like to share your story on “What You Blog About” what motivated you to start this blog? –whatyoublogabout Hello, A good question. Well honestly, I have to admit that my initial reasons were not as altruistic as one might think. I’d gone through site after site looking for good ways to advertise your writing. My books weren’t … Read More Blogging Motivations

Static vs. Dynamic Characters

  Hi Jim, I’ve been following your blog for a little while now and was hoping I could get some advice from you. I was wondering if you could tell me what kind of character you like more, a dynamic or static character. I’m creating one right now for my story and am having trouble coming up with ideas. Thanks, Thomas Hi Thomas, I’m afraid … Read More Static vs. Dynamic Characters

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Drakin, where to buy, and what’s next?

  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?

All Build Up, No Payoff: The Problem with Open Endings

  So this isn’t going to be one of my typical Q&A posts. I’ll get back to those later. This is likely about to be little more than an editorial rant, if anything. Let’s get started… So I just finished playing Mass Effect 3. … and already half of my readers probably know what this is going to be about. I love the series. … Read More All Build Up, No Payoff: The Problem with Open Endings

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Picking Favorites…

Hi Jim, I’m currently trying to create some characters for my book, but am having trouble. I just finished reading Drakin and was wondering if you could tell me who your favorite character is out of all the books you’ve ever written. It would be helpful if you could go through how you created that character. Thanks! TLoki Hi “Tloki”, I think I may … Read More Picking Favorites…

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Finding Time in No Time.

  Hi Jim, I was hoping you could give me some advice on actually finding time to write. I work full time and have a family. I literally have no time to write at all. I saw on your bio that you also have kids. Do you also have another job or are you a full time writer? Thanks, David Hi David, I may … Read More Finding Time in No Time.

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A Story about Steampunk Sky Pirates? Yes please!

Saw this while browsing the wordpress pages. It’s a pretty good read! Having read another bloggers serial fantasy story (in collaboration with someone else) it’s inspired me to have a go at writing my own fantasy story. My main objective is to have fun writing it. Some of the names I’ll be using such as Tigreralat, Larantel, or Salané are old names for me. … Read More A Story about Steampunk Sky Pirates? Yes please!

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A Divinity Question…

Hi Jim, I just finished reading Divinity and… admittedly I’m a little confused. In your disclaimer, you make it very clear that you’re a catholic, though you acknowledge the misdeeds of your own church. Then you go onto make the Pope a villain and most angels in the story mistrusting, corrupt, or extremely arrogant. Reading your story… one might think you were agnostic. I … Read More A Divinity Question…

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Bringing out Humanity in Non-Human Characters

Hi Jim, I’m currently writing a sci-fi fantasy novel. Right now, I’m in the process of coming up with characters and want to add a non-humanoid to the cast. Admittedly, I’m having trouble making him relatable. I really love this character and want people to enjoy him. This isn’t going to come out right, but how do I make him more human… without making him … Read More Bringing out Humanity in Non-Human Characters