Category: literature

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Private Life. Professional Appearance. #Writing #Author #Advice

  Hi Jim, Since starting writing both my books and my blog, I’ve been getting a lot of friend requests to my primary social media accounts. Part of me doesn’t want these people to have access to my personal information and the things I talk about with my friends… I’ve heard of being doxxed for their opinions, stalked, etc. However I really don’t want … Read More Private Life. Professional Appearance. #Writing #Author #Advice

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Give Life to a Book about Life #Writing #Author #Advice

“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 #Writing #Author #Advice

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A Soul Siphon Question!?!? #Writing #Author #Advice

Hi Jim, I just finished reading Soul Siphon and was wondering why you were so disappointed with the book that you never wrote a sequel. Do you ever plan on writing one? Also, why does Mary seem to be a lot more fleshed out than any of the other supporting characters? Thanks, Mike Hi Mike, I’m thrilled that someone has finally come forward after … Read More A Soul Siphon Question!?!? #Writing #Author #Advice

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A Writer in Need. #Writing #Author #Advice

Hi Jim. I have always wanted to share stories as I have so many in my head constantly, but all I want to do is write some and get feedback as to whether I should go for it or not. Any suggestions as to where I could post something? Please note I work so time is limited sometimes. -Maria nunes Hi Maria, Great question. … Read More A Writer in Need. #Writing #Author #Advice

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Are Narrative Stories Out of Date #Fantasy #Fiction #Advice

So a few days ago I was reading a the original ‘Little Mermaid’ by Hans Christian Anderson. I was curious about the story after my boys took a liking to the Disney version. I won’t spoil anything for anyone, but I highly recommend reading the original. It is superior in every way to the lax character development of the Disney version. Anyway, more on … Read More Are Narrative Stories Out of Date #Fantasy #Fiction #Advice

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The Ins and Outs of Publishing, A Directory of Advice. #Writing #Author #Advice

Okay, so it looks like I’m still getting a lot of publishing questions. These are recurrent questions I get on a regular basis, and while I want to try to respond to everyone who reaches out to me, I don’t want my blog becoming redundant. So I think I’m going to repost this on a weekly basis from now on to help people navigate … Read More The Ins and Outs of Publishing, A Directory of Advice. #Writing #Author #Advice

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The Villain #Fantasy #Fiction #Advice

What is it about the villain that’s so great? Why do we like villains so much… to the point where we want to see the villain more than the hero? Well originally, villains were just supposed to be a plot device. A simple element that was used to create a plot. There was no rhyme or reason to it. The villain was just a … Read More The Villain #Fantasy #Fiction #Advice

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Interspecies Romances in Fantasy: Where Do You Draw The Line? #Writing #Advice #Fantasy

So this isn’t actually a question that someone asked. It’s something I’m currently encountering in a book I’m working on where a dragoness and a human male develop feelings for one another… and someone ‘suggested’ it might be bestiality (ugh!). Not only that, we see it in various other stories as well. In The Orville, we see an amoeba-like creature hitting on a human … Read More Interspecies Romances in Fantasy: Where Do You Draw The Line? #Writing #Advice #Fantasy

Elves #Fantasy #Fiction #Advice

As you can imagine by my written work so far… I love elves. They’re are some of my favorite mythological characters… but over the years, there have been different incarnations of them. So which one is the right one? Well technically speaking, there is no right or wrong in Fantasy… and I can say that with a straight face after watching Jeremy Irons in … Read More Elves #Fantasy #Fiction #Advice

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Grammar in Dialogue? #Fantasy #Fiction #Advice

Hi Jim, I’ve been working on my story for a while and it takes me through a lot of dialogue along the way. I’m trying to write a modern story with slang and lingo that people today understand. However my spellcheck picks it up and gives me the ‘correct’ recommendations. I don’t want my writing to sound unprofessional, but I don’t want my characters … Read More Grammar in Dialogue? #Fantasy #Fiction #Advice

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The Ins and Outs of Publishing, A Directory of Advice. #Writing #Author #Advice

Okay, so it looks like I’m still getting a lot of publishing questions. These are recurrent questions I get on a regular basis, and while I want to try to respond to everyone who reaches out to me, I don’t want my blog becoming redundant. So I think I’m going to repost this on a weekly basis from now on to help people navigate … Read More The Ins and Outs of Publishing, A Directory of Advice. #Writing #Author #Advice

From My Writing Playlist #Writing #Author #Advice

Yeah, no Heavy Metal playlist is complete without at least 5 songs by Dragonforce. This song is pure adrenaline. It makes you feel good, it’s upbeat, and I love it. When to Listen: Well, it’s on my general playlist and I like to listen to it whenever, but if you’re looking for a specific time to listen to it… burnout. I’m not kidding. Are … Read More From My Writing Playlist #Writing #Author #Advice