by Jim
Not even the Imperial March could come close to being as recognizable and identifiable as the Top Gun theme. Far more simplistic in nature, yet bombastic and upbeat at the same time. It is such an iconic theme clearly right out of 80s Hair Metal, that you can’t ignore it. When to Listen: … yeah this is another upbeat writer’s block song. Listen to … Read More From My Writing Playlist #Writing #Author #Advice
+ advice, fantasy, Fiction, literature, non-fiction, Reading, Writing
by Jim
“Hi Jim, I’m currently writing a story dealing with fantasy characters. I wanted to include a couple of classical fantasy characters in my story. I was wondering if you had any advice about how to go about this? I don’t want to get sued by their owners. Thanks, Jeremy J.” Hi Jeremy, Hi Jeremy, by classical, I assume you’re talking about the creative works … Read More Classic Cameos #Fantasy #Fiction #Advice
+ advice, Characters, Fiction, History, literature, Reading, Writing
by Jim
“Hi Jim, I’ve been reading your blog for quite a while now, and am hoping that you can offer me some advice. I am working on a piece of historical fiction and want to write in some historical characters. These characters would mostly be supporting roles, but I might make one of them a lead. The issue is that some of their family members … Read More Fictional Story, Non-fictional People #Fantasy #Fiction #Advice
by Jim
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
by Jim
“Hi Jim, I have a question that I’m kind of hesitant about. I’ve read about this in some stories, and actually wrote a scene into one of my own, but I’m considering removing it. Basically, one of the evil characters in my story is a rapist… and yes, a rape takes place as part of the plot of the story. I’ve read over it … Read More Addressing Rape in Your Story #Fantasy #Fiction #Advice
by Jim
“Hi Jim, I was just wondering what your thoughts were on using contractions in narration, for example having the narrator say ‘He wasn’t sure’ instead of ‘He was not sure’. I’ve been told that it’s too informal, and sounds too much like speaking, especially when the narration isn’t in the first person. (There is, of course, always the rather sneaky thing of getting rid … Read More Contractions Too Informal? #Fantasy #Fiction #Advice
by Jim
Hi Jim, I see you’ve got a new book coming out. I’m also working on getting a book published, and I was wondering how you decide how much information you release on your book at a time. Like, if your book isn’t published yet, do you worry about releasing too much information that someone could steal? Or that you may be giving too much … Read More Keeping your Readers in the Know #Writing #Author #Advice
+ advice, Fiction, life, literature, non-fiction, Writing
by Jim
“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 #Fantasy #Fiction #Advice
by Jim
VIII Aralyn awoke as the sunlight poured through her window. She sat up and stretched as she opened her eyes. At first, her eyes were extremely blurry, but they began to clear as she rubbed them and blinked. An unfamiliar room appeared in front of her and she looked around in shock. Where was […]
by Jim
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
+ advice, fantasy, Fiction, literature, Movies, Opinion, Uncategorized
by Jim
Hello Writers, Did you recently kill off a character? Do you regret it? Do you want to get that character back but are too good to simply resurrect the character? Well we’ve got a lesser known, yet equally cheap gimmick for you; take the character from another reality! At the low cost of your writing credibility, you can have you character back without any … Read More Death’s Work-Around #Writing #Author #Advice
by Jim
Hi Jim, I’m having a horrible time trying to come up with a theme for my story! I’m trying to map everything out before I write. I was wondering if you had any advice? What themes do you like? Thanks, Lawrence Hi Lawrence, Well I’d honestly say to start writing. If you have ideas, make notes, get them down on paper and then see … Read More The Right Theme #Writing #Author #Advice
James Harringtons Creative Work 