Category: literature

Let’s talk about Hate

“Hi Jim, You mentioned in a previous post that you explored the topic of prejudice and racism. I’m trying to write a book exploring the topic, but I’ve never really dealt with it in my own life. That is to say, I’ve never been the victim of racism. Do you think someone can write about the topic if they themselves have never experienced it? … Read More Let’s talk about Hate

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Damnation Update!!!

Status: On Schedule Editions: Hardcover, Trade Paperback, Kindle Damnation’s legal documents are all set. The editing is complete and just need to be added to the final document. Cover is proceeding on schedule though not yet complete. With any luck we should meet our deadline! Synopsis: A soldier facing insurmountable odds, a dark angel presented with an impossible choice, and the fate of a … Read More Damnation Update!!!

Writing Kids and Teens… The Epic Fail!

Okay I see this in both movie and book form, but I’m going to cover some of the more egregious examples. Why is it so difficult to write kids and teens? In many of the movies or stories we see, kids are well behaved, tiny adults… or even worse. You see this a lot in bad comedies or really weird stories. Perhaps the most standout … Read More Writing Kids and Teens… The Epic Fail!

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Damnation Update

Hi All, Just wanted to give a quick update. Things are progressing smoothly. Cover is on schedule, the ISBN and all the legal documentation is going through, and the editing is almost complete. At this point 8/20 looks like it is still going to happen (fingers crossed on this one). The book will be available in three formats: Hardcover Paperback Kindle Readers, Do you … Read More Damnation Update

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Magnifica 4: Dark Redeption vs. Taryn

So for the most part, my reader base is used to me giving them answers to their queries about various topics in literature… or hearing me ramble on about whatever topic I can branch from my writing. Well… today I wanted to do something different. I have two separate stories that I’ve been working on and am considering as the sequel to my first … Read More Magnifica 4: Dark Redeption vs. Taryn

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Damnation

It occurs to me as we get down to the wire that I should probably start doing these on a regular basis. At least weekly. That way I don’t keep getting emails about it. In any case, we’re on track for release. The cover is looking great the more and more I see it updated. The edits are complete and just need to be … Read More Damnation

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‘Damn’ Obstacles

“Dear Jim, I saw the updates on the book you have coming out (congrats by the way) and was wondering if you could tell us how you overcame certain obstacles. For example, in my writing, I’m having a hard time establishing character relationships. I don’t want my story sounding like a Disney princess story where two people just instantly fall in love, but I … Read More ‘Damn’ Obstacles

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Classic Cameos

“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

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Fictional Story, Non-fictional People

“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

Forced Regret?

So I wanted to go over something that has always kind of irked me a little. I covered it in a few of my stories, but I feel the need to go over it in a little more detail. I know we’ve all had this person in our lives at one point… Someone from our past comes back to haunt us and basically brings … Read More Forced Regret?

Beneath the Surface: An Abandoned Story, Chapter 11

XI   Alex woke up in his mother’s bed. He felt disgusting and his joints were all sore like they hadn’t been moved in days. He was in despirate need of a shower. He sat up, ready to start the day, when he looked outside to see that it was completely dark. What time is it? The clock next to his bed said 9pm. … Read More Beneath the Surface: An Abandoned Story, Chapter 11

Beneath the Surface: An Abandoned Story: Chapter 10

X   It was only 3 in the afternoon. Alex had some time to spare. He would have rather stayed with Tersa to dissuade his fears, but he knew that he needed some time alone. If he was ever to be of any help to her, he needed to be prepared. At first, Alex headed home, but then he had a sudden urge to … Read More Beneath the Surface: An Abandoned Story: Chapter 10