Category: non-fiction

No Moment Wasted… A Hero Leaves Us.

I know that this is a few days late, but I’ve sadly been in a bubble working… On Sunday, we lost one of the greats. A man who is the embodiment of a life where no moment was wasted. A legend and one of my all time heroes… Christopher Lee. Christopher was born in 1922 and his resume includes, but is no where near … Read More No Moment Wasted… A Hero Leaves Us.

+

Minimalist vs. Ornate?

“Hi Jim, My book is done. I’m super excited about getting it published. My question to you is about the cover. What do you think I should go with, a simple cover with maybe a single item as the focal point or a big cover depicting a scene and characters? My artist is really pushing the idea that less is more in the cover. … Read More Minimalist vs. Ornate?

This Above All…

“Hi Jim, You’ve given out a lot of advice on your blog about writing and I was just wondering… do you have any piece of advice you would give to a writer? For example, if someone came up to you and told you that they are going to start writing a book, what advice would you give them right off without them asking? Thanks, … Read More This Above All…

A Never Ending Story.

(Aaah aaah ah aaah aaah ah aaah aaah aaaaaah!!) “Good Morning Jim, You’ve wrote many times about how to end a story and where to end it. In your opinion, couldn’t there be a scenario where a story wouldn’t end? Is it not possible to have a serial adventure go on forever? Thanks, Jackson” Hi Jackson, In my opinion, as you asked, no. All … Read More A Never Ending Story.

+

Self Publishing, good or bad?

“Good day, I have already finished a novel and decided to post my second novel on a blog and give people something to read while I decide on publishing. My question for you is do I self publish my book or try and find a literary agent. I have sent my work out to a few but I am slightly impatient and want to … Read More Self Publishing, good or bad?

+

Give Life to a Book about Life

“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

Too Many Sequels?

“Hi Jim, So I’ve been writing this book series for a few years now and have always gone the indie route publishing. I have about 8 books in the series, all of which have sold well, however everyone is telling me that I should move on and write something new instead of sticking with the same world and characters. Are they right? Should I … Read More Too Many Sequels?

+

Cover Inspiration

“Hi Jim, I was just wondering, Divinity’s cover looks really cool! May I ask where you get the ideas for yours? Like what makes you choose one scene in your writings over another? I want to create an awesome cover for my story and was hoping that you could point me in the right direction.” -Abby Hi Abby, I’m afraid that you caught me… … Read More Cover Inspiration

+

Getting Published… the basics…

So in the questions I’ve had asked, a few of the same came up: “I have the desire to become a writer, a published writer. I just have no idea where to to start.” –plasticfacesofdorothy ——————————————————- Hey Jim, I’ve come to the point where I’m revising a draft of a novel for mainly grammar and wording, no more major changes to the plot. My … Read More Getting Published… the basics…

Opinion vs. Fact

So recently I’ve come across many blogs and other writings that are attempting to pass off their opinion as fact. Several different subjects have come up pertaining to politics, nutrition, etc. In my writing, I feel it’s always important to distinguish between the two. If I’m sighting fact, I’ll give a source and say it’s a fact. If I’m giving an opinion, I’ll make … Read More Opinion vs. Fact

+

How Far is Too Far?

“Hey, I’m curious… I’m starting a new story and I was wondering how far you can take things? Like do you have any opinion on how dark you make subjects? Would you write about murder, rape, torture, etc, and would you limit how much detail or what goes on? At what point does it go too far?” -(Asked to remain anonymous) Well reader, it … Read More How Far is Too Far?

+

Planning Your Book

“I would be very interested to know how you personally plan a book. I’m writing my first one and started in a very haphazard way. I’m normally quite good at holding information in my head but since I’ve started writing my book discovered I’m not as good as I thought I was. To begin with a wrote a few notes and launched straight in … Read More Planning Your Book