Category: Opinion

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Historical Accuracy in Writing #Writing #Author #Advice

Hi Jim, I was wondering how important you feel it is to portray history accurately, even in a fantasy universe? Thanks, Mike Hi Mike, It really depends on how close to reality your story is. If you’re doing a sort-of ‘what if’ story, you can pretty much do whatever you want… to a point. I’d say no matter what the case, you really do … Read More Historical Accuracy in Writing #Writing #Author #Advice

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Writing Advice: Granting Someone Else ‘Godhood’ #Writing #Author #Advice

Hi Jim, I’ve been writing for years and have a book series out that I’m completely finished with. I’ve moved onto other stories, but one of my friends and a fellow writer wants to write a sequel to the series. He has a really great idea for a story set in the world I created, with both my characters and some new ones. While … Read More Writing Advice: Granting Someone Else ‘Godhood’ #Writing #Author #Advice

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Levying Criticism #Writing #Author #Advice

So I’ve gotten this question a lot ever since I posted my piece of how to handle criticism. From people wondering how to write criticism without insulting the creator or their work. The best I can offer in the way of advice is to just be respectful, be constructive, and avoid hyperbole. For example: “This book sucks!” <This is not constructive. “I didn’t care for … Read More Levying Criticism #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Are Narrative Stories Out of Date #Fantasy #Fiction #Advice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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One word: Editing. #Writing #Author #Advice

Hi Jim, I have a manuscript I want to send out to see if I can get it published, but I’m worried that they’ll take one look at it, find a couple of grammatical/spelling errors and dump it in the garbage. I was wondering what measures you’ve taken and what you’ve done before you hand you’re book off to be published? Thanks,Mike Hi Mike, … Read More One word: Editing. #Writing #Author #Advice

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Just Start Over… #Fantasy #Fiction #Advice

Hi Jim, I’m in a major bind… I was working on my latest piece. I’d been working on it for days and… forgot to save it. I was about 140 pages in and suddenly my computer blue-screened. I’ve lost everything and Word didn’t auto-save it. I’m not sure of what to do now. I feel like having to start from scratch is a fairly … Read More Just Start Over… #Fantasy #Fiction #Advice

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The Sound of Editing. #Writing #Author #Advice

So you all know my editing/proofing stages at this point: Getting all my thoughts down on paper. Organizing thoughts into a cohesive narrative Write out the first draft. Add details and meat to the first draft on second write through. Re-read first draft, make edits and rewrites to the plot and narrative. Begin writing second draft with new edits organized in. Re-read second draft … Read More The Sound of Editing. #Writing #Author #Advice

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A Better Blogger #Writing #Author #Advice

Can you give some advices about how to get traffic towards your blog? How do you get so many followers on this app? By the way, your posts are really good😊! –Simmone Hi Simmone, Great question. The best way to think about WordPress, or any other blogging page is to think about it as a community. The more you put in, the more you’ll … Read More A Better Blogger #Writing #Author #Advice

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Characters First, Stories Second. #Writing #Author #Advice

Hi Jim, I was wondering if you talk a little bit about how you create characters for your book. I’ve got an awesome idea for a story, but I’m having a hard time creating characters to go along with it. Do you have any advice? Thanks, Kris Hello Kris, In my personal opinion, you’re doing this backward. You’ve got a great story, but no … Read More Characters First, Stories Second. #Writing #Author #Advice

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My Biggest Obstacle in Writing #Writing #Author #Advice

Hi Jim, I just started reading some of the advice you give out. I don’t really have a specific issue that needs to be addressed, but I was wondering what you consider to be the biggest issue you encounter when writing and how you overcome it. As a writer, I’m always interested in hearing about the experiences of other writers. Thanks, Lauraine Hi Lauraine, … Read More My Biggest Obstacle in Writing #Writing #Author #Advice

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Rooting for the Bad Guy #Writing #Author #Advice

Hi Jim, I was hoping you could give me a little advice on how to write perspective. The main character in my story is going to be a bad guy. When I say bad, I mean the story is going to revolve around the villain. I’m just really not sure how I can write that effectively. I mean typically you try to get people … Read More Rooting for the Bad Guy #Writing #Author #Advice