Category: Opinion

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The Double Standard of Art

There seems to be a trend that is pretty well-established in Hollywood, but unfortunately has also inked its way into literature and other various art forms as well, and its one I do not like nor do I think its effects are positive. What do I mean by that? Well let’s think about this for […]

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Collaboration Copy #Writing #Author #Advice

Hello Jim, I have a question that… may be a bit strange and is more about author etiquette than writing itself. Some time ago, I’ve contacted the author of one of my favorite books, asking him whether he’d be okay with me making a reference/easter egg (or how people call it these days) to his book. I’ve already considered that quite daring but, to … Read More Collaboration Copy #Writing #Author #Advice

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The Phoenix Effect: After Being Burned by Bad Reviews

Hi Jim, I’m really upset about the feedback one of my book has been getting. For the most part, the reviews have been constructive, but they’ve mostly been negative. The book in question is a sequel to one that got a lot of positive reviews. The story had a great following, but now I’m afraid the sequel may have ruined it. I was really … Read More The Phoenix Effect: After Being Burned by Bad Reviews

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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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Podcasting/Interview Requests

  Hi all, So I’ve had some people come forward with interview requests and podcast guest appearances. I thought it’d be a good idea to put this out there for anyone who would like to have me on their show or conduct an interview on their blog. For Podcasts/Audio Spots: I typically do everything over Skype, though I can make myself available on other … Read More Podcasting/Interview Requests

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Social Commentary/Political Agenda in Writing, The Good and Bad.

Hi Jim, I’ve been reading through some of your posts regarding avoiding politics, and escapism in entertainment. You seem to be extremely anti-politics in your advice. You use Marvel Comics and others as your primary example, but you do realize that they have always been political, right? Most of the mediums and genres you’ve addressed have historically been political. So I’m not really sure … Read More Social Commentary/Political Agenda in Writing, The Good and Bad.

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Prequelitis

I think I can speak for everyone here when I say that we’re all pretty tired of prequels am I right? Earlier in the week I heard through the grapevine that Game of Thrones was going to have a couple of spinoff series dealing with events that happened before the events we all know and love. The response I’ve heard; A collective groan. Of … Read More Prequelitis

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The Devil in the Pages: How to Play Devils Advocate

Hi Jim, I saw that you give out writing advice and was hoping you could help me. See I’m taking my first shot at writing a political satire story, but am finding it increasingly difficult to write from the perspective of someone I don’t agree with. It’s getting very hard to write without sounding superficial or condescending. Do you have any suggestions? Best- Maria … Read More The Devil in the Pages: How to Play Devils Advocate

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Action Figure Review: The Good, The Bad…

So I recently got my hands on a pair of action figures that I was really excited to get. The first one was the Toys R Us limited Edition Black Series Rey. I wasn’t planning on purchasing this one as I got the standard version of this figure… but when Toys R Us going out of business, I got it for $8. and honestly, … Read More Action Figure Review: The Good, The Bad…

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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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Character Creation, The How To

Hi Jim, I’ve been working on my story for a while, but am having trouble coming up with new characters. I was wondering if you had any advice about how you create yours? By the way, I am a huge fan of Vlad from Soul Siphon. I love how you made him a salty old Soviet Commie! Thanks, Ty Hi Ty,   Glad you … Read More Character Creation, The How To

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Endings: Memorable is More Important Than Happy or Sad.

Hi Jim, I’m getting ready to publish my first novel. I’ve finished the rough draft and have given it to an editor. They came back with a critique and it honestly got me thinking. He said that my ending may shut readers off because of how sad it is. I will admit that my story doesn’t end on a high note, but now I’m … Read More Endings: Memorable is More Important Than Happy or Sad.