Category: Opinion

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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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Confident Writing, Learning to Let Go, Resources, Personal Writing Advice and Tips… and whatever else I could cram in! #Writing #Author #Advice

Jim, I love the blog, and I read it as much as possible. I’ve always been a writer, it never really mattered what I was writing as long as I was writing.  I’ve done lots of journaling and short stories but I really enjoy writimg comic books. I was curious if you had any tips as I have what I’ve been told are some … Read More Confident Writing, Learning to Let Go, Resources, Personal Writing Advice and Tips… and whatever else I could cram in! #Writing #Author #Advice

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A Little About Cover Blurbs. #Writing #Author #Advice

Hi Jim, I’m getting really frustrated with my writing. I’m trying to write a cover blurb for a book I just finished. I have used several others as examples and templates of what to do and what not to do. However, every time I think I’ve got it down, I go back and rewrite the whole thing because it doesn’t convey what I want … Read More A Little About Cover Blurbs. #Writing #Author #Advice

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Character Cameos. #Writing #Author #Advice

Hi Jim, I was wondering if you had any advice on how to bring a character over from another story… Example, Sherlock Holmes is someone I’ve always loved, so I wanted him to make a guest appearance in a mystery novel I’m currently working on that’s set in the same place. Second example, I’ve got a character from another series I wrote, Juiliara that … Read More Character Cameos. #Writing #Author #Advice

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Romance Stories Suck! I Root for the “Bad Guy” #Writing #Author #Advice

Okay, this post is actually just a rant. So if you’re looking for writing advice, feel free to skip. I have seriously come to despise MOST romantic stories. They all seem to fall into the same damn plot… Person 1 is in a happy relationship with Person 2. They are successful and literally have everything anyone could ever want. Person 2 has to go away … Read More Romance Stories Suck! I Root for the “Bad Guy” #Writing #Author #Advice

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Idea Expansion and Growth #Writing #Author #Advice

How do you expand an idea? I have this idea for years now, but as soon as I try to expand it, it starts to sound boring and then I just dunno which way to go with this. -Journal of Chrissie Hi there! Thanks for the question. It can be difficult and sometimes impossible to expand an idea, even if it’s a good one. … Read More Idea Expansion and Growth #Writing #Author #Advice

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The “Misery” Effect #Writing #Author #Advice

Hi Jim, I was hoping you could help me here. I have a series of short stories that I’ve published and have a niche following on a couple of sites. I recently decided to take the story in a new direction and killed off the main character. It turns out that this character was a lot more popular than I thought. Now I’m getting … Read More The “Misery” Effect #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

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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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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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Audience/Reader Sensitivity #Writing #Author #Advice

Hi Jim, I have a problem I was hoping you could help me with a rather… sensitive issue. I’ve written a book that deals with a lot of cultural issues. I’ve gone to great lengths to keep my writing as inoffensive as possible, as I want people from all walks of life to be able to read it, enjoy it, and maybe find themselves … Read More Audience/Reader Sensitivity #Writing #Author #Advice

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Choosing a Name? #Writing #Author #Advice

Hi Jim,  I was hoping you could help me out. I’m trying to choose a name for my novel, but I can’t seem to figure out a good one. Every one I choose doesn’t really sum up anything about the story or seem to stick. Do you have any advice for choosing a title? Thanks, Aubri Hi Aubri, I do indeed. The best way … Read More Choosing a Name? #Writing #Author #Advice