Category: Opinion

Today’s Writing Playlist Pick

So after the enthusiasm over Amaranthe’s last song, I decided to go with another one. This is my favorite song off of their most recent album… When I listen to this song: Um… so there’s no real specific part. This is pretty much something I listen to when I’m just stuck at any random place and the music I typically listen to doesn’t cut … Read More Today’s Writing Playlist Pick

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Can video games be considered art?

It’s a tough question to answer. Certainly in this day and age they are not considered ‘high-art’ but when programming backgrounds and beautiful scenery, its hard not to consider them as such. Let’s consider Skyrim for a moment… someone (me) goes through hours upon hours coding, re-texturing, and updating the graphical properties of the game, using some mods he downloaded and some that he … Read More Can video games be considered art?

Musical Inspiration

Need a good song to listen to when writing either a victory, royalty entering the room, or a new order taking over in the ashes of an oppressive power? Well normally the metal head in me would recommend Dragonforce… literally anything Dragonforce, but today I’m doing something a little different: If the sheer sound of this doesn’t send chills down your spine, take your … Read More Musical Inspiration

For the Kids!

Hi All, As most of you know, I am very much so a big child care and protection advocate. I’ve spent a lot of time working with children and though I don’t lay that aspect on in my novels (I don’t like preaching at people), I still like to try to raise awareness for different issues where possible. As the Holiday season comes to … Read More For the Kids!

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Writing on High

Hi Jim, I often find myself writing a great deal when I’ve either had a lot to drink or right after smoking weed. Do you find either helps or do you know of anything else that helps spark your creativity? You don’t have to openly admit to anything illegal, but I read a while back that some of Stephen King’s best work was done … Read More Writing on High

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Where do we go from here?

I understand that this may be hard to talk about and if it is too soon, please feel free to skip today’s posting. I won’t blame you. However, with the initial shock of Carrie’s departure slowly sinking in, Star Wars fans have been wondering in the backs of their minds… Where the heck do we go from here??? How does this change the story … Read More Where do we go from here?

RIP Princess Leia

From the New York Time: Carrie Fisher, the actress, author and screenwriter who brought a rare combination of nerve, grit and hopefulness to her most indelible role, as Princess Leia in the “Star Wars” movie franchise, died on Tuesday morning. She was 60. A family spokesman, Simon Halls, said Ms. Fisher died at 8:55 a.m. She had a heart attack on a flight from … Read More RIP Princess Leia

Star Wars fans vs. CGI

I’ve seen a lot of reviews for Rogue One, many of the say it was great, several say ‘not so much.’ Personally, I can understand both sides. This is not a typical Star Wars movie. When we tune in to see Star Wars, we’re usually going in to see a space opera dealing with Jedi, the force, and really character-driven plots. Rogue One was … Read More Star Wars fans vs. CGI

Another Song Added To My Writing Playlist

I love Battle Beast. They’re a very 80s-style Heavy Metal Band with a very distinct sound. You really hear their full capabilities here: I WANT THE WOOOOORRRRLD!!! Oh Hell Yes!!! Readers, Do you have a question about writing, publishing, my stories, etc? Please feel free to post a comment or email me. jimthewritingwizard@gmail.com I’ll use those comments to select my next blog post. I … Read More Another Song Added To My Writing Playlist

Rogue One: A Star Wars Review

Spoiler Alerts Ahead:  So I finally got to see Rogue One today with my son… What did I think…? OH MY GOD IT WAS SO AWESOME!!! JYN’S MOTHER GETS KILLED AND JYN HIDES IN A HOLE UNTIL FORREST WHITAKER FINDS HER. THEN SHE’S IN PRISON, BUT GETS BROKEN OUT BY THE REBELLION. THEN THEY GO ON THIS HUNT WHICH THEY DON’T GET THE PROOF … Read More Rogue One: A Star Wars Review

Historical Accuracy in Writing

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

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Reproduction Collectibles – A True Collector’s Bane!

Okay… I’ve wanted to say something about this for YEARS! Anyone who knows me well, knows that I collect various antiques and collectibles… They include the following: Original Comic Art Comic Books Star Wars Figures and Sets Military Antiques 1st Edition Books and/or Rare Antiquity books Antique Firearms Historical Documents… and the list goes on… My issue? PRETTY MUCH EVERYTHING I LISTED HAS FAKES … Read More Reproduction Collectibles – A True Collector’s Bane!