Category: Science Fiction

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+ advice, fantasy, Fiction, literature, Opinion, Science Fiction, Writing

Drafting and Re-Drafting the Draft of the Book you want to Publish.

by Unknown's avatar

In your experience, how many drafts does a book go through? Your post above seems to indicate four drafts, total. Thanks!   Thanks, Laura Beth Hi Laura, The answer stops being wrong after 3. Beyond that, there is no wrong answer. First Draft: You just finished writing your book. This is the draft where you literally typed ‘The End.’ No edits, no proofing, nothing. If … Read More Drafting and Re-Drafting the Draft of the Book you want to Publish.

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+ advice, fantasy, Fiction, literature, Opinion, Science Fiction, Writing

Dumping the Info Dump on New Characters

by Unknown's avatar

Hi Jim, HELP!!! … please! 🙂 I am so frustrated, I’m not sure what to do. I am trying hard to write my book. I’ve got a lot of great ideas, but I keep getting held up on when we meet new characters. Each time one of my main cast makes their first appearance in the story, I wind up with five or six … Read More Dumping the Info Dump on New Characters

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+ advice, fantasy, Fiction, literature, Opinion, Science Fiction, Writing

Calling it Quits

by Unknown's avatar

Hi Jim,   I have about three books in publication and… honestly, I have some ideas for other stories that I think about do well, but I spend so much time writing that I’m starting to feel like it’s consumed my life. I don’t want to let some really good ideas go down the drain, but there are other things I want to do … Read More Calling it Quits

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+ advice, fantasy, Fiction, literature, Opinion, Science Fiction, Writing

Private vs. Public Profile

by Unknown's avatar

Hi Jim,   So I’m published and like you, I have a blog with a fairly decent following. Over the past few months, I’ve gotten a number of friend requests to my personal facebook page. I’ve ignored them, but they keep coming and I don’t want to seem unprofessional. Do you have any advice on how to handle this? Thanks, Lindsey Hi Lindsey, I … Read More Private vs. Public Profile

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+ advice, fantasy, Fiction, literature, Opinion, Science Fiction, Writing

The Hurdles of Creating Characters from People of History

by Unknown's avatar

Hi Jim,   I read a few of your other pieces about character creation and was hoping you could expand more upon how you create a character based on a historical person. I’m trying to do something similar right now, and am really having a hard time. You said that you wanted the character to be as close to the historical person as humanly … Read More The Hurdles of Creating Characters from People of History

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+ advice, fantasy, Fiction, literature, Opinion, Science Fiction, Writing

Relationship Drama vs. Dramatic Relationship

by Unknown's avatar

Hi Jim,   I’m actually in the process of writing a novel, but I’m having a hard time getting the characters together. At times, it seems like the storyline kind of interferes with any chance to get them together. Do you have any advice on how to write a story with a romantic element? Thanks, Marylou Hi Marylou, It’s not always the easiest thing in the world, … Read More Relationship Drama vs. Dramatic Relationship

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+ advice, fantasy, Fiction, literature, Opinion, Science Fiction, Writing

Blogging Motivations

by Unknown's avatar

You have a great blog. Would you like to share your story on “What You Blog About” what motivated you to start this blog? –whatyoublogabout Hello, A good question. Well honestly, I have to admit that my initial reasons were not as altruistic as one might think. I’d gone through site after site looking for good ways to advertise your writing. My books weren’t … Read More Blogging Motivations

+ advice, fantasy, Fiction, literature, Opinion, Science Fiction, Writing

Static vs. Dynamic Characters

by Unknown's avatar

  Hi Jim, I’ve been following your blog for a little while now and was hoping I could get some advice from you. I was wondering if you could tell me what kind of character you like more, a dynamic or static character. I’m creating one right now for my story and am having trouble coming up with ideas. Thanks, Thomas Hi Thomas, I’m afraid … Read More Static vs. Dynamic Characters

+ advice, fantasy, Fiction, literature, Opinion, Science Fiction, Writing

All Build Up, No Payoff: The Problem with Open Endings

by Unknown's avatar

  So this isn’t going to be one of my typical Q&A posts. I’ll get back to those later. This is likely about to be little more than an editorial rant, if anything. Let’s get started… So I just finished playing Mass Effect 3. … and already half of my readers probably know what this is going to be about. I love the series. … Read More All Build Up, No Payoff: The Problem with Open Endings

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+ advice, fantasy, Fiction, literature, Opinion, Science Fiction, Writing

Picking Favorites…

by Unknown's avatar

Hi Jim, I’m currently trying to create some characters for my book, but am having trouble. I just finished reading Drakin and was wondering if you could tell me who your favorite character is out of all the books you’ve ever written. It would be helpful if you could go through how you created that character. Thanks! TLoki Hi “Tloki”, I think I may … Read More Picking Favorites…

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+ advice, fantasy, Fiction, literature, Opinion, Science Fiction, Writing

Finding Time in No Time.

by Unknown's avatar

  Hi Jim, I was hoping you could give me some advice on actually finding time to write. I work full time and have a family. I literally have no time to write at all. I saw on your bio that you also have kids. Do you also have another job or are you a full time writer? Thanks, David Hi David, I may … Read More Finding Time in No Time.

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+ advice, fantasy, Fiction, literature, Opinion, Science Fiction, Writing

Bringing out Humanity in Non-Human Characters

by Unknown's avatar

Hi Jim, I’m currently writing a sci-fi fantasy novel. Right now, I’m in the process of coming up with characters and want to add a non-humanoid to the cast. Admittedly, I’m having trouble making him relatable. I really love this character and want people to enjoy him. This isn’t going to come out right, but how do I make him more human… without making him … Read More Bringing out Humanity in Non-Human Characters

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