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Unpopular Opinion: Harry Potter is a terrible protagonist

By now it should be plainly obvious to everyone how I feel about J.K. Rowling. However, in case you’re not, I’m no fan of hers. I find her writing to be somewhat simplistic, her characters extremely archetypal, and her plotlines to be the literary equivalent of swiss cheese. She also seems to go back and retcon details thus creating even more holes in her stores! … Read More Unpopular Opinion: Harry Potter is a terrible protagonist

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The Writer’s Favorite Book…

Hi Jim, I was wondering. You’ve posted a lot about writing and how to make a good story. You’ve also mentioned that you have a tough time reading other people’s stories, hence why you wrote your own. I was just wondering, what is your favorite story? Best, Cheri Hi Cheri, Thanks for following my work! I’ll admit that my library read books has increased … Read More The Writer’s Favorite Book…

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The Non-Written Not-Rule on Paragraph Length

I wanted to ask you about chapters. I’m heavily into the re-write of mine. I’ve been putting a lot more detail which means some of my chapters have become a lot bigger. In your view what’s the maximum word count for a chapter? Is it okay to have a 3k or even 5k one if it works? -Eric Hi Eric, There really is no … Read More The Non-Written Not-Rule on Paragraph Length

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Follow-ups, Their Direction, and Why We’ll Never Get Away From Them.

  Let’s face it, we’re all fed up with sequels and prequels, right? Once a story is over, there’s nothing wrong with declaring a happily ever after and leaving it at that. Once a story is concluded, the heroes have been through enough, and it’s time to move on to bigger and better things so they can live out their days in peace. So … Read More Follow-ups, Their Direction, and Why We’ll Never Get Away From Them.

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The Future of Magnifica

Hi Jim, I just had a quick question. I finished reading the Magnifica series and was wondering if you planned on going any further with it? I know the series is a couple of years old at this point, but I liked it and was wondering if we’d see these characters again. Thanks, John   Hi John, I’d love to revisit Magnifica at some … Read More The Future of Magnifica

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Writing Other Cultures. Can you do it effectively?

Hi Jim, I’ve been reading a lot of your advice posts, as well as some of your literature. First I want to say thank you for being so willing to address questions and hand out writing advice. I’ve found it very helpful. However one of your posts, I have to admit irked me a little. In it, you mentioned that people should be able … Read More Writing Other Cultures. Can you do it effectively?

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Beta Readers…

Hi Jim, How are you? I am writing to you because I read your WordPress blog that I am following. You have post about asking you questions. I am new to writing, only been doing this for a year now and have about 30 stories, twelve of them I wish to put into a collection and publish as an eBook. My question is, how … Read More Beta Readers…

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Favorites in Writing

Hi Jim, I was wondering, do you have any difficulty re-reading your previous work, after it’s been published? My first book is hard for me to read, just because my writing has gotten so much better since then, I’m almost embarrassed to read it. Is there one in particular that you go back to regularly? Just curious. Thanks, Sallie   Hi Sallie, Sometimes. Writing … Read More Favorites in Writing

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Editing… There is a Cost That Must be Paid… or is There?

Hi James, I am stuck at the editing part Unfortunately editing costs more money than I have at the moment, but it doesn’t stop me from keep on writing stuff. I try at least an hour a day, sometimes I just write a short story in one day from draft to publish on my blog. Thanks for posting this list by the way. /thumbs … Read More Editing… There is a Cost That Must be Paid… or is There?

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Hard Times In Writing

Hi James,

I’m starting on writing my first story. I’ve never really done more than a short story that only spans a couple of pages. What do you feel is the biggest hurdle you have to overcome in order to get a satisfactorily publishable book?

Thanks,
Jan

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Writing Secrets Are Better Shared!

Hi Jim, I’m having a horrible time trying to come up with a theme for my story! I’m trying to map everything out before I write. I was wondering if you had any advice? What themes do you like? Thanks, Lawrence Hi Lawrence, Well I’d honestly say to start writing. If you have ideas, make […]