by Jim
Lifted from BleedingCool.com: “Publishers, get your politics out of my stores! We live in a climate of polarity, with people being violently opposed to issues and events. Note the word “violently” and then think about what you’re bringing to our stores. With every new proclamation from either the White House or CNN we have a new round of vitriol coming from the opposing side. … Read More Meaningful Quote.
+ advice, fantasy, Fiction, Inspiration, Music, Uncategorized, Writing
by Jim
Got a request to recommend a good ‘rock opera’ song. Really it doesn’t get any better than Avantasia and in particular this song! The Great Mystery has everything; chorus, amazing instrumentals, guest performance by metal legend Bob Catley from Magnum… oh yeah! This has to be on my list! When to listen: I’ll give you a hint, skip to 9:19. Then picture your favorite Disney … Read More From My Writing Playlist
by Jim
As an avid gamer and realist who tries his best to find the medium, I’ve always wondered what the best outfits are for my characters/companions. I honestly try to find the best fit between the practical: And the not so… Ahhh… okay, that has been burned into my retinas… For everyone scarred by that, I apologize. Yeah, for aesthetic reasons, I’m going to to … Read More Is Skimpy Armor At All Practical?
by Jim
Yeah, don’t look at me like that. No, I don’t speak Spanish, but I love the mix of U2, one of my guilty pleasures, and a Latino twist. When to Listen: … Standard playlist. It’s upbeat and fun. So whenever. . 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 … Read More From My Writing Playlist
+ advice, books, Fiction, non-fiction, Opinion, Uncategorized, Writing
by Jim
So I’ve gotten this question a lot ever since I posted my piece of how to handle criticism. From people wondering how to write criticism without insulting the creator or their work. The best I can offer in the way of advice is to just be respectful, be constructive, and avoid hyperbole. For example: “This book sucks!” <This is not constructive. “I didn’t care for … Read More Levying Criticism
by Jim
I’ve heard a lot of people question whether or not we’ll ever get another movie as good as the originals… The prequels were a disaster, the spinoffs have been decent to laughable, and The Force Awakens was good… ish? Sigh… So the question remains, will we ever get another movie as good or as groundbreaking as the original trilogy? Well get your pitchforks ready, … Read More Star Wars, Never As Good…
+ advice, fantasy, Fiction, Inspiration, Metal, Uncategorized, Writing
by Jim
Avantasia Runaway Train: I’ve been dying to post another Avantasia song. I love this musical collaboration. Each CD is a story written by Edguy’s lead, Tobias Sammet… the Mozart of Modern Metal (Sorry, it’s true). The song is a rollercoaster ride. sad and reflective to upbeat and fast back to reflective. When to listen: This is a brainstorming song. Listen to it before writing when … Read More From My Writing Playlist
by Jim
SPOILERS AHEAD IF YOU HAVEN’T READ THE OTHER BOOKS!!! “Sister, we can’t let this happen, you know what he’s planning!” “We don’t have a choice Roselyn. I feel the same way you do, but the council has ruled. We are not allowed to interfere, it’s not our world.” “But Ariel, if he does it wrong, he could destroy both worlds!” “That’s a risk we’re … Read More Magnifica: Gravestalker
by Jim
SPOILERS AHEAD IF YOU HAVEN’T READ THE OTHER BOOKS!!! “Ariel, what is it? What has happened? Our world…” “Oh my God… why… this was not supposed to happen!” “Ariel, I don’t understand. It’s like an outside influence is affected them.” “Yes Roselyn, I can feel it, the ebb of time. There was an inter-dimensional shift… something terrible has happened.” “What should we do, sister?” … Read More Magnifica: Tears of the Fallen
by Jim
Yeah Marvel is at it again… no narrative, no use of metaphor, no nothing… just straight up preaching and political activism. So glad I stopped collecting marvel. What’s more, it’s a false narrative based on hate and fear mongering. The ban isn’t a muslim ban. It’s a travel ban against nations that harbor terrorism. That’s all. There are plenty of other countries that Muslims … Read More You Want More Trump? (Part 2)
by Jim
Cassidy and Lloyd differ from most of my other stories because they aren’t part of an ensemble cast. They’re a duet with neither character having a true claim to the main protagonist role. Some chapters have Cassidy doing more than Lloyd and others have her along for the ride. Typically, we have a main hero […] via Partners in Fiction: Writing Duos of the Dynamic … Read More A good view on characterization!
by Jim
Oh hell yeah! This song, especially the beginning, is a battle song. No doubt about it. When the choir starts their harmony right at the beginning, close your eyes and picture too massive medieval armies lining up on either sides of a war torn battlefield. They stair each other down as the rain falls around them and lighting breaks the skies above. Readers, Do … Read More From My Writing Playlist
James Harringtons Creative Work 