by Jim
“Hi Jim, I was just wondering what your thoughts were on using contractions in narration, for example having the narrator say ‘He wasn’t sure’ instead of ‘He was not sure’. I’ve been told that it’s too informal, and sounds too much like speaking, especially when the narration isn’t in the first person. (There is, of course, always the rather sneaky thing of getting rid … Read More Contractions Too Informal?
+ christianity, fantasy, Fiction, literature, Reading, Religion, Update, Writing
by Jim
Hello Everyone, It’s been a long time coming and your patience has been greatly appreciated. The emails of support and anxious requests for updates have been a warm reminder of how wonderful readers can be. I am pleased to announce that at this point, Damnation is proceeding on schedule. The editing is wrapping up the final chapters and the cover design is moving forward. … Read More Damnation Release Update!
by Jim
“Hi Jim, My book is done. I’m super excited about getting it published. My question to you is about the cover. What do you think I should go with, a simple cover with maybe a single item as the focal point or a big cover depicting a scene and characters? My artist is really pushing the idea that less is more in the cover. … Read More Minimalist vs. Ornate?
by Jim
“Hi Jim, You’ve given out a lot of advice on your blog about writing and I was just wondering… do you have any piece of advice you would give to a writer? For example, if someone came up to you and told you that they are going to start writing a book, what advice would you give them right off without them asking? Thanks, … Read More This Above All…
by Jim
(Aaah aaah ah aaah aaah ah aaah aaah aaaaaah!!) “Good Morning Jim, You’ve wrote many times about how to end a story and where to end it. In your opinion, couldn’t there be a scenario where a story wouldn’t end? Is it not possible to have a serial adventure go on forever? Thanks, Jackson” Hi Jackson, In my opinion, as you asked, no. All … Read More A Never Ending Story.
by Jim
“Hi Jim, I’m in the middle of writing a fantasy novel. In my book, two of my main characters fall in love. I noticed in Magnifica that your main characters wind up having sex. I don’t want my story turning into sex-novel, which it looks like it’s starting to. When you wrote yours, how did you limit yourself? What made you stop when you … Read More Tasteful vs. Smut-peddling
by Jim
“Good day, I have already finished a novel and decided to post my second novel on a blog and give people something to read while I decide on publishing. My question for you is do I self publish my book or try and find a literary agent. I have sent my work out to a few but I am slightly impatient and want to … Read More Self Publishing, good or bad?
by Jim
“Hi Jim, I’m in the process of writing a fantasy novel and was wondering how you chose what species to focus on? Your writings seem to focus on Angels and Elves, what made you decide to go that route over say… dwarves or faeries? Thanks, Allison” Hi Allison, Good question. It honestly comes down to a couple of different things. For starters, what does … Read More Fantasy Creatures
+ advice, Fiction, life, literature, non-fiction, Writing
by Jim
“I am currently writing a book about my life experiences how do i give it life i currently have the bones (dates facts) but feel that it’s just a series of events how do i make it into a story? Thank you” –lostgirl82 Hi Lostgirl82 Have you thought about writing it in the present tense in first person? If it’s something you experienced, then … Read More Give Life to a Book about Life
by Jim
“Hi Jim, So I’ve been writing this book series for a few years now and have always gone the indie route publishing. I have about 8 books in the series, all of which have sold well, however everyone is telling me that I should move on and write something new instead of sticking with the same world and characters. Are they right? Should I … Read More Too Many Sequels?
+ advice, fantasy, Fiction, literature, Non Fiction, Writing
by Jim
“how do we keep motivated on writing? I used to write, then stopped for months, then im starting again, bt how do i keep being motivated? 🙂 would really appreciate the advice :D” -Senra Hi Senra, Great question. Motivation is very important in writing, if you’re not motivated to write and you just keep writing to finish what you’re working on and ‘just get … Read More Writing Motivation
by Jim
In one form or another be it Marvel, Star Trek, Star Wars or even many book series out there, we see writers wanting to change things and thus creates an alternate universe where they can explore things if they’d happen differently. Some do it better than others… Let me explain. I’ve seen two ways of doing this: 1. Making one or two minor changes … Read More The ‘Alternate Universe’ Excuse
James Harringtons Creative Work 