Category: Writing

From My Writing Playlist

I’m not huge into pop music. I’m just going to throw that out there, but something about this song’s catchy tune drew me in and it got stuck in my head. When to listen: Meh… general playlist I guess? That’s where I have it. I suppose it could be used during the heroes quest. Readers, Do you have a question about writing, publishing, my … Read More From My Writing Playlist

Opinion vs. Fact #Writing #Author #Advice

So recently I’ve come across many blogs and other writings that are attempting to pass off their opinion as fact. Several different subjects have come up pertaining to politics, nutrition, etc. In my writing, I feel it’s always important to distinguish between the two. If I’m sighting fact, I’ll give a source and say it’s a fact. If I’m giving an opinion, I’ll make … Read More Opinion vs. Fact #Writing #Author #Advice

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Drakin, An Empire of Ashes Sample Chapter #Writing #Fantasy #SciFi

Synopsis: Two hundred years have passed, and the Red War has become a distant memory for most. Dragons and humans now live together in peace… but one powerful woman who has been deranged by her own history unleashes her vengeance on a helpless population. Now, the world’s only hope for survival rests with Kaori, a naïve and wayward princess of the Eastern Empire. Having … Read More Drakin, An Empire of Ashes Sample Chapter #Writing #Fantasy #SciFi

From My Writing Playlist

Yay!!! New Amaranthe! When to listen: This is a climactic battle song. Use this when writing the big final boss fight in your story. Absolute good vs. evil or whatever degree you’re using. 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 … Read More From My Writing Playlist

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How Far is Too Far? #Writing #Author #Advice

“Hey, I’m curious… I’m starting a new story and I was wondering how far you can take things? Like do you have any opinion on how dark you make subjects? Would you write about murder, rape, torture, etc, and would you limit how much detail or what goes on? At what point does it go too far?” -(Asked to remain anonymous) Well reader, it … Read More How Far is Too Far? #Writing #Author #Advice

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How Far is Too Far? #Writing #Author #Advice

“Hey, I’m curious… I’m starting a new story and I was wondering how far you can take things? Like do you have any opinion on how dark you make subjects? Would you write about murder, rape, torture, etc, and would you limit how much detail or what goes on? At what point does it go too far?” -(Asked to remain anonymous) Well reader, it … Read More How Far is Too Far? #Writing #Author #Advice

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Drakin, The Orphans of Haven, Sample Chapter #Writing #Fantasy #SciFi

Drakin: The Orphans of Haven Book Synopsis: The Red War may be over, but not all wounds have healed. For Sergeant Radley Zall, the nightmares never end. After years of struggling for survival, he finds himself in a dead end job, deporting wayward dragons to the Exclusion Zone. The horrors of his past have left him a broken man, slowing killing himself in a … Read More Drakin, The Orphans of Haven, Sample Chapter #Writing #Fantasy #SciFi

From My Writing Playlist

  One off the newest Avantasia album… it’s haunting, to say the least. When to listen: Plot building. This is a great song if you’re looking to build a plot line into your story or even if you’re just looking to brainstorm what to right next! Readers, Do you have a question about writing, publishing, my stories, etc? Please feel free to post a … Read More From My Writing Playlist

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Writing Elves… #Writing #Author #Advice

Okay so I recently got into a discussion about elves and the use of their names. A lot of people believe that the words Elvish/Elfish/Alvish and Elven/Elfin/Elfen/Alven are interchangeable. This has been used by many modern authors who are writing fantasy. Well, stop it! No, I’m serious, for your own good, stop it. In the end you’re just going to confuse yourself and wind … Read More Writing Elves… #Writing #Author #Advice

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Drakin, The Story of Raiya Sample Chapter #Writing #Fantasy #SciFi

  Drakin: The Story of Raiya Book Synopsis: ‘ “Abomination, freak, monster…”  You get used to names like these when you have yellow eyes, horns, and scales, but Raiya could have really cared less. After being forced into exile because of her appearance, Raiya’s mind has been focused on one goal; hunting down the dragon lord that killed her parents. For over thirty years, … Read More Drakin, The Story of Raiya Sample Chapter #Writing #Fantasy #SciFi

From My Writing Playlist

Not really on my playlist, but too good NOT to share. If ‘Masked Singer’ gives us nothing else… it gave us music legend Patti Labelle singing one of the best songs from Heart, one of the best ballad bands from the 80s. I’m satisfied with that! When to listen: Stop writing, sit back and enjoy, because this is something we’re not likely to get … Read More From My Writing Playlist

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Minimalist vs. Ornate? #Writing #Author #Advice

“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? #Writing #Author #Advice